PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Quality of life
Québec's capital is one of the safest regions in North America .
- Healthy environment, air quality and extensive green spaces
- Lower cost of living than in the world's major cities
Time difference
Every year, on the second Sunday of March, Québec adjusts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which means that the clocks are set ahead one hour. However, on the first Sunday of November, Québec returns to Eastern Standard Time (EST). The clocks then are set back one hour.
Climate
Weather information
24 hours a day: 418 648-7766; www.meteo.ec.gc.ca
It is recommended that visitors bring warm clothing, as well as gloves and good winter boots or rubbers. Since Québec is a city that is best discovered on foot, comfortable shoes will be greatly appreciated.
Tips and sales tax
In cafés and restaurants, tips are not included in the bill (except where otherwise indicated). It is recommended that you leave a 15% tip on the total bill before taxes. Tips given to taxi drivers, bellboys and hairdressers are at the customers' discretion.
The Quebec sales tax (TVQ) is 7.5% on all goods and services.
Electricity
Electric current in Québec is 110 volts, 60 cycles. An adapter is necessary for electrical devices designed to operate on another type of current, such as the 220 volts used in Europe .
Metric conversion
Canada uses the metric system.
Banks and credit cards
The banks generally are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. , Monday to Friday. Some are open later on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thanks to ATM machines, visitors can do their banking through the Plus, Circus, Interac and other networks.
Major credit cards, such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa, are accepted almost everywhere.
Currency
The legal currency is the Canadian dollar, divided into 100 cents. The bills are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. The coinage is in 1, 5, 10 and 25 cent pieces and 1 and 2 dollar coins.
Some foreign exchange bureaus located in Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec City) are open 7 days a week during the peak season.
Information about international travel to Canada
Canadian immigration rules for visitors
For information concerning visas and other travel documents required to enter Canada , please contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your country before your departure.
Additional information
If you have other questions, you can communicate with the Canadian Border Information Service (BIS). You can contact the BIF without charge throughout Canada by composing 1-800-959-2036. If you are calling from outside of Canada , you can reach the BIS by composing 204-983-3700 or 506-636-5067 (long-distance charges will apply). You can also visit the web site of the Canadian Border Services Agency.
