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►General Travel Information
Credit Cards, Traveler’s Cheques & ATMs
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Despite its size, Montréal has a friendly atmosphere, with its rich history and French culture. Easy to access by air and by road, Montréal is 257 km from Québec City, 204 km from Ottawa (Canada’s Capital city), Ontario, and 546 km from Toronto, Ontario.
Climate
In August, the climate of Montréal is warm and humid; the average daily temperature is 21°C. Summers are generally sunny, with occasional muggy or rainy days & high humidity.
Visitors can expect rain about 9 days out of 31 in August.
All ICFHR 2008 participants must have a valid passport and/or appropriate travel documents when visiting Canada. Please consult the Canada Border Services Agency at: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/ for further guidelines, including what you are allowed to bring into Canada.
Some participants may require a VISA for entry into Canada. For more information on what travel documents are needed, inadmissibility to the country, as well as if you require a VISA, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/
VISA application forms are available at the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. *Upon receipt of registration, the ICFHR will kindly provide invitation letters for VISA purposes upon request. Please contact the ICFHR Secretariat for further information.
**It is strongly recommended that if you require a VISA, you apply at least one month in advance to ensure you receive your VISA in time for travel.
You can also visit the Canada Border Services Agency at: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/
The ICFHR 2008 will take place solely in English.
Canada operates with two official languages, English and French. However, Québec’s official language, including the island of Montréal, is French. Most signs are entirely in French; however, due to the ethnic diversity found in Montréal, many people do speak English and other languages throughout the city. Most businesses and hotels provide services in both French and English
To learn and practice simple phrases in French before your trip, please consult: www.tourisme-montreal.org/B2C_Target/TravelTips/EN/HTML/1463_EN.asp
Vaccinations are not required for entry into Canada.
Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have your own health insurance to pay for any medical costs you may incur in Canada. Pharmacies in Québec can only fill prescriptions written by medical professionals who are members of the Québec Professional Association of Physicians. If you will be bringing your own prescription medications, please consult the Canada Border Services Agency at: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/ for guidelines.
If you require emergency assistance (including police, ambulance or fire) during your stay in Canada, dial 9-1-1 from any telephone.
The province of Québec operates on a 24-hour clock (military time). Montréal belongs to the Eastern Daylight Time during the summer months. The time difference between Montréal time and Greenwich Mean Time is less than 4 hours during this period.
Montréal follows the standard North American electric current of 110 volts/60 cycles. Electric outlets in Canada cannot accommodate European plugs. Adaptors are thus recommended.
The Canadian dollar (CDN) is legal tender in Québec. Bank notes are available in the following denominations: $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Coins are also available as 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1 (a gold coin called a loonie), and $2 (gold and silver coin called a toonie). It is important to note that sometimes, small businesses may refuse to accept as cash any bills that are higher than $20.00.
Please feel free to consult the following currency converter: http://www.bonjourquebec.com/scripts/convertisseur/index.php?langue=en
Credit Cards, Traveler’s Cheques & ATMs
Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted almost everywhere. Traveler’s Cheques are accepted in some large hotels/restaurants/stores. These cheques must otherwise be cashed in at exchange offices (many are found downtown), or in banking institutions (usually open Monday through Friday with limited hours, which vary among institutions). If you have a bank card, then you can easily withdraw cash from most automatic teller machines (linked to the Cirrus, PLUS System or Interac networks), usually located in depanneur stores, at any time, seven days a week.
The province of Québec currently has two taxes that are added to prices of most goods and services. The 7.5% Québec (Provincial) Sales Tax (QST or PST) and the 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) both apply. An additional accommodation tax (approximately 3%) is also in effect for most hotels and other forms of accommodations.
As gratuities and tips are not included in bills here in Canada, visitors must leave a tip (15%-20% before taxes) on services received in restaurants and bars, as well as for taxi drivers and hairdressers. Tips are also highly recommended for hotel doormen and baggage porters ($1 per bag) as well as in tip jars found at some café and food counters.
Local calls from pay phones cost 50 ¢ each. Canadian coins or prepaid cards may be used at any local pay phone. Long distance calls can also be placed at pay phones. The international access code for Canada is +1. The area code for most of the Montréal area is (514). Telephone cards for long distance calls may be purchased at local depanneur stores and pharmacies.
Foreign cellular phones work in Québec. Please contact your provider for services available as well as applicable costs.
The city of Montréal has various venues that offer free wireless connections. Internet cafés with both desktop computers and public wireless connections are also available. Free public wireless connections are also available in public places through Ile Sans Fils, a non-profit community wireless network. Contact http://www.ilesansfil.org/ for more details prior to your trip.
Montréal is well known for a vast array of delicious cuisine options. Please consult our recommended Restaurant Guide for potential dining spots within the conference venue area.
Drivers who hold a driver’s license from their country of origin are permitted to drive within Québec (for a maximum period of 6 months) and in Canada. No international driving permit is thus required. The minimum age for driving is 16 years of age; however, please note that some car rental companies require the driver to be at least 25 years old.
Québec uses the metric system, so speeds are indicated in kilometres (100 km/h = 62 mph) and gas is sold in litres (3 3/4 litres = 1 US gallon).
In Québec, the road signs are in French, but international symbols are usually displayed.
Right turns on red lights are NOT ALLOWED on the island of Montréal, and disobeying this rule result in a fine of $138.00. However, outside of Montréal, turning right on a red light is authorized in most of Québec and across Canada, except at intersections where it is indicated that it is not permitted.
As of April 1, 2008, cell phone use is NOT ALLOWED while driving a vehicle.
For more information on road rules & regulations, go to: http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/accueil_en
Parking in Montréal may be difficult, especially within the downtown area. On major streets, most parking meters have been replaced by pay stations. Simply park your car and take note of the number of the parking spot, usually indicated by a blue & white sign. Next, go to the nearest automated pay station to pay the desired parking duration and take your ticket with you—there's no need to leave it in your vehicle. In residential areas, street signs (with numbered squares) will indicate if a street is reserved only for cars with permits and residential stickers. These signs will also indicate the dates and times, if parking restrictions are applicable.
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Montréal region is a tourist destination and accommodations are at a premium during the summer. If you would like accommodations at local hotels offering conference rates, please make reservations no later than July 18th, 2008.
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