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TRAVELLING TO CANADA
A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for the intended period of stay in Canada. You must also be able to prove that your main source of income and place of business is outside of Canada. Proof of employment is a recommended document.
For passengers arriving to Québec City from trans-border and international destinations, the following are useful links with information on customs and tax rebates:
Canada Border Services Agency: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Immigration: www.cic.gc.ca
Passport Canada: www.pptc.gc.ca
MONEY
Canadian and American dollars are not at par. American currency is accepted in most establishments at variable exchange rates. Legal tender is the Canadian dollar, which divides into 100 cents. Bills come in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. The coins in use are of the following denominations: 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents, as well as one and two dollars. On arrival, visitors should obtain Canadian currency at the official exchange rate in order to avoid problems. Certain currency exchange bureaus are open 7 days a week in Old Québec during the high season.
Currency Converter: http://www.xe.com/
WEATHER
A light sweater or coat will come in handy on cool evenings. Québec is a walking city, so comfortable shoes are a must.
EMERGENCY
For any type of medical 24 hour/day assistance:
Health info: (answering service provided by qualified nurses) 8-1-1
Other 24 hour/day emergencies: Police, fire and ambulance 9-1-1
GRATUITIES
With very few exceptions, tips are not included in the final tabulation of restaurant bills. Tips are usually 15% of the total bill, excluding taxes. Cab drivers, bellhops and hairdressers are usually tipped at the customer's discretion.
LANGAUGE
French is the official language of Québec but English is widely spoken in tourist areas (attractions, hotels, restaurants and boutiques in tourist areas).
LIQUOR LAWS
The legal drinking age in Québec is 18. Bars and other licensed establishments are open Monday through Sunday until 3 am. Liquor and most wines are only sold in stores operated by the Société des alcools du Québec (Québec Liquor Board). However, some wines and all Canadian beers are available in grocery stores and supermarkets, from 8 am to 11 pm. Certain restaurants display "apportez votre vin" signs ("bring your own wine"). This means customers may enjoy their own wine and beer during the meal.
CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. With the advent of automated teller machines, visitors can do banking through network systems like "Plus", "Circus", "Interac", etc. and enjoy excellent rates of exchange.
SMOKING REGULATIONS
The Tobacco Law forbids smoking in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants.
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