£1 CA$1.85
Today
11:53 pm
-4h from you
Weather in Canada
Canada
-1°
Moderate snow fall
Wed
-9
-1
Thu
-4
8
Fri
-10
-1
Sat
-8
-1
Sun
-8
1
SPF level in Canada
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Canada
Languages in Canada
Tipping in Canada
Tipping is customary in Canada for various service industries. The standard amount is usually 15-20% for good service.
Restaurant
15-20% of the pre-tax bill
Bar/Café
15-20% of the bill
Taxi
10-15% of the fare
Hotel Porter
1-2 CAD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 CAD per night
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost
Safety in Canada
Tips for British travellers
Canada is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take precautions against petty crime by not leaving your bags unattended and keeping valuables in a safe location.
Expect long jail sentences and heavy fines for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
Recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, but laws vary by province and it is illegal to take it across the border without a permit.
Be cautious of local wildlife while hiking or camping, take all rubbish with you, and keep a safe distance from animals.
Check local driving laws as they vary between provinces, including rules on turning right on a red light and whether you need an international driving permit.
Bonus tips:
In winter, highways can close due to snowstorms, and driving conditions can be dangerous even when roads are open.
From July to November, hurricanes can affect coastal areas, so check the latest weather conditions before and during your trip.
Driving in Canada
A valid UK driving license is usually sufficient for a short visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but not always mandatory.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Canada drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Canada
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Canadian electrical outlets operate at 120V and 60Hz. Plugs are typically Type A and Type B. UK visitors will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
High
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Canada
High
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are widely available in Canada, especially in urban areas. Most ATMs accept cards with a chip and PIN.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Canada. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 30 CAD (~£17.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Bell, Rogers, Telus
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is readily available throughout Canada. Most accommodations offer free WiFi.
Health & vaccinations in Canada
As a British tourist, you are responsible for your healthcare costs in Canada. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and repatriation. While the GHIC/EHIC card is useful in Europe, it is not valid in Canada.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, Canada has a high standard of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry. However, it's advisable to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Consult your doctor for personalized advice, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Calling Canada
Country code
+1
To call Canada from the UK, dial 00 1 followed by the area code and the local number.
To call the British High Commission in Ottawa from the UK, dial 00 1 613 237 1530.
The country code for Canada is 1. When calling Canada from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of your country (00 in the UK), followed by Canada's country code (1), and then the area code and the local number.
UK Embassy in Canada
British High Commission Ottawa
80 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5K7, Canada
Airports in Canada
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.