• Overview
• Expert guide
• Travel guide
• Weather
• Booking process
• Customer Feedback

Visa Requirements

International visitors to Canada (not US citizens or US permanent residents) must carry a valid passport and, if required, a visa. Citizens from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and others do not require a visa to enter Canada.

Travel Insurance

We recommend taking out travel and health insurance before visiting Canada. Canadian hospitals and medical services provide an excellent standard of care. Most hospitals are publicly managed with costs for services set by provincial and hospital authorities. Hospital care for non-residents of Canada is charged at a daily rate or calculated based on medical condition and length of stay. Charges vary across the country, but range from $1,000-$2,000 CDN a day.

Phone calls

The Canadian phone system operates much like the United States phone system. Phone numbers in Canada have 10 digits. The first three digits are the area code followed by the seven-digit local number (e.g., 555-555-5555). When making a long-distance call out of the local area, dial "1" followed by the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number.

To make international (non-US) calls from Canada, first dial 011 and then the country code (e.g., UK, 44). Next, dial the area code and number.

Time Zones

Pacific Time, Canada's westernmost time zone, is eight hours behind GMT during the observance of Standard Time; it is seven hours behind during Daylight Saving Time. The easternmost time zone is Newfoundland Time, which is 4-1/2 hours ahead of Pacific Time.

Canadian Currency

The Canadian currency system uses dollars ($) and cents (¢) similar to the US, Australia and New Zealand. Canada now has one- and two-dollar coins, often called the "loonie" and the "toonie" respectively, in addition to 0.01¢, 0.05¢, 0.10¢ and 0.25¢ coins. Paper money comes in different colors and designs. The most common are $5 bills (blue), $10 bills (purple), $20 bills (green), $50 bills (red) and $100 bills (brown).

Most hotels, stores and restaurants will accept US dollars, though sometimes at a lower exchange rate than at banks or airports. Large hotels will usually give you a rate similar to those at the bank. It is always a good idea to convert some of your money to Canadian currency prior to leaving home.

Exchanging Currency in Canada

You can change money at any recognized financial institution, bank, trust company or currency exchange in Canada.

Sales Taxes & GST

The GST, or "goods and services tax," is a 5% federal tax applied to most goods and services provided in Canada. In all provinces except Alberta, there is an additional provincial sales tax (PST) of between 5-10% added to purchases and financial transactions. The territories do not add PST. The HST or "harmonized sales tax" is a 13% tax that replaces the PST and GST in the provinces of Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Some hotels and retailers include the GST or HST in their prices; others add it on separately.

Credit Cards & Bank Machines

Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Canada. Your financial institution at home will automatically make the currency exchange before you receive your monthly statement. Be sure you contact your credit card company to let them know you'll be using the card outside the country.

Using an ABM (automatic bank machine), also known as an ATM (automated teller machine), is an easy way to access cash while travelling abroad. Most international bankcard systems, including Interac, Plus, Cirrus and Maestro, will work at most ABMs in Canada. You'll find them conveniently located at banks, stores, airports and many other locations. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ABM.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques can often be used as cash as most Canadian restaurants, hotels and stores will accept small-denomination Canadian Dollar travellers cheques. You may be asked to produce a passport for identification when cashing your travellers cheques.

Banking Hours

Standard banking hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am until 4:00 pm. Many banks are open to 6:00 pm on Friday. Some banks and specific branches may be open later on weeknights and even on Saturdays. Trust companies are generally open from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and on Saturday mornings.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Canada. Tips or service charges are not usually added to restaurant bills in Canada, but server salaries are based on the assumption that staff will receive a good proportion of income in tips. Some restaurants will also place a mandatory service charge on a bill for large groups. In general, you should reward good service by tipping 15-20% of the total amount.

Barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers are usually tipped 15%. Bellhops, doormen, porters and other staff at hotels, airports and railway stations are generally tipped $1-$2 CDN per item carried. Tipping the server both at the bar and at the table is common in Canadian bars and nightclubs.

Retail & Shopping

You'll enjoy convenient shopping hours across Canada with many stores open from 9:00 or 10:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week. City stores and suburban shopping centers are also open until 9:00 pm on several weeknights, particularly on Thursday and Friday.

Sunday Shopping

Sunday shopping is permitted in all provinces and territories across Canada. Some store owners may choose not to open on Sunday so call ahead before you set out on your shopping excursion.

Voltage & Electricity

Canadian appliances operate on 110 volts (60Hz), which is identical to the US voltage. A universal adaptor is required for overseas electrical devices.

Main wall sockets (or power outlets) and plugs for 110 volts are two parallel flat blades. If those sockets are different from the ones used in your country you will need a socket converter.