The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond

Travel Guide

Money, Tipping & Daily Costs

How much to budget per day, how tipping really works, and where to get the best exchange rate.

Overview

Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, contactless is standard, and US dollars are not usually accepted outside border towns.

Daily budgets

Budget travellers can manage on CAD $120–160 per day with hostels, transit, and grocery meals. Mid-range trips run CAD $250–400 per day for hotels, car rental, and restaurant meals. Luxury travel — fly-in lodges, fine dining, helicopter tours — starts around CAD $600 per day.

Tipping

Tipping is expected and forms a significant part of service workers' incomes. Standard restaurant tip is 18–20% on the pre-tax bill. Tip taxis 10–15%, hotel housekeeping CAD $3–5 per night, tour guides 10–15%, and bartenders CAD $1–2 per drink.

Taxes

Sales tax is added at the till, not displayed on price tags. Rates vary by province: 5% in Alberta, up to 15% in the Maritimes. Budget an extra 10–15% on top of every advertised price.

Cards & cash

Visa and Mastercard are universal. American Express is widely accepted in cities but less so in remote areas. Carry CAD $100–200 in cash for tips, parking meters, and small-town diners. Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid blocked cards.

Quick tips

  • Sales tax is added on top — multiply by 1.13 (Ontario) or 1.15 (Maritimes) when budgeting
  • Tap-to-pay limits are CAD $250 — over that you'll need to insert and PIN
  • Tipping under 15% signals a problem with the service, not the bill

Good to know

Frequently
asked.

Straight answers from travellers who have been there.

Should I exchange cash before arriving?
Not necessary. ATMs at Canadian airports give competitive rates. Bring a no-foreign-fee debit or credit card for the best value.
Is Canada expensive compared to the US or Europe?
Comparable to Western Europe and slightly more expensive than the US for dining and accommodation. Fuel and car rental costs are reasonable.
Do I need to tip at fast food or coffee shops?
No. Tipping is for table service, taxis, hotels, and bars. Counter-service tipping jars are optional.
Are prices negotiable in Canada?
Generally no. Retail and restaurant prices are fixed. The exception is some markets, used goods, and occasional accommodation packages.

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Getting Around

Getting Around Canada

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What to Pack

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Culture & Etiquette

Culture & Etiquette

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