Language

• English and French are Canada’s two official languages.
• Toronto, the capital of Ontario province, is a predominantly English-speaking city.

Currency

• All of Canada uses the Canadian Dollar.
• Most locales, especially those near the Canada / U.S. border, also accept U.S. dollars, but exchange rates may vary or be unfavorable.
• Bills are commonly available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar. The $1 and $2 bills have been replaced with coins (the loonie and the twoonie). Note: most U.S. banks will not buy back coins in exchange for U.S. dollars.
• For additional information on international currency, read Foreign Currency FAQs.
• Check the current Canadian rate of exchange

Banking

• Banks are generally open Monday - Friday 9 to 5 pm (sometimes later on Thursdays and Fridays) and sometimes Saturday mornings, but never on Sundays.
• Popular Canadian banks include: CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), the Royal Bank, TD (Toronto Dominion) Bank, Bank of Montreal and Scotia Bank.

Purchases

• Credit / Debit / Bank card purchases are available at most restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. At any bank or ATM machine, Canadian funds from a foreign currency account may be withdrawn.
• Major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted.
• In general, ATM withdrawals and credit cards offer the most favorable rate of exchange.
• The tax rate for goods and services in Toronto is 5% GST.

Tipping

• Tipping works much as it does in the U.S.
• A 15% - 20% gratuity is standard at most restaurants and for cab drivers.
• Bellhops, baggage porters are generally tipped $1 CAN per item.

Climate

• Daytime temperatures in the 70s; evenings cool to the 50s.
• Bring a sweater or jacket as conditions vary throughout the day.
• The temperature in the convention centre will be cool.