Currency and cards

The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small towns; contactless is standard.

Cash is rarely needed but useful for small markets and tips. ATMs are plentiful; airport exchanges give poor rates.

Taxes

Prices are shown before tax. The federal GST (5 percent) applies everywhere; most provinces add PST or a combined HST (up to 15 percent in the Atlantic provinces). Alberta has only the 5 percent GST.

Restaurant bills add tax then expect a tip on the pre-tax amount. Hotel bills add tax plus sometimes a destination marketing fee.