Useful Tips About Montréal to Help You Plan Your Trip
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.
Banks, Currency Exchange & 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.excitement about the destination.
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.).
What Language is Spoken in Montréal?
French is QuÉbec’s official language but english is widely spoken in Montréal. 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.
Time Zones
Montréal switches to Eastern Daylight Time (summer time zone) on the second Sunday of March and returns to Eastern Standard Time (winter time zone) on the first Sunday of November. The time difference between Montréal time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is less than 5 hours in the winter.