Our minds are still on fall, but ready or not, the holiday shopping season is here. Stores are getting busier and lines are getting longer, making online shopping an increasingly tempting option.

It's no surprise that more people are choosing to do most or all of their holiday shopping online. What could be better than avoiding the throngs of holiday shoppers or having all of your purchases shipped to your front door? In theory, you could knock every name off your holiday shopping list without ever leaving your house. 

Online shopping also makes it easier than ever to find the lowest price for that perfect gift. We bet you get plenty of emails from retailers about their latest sale or great deal. If you want to make sure it's the best deal, just pop over to a few competitors' websites for a little comparison shopping. Simple, right?

Still, online shopping isn't without its drawbacks, and it pays to be a savvy shopper.

As a Canadian, you may face extra costs like shipping fees and duty charges. And with the weak Canadian dollar, online prices might be higher than you think. Here are three simple steps to help you figure out the total cost of your online holiday purchases and avoid any surprises on your credit card bill.

There are plenty of great Canadian websites to choose from. Whether you’re looking for shoes, clothing, books, toys, home décor or gardening tools, there’s a Canadian store to help you get your shopping done. Even if you choose to shop with a major retailer in the U.S., U.K. or elsewhere, there’s a good chance they have a site specifically for Canadian shoppers. 

Either way, check that you're shopping in Canadian dollar, or use the Bank of Canada’s online currency calculator to make sure you know the real cost of your purchase. Also, check if there will be duty charges on your purchase when it crosses the border or lands in Canada.

When figuring out the total cost of your purchase, you'll also want to factor in shipping charges. Some retailers will waive shipping fees if you buy a minimum amount, which could be as low as $25 or $50. For this reason, consider doing most of your shopping on just a few sites. If you buy one or two small items from a dozen sites, those shipping charges can really add up.

Many retailers will guarantee shipping within a few days, so you could leave your holiday shopping until mid-December. But you'll pay a premium for last-minute shipping. A couple of sites we checked charge up to $25 for next-day shipping. To avoid this added cost, make your list and start shopping now.