What budget to travel Montreal? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Montreal?

Admission is usually between CAN$10 and CAN$25 for adults. Children, students and seniors almost always benefit from discounts or even free admission. For example, access to national parks and historic sites is always free for under-18s. Many points of interest are also completely free, although some require a voluntary contribution. To make the most of all that Montreal has to offer, there are three passports that can help you save big. First of all, there are the Montreal Museum Passes, which offer three packages, with or without public transit passes, to discover the city's museum institutions https://museesmontreal.org/fr/cartes-musees. Then there's the MTL Passport, which allows you to visit up to 28 must-see attractions in a 2 or 3-day package, including public transit https://www.mtl.org/fr/passeport-mtl. And if you're planning to study in Montreal, find out more about Passeport MTL étudiant international.

There's a way to stretch your legs without spending a penny. Town and village councils around Montreal provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to baseball diamonds. Access is usually free or for a small fee. There's also a whole network of free multi-purpose trails for cyclists and cross-country skiers. A few dollars, however, are required in national parks and some nature reserves. For adventures such as rafting or snowmobiling, however, you'll need to budget accordingly.

The cost of living is lower in Quebec than in Europe. However, some products are more expensive, particularly in the gourmet sector (cheese, alcohol, etc.). While the posted price may seem appealing, it should not be forgotten that sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise stated. You must therefore add 14.975% tax on your purchases (certain products benefit from partial or total tax exemption such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.). Payments by debit or credit card are generally accepted everywhere. Note that there has been no tax rebate program for visitors for many years.

Clubbing in Montreal is generally less expensive than in Europe (although not necessarily to the same high standard). As everywhere else, entry is often free before a certain time (usually 11pm) or by joining the guest list. Ladies also benefit from free admission on ladies' nights (at least one night a week). For cinema, discounts are offered for matinee shows and on the weekly reduced-price day (usually Tuesdays). Good deal on shows: La Vitrine offers special deals and advantageous rates on pre-sales for all kinds of shows and events in Quebec (lavitrine.com).

Keep in mind that all prices quoted are exclusive of taxes. Not only must you add taxes (14.975%), but also the 15% service charge when applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but it may happen that the bar in a concert hall, for example, only accepts cash and/or debit card.

What budget to eat Montreal?

You can easily eat on the go for less than CAN$10-15. You should expect to pay at least CAN$20 for lunch and at least CAN$30 for dinner. The menu du jour at lunchtime and the table d'hôte in the evening offer some savings, and include starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants also often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can vary from $60 to $150 CAN, or even more, and a wine pairing is offered as an extra.

All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants may limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

In Quebec, you can also take home the rest of your meal, or bring your own bottle of wine to the restaurant. The "bring your own wine" concept is quite widespread, especially as there is no corkage fee to pay.

Prices for gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages are relatively similar to those in Europe. However, some items are more expensive, notably bakery products and wine. To save money, low-cost passports allow you to visit a pre-determined number of participating establishments in Quebec and get a free drink (plus tip). These include the Barista Passport (passeportbarista.com) and the Je bois local Passport (jeboislocal.ca).

It's important to remember that all prices quoted are exclusive of tax. Not only must you add taxes (14.975%), but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small shops sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

What is the budget for accommodation Montreal?

Of course, rates vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. For example, a dormitory bed in a youth hostel will not cost the same as a suite in a 5-star hotel. In the low season, you can find a nice room in a hostel or hotel for between $80 and $150 CAN, a price that practically doubles in the high season or during major events.

It's important to remember that all prices quoted are exclusive of taxes. Not only must you add sales tax (14.975%), but also the lodging tax of 3.5% of the nightly rate (CAN$3.50 per night when the rental is offered to/or by an intermediary). All forms of payment are accepted, but smaller hotels may limit themselves to cash, traveler's cheques and/or debit cards.

Travel budget Montreal and cost of living

To help you plan your daily budget on site, here are three examples to suit everyone's financial means.

Small budget: $70 CAN per day per person (accommodation in camping/youth hostel, meals on the run or groceries, public transport or hitchhiking, free activities or activities costing less than $10 CAN).

Medium budget: $200 CAN per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodation, good food, public transport or car, paid or package activities).

Large budget: from $400 CAN per day per person (more luxurious hotel or condo/chalet accommodation, fine dining, car transport, package activities/expeditions).

And don't forget that the prices of most consumer goods and services include a provincial tax (QST) of 9.975% and a national tax (GST) of 5%, which are generally not included in the listed price. A tip (between 15 and 25%) must be added to the bill in restaurants and bars. Tipping cab drivers, hotel cleaners and hairdressers is also recommended. No tips at cinemas or theaters.

As forhaggling, this is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers can sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a large sum. Similarly, even though it's strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes agree not to charge you taxes if you pay for your purchases in cash and without the possibility of returning them...