Canada
Business practices in Canada are similar to those in the United States and Europe. Suits are generally expected at meetings. Usual courtesies observed including exchange of business cards, making appointments, etc. Office hours are 0900-1700 Monday to Friday
Although criminal activity is more common in urban areas, violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and rape are infrequent throughout the country. Most reported violent crimes continue to be committed by someone known to the victim, and the majority of property crimes can best be classified as crimes of opportunity.
Visitors to Canada's metropolitan areas should be advised to take the same type of security precautions they would while traveling to any major city in the world. Although Canada's violent crime rate is much lower than that found in the United States, it is still higher than the rate in many European countries. The continuing trend to reduce police operating budgets makes it increasingly difficult for the law enforcement community to adequately patrol higher crime areas.
International hotel chains are represented in major cities, but advance booking is essential. Guesthouses, farm vacations, bed & breakfast establishments and self-catering lodges are available throughout the country. For further information, contact the Canadian Tourist Office or the Hotel Association of Canada
There is a reduced rate 1800-0800 Monday to Friday, and 1200 Saturday to 0800 Monday. Full IDD is available. Country code: 1. Outgoing international code: 011. Fax services are available in commercial bureaux and most hotels all day at locally agreed rates.
Electricity is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) 2-pin plugs are standard.
110-120 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.
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Canadian cuisine is as varied as the country. The hundreds of miles of coastline offer varied seafood, and the central plains provide first-class beef and agricultural produce. Some more unusual produce might include elk, bison and caribou. The colonial influence is still strong, with European menus available in all major cities. The French influence in Québec is easily discernible in the many restaurants which specialize in French cuisine. Waiter service in restaurants is common. Dress requirements and billing procedures vary. A selection of European/US wines and spirits are imported, although the Canadians also enjoy their own, such as rye whisky.
Things to know: Spirits may only be purchased from specially-licensed liquor stores or restaurants displaying the sign ‘Licensed Premises.’ Many allow customers to bring their own beer or wine. A wide variety of alcohol is sold in most hotels, restaurants and bars. Bars may have table or counter service and payment is generally made after each drink. Opening hours vary from province to province.
Legal drinking age: The minimum drinking age is either 18 or 19, depending on the province/territory. See Social Profile in the individual Provinces/ Territories sections. Nunavut is an exception because alcohol is prohibited in some communities. Tipping
: Normal practice is usually 15 per cent of the bill, more if service is exceptional. Waiters, barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers should be tipped this amount. Porters at airports and railway stations, cloakroom attendants, bellhops, doormen and hotel porters generally expect C$1 per item of luggage. Tipping your server is standard practice in bars and nightclubs. Nightlife
Every major provincial capital in the more populated areas has nightclubs, and hotel dinner/dancing. Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg are centers for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce.
