Money

All of Canada uses the Canadian Dollar.

Most places, especially those near the Canada / U.S. border, will also accept U.S. dollars, but exchange rates may vary or be unfavourable.

Bills are commonly available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar. The $1 and $2 bills have been replaced with coins. (the loonie and the twoonie)

Canadian bills are brightly coloured, making them easy to distinguish from one another. All American bills, on the other hand, are green.

Banking

Banks are generally open Monday - Friday 9 to 5 pm (sometimes later on Thursdays and Fridays),
sometimes Saturday mornings, but never on Sundays.

Popular Canadian banks include: CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), the Royal Bank,
TD (Toronto Dominion) Bank, Bank of Montreal and Scotia Bank.

Purchases

Interac / Debit / Bank card purchases are available at most restaurants, hotels and retail outlets (although not at our beloved Tim Horton coffee shops), and at any bank or ATM machine, you can withdraw Canadian funds from a foreign currency account.

Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted.

Find the current Canadian rate of exchange for your country's currency .

Sales Tax

The tax that consumers pay for goods and services (except those considered exempt) varies across Canada. The minimum amount of tax consumers pay is 7% (GST) and the most is 12% (GST + PST or HST)

Tipping

A 15% - 20% gratuity is standard at most restaurants.

Taxi drivers, baggage porters, valet drivers, and salon employees, such as hair stylists, also appreciate tips.

Some Typical Canadian Prices

• Cup of Coffee (Tim Hortons): $1 - $2
• Cup of Coffee (Starbucks): $2 - $5+
• Parking downtown in major city: about $2 per hour or $15 per day.
• Glass of wine at bar / restaurant: $5 - $8