Currency and Language

MONEY

At this writing one Canadian dollar is worth ABOUT $0.72 U.S.

So something that costs $10 Canadian is about $7.22 in U.S. dollars.

Because I am bad at math I just figure that for every price I see in Canada I can subtract ABOUT 25%. Crude but useful.

Canadian prices are usually written with the dollar sign at the end, so if you see this:

$10

it costs 10 U.S. dollars, but this:

10$

costs 10 Canadian dollars.

(Note that this rule of thumb is not followed 100 percent of the time -- we do occasionally see prices in Canadian dollars written with the dollar sign in front: $14. Ask if you aren't sure).

I think you certainly want to carry at least a little Canadian cash. (If you stop for a Coke they may not take your Amex platinum card!)

You can use your U.S. credit or debit card, but be aware that your bank may hit you with a 3% surcharge on every purchase. If you use an ATM in Canada you may be charged a Canadian ATM fee and a U.S. ATM fee. Check with your own card issuer.

You can get Canadian currency from your local U.S. bank, but be aware that they may need to order it in advance -- give them enough time.

LANGUAGE

We will be traveling through Quebec, and the native language there is French. (See? All those years of high-school French were not wasted!)

Most people who work with the public (restaurants, hotels, stores...) speak English as well, but personally I think it is ALWAYS polite to start every conversation with, "Do you speak English?" You'll find that most do but to varying degrees. (Hey, their English is a whole lot better than my French!)

As always, a little good humor, patience, and respect go a long way.