A few Expo questions for a First-Timer

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Stevini18

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FINALLY I can make it to the Expo! And while I'm not new to the hobby, card shows, or Canada by any means, I have a few questions about the Toronto Expo and logistics...hope this is an OK place to ask.

Wi-fi:

Verizon wants to charge me quite a bit to maintain service and data up in Canada.

$0.50 to send text and $0.05 to receive text.
$15 for 1000 voice minutes.
$25 for 100mb data or pay per use $2.05 per mb.

Does anyone know of any good alternatives for us out-of-towners (besides to seek out Wi-fi)?

And is Wi-fi available in the new Expo hall? If so, what does it normally cost?



I'll be at the Expo all 3 days - anything I should see or do first? Are there other secret giveaways besides the Big 3 (if Panini shows up too)?



I assume most dealers want Canadian cash? Can I get a better deal haggling in US dollars?


I read on the Toronto International Centre site that there's ATMS - any idea what the fees are on top of my bank fees (I can only imagine what the charge is for an International ATM)? Are there Currency Exchange centers near the Expo hall?


What kind of food is available in the Expo Hall? Spending 8 hours a day there walking around...gonna need something...


Any other things I should know? I remember seeing a thread last year about the Expo that included a lot of "common sense" Card Show etiquette things like hygiene...lol. Anything else to tell an Expo first-timer?

Thanks, Steve
 
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If nothing else your hotel should have WIFI and the International Centre has complimentary WIFI in a couple of places like the main cafeteria and the main lobby. Details are at the following link:

http://www.internationalcentre.com/events/events-calendar.html

I would think that Canadian dealers would prefer being paid in Canadian cash but money is money so the majority probably won't turn you away. I would think that the ATM machine only dispenses Canadian funds but I could be proven wrong on that detail. If it charges you more than a $2 service fee I would consider going to one of the nearby banks like the CIBC that is just down the road.

If you check out the corporate section you might find some other minor giveaways and some of the dealers do special case breaks to include any redemptions if you are into that type thing. However, nothing matches the contests and giveaways put on by In the Gameland.
 
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Good info, piper1! I didn't know there was free WI-FI in some places. I do know that in the main hall, at least in the past, you had to login and pay pretty heftily. I don't know much about it but perhaps look for one of those SIM cards that for one fee allows you unlimited voice and data while traveling.

If you're going for all 3 days, I recommend browsing every aisle and every booth on the Friday and then focus on your plan of attack for the next 2 days. It is overwhelming! This is the largest hockey card event in the world! But if you see something you want right away, bite the bullet and buy or trade for it.

Secret giveaways - don't know of any secret giveaways. The big 3 will have their promos and there are other corporate booths. Our booth #1205 has a Wear It & WIN contest. Wear our T-shirt, get spotted, and win gift cards to spend at Toronto Card Show vendors or win autographed memorabilia.

ATMs - I recommend hitting up a bank on Airport Road on the Friday, bring more than you think you'll need, and avoid the ATM at International Centre (if you can). Be warned that it has run out in the past.

Wear comfortable shoes.
 
ATM usually runs out pretty quick. As others have mentioned, hit a bank before you come. Some vendors have debit machines as well. We have one so we can take debit/credit if you're looking to buy wax (booth 604/605).
 
I can tell you that the CIBC will give you a better exchange rate then most dealers will.
You'll also get hammered on the exchange rate at ATM's.

I work at a CIBC and the over the counter rates are always way better then ATM rates.

Hotels can sometimes have exchange rates comparable to those of an ATM as well.
 
Those voice and data packages might seem expensive, but that's really not bad when I compare to what I pay when travelling in the U.S.

If you're planning to use the phone for calls at all, make sure to take some sort of package. Otherwise, the rate per minute can be ridiculously expensive. I'd also check to see whether you'll get hit with long distance charges, even with the package. The data rate isn't bad, and if you don't plan to do much surfing then I'd consider just doing the pay-per-MB even at that exorbitant rate.

I know your hotel will have wi-fi, but I personally find it tough not having easy access to my mobile device, especially the phone, since you never know what might happen.
 
Ok im coming also. I just have one question but not to barge in on another ranger fan's thread.
If i don't have a table will I be able to sell cards to other vendors?
 
rangersfan61 said:
Ok im coming also. I just have one question but not to barge in on another ranger fan's thread.
If i don't have a table will I be able to sell cards to other vendors?
Click to expand...

there is lots of wheeling and dealing on.

for that you have to be patient, both as a buyer, seller and trader. traffic can get heavy.
 
rangersfan61 said:
Ok im coming also. I just have one question but not to barge in on another ranger fan's thread.
If i don't have a table will I be able to sell cards to other vendors?
Click to expand...


