Quebec City

1. Official Currency

The official currency of Quebec City, as in the rest of Canada, is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). The symbol for the Canadian Dollar is $, and it is often abbreviated as CAD to distinguish it from other dollar-based currencies.

• 1 Canadian Dollar (CAD) is divided into 100 cents.
• Common symbols: $, C$, or CA$.

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2. Exchange Rates

Exchange rates fluctuate daily based on global currency markets. As of October 2023, here are approximate exchange rates for some major currencies (note that these rates may vary depending on where you exchange money):

• 1 USD (United States Dollar) ≈ 1.35 CAD
• 1 EUR (Euro) ≈ 1.45 CAD
• 1 GBP (British Pound) ≈ 1.65 CAD
• 1 AUD (Australian Dollar) ≈ 0.88 CAD

For the most accurate and up-to-date rates, check with banks, currency exchange services, or online platforms like XE.com or OANDA.

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3. Where to Exchange Money

If you need to exchange foreign currency for Canadian Dollars, here are your best options in Quebec City:

Banks

• Banks in Quebec City offer reliable currency exchange services with competitive rates. Major banks include:
  • RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)
  • TD Canada Trust
  • Scotiabank
  • CIBC
  • National Bank of Canada
• Banks are typically open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some branches offering extended hours or weekend services.

Currency Exchange Offices

• Dedicated currency exchange offices often provide better rates than banks. Look for reputable services such as:
  • ICE (International Currency Exchange), which has locations in major cities and airports.
  • Local exchange offices in Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) or near tourist areas.

ATMs

• ATMs are widely available throughout Quebec City and often provide a convenient way to withdraw Canadian Dollars directly from your home bank account. However, be aware of:
  • Foreign transaction fees (charged by your home bank).
  • ATM operator fees (charged by the ATM provider).
  • Exchange rate markups (applied by your bank).

Airports

• Currency exchange counters are available at major airports, including Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). However, airport exchange rates are often less favorable than those at banks or local exchange offices.

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4. Credit Cards and Digital Payments

Quebec City is highly modernized, and credit cards and digital payments are widely accepted. Here’s what you need to know:

Credit Cards

• Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted almost everywhere, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
• Some smaller businesses or rural establishments may only accept cash or debit cards, so it’s good to carry some cash as a backup.

Digital Payments

• Digital payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are increasingly popular and accepted at many businesses.
• Contactless payments (tap-to-pay) are widely used for transactions under $250 CAD.

Debit Cards

• Canadian businesses often accept Interac debit cards, but foreign debit cards may not always work. Check with your bank to ensure your card is compatible with Canadian ATMs and payment systems.

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5. Typical Cash Denominations

Canadian currency includes both coins and banknotes. Here’s a breakdown:

Coins

• 5 cents: Nickel
• 10 cents: Dime
• 25 cents: Quarter
• $1: Loonie (named after the loon bird on the coin)
• $2: Toonie (a two-dollar coin)

Banknotes

• $5: Blue
• $10: Purple
• $20: Green
• $50: Red
• $100: Brown

All Canadian banknotes are made of polymer, making them durable and resistant to wear and tear. They also feature advanced security features, such as transparent windows and holograms.

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6. Cultural and Practical Tips for Handling Transactions

Here are some tips to help you navigate financial transactions in Quebec City:

Tipping Culture

• Tipping is customary in Quebec City, especially in the service industry. Standard tipping rates are:
  • 15-20% of the bill in restaurants.
  • 10-15% for taxi drivers.
  • $1-$2 CAD per bag for hotel porters or per day for housekeeping staff.

Language

• Quebec City is predominantly French-speaking, but most businesses in tourist areas will also speak English. If you’re unsure, you can say, “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?).

Small Change

• Keep small coins and bills handy for small purchases, such as snacks, public transportation, or tips. Some smaller businesses may not accept large bills (e.g., $50 or $100).

Sales Tax

• Prices displayed in stores and restaurants do not include sales tax. In Quebec, the combined tax rate is approximately 14.975% (5% federal GST + 9.975% provincial QST). Be prepared for your final bill to be higher than the listed price.

Cash vs. Card

• While credit cards are widely accepted, some smaller establishments (e.g., local markets, food trucks) may only accept cash. It’s a good idea to carry at least $20-$50 CAD in cash for emergencies or small purchases.

Counterfeit Awareness

• Counterfeit currency is rare in Canada, but it’s always good to familiarize yourself with the security features of Canadian banknotes. Look for the transparent window, raised ink, and holographic elements.

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7. Emergency Tips

• If your wallet or cards are lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately to block your cards. Most major banks have 24/7 customer service lines.
• For lost cash, unfortunately, there’s no recovery process, so always keep your money secure.
• If you need assistance, the local police (Service de police de la Ville de Québec) can be reached at 911 for emergencies or 418-641-2447 for non-emergencies.

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By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to handle currency and transactions during your visit to Quebec City. Enjoy your trip!