Frequently Asked Questions

Climate
Canada's climate varies widely, depending on the season and location. Summers are very pleasant across the country, with highs around 25 C. Winters are cold and snowy across the country, with the exception of southern British Columbia, which has mild winters with rain instead of snow. Spring and fall are tough to predict and you will want to plan for both warm and cold weather.

Clothing
Casual wear is acceptable most of the time. Some establishments (nightclubs and bars) have a 'no jeans, no running shoes policy,' and certain dining rooms require men to wear jackets to dinner.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Canada. Bank machines can be found everywhere and debit cards are also widely used. If you are using a foreign card at a bank machine, your money will be disbursed in Canadian funds.

Currency
Financial institutions will provide a credible rate of exchange when switching your currency for Canadian dollars.

Electrical Current
110 Volts, 60 cycles AC

Entry Into Canada
For detailed information on Canada's entry requirements, please refer to the Government of Canada's website for more information.

Goods and Services Tax Visitor Rebate
The goods and services tax (GST) is a 6% tax charged for most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. As a visitor to Canada, you will pay the tax on most of your purchases.  

Changes to the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Visitor Rebate Program

On March 19, 2007, the Government of Canada confirmed their intention to eliminate the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program and announced the introduction of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program.

For more information, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency website link:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/vistors/qa-e.html

For further information: 

• Call 1 (800) 668-4748 (within Canada)  
• Call 1 (902) 432-5608 (outside of Canada)  
• Email your inquiries  
• Visit their website 

Health Insurance
Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent. It is recommended that visitors to Canada obtain traveler's health insurance before leaving their country because health insurance plans often do not extend coverage for services received outside the country of residence.

Visitors may find that they have either no health insurance or that they have inadequate coverage once in Canada. Visitors taking medicine prescribed by a doctor should bring a copy of the prescription, in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada.

Public Holidays

Shipping to Canada
Canadian customs brokers or a Canada Customs office can provide information on transportation companies that offer efficient service for time-sensitive meeting materials or exhibit goods.

Time Zones
Canada has six time zones: Newfoundland (3.5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time), Atlantic (4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time), Eastern (5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time), Central (6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time), Mountain (7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time) and Pacific (8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time).

Tipping
Tips or service charges are not usually added to a bill in Canada. In general, a tip of up to 15% of the sub-total (before taxes) is given. This applies to waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc. At hotels, airports and railway stations, bellhops, doormen, redcaps (porters), etc. are generally paid $1-$2 per item of luggage.

Water
Canadian tap water is among the cleanest in the world and is very safe to drink.