Visa and Passport
When visiting Canada, U.S. born citizens should carry a valid passport or a birth certificate plus photo I.D.; naturalized US citizens need naturalization certificates with photo I.D. and permanent residents (who are not citizens) need the alien-registration card.
Visitors from countries other than the U.S. must have a valid passport, and a visa may be required. For additional information regarding visas, please visit www.canadainternational.gc.ca
Banking and Taxes
Foreign Exchange and Banking
Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at numerous banks and stores (with purchases). There are numerous ATM Bank Machines in downtown Ottawa. Banks are generally closed on Sundays in Canada. There is a foreign exchange booth at the Ottawa airport and in the Rideau Shopping Centre, which is connected to the Ottawa Congress Centre.
Taxes
The Goods and Services Tax is currently a seven per cent tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST that is paid on accommodation (up to 30 nights per visit), and on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. They can apply for GST refunds only after they return to their own country. Rebate forms will be available at the hotel. For more information please visit the Canadian Government page with details
on tax rebates for visitors at:
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/tax-e.html.
Date Modified: 2005-Jan-17