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Travel Tips

Customs/Entry

Visitors require a valid passport and may require an entry visa and additional documents. Ask your travel agent or visit this website.

  • Note for U.S. Citizens Arriving by Land or Sea

    On June 1, 2009, a new American law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require U.S. citizens 16 years of age or over who re-enter the United States by land and sea to have a passport or other appropriate secure document like a NEXUS card.

    Until this date arrives, U.S. citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States.

  • Note for U.S. Citizens Arriving by Air

    WHTI currently requires anyone, including U.S. citizens, entering or re-entering the United States by air to have a passport or a NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.

Single parent traveling with children

Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders. Generally, persons younger than 18 years of age could be considered as children.

Unless a child is accompanied by both legal parents, the following documentation should be carried by the child or the accompanying adult:

  • a valid passport or proof of citizenship for the child
  • a legal document proving that the child has the permission of the lawful parent(s) or guardian(s) to travel and includes contact phone information for the parent(s) or guardian(s). Such a document must be specific for each trip. A sample document is provided on the following website.

Currency

The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents and the currency is the Canadian Dollar. Foreign currencies may be exchanged at the airport, banks and other currency exchange counters throughout the City. Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many 24-hour-access ATMs. These machines accept cards with Plus, Interac and Cirrus symbols. Most businesses accept U.S. currency and travelers cheques, as well as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).

Sales Taxes

There is a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) in effect in Canada and a Provincial sales Tax (PST) of 7,5% in the Province of Quebec, for a combined tax rate of 12,875%. This tax is applicable to most items and is generally not refundable.

Medical Insurance

Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate traveling insurance.

Language

French and English are Canada's two official languages. French is the predominant language in Quebec City. However, most, if not all, banks, hotels, airline offices, shops, and key visitor attractions in each city have multilingual staff and most citizens will be able to answer in both languages.

Electricity

The electrical current is the same as in the United States: 110 volts AC at 60Hz. Adapters are required for appliances from other countries.

Airport Transfers

Quebec City is served by the Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB), located 16 km (10 miles) from the centre of the city. Cab fare from the airport to the city center is a flat CAD $30. Limousine and Airporter shuttle bus services are also available at reasonable rates. All of these services accept major credit cards.

Weather

To really experience Quebec City at its finest, visit during the glorious autumn months in September and October. The Canadian maple trees blaze with colour for weeks on end and the skies are often dazzling blue. The so-called Indian summer arrives early in Québec City. It usually lasts 2-3 weeks from mid/late September to early/mid October. Nature’s beauty is very colorful in the fall and a very popular time to visit the province. With average minimum and maximum daily temperatures of 7 and 18°C (45-65°F) in September, you may need a light jacket or sweater to keep warm.

Time Zone

Quebec City is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (-0500 GMT). Daylight Savings Time (DST) is in effect from 2:00 a.m. on March 9, 2008 until 2:00 a.m. on November 2, 2008.

Telephone Service

Quebec City employs two separate area codes: 418 and 581. Calls within the greater Quebec City area are local regardless of the area code. However, you will need to dial all ten digits of the phone number in order to be connected. Check with your cellular service provider to ensure your plan offers roaming/long distance service in Quebec City.