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Frequently Asked Questions
Tips for Travellers to Québec:
| Climate |
Most of Québec’s cities enjoy a humid continental climate, with four very distinct seasons and significant differences in temperature marking each one. Summer is hot, while winter sees a considerable amount of snow fall. In fact, Québecers owe their legendary joie de vivre to these climatic variations!
Weather Office |
| Currency |
The legal tender is the Canadian dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. Bank notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 cents and 1 and 2 dollars.
The leading credit cards are accepted everywhere, namely Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Traveler’s cheques are generally accepted in large hotels, some restaurants and major stores. Otherwise, they must be cashed at an exchange office or bank.
Bank of Canada
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| Customs and Immigration |
To enter Canada, tourists from the United States must carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, as well as a piece of photo ID. A passport is still the ideal document, but it isn't mandatory. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., you must bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you.
Visitors from the United Kingdom and all other countries must be carrying a valid passport. Visas are also required for visitors from certain countries. For more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Web site or contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.
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| Electricity |
The electric current is 110 volts/60 cycles, as it is throughout North America. Because the outlets cannot accommodate European plugs, you’d best bring or buy an adaptor. |
| Language |
Quebec City is a bi-lingual destination. French is the official language of Québec but English is widely spoken in tourist areas (attractions, hotels, restaurants and boutiques in tourist areas).
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| Metric Conversion |
Canada uses the metric system. Visitors find weather temperature reports given in Celsius degrees, gasoline sold by the litre (milk and wine by millilitres, and litres) grocery items in grams and kilograms, and road speeds posted in kilometres per hour.
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| Taxes and Tipping |
Two taxes, the federal goods and services tax (GST) and the Québec sales tax (QST), are added to the selling price of most goods and services. Several tourist regions charge a specific tax on accommodations. The amount is $2 or $3 a night or 3% of the price of the room per night, before the GST and QST are added.
You must leave a tip on service provided in restaurants and bars and by taxi drivers and hairdressers. The amount, which is not included in the bill, generally represents 10% to 15% of the total bill (before taxes). Here in Québec, for a restaurant bill, we usually add the amounts of the two taxes (GST and QST) together, the sum of which equals approximately 13%. Tipping bellhops or porters is at your discretion (generally, $1 per bag carried). |
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