The Visitor's Survival Guide (First Week)

💵 A. Money & Paying for Things

Canada is a "Tap" society. Cash is becoming rare.

1. Tap & Pay:
• Almost every shop (even small coffee stalls) accepts cards.
• TVT Advice: Use your Forex Card for big purchases (shopping/hotels) to save on conversion fees. Use Cash for very small items ($2-$5) or tips.
2. The "Tax Surprise":
• The price on the tag is NOT the final price.
• When you buy a shirt for $20, the cashier will ask for ~$22.60. (Sales tax is added at the counter, usually 13-15%). Do not argue with the cashier!
3. No Tax Refunds:
• Unlike Dubai or Europe, Canada does NOT refund VAT/GST to tourists at the airport. What you pay is gone.\

🚌 B. Getting Around (Public Transport)

Taxis are extremely expensive ($60+ for a medium ride). Use the bus/train.

1. No Cash on Buses:
• You generally cannot pay cash on the bus.
2. The "Card" You Need:
• Toronto (GTA): Buy a PRESTO Card ($6) at Shoppers Drug Mart or Subway stations. Load $20-$50 on it.
• Vancouver: Buy a Compass Card.
• Montreal: Buy an OPUS Card.
• Tip: You can use one card for multiple people only if you pay cash fares (complicated). Better: Buy one card per person.
3. The "2-Hour" Rule:
• One tap gives you unlimited travel for 2 hours. You can switch from Bus ➝ Train ➝ Bus without paying extra.

🚗 C. Driving on an Indian License

Can you drive your son's car?

• The Rule: Yes. As a visitor, you can drive legally on a valid Indian Driver's License.
• Duration:
• Ontario: Up to 60 days from arrival.
• BC: Up to 90 days.
• Condition: The license must be in English. If it is in Gujarati/Hindi, you need an IDP (International Driving Permit) before you leave India.
• Insurance Warning: Before you drive your relative's car, they MUST call their insurance company to add you as a "Occasional Driver." If you crash without this, they will be bankrupt.

🏥 D. Health & Doctors (The "Cash Patient")

You do not have free healthcare.

• If you get sick: Do NOT go to the "Emergency Room" (ER) for a fever or flu. You will wait 8 hours and pay $1,000 just to register.
• Where to go: Go to a "Walk-In Clinic."
• The Cost: You will have to pay cash upfront (usually $60 - $100 for a consultation).
• The Insurance Claim: Keep the receipt and the doctor's report. You will claim this back from your Travel Insurance provider later.

🛍️ E. Daily Life & Culture Shocks

• Milk in Bags: In Ontario/Quebec, milk comes in plastic bags (3 bags in a larger sack). You need a plastic jug/pitcher to hold them. Don't be confused!
• Shopping Bags: Stores do not give free plastic bags. Carry your own cloth bag, or pay $0.10 - $0.25 per bag.
• Tipping (Mandatory):
• If you eat at a restaurant with table service, you MUST tip 15% to 18%.
• If you don't tip, the waiter will likely stop you and ask if the service was bad.
• Exemption: You do not need to tip at McDonald's, Tim Hortons, or takeout counters.