Just be respectful to other dealers. LOTS OF wheeling and dealing goes on. I am in a lot of those conversations. There is sitting area located at the outskirts of the show, I'd suggest doing your deals there as there are a lot of dealers who get bent out of shape over this.
 
It will be long and strainuous but remember ....

Courtesy and patience
Good pair of shoes
Clean clothes / shower
Hand sanitizer
SMILE

....AND DO NOT be afraid to introduce yourself to HI dealers that are set up!

THAT could go a long way for future transactions!
 
Some U.S. banks have agreements with Canadian banks. BOA has one with scotiabank. They have a branch a block from the expo. No ATM fees for me and a decent exchange rate.
 
When I went to Canada last year, I added Verizon's "Canada and Mexico" plan for $10/month, which allowed me to call and receive to, from and while in Canada without the extra fees. They neglected to tell me that I needed to turn roaming OFF on my phone, as I rapidly chewed up data until I called customer service to find out why. You should see if this plan is still available and make a preemptive call to customer service to get tips about any settings you might need to make on your phone (my wife had a different phone and different issues that needed to be fixed to avoid the data vampirage).
 
A couple things as I've been attending for the past 12 years or so, coming from the states.

As others have stated - hit the ATM at the bank before going into the show. There is always a foreign exchange rate that you will be charged when converting from US to CAD dollars. I think it is generally 3% from what I recall. Keep that in mind when you are withdrawing funds to factor in that amount less from your balance. And you WANT CAD funds. Even if its an American dealer set up - they all want to be paid with Canadian $$.

As for your phone stuff - I've had a fairly dumb phone for eons (finally upgraded) - and I never got an extra plan or anything. my txt's were always free to send and receive - just plain txt, no pics or any data sort of thing. Phone calls were always on roam as well - but I just kept it to short calls when I had to make them. Having said all of that - I will be checking to make sure my new phone isn't trying to leech onto data it shouldn't as I travel this year! I'm going to shut off data and alerts and only use wi-fi when available. I'm also going to check with Verizon to make sure there isn't anything else I need to know.

Have a great time up there!!
 
Three of the bests tips I can pass on:
1. Avoid being one of the crowd that stinks and take a shower before going to the expo each day. You'd think that's just a joke but good lord is it ever true
2. Comfort insurts for your footwear will save your feet.
3. Go to a bank machine outside of the expo hall to save time and patience.
And this one isn't so much a tip as much as a must.... Go to zet's restaurant down the road and enjoy te greatest meal one could ever ask for as a last meal
 
You would think a shower and deodorant would be common knowledge by now.....no issue with that here...lol

And I'm going to Zet's Thurs night when we get up there!

avs20 said:
Three of the bests tips I can pass on:
1. Avoid being one of the crowd that stinks and take a shower before going to the expo each day. You'd think that's just a joke but good lord is it ever true
2. Comfort insurts for your footwear will save your feet.
3. Go to a bank machine outside of the expo hall to save time and patience.
And this one isn't so much a tip as much as a must.... Go to zet's restaurant down the road and enjoy te greatest meal one could ever ask for as a last meal
Click to expand...
 
Stevini18 said:
You would think a shower and deodorant would be common knowledge by now.....no issue with that here...lol

And I'm going to Zet's Thurs night when we get up there!
Click to expand...

If you change your plans on the Thursday , a bunch of H.I. members are meeting at lone star restaurant at 7pm.. its a great way for any newcomers to break the ice

I accept American currency and will gladly exchange it at my booth 115 116 117. steven singer........... My name is Frank

A few pointers for your first expo in point form

wanlist
suitcase with wheels ( or backpack)
comftorable shoes
good hygene
be respectful to others
PATIENCE

If you make a deal with another person that is not a dealer. Please ask the dealer if it is okay to have the deal done at their table........ some dealers frown on this considering it is costing them money to set up there, and it may even get you kicked out, depending on who the dealer is, I have seen it happen before

There should be an area like the cafeteria or even outside the hall to do dels with other members

AND REMEMBER TO ALWAYS HAVE FUN
 
Expo for Noobs

So I will be attending my first expo and I'm excited, but I was wondering if any veteran attendees could share some do's and don't as well as some helpful tips about what to bring as far as traders and etc. Any help would be beneficial for a noob like myself.:confused:

Also I will be going with my wife, 6 yr old son, and 10 month son. Does anyone know of any fun or cool tourist locations around the area?
 

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