North America
Canada
Canada's scale shapes every itinerary - the major cities sit far apart, so trips tend to commit to a region and lean on domestic flights for the longer jumps. Payment is overwhelmingly card and contactless. Most visa-exempt travelers flying in need an Electronic Travel Authorization before departure, so check your nationality's requirement. Two things show up at the register: tipping is customary for restaurants and many services, and tax is usually added at checkout rather than shown on the tag.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
CA$
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Cash Tip
Credit and debit cards are universally accepted across Canada, with contactless payment standard at most establishments.
Foreign Visa and Mastercard accounts function seamlessly on the local Interac network.
Cash is rarely required, and Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) are widely accessible.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
9 / 10.0
Contactless credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments are standard across commercial and transport networks. Foreign bank cards integrate into the domestic Interac payment terminal network. Physical currency is rarely required.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
CA$60–CA$90
Poutine and food truck meals (CA$12–25), public transit.
≈ $43–$64
Meals & Transit
CA$60–CA$90
≈ $43–$64
Poutine and food truck meals (CA$12–25), public transit.
Accommodation
CA$30–CA$50
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $22–$36
Accommodation
CA$30–CA$50
≈ $22–$36
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
CA$120–CA$170
Restaurant meals (CA$30–60 pp), Uber, national park fees.
≈ $85–$118
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type A120V60Hz
Type B120V60Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
CA$25–CA$50
≈ $18–$36 USD
Validity: 30-day tourist SIM
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Transport
- UberForeigner-friendly
Available in all major Canadian cities. Accepts foreign cards. Lyft also operates in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
Other
- Parks Canada ReservationForeigner-friendly
Book Parks Canada campsite and entry reservations - mandatory for Banff, Jasper, and other popular national parks May–October. Book exactly 3 months ahead on reservation.pc.gc.ca - sites sell out within minutes of release.
- Weather Network (The Weather Network)Foreigner-friendly
Canada's common weather app - essential for Rocky Mountain hikes, ski trips, and northern travel. Provides granular forecasts including wind chill (feels-like temperature) which can be critical in Canadian winters.
Navigation
- Google MapsForeigner-friendly
Functional for Canadian cities and highways. Shows Presto/Compass transit routes. Download offline maps for Rocky Mountain drives and remote areas.
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for all visa-exempt foreign nationals flying INTO Canada - even for a brief transit through a Canadian airport. It costs CAD $7, is applied for online, and is typically approved within minutes. It is NOT required for entry by land or sea, or for US citizens. Apply at canada.ca/eta.
- Canada has strict gun control laws. Firearms must be declared at the border. Handguns and prohibited weapons are banned for tourists. Pepper spray is legal in Canada for self-defence purposes but cannot be imported across the US-Canada border. Verification is required CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) rules.
- Cannabis is federally legal in Canada (Cannabis Act, 2018) - adults 18+ (19+ in most provinces) may possess up to 30g in public. Cannabis products cannot be taken across any international border - this is a federal criminal offence regardless of legality in the destination country. Cannabis is not permitted at national parks, federal buildings, or near schools.
Cultural
- Canada is officially bilingual - English and French. French is the sole official language of Quebec; bilingual signage is required by law in federal institutions nationwide. In Quebec City and Montreal, making an effort with French ('Bonjour', 'Merci', 'S'il vous plaît') is deeply appreciated. Switching to English after a French greeting is perfectly acceptable.
- Canada is one of the world's most multicultural countries - over 200 languages spoken, 23% of the population foreign-born. Diversity is a source of national pride. Seasonal extremes are dramatic - winters in Toronto and Montreal are brutal (-20°C to -30°C with wind chill); pack accordingly from November to March.
Health
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