Organize your stay Toronto
Money Toronto
The currency is expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD, $ CA, CAN $ - not to be confused with the US dollar). Coins of CAN$1 and CAN$2, and 5, 10 and 25¢ (cents); bills of CAN$5, CAN$10, CAN$20, CAN$50, CAN$100 (the latter are sometimes refused in some stores). English Canadians call the $1 coin "loonie" and the $2 coin "toonie". The 25¢ coin is called a "quarter". According to the Royal Bank of Canada, the exchange rate in April 2023 was 1 CAN $ = 0.66 €; 1 € = 1.42 CAN $ (real rates in branch).
Budget & Tips Toronto
To help you plan your daily budget while you are there, here are three examples that fit everyone's financial means.
Small budget: $80-100 CAD per day per person (camping/hostel accommodation, meals on the run or groceries, public transportation or carpooling, free activities or less than $10 CAD).
Medium budget: $200-250 CAD per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodation, good food, public transportation or car, paid or package activities).
Large budget: from $400 CAN per day per person (accommodation in a more luxurious hotel or condo/chalet, good food, transportation by car, package activities/expeditions).
It isalso important to remember that most consumer goods and services are subject to a 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which is usually not included in the price. Also, the 15% tip must be added to the bill in restaurants and bars. Tipping cab drivers, hotel cleaners and hairdressers is also recommended (but may be less than 15%). No tips in cinemas and theaters.
As forhaggling, it is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers will sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a significant amount. In the same way, and although it is strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes accept not to charge you taxes if you pay your purchases in cash and without possibility of return...
Passport and visas Toronto
Travelers from France, Belgium and Switzerland are accepted for six months and must have completed their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application. They must have a valid passport, a return ticket (ideally) and sufficient money to ensure their stay.
As of 2016, visitors who do not require a visa must complete an AVE (electronic travel authorization) prior to travel. The ETA costs CAN$7 per person (about €5), and is valid for five years or until the passport expires. This online application collects basic personal information, just as is currently done at customs upon arrival in Canada, and results in faster border clearance. Beware, there are many fraudulent sites on the web. Some companies, without any link with the government, offer to help you apply for an AVE. But this one is very simple to do (and accessible in French). For more information: www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/visiter-canada/ave.html
For any other question concerning the formalities of entry in Canada and for the coordinates of the Canadian Embassy in France: france.gc.ca
COVID-19. As of October 1, 2022, all border restrictions have been discontinued. As they can be re-imposed at any time in case of an outbreak of the virus, we still advise you to visit the government website: travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
Finally, you should know that if you plan to cross the U.S. border for a little getaway, you need a biometric passport. This passport allows you to benefit from the Visa Waiver Program for stays of less than 90 days. In order to benefit from this visa waiver, it is necessary to make an online declaration, along with a US$14 fee, for tourist stays in the United States. For more information: esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Driver's license Toronto
French, Belgian and Swiss driver's licenses are accepted for a period of up to three months; if not, you will need an international driver's license (usually valid for one to three years). If you wish to rent a car in Ontario, you must be 21 years of age, or 25 years of age for certain models, and have a credit card. A driver's licence is also required for snowmobiles and ATVs, and a motorcycle licence is required to drive one.
For visitors: ontario.ca/en/page/driving-in-ontario-visitors
For information on driving and roads in Ontario: ontario.ca/en/page/driving-and-roads
Health Toronto
There are no infectious diseases or health risks of note in Ontario. Also, be aware that tap water is safe to drink (unless otherwise noted) and free, even in restaurants.
Security Toronto
As Canada's largest city, the phenomenon of street gangs is present in Toronto, but not in the same way as its American neighbor. Two recent attacks (2018) have also left their mark on the imagination: the ram-truck attack on Finch Street in the north of the city and the shooting on Danforth Avenue, both of which resulted in victims. These may be isolated incidents, but they have increased in recent years. That said, as a general rule, there is nothing to worry about in Toronto, even as a woman travelling alone.
Time difference Toronto
The time difference with Toronto is 6 hours less in summer and winter. However, the time change in the fall and spring does not occur at the same time.
Spoken languages Toronto
In Ontario, the official language is English. That said, the province is home to the largest French-speaking community in Canada outside of Quebec. Franco-Ontarians are found in the eastern part of the province (Ottawa and the counties of Prescott-Russell and Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry), the north (Sudbury and the regions of Algoma, Timiskaming and Cochrane) as well as the Central-Southwestern part, notably in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. Ontario has 26 designated regions where access to French language services from nearly 30 provincial government ministries is guaranteed through the French Language Services Act of Ontario. However, most hotels and businesses in the Toronto area only serve customers in English. Ontario is also a cultural and linguistic mosaic, especially in Toronto where half of the population was born outside of Canada. So don't be surprised to hear languages from all over the world. Finally, there are seven Amerindian nations in the province, most of which speak Algonquian (Ojibwe, Oji-Cree) or Iroquoian (Mohawk) languages.
Communication Toronto
Phone coverage is excellent in the Toronto area. If you purchase a cell phone plan in Ontario, especially from a low-cost carrier, be sure to check the coverage as it may be limited to a few cities or a single area.
As for wifi, finding a connection is not a problem in the Toronto area. Airports, bus and train stations, hotels (beware: luxury hotels often offer this service at an extra cost), restaurants, cafes, bars, cultural venues, etc., are generally equipped with wifi, most of the time for free. To find wifi access points: towifi.ca/toronto
Electricity and measurements Toronto
110 volt alternating current with a frequency of 60 Hz. The plugs are flat like in the US (not round like in Europe). Bring an adapter to use European appliances such as a shaver or hair dryer, and make sure they accept this voltage. If necessary, bring a power transformer.
Things are not so good when it comes to measurements. Although Ontario adopted the metric system some 40 years ago, Ontarians still use the old measures (inches, feet, pounds, ounces, pints, gallons, etc.). For more information: metric-conversions.org/en
As for shoe sizes, women's 38 is 7 (which is equivalent to 39.5 for men). For clothing sizes, women's 40 is 12; men's 44 is 34.
Luggage Toronto
Summers are hot. However, air conditioning and cool evenings in the countryside or by the lake require woollens and a windbreaker. Don't forget a bathing suit, a backpack for hiking and mosquito repellent. In the spring and fall, a lined raincoat is a must, and in the winter, a hat, mittens and a scarf, as well as an anorak, warm clothing and furry boots are a must.
