Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cash
Most Canadians don't carry large amounts of cash for everyday use, relying instead on
credit and debit cards. Still, carrying some cash, say $100 or less, comes in handy when
making small purchases. In some cases, cash is necessary to pay for rural B&Bs and
shuttle vans; inquire in advance to avoid surprises. Note that shops and businesses rarely
accept personal checks.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted
in Canada, except in remote, rural communities where cash is king. You'll find it hard or
impossible to rent a car, book a room or order tickets over the phone without having a
piece of plastic. Note that some credit card companies charge a transaction fee (which is
around 3% of whatever you purchased); ensure you check with your provider to avoid sur-
prises.
For lost or stolen cards, these numbers operate 24 hours:
American Express
( 866-296-5198;
www.americanexpress.com
)
MasterCard
( 800-307-7309;
www.mastercard.com
)
Visa
( 800-847-2911;
www.visa.com
)
Taxes & Refunds
Canada's federal goods and services tax (GST), variously known as the 'gouge and
screw' or 'grab and steal' tax, adds 5% to just about every transaction. Most provinces
also charge a provincial sales tax (PST) on top of it. Several provinces have combined the
GST and PST into a harmonized sales tax (HST). Whatever the methodology, expect to
pay 10% to 15% extra on all transactions. Unless otherwise stated, taxes are not included
in prices given.
You might be eligible for a rebate on some of the taxes. If you've booked your accom-
modations in conjunction with a rental car, plane ticket or other service (ie if it all appears
on the same bill from a 'tour operator'), you should be eligible to get 50% of the tax refun-
ded from your accommodations. Fill out the GST/HST Refund Application for Tour Pack-
ages form available from the
Canada Revenue Agency
( 800-668-4748,
902-432-5608;
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/gst115
).
LOCATION
TAX RATE (GST + PST)
New Brunswick*
13%
Newfoundland*
13%
Nova Scotia*
15%
Search WWH ::
Custom Search