ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 564

The unique two-dollar coin is silver with a gold-colored insert. The most common notes
are $5, $10, $20, and $50. A $100 bill does exist but is uncommon.
Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are also readily accepted in the Canadian
Rockies; American Express charge cards are less widely accepted. By using these cards
you eliminate the necessity of thinking about the exchange rate—the transaction and rate
of exchange on the day of the transaction will automatically be reflected in the bill from
your credit-card company. On the downside, you'll always get a better exchange rate when
dealing directly with a bank.
It's also handy to carry small amounts of Canadian cash. Banks offer the best exchange
rates, but other foreign-currency exchange outlets are available.
Costs
The cost of living in the Canadian Rockies is generally higher than in other parts of
Canada, especially when it comes to accommodations. Provincially, the cost of living is
lower in Alberta than in British Columbia but higher than in the United States. By plan-
ning ahead, having a tent or joining Hostelling International, and being prepared to cook
your own meals, it is possible to get by on $80 per person per day. Gasoline is sold in liters
(3.78 liters equals one U.S. gallon) and is generally $1.20-1.40 cents per liter for regular
unleaded, rising to $1.60 along the Icefields Parkway.
Tipping charges are not usually added to your bill. You are expected to add a tip of
15 percent to the total amount for waiters and waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi
drivers, and other such service providers. Bellhops, doormen, and porters generally receive
$1 per item of baggage.
Taxes
Canada imposes a 5 percent goods and services tax (GST) on most consumer purchases.
The British Columbia government imposes its own 7 percent tax (PST) onto everything
except groceries and books. Alberta has no provincial tax. So when you are looking at the
price of anything, remember that the final cost you pay will include an additional 5-12 per-
cent in taxes.
MAPS AND TOURIST INFORMATION
Maps
The best maps of the Canadian Rockies are produced by Gem Trek Publishing. They cov-
er all of the Canadian Rockies, using computer-generated 3-D imagery to clearly define