Travel tips · Quebec City · Canada
Quebec City 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
Quebec City is overwhelmingly French-speaking — far more so than Montreal — and proud of a history stretching back to 1608. English is widely understood in hotels, shops and restaurants of the old town, but a greeting in French is appreciated everywhere. Locals embrace winter rather than hide from it, and the city's calendar revolves around festivals in both the coldest and warmest months.
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 throughout the city.
- Emergency
- 911 (police, ambulance, fire)
Things to know
- Greet with 'Bonjour' when entering a shop or restaurant; staff will usually switch to English if you need it.
- Quebec French has its own expressions; don't be surprised by 'bienvenue' as a reply to 'merci'.
- Avoid treating Quebec as simply 'part of France' or reopening old French–English history as a joke.
- Wait to be seated in restaurants unless a sign says otherwise.
- Dress warmly and in layers in winter; locals take cold-weather gear seriously.
- Prices are shown before sales taxes of about 15%, and a tip of 15–20% is expected in restaurants on top.
Tipping
Tipping is expected: about 15–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and about 10–15% for taxis. Card terminals usually suggest percentages.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello / good day |
| Merci | Thank you |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît | The bill, please |
| Bienvenue | You're welcome (in Quebec usage) |
| Un dépanneur | A corner shop |
| Une cabane à sucre | A sugar shack |
What to wear
Casual is fine almost everywhere. In winter, insulated boots with grip, a warm coat, hat and mittens are essential, as streets and stairs can be icy.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, hotels and many public buildings; Canadian mobile data is relatively expensive, so an eSIM can save money.
- Time zone
- America/Toronto
Quebec City has low levels of street crime for visitors; the main hazards are icy stairways and pavements in winter and extreme wind chill. Normal precautions against bag theft apply in crowded festival areas.
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 Quebec City?
Tipping is expected: about 15–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and about 10–15% for taxis. Card terminals usually suggest percentages.
+Can you drink the tap water in Quebec City?
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.
+What plugs are used in Quebec City?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Quebec City?
French and English.