ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADA

All visitors entering Canada must present a valid passport and, in certain cases, a visa. In 2016, Canada introduced new entry requirements known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to Canada. This regulation excludes U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires. Applying for an eTA is a simple and inexpensive (CAD 7) online process that will take just a few minutes. Most eTA-eligible applicants will get their authorization within minutes of submitting the on-line form.

For more information about entry requirements and to see if you need to obtain an eTA, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN MONTREAL?

French is Quebec’s official language but English is widely spoken in Montreal.

The city has more than 120 cultural groups and over 20% of population speaks three languages. It is common that you will be addressed in French, but people will quickly speak English when asked.

CAN I USE MY CELL/MOBILE PHONE IN CANADA?

Your cellular phone will work in Canada, however, to avoid potentially expensive roaming charges, it is strongly recommended that you turn off your data before landing on Canadian soil. Montreal has hundreds of free Wi-Fi connections in the city, not to mention hotels, the convention centre, along with restaurants and cafés, so there is no reason for visitors to incur additional charges with their cell phone carrier.

ELECTRICITY

The electric current is 110V and the plugs are the same as what is found in the US. If you come from a country that uses 220V electricity, you will need an adaptor (for computers, cell phones, tablets/iPads, cameras etc.) or a converter (to transform voltage for your hairdryer, electric shavers etc.)

BANKS, CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND TAXES

Canadian currency is the dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar bills.

There are numerous currency exchange offices for visitors to exchange money into Canadian currency. Most exchange offices are open during regular business hours (9am-6pm) and Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Credit cards are also widely accepted in restaurants, stores, taxis, etc.

Taxes in Montréal are calculated as follows: a 5% Federal Goods & Services tax and a 9.975% Provincial Goods & Services tax. Only basic groceries (breads, dairy, fruits, vegetables, etc.) are not taxed. Taxes paid by visitors are not reimbursable.

WHAT IS THE RULE FOR TIPPING IN MONTRÉAL?

Service is not included in restaurants, so it is customary to add a 15% tip to the total before taxes. For larger groups (from 6 people or more, some restaurants will automatically add the 15% service to the bill.

Taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. are also normally tipped 15%.

For bellhops, porters, doormen, etc. between $1-$2 is considered standard. Housekeeping standards are between $1-$2 per day. Many people simply round of the amount; for example, if you are staying 4 nights, a $10 gratuity would be considered as very nice, but not excessive.