Travel tips · Montreal · Canada
Montreal travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in North America, but most people in the centre are bilingual and switch easily between French and English. It mixes French-Canadian traditions with large Italian, Jewish, Haitian, Portuguese and Lebanese communities, and takes its festivals, food and summer terraces seriously.
Key facts
- Language
- French and English
- Currency
- CAD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Open conversations with 'Bonjour' or the local 'Bonjour-Hi'; it signals respect for French, and people will switch to English if needed.
- French is Quebec's official language, so signs and menus are in French first.
- Ask for the bill ('l'addition'); in many bistros it won't be brought until you do.
- Keep right on shared bike and walking paths such as the Lachine Canal, where summer traffic is heavy.
- Keep your voice down on residential streets in the Plateau at night, where restaurants and bars sit below apartments.
- Book Notre-Dame Basilica ahead: Book AURA show tickets online, especially for summer and holiday evenings.
- A 24-hour or 3-day STM pass covers the 747 airport bus, so buy one on arrival.
Tipping
Tip 15–20% of the pre-tax amount in restaurants and bars, and about 10–15% for taxis. Card machines prompt you, often calculating on the total including tax.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello / good day |
| Merci / Bienvenue | Thank you / You're welcome |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît | The bill, please |
| Dépanneur | Corner shop selling beer, wine and snacks |
| Un allongé | A long espresso |
| Bonne soirée | Have a good evening |
What to wear
Summer is warm and casual; winter needs an insulated coat, warm boots with good grip, a hat and gloves, as temperatures can feel below -20°C with wind chill.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Free public Wi-Fi (MTL WiFi) is available in many public spaces, and eSIMs and Canadian SIM cards work well.
- Time zone
- America/Toronto
Montreal is generally calm for visitors; pickpocketing in crowded festival areas and bike theft are the most common problems. In winter, icy pavements, ice falling from roofs and extreme cold are the real hazards, so wear boots with grip and dress in layers.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Canada's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Montreal?
Tip 15–20% of the pre-tax amount in restaurants and bars, and about 10–15% for taxis. Card machines prompt you, often calculating on the total including tax.
+Can you drink the tap water in Montreal?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Montreal?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Montreal?
French and English.