Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. American style flat two-pin plugs and one with a third round grounding pin is standard.

Money: The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), which is divided into 100 cents. One-dollar coins are also known as loonies (due to the picture of a loon, a type of bird, on the coin), and two-dollar coins as toonies. Banks and bureaux de change will change money and travellers cheques, as will some hotels, but the rate will not be as good. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are plentiful.

Language: The official languages in Montreal are English and French.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold a valid passport. Visitors are recommended to hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Health: No vaccinations are necessary for travel to Canada besides an influenza vaccination, recommended for travel from November through April. West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, poses a threat during summer months in rural areas, so insect-repellent measures are advised for those visiting the countryside. Food and water is entirely safe.

Tipping: There is no service charge added to restaurant bills, and staff expect to receive tips; 15% is the usual amount. Hairdressers and taxi drivers are also usually tipped at the same rate, while bellhops, doormen, porters and similar service providers at hotels, airports and stations are generally paid $1 per item of luggage carried. Tour guides and bus drivers generally receive $3-$5 per day.

Safety: Most visits to Canada are trouble-free. The country is politically stable, but does share the common international risk of terrorism. There have been no recent terrorism events. The crime rate is low, but travellers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings as they would anywhere.

Business: In Montreal, written material and business cards should be in French where possible. A firm handshake is used by way of greeting, and meetings begin on time so punctuality is taken seriously, as is appearance, which should be conservative and smart; business suits are the norm. Gifts can be given in conclusion to celebrate a deal, but should be understated; taking someone out for a meal is a popular way to conclude business dealings. Hours of business are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international access code for Canada is +1. The area code for Montreal is (1) 514. Internet cafes are widely available. Most international mobile phone companies have roaming agreements with Canadian operators, however it may be cheaper to buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card if visiting the country for long periods.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com

02/12/08 by visitEarth
Tags: Montreal, Quebec, Canada, travel tips, French