More bang for your buck

Toronto offers visitors world-class products without world-class prices. For international visitors, our favourable rate of exchange means your dollar goes a long way.

Here’s what you need to know to spend money in Toronto:

• Toronto’s currency is the Canadian Dollar
• For denominations under five dollars we use coins, including the ‘Loonie’ (one dollar coin) and ‘Two-nie’ (two dollar coin)
• U.S. dollars are accepted in most Toronto establishments, although change from your transactions will be given in Canadian currency and exchange rates will differ with each merchant
• You’ll find cash machines/ATMs in most banks, hotels and shopping malls – cash is dispensed in Canadian currency
• Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are accepted at most (but not all) major retailers
• Currency exchange is available at banks and kiosks throughout the city, as well as in the airport

Tipping

If you’re happy with the service you receive, a 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining out in the city. Note that some restaurants automatically add this gratuity when serving large groups, so be sure to check your bill.

Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides. 15-20% is standard in these situations as well.

Taxes

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 6% tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. And as we’re part of the Province of Ontario, purchases made in Toronto are also subject to the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Tax Rebates

Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST that is paid on accommodation (up to 30 nights per visit), and on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. Be sure to keep your receipts – you’ll need to have them validated by Canada Customs at the airport or border crossing when you leave.

For more information about the visitors’ tax refund and to obtain an application form, visit www.cra.gc.ca/visitors or call 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 1-902-432-5608 (from outside Canada).

Tax Rebates Services

These companies offer services that ensure your visit to Toronto is less taxing. Visit them online, call or download their rebate application forms using the links below:

Custom House Global Foreign Exchange
Global Refund
Premier Tax-Free Services

Tax Rebates for Foreign-Based Convention Organizers

If the attendance at your convention is at least 75 per cent non-Canadian, you may be able to claim a rebate for tax paid on exhibition space and convention supplies (including business equipment rental, security, audiovisual equipment and speakers). If you’re planning a meeting, trade show or convention in Toronto, contact Tourism Toronto and Canada Customs & Revenue Agency well in advance to determine whether you qualify and what steps you’ll need to take.

The CCRA has produced an online document entitled Welcome to Canada - Your Guide to Bringing a Convention, Meeting, Trade Show, or Exhibition Across the Canadian Border (RC4032).

Toronto Visitor Guide
For everything you need to plan your trip to Toronto, check out our latest digital publication: Spring/Summer 2006 Toronto Visitor Guide