Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Montréal, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities need an eTA (C$7 online) for air travel. US citizens are exempt
- Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Tourist stays up to 6 months
- Canada uses ArriveCAN. Check if it is still required before your trip
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe and excellent quality, so bring a reusable bottle
- Montréal is very safe for travellers. Standard precautions in busy metro stations and late-night areas
- Healthcare is expensive for visitors, so travel insurance is essential. Pharmacies (Pharmaprix/Jean Coutu) are everywhere
Getting Around
- STM Metro: 4 lines, clean and reliable. Runs 5:30am–1am (1:30am weekends). OPUS card (C$6) + weekly pass (C$29)
- Bixi bikes: C$1 unlock + C$0.10/min or C$6 day pass. 800+ stations citywide. Flat terrain makes cycling easy
- Walking is the best way to explore. The Plateau, Mile End, and Old Montréal are all walkable between each other
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, libraries, metro stations, and public spaces. McDonald's and Tim Hortons always have WiFi
- Canadian SIM cards: Fido or Lucky Mobile from C$25/month for data. eSIMs from Airalo work well
- Download STM transit app and Bixi app before arrival. Google Maps works well for navigation
Money
- Cards accepted almost everywhere and tap/contactless is universal. Carry C$20–30 for delis and small shops
- ATMs at all banks (Desjardins, RBC, TD). Avoid currency exchange at airports and use your bank card
- Tipping is 15–20% at restaurants (expected, not optional), C$1–2 per drink at bars, 15% for taxi rides
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential. Even summer evenings can be cool (15°C). Winter is brutal (−15 to −25°C), so bring serious cold-weather gear
- Comfortable walking shoes: Montréal is a walking city with cobblestones in Old Montréal and hills around Mont Royal
- A reusable water bottle, umbrella (rain is frequent May–Oct), and a tote bag for market shopping
Cultural tips
French First
Start every interaction with "Bonjour". It signals respect for Québécois culture. Most Montréalers are bilingual and will switch to English if needed, but the effort is deeply appreciated.
Tipping Culture
Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is mandatory, not optional. Servers earn low base wages. Tip on the pre-tax amount. At bars, C$1–2 per drink. Skip tipping only at counter-service spots.
Drinking Age & Hours
The legal drinking age in Québec is 18, the lowest in North America. Bars close at 3am. Beer and wine are sold at dépanneurs (corner stores) and grocery stores until 11pm.
Bilingual Etiquette
Montréal is officially French-speaking but practically bilingual. Government services and signs are in French. Many Montréalers switch between languages mid-sentence, so do not be confused.
Winter Survival
If visiting November to March, dress for extreme cold. The underground city (RÉSO) connects 33km of walkways, metros, and malls. Locals use it to avoid the cold entirely.
Festival City
Montréal hosts more festivals per capita than anywhere in North America. Jazz Fest (June–July), Osheaga (August), Just for Laughs (July), and Nuit Blanche (February) are the biggest, and many events are free.
