What budget to travel Quebec? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Quebec?

Admission is usually between CAN$10 and CAN$30 for adults. Children, students and senior citizens are almost always offered discounts or even free admission. For example, access to national parks and historic sites is always free for under-18s. Many points of interest are also completely free, although some require a voluntary contribution. In cities like Montreal, passes combining various museums and attractions can save you a lot of money, provided you're there for at least 2-3 days.

There are ways to stretch your legs without having to pay a penny. Town and village councils provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to baseball fields. Access is usually free or for a small fee. There is also a whole network of free multipurpose trails in Quebec, for cyclists, hikers and cross-country skiers. However, a few dollars are required in national parks and certain nature reserves. However, to embark on adventures such as canyoning, rafting or snowmobiling, you need to budget accordingly.

The cost of living in Quebec is lower than in Europe. On the other hand, some products are more expensive, particularly in the gourmet sector (cheeses, spirits, etc.).

While the advertised price may seem attractive, don't forget that sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. You must therefore add 14.975% tax on your purchases (some products benefit from partial or total tax exemption, such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.).

Debit and credit card payments are generally accepted everywhere, even in more remote areas. Please note that there has been no tax refund program for visitors for many years.

Clubbing in Quebec is generally less expensive than in Europe (although not necessarily to the same high standard). As everywhere else, entry is often free before a certain time (usually 11pm) or by joining the guest list. Ladies also benefit from free admission on ladies' nights (at least one night a week). For cinema, discounts are often offered for matinee shows and on the weekly discount day (usually Tuesdays). Good deal for shows too: La Vitrine offers special deals and advantageous rates on pre-sales for all kinds of shows and events in Quebec (lavitrine.com).

It's important to remember that prices generally exclude taxes. Not only must you add taxes (14.975%), but also the 15% service charge when applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but it may happen that a venue's bar counter, for example, only accepts cash and/or debit card.

What budget to eat Quebec?

You can easily eat on the go for less than CAN$20. Expect to pay at least 20-25 CAN$ for lunch and at least 30-40 CAN$ for dinner. The menu du jour at lunchtime and the table d'hôte in the evening offer some savings, and include starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants also often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can vary from $60 to $150 CAN, or even more, and a wine pairing is offered as an extra.

All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

In Quebec, you can also take home the rest of your meal, or bring your own bottle of wine - or beer - to the restaurant. The "bring your own wine" concept is quite widespread, especially as there is no corkage fee to pay.

Prices for gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages are relatively similar to those in Europe, although a little more expensive even with the exchange rate. To save money, there are passports available at low prices that allow you to visit a pre-determined number of participating establishments in Quebec and obtain a free tasting or drink (plus tip). These include the Je bois local passport (jeboislocal.ca) for microbreweries and craft breweries, and the Circuit des vignobles passport (circuitdesvignobles.com) for vineyards, cideries and distilleries.

It's important to remember that prices are generally exclusive of taxes. Not only must you add taxes (14.975%), but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small shops sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

What is the budget for accommodation Quebec?

Of course, rates vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. A dormitory bed in a youth hostel will not cost the same as a suite in an upscale hotel. In the low season, you can find a nice room in a hostel or hotel for between $80 and $180 CAN, a price that rises - and can even double in major cities - in the high season or during major events.

It's important to remember that these prices generally exclude taxes. Not only must you add sales tax (14.975%), but also the lodging tax of 3.5% of the nightly rate (CAN$3.50 per night when the rental is offered to/by an intermediary). All forms of payment are accepted, but smaller hotels may limit themselves to cash, traveler's cheques and/or debit cards.

Travel budget Quebec and cost of living

To help you plan your daily budget on site, here are three examples to suit everyone's financial means.

Small budget: CAN$100 per day per person (camping/guesthouse accommodation, meals on the run or groceries, public transport or carpooling, free activities or activities costing less than CAN$10).

Medium budget: $250 CAN per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodation, fine dining, public transit or car, paid or package activities).

Large budget: from $400 CAN per day per person (luxury hotel or condo/chalet accommodation, fine dining, car transport, package activities/expeditions).

And don't forget that the prices of most consumer goods and services include a provincial tax (QST) of 9.975% and a national tax (GST) of 5%, generally not included in the posted price. A 15% tip must also be added to the bill in restaurants and bars. Tipping cab drivers, hotel cleaners and hairdressers is also recommended (but may be less than 15%). No tips at cinemas or theaters.

As forhaggling , this is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers can sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a large sum. Similarly, even though it's strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes agree not to charge you taxes if you pay for your purchases in cash and without the possibility of returning them...