Canada Travel Guide

Shopping

Fine examples of Canadian crafts are available, such as art woodcarvings, leather goods, pottery and native artworks. Some countries have restrictions against the import of endangered animal species products, such as products made from polar bear, seal, walrus or whale, so visitors should check entry regulations in their home country before departure; some of these products may also require a Canadian export certificate.

A 5% goods and service tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services in Canada. In addition, most jurisdictions (except Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon) levy a provincial service tax (PST) of 5 to 10% in shops, restaurants and short-term accommodation. In the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, a 13% harmonized sales tax (HST) has replaced the GST and PST.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800, with late-night shopping in some stores Thurs-Fri, up to 2100 (malls in large cities are often open until 2100 Mon-Fri). Some shops and stores are also open on Sunday, and some are open 24 hours a day.

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD; symbol C$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of C$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of C$2 and 1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Major credit cards are widely accepted. Use of debit cards is widespread, although many stores impose a $5 to $20 minimum per debit card purchase, and service charges may apply. ATMs are easy to find in populated areas but are less common in remote areas such as rural areas of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Labrador. Use a machine affiliated with a major bank to reduce service charges; independent machines in locations such as casinos and convenience stores may carry high charges.

Travelers Checks

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Canadian Dollars; these are negotiable primarily in banks, hotels and tourist facilities. Their use has declined somewhat in recent years as more visitors rely on ATM cards, but travelers should bring at least some emergency currency in traveler's checks in case their ATM cards do not work.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency however amounts equal or greater than CA$10,000 should be declared.

Banking Hours

Generally, Mon-Fri 0930-1600/1700 with extended hours in some locations, particularly on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Exchange Rate