GO BACK

LOCAL INFORMATION

Medical Insurance

The meeting organizers are not responsible for individual or travel insurance for any meeting attendees. All participants are encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance before travelling to Ottawa.

 

Exchange rate and currency

Currency Canadian ($CAD)

Canadian currency includes coins and banknotes, with coins used for denominations of 1 and 2 dollars—commonly known as the "loonie" and "toonie"—instead of paper bills for those amounts.

For current exchange rates, visit the following site: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

 

Language

English and French are the most commonly spoken languages in Canada. In Ottawa, French and English are also common in local restaurants, bars, and shops.

 

Electricity

Canada uses Type A or B electricity sockets (outlets) similar to those used in the United States and Mexico (120V, 60Hz). For more information, visit this site http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/.

(Type A works on sockets type A and B while Type B will not work on sockets type A)

Gratuities for service

Tipping is common in Canada:

• Taxi: 15% of the fare

• Restaurants: 20% of the total bill (before tax) for good service, 25% for excellent service. For large group meals, some restaurants will include the cost of the tip in the bill, usually in the 18-20% rate