We recommend that visitors to Ontario use Canadian funds.

If you need to exchange your own currency for Canadian funds (or vice versa), a good rate of exchange is offered by:

Ontario banks and trust companies. If you use a small local branch, we recommend you call ahead to confirm their capacity to exchange, on the spot, any currency other than American funds.

Most currency exchanges. Look for these in two of our international airports (Toronto and Ottawa); and at many of Ontario's Travel Information Centres near the U.S./Canada border for locations. Our Travel Information Centres can exchange Canadian dollars for most major international currencies, and vice versa. If you wish to exchange a large amount, or to exchange a less common currency, telephone ahead to ensure we can serve you.

Many stores and services will accept U.S. currency, but the exchange rate they offer may vary greatly. Since there are no laws enforcing foreign currency rates of exchange, we strongly recommend that you convert to Canadian funds before you make your purchases.

We recommend also that you buy travellers' cheques at your home bank, in Canadian dollars. If they are issued in any other currency, treat them as cash and convert them at a bank or trust company.

Banks are generally open in the core hours of 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday; many in larger centres have extended hours Friday evening. A few branches in major cities may be open on Saturday mornings. Trust companies are usually open for longer hours, and are more often open on Saturday mornings.

Visitors who need cheque-cashing or other banking services are advised to check with each specific institution beforehand for their hours and range of services.

Most major North American credit cards are welcome in Ontario, including American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club EnRoute, Mastercard and Visa. A few establishments do not accept any cards.

Cards can be used in an increasing range of electronic purchases, including entertainment ticket reservations by telephone for major performances and sports events in larger cities. Handling surcharges may apply.

Automated banking machines (ATMs) with 24-hour access, and various in-store debit card services, are available across Ontario on a basis similar to the services available elsewhere in Canada and in the United States. Many support interbank cash transactions. They are located in many small and large stores, malls, banks, trust companies, and public transportation terminals.

Before you leave home, check with your bank to find out what range of banking services its cards will allow you to use.

In Canada, tips or service charges in restaurants and bars are not normally added to the bill presented to you. Exceptions occur mainly in restaurants where a large party of diners is billed as a group: in these cases, a set service charge may be added. Consult your waiter for specific information.

Depending on the quality of service, you may wish to give a tip of 10% to 15% of the pre-tax total; some diners give more for exceptional service.

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