Currency
The Canadian dollar (CAD, C$). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally; tap-to-pay is widespread. ATMs are easy to find in cities and towns. US dollars are accepted at some border-town businesses but at an unfavourable rate — get Canadian currency.
Language
English is the majority language across nine provinces. Québec is predominantly French-speaking, and French is also widely spoken in New Brunswick, parts of Ontario, and Manitoba. In Québec, you'll get further making the effort in French; in practice, most Montréalers switch easily to English. Indigenous languages survive in many communities.
Visas
Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries don't need a visa for tourist visits up to six months. If arriving by air (but not by land or sea), most visitors except Americans need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs C$7 and is approved within minutes at eta.gc.ca. Check current requirements — rules change.
Health and Safety
Canada has public healthcare for residents, but visitors are not covered. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency and clinic care is available but expensive without insurance.
Canada is safe by any reasonable measure. Crime exists in cities but is not generally a traveller concern if you use common sense.
Electricity
120V/60Hz, same as the US. Type A and B plugs (two flat prongs, or two flat plus one round). European and Australian visitors need adapters and possibly voltage converters.
Tipping
Tipping is expected. Standard is 15–20% in restaurants, 15% for taxis, C$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping. Some payment terminals now default to 18–25% tip suggestions — you can always enter a custom amount or decline.
Time Zones
Canada spans six time zones, from Pacific (BC) to Newfoundland (which is 30 minutes ahead of the Maritime provinces). Saskatchewan does not observe daylight saving time.
Mobile Phones and Internet
Canada has some of the highest mobile phone costs among wealthy countries. If you plan to use data, consider getting a local SIM — Rogers, Bell, and Telus are the main networks. Freedom Mobile and others offer cheaper options. Coverage is excellent in cities and along main highways, patchy in remote areas.
Free wifi is widely available in hotels, cafés, libraries, and many public spaces.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, and ambulance anywhere in Canada.