General information on Canada

Currency

Canada’s currency is the Canadian dollar. Denominations under five dollars are coins, including the “Loonie” (one-dollar coin) and “Two-nie” (two-dollar coin).

U.S. dollars are accepted in most establishments, although change from transactions will be given in Canadian currency and exchange rates will differ with each merchant.

ATMs are available in most banks, hotels and shopping malls. Cash from ATMs is dispensed in Canadian currency.

Currency exchange is available at banks and kiosks throughout the city, as well as in the airport.

Tipping

A 15-20 percent tip on the pre-tax bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining. Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides: 15-20 percent is standard in these situations as well.

Taxes and rebates

A 7 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is charged on most transactions in Canada. Goods may also be subject to provincial sales tax.

Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST that is paid on accommodations (up to 30 nights per visit) and on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. Be sure to keep your receipts-you’ll need to have them validated by Canada Customs at the airport or border crossing when you leave.

For more information about the visitors tax refund and to obtain an application form, go to www.cra.gc.ca/visitors or call 800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 902-432-5608 (from outside Canada). Some companies offer services to assist with rebates, including Global Refund (www.globalrefund.ca, 905-791-9099) and Premiere Tax-Free Services (Canada) Inc. (www.taxfree-services.ca, 905-270-2702).

Border and customs

Citizens of the United States do not need a passport to enter Canada, but should carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, as well as a photo ID.

However, new U.S. customs rules are being phased in. Beginning December 31, 2006, travelers entering the U.S. by air or sea will be required to show a passport; beginning December 31, 2007, travelers entering the U.S. by land will be required to show a passport.

Every 30 days, returning U.S. citizens are allowed to bring back $400 (retail value) in merchandise duty-free, provided they have been out of the U.S. for 48 hours. This amount can include one carton of cigarettes, 100 cigars (not Cuban), two kilograms of smoking tobacco and one liter of liquor.

If the length of the stay is less than 48 hours, $200 in merchandise may be taken back to the U.S. duty-free (including up to five ounces of alcohol and 50 cigarettes). Goods bought in Canada but manufactured in the U.S. are duty-free and not included in the basic exemption. Original handmade crafts and works of art are also exempt; however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

For further information on U.S. Customs  regulations, call  905-676-2606.

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Special thanks to the tourism and airport media relations staffs in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec City and Calgary for the information provided in this resource guide.

City Guides: Canada

• Calgary
• Montreal
• Ottawa
• Quebec City
• St. John's
• Toronto
• Vancouver