Americas · Destination guide
Canada
Capital: Ottawa (Toronto and Vancouver are largest cities)
🛂Visa requirements
💳Money & payments
Cards: Cards universally accepted. Interac (debit) is the dominant local payment method. Visa/Mastercard always work.
ATMs: TD, RBC, Scotiabank ATMs are reliable. Non-bank ATMs charge C$2–5.
Tipping
15–20% in restaurants is standard and expected. Taxi: 15%. Hotel porter: C$2–5 per bag. Tipping is culturally important — staff wages are set with tips in mind.
💬Language
English and French
Primary language everywhere except Quebec (French). Montreal is bilingual. All federal services available in both languages.
Useful phrases
- ·Désolé/Sorry — in Quebec; use English in other provinces freely
🔌Electricity & plugs
120V — same as USA. Devices from 230V countries need a voltage converter (not just an adapter) for items like hair dryers.
🤝Local customs & etiquette
- 1.Canadians are genuinely polite — 'Sorry' is reflexive and ubiquitous.
- 2.Tipping is not optional — it is expected at 15–20% and part of the service economy.
- 3.Multiculturalism is a national value — Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world and celebrates it.
- 4.Indigenous land acknowledgements are given at official events — this is taken seriously.
- 5.Metric system officially (kilometres, Celsius) but informal speech often mixes imperial.
📶SIM cards & connectivity
Local SIM: Rogers, Bell, and Telus are the major operators. Canada has some of the most expensive mobile data in the world — buy a tourist SIM (Public Mobile or Freedom Mobile). SIMs at airports.
WiFi: Good in cities and hotels. Tim Hortons and major coffee chains have free WiFi. Rural and northern Canada: very limited.
🛡️Safety
Very safe. Outdoor safety is the key concern: bear awareness in national parks, cold-weather preparedness in winter. Major cities have safe tourist areas.
💉Health
No vaccinations required. No reciprocal healthcare — travel insurance essential. Costs are high.
🚨Emergency numbers
emergency
911
🚗Driving
🚆 Getting to the circuit in Canada
Train, shuttle, and race day transport guide
Explore Canada