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The currency used in Quebec is the Canadian dollar. It is divided into 100 cents. Canadian money is available in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar bills and in coins of 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents, as well as in 1 and 2 dollar coins. You can change your money in most of the financial institutions (be careful because they have reduced opening hours), as well as in the currency exchange bureaus in major hotels, in airports and in some of the larger cities. If you wish to know how much your money is worth in Canadian dollars, you can visit the following website: www.xe.com

Normal banking hours are from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at some locations. Traveler's cheques, ideally in Canadian funds, are the safest way to carry money and are accepted by banks and major commercial establishments. There are different Canadian chartered banks with branches throughout the area, along with over 100 Caisses populaires Desjardins (credit union) branches. See the local listings in the telephone directory.

With the advent of automated teller machines, visitors can do banking through network systems like "Plus", "Circus", "Interac", etc. and enjoy excellent rates of exchange.

Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere.

Prices advertised in Quebec usually exclude taxes. When you go to pay, the following taxes will be added: the GST (5% of the sales price) and the QST (9.5% of the sales price plus the GST).

Tips are rarely included on bills in Quebec. The commonly used calculation for tipping is 15% of the amount of the bill before taxes.

Barbers/Hair salons: 10-15% of the amount of the bill and $1 or $2 to the person who washes your hair.

Taxi drivers: $1 or $2 for a trip.

Tour guides: 50c per person, $1 if the guide accompanies you all day.

Chambermaid: $1 or $2 per day.

Québec's electrical current is 60 cycles, 110 volts. An adapter is needed for electrical appliances using another type of current, such as the 220-volt European system.

The Tobacco Law forbids smoking in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants.