Montreal-travel-tips

Getting Around:

  • Public Transit: Montreal boasts an excellent public transit system (STM). Purchase a reloadable OPUS card for easy access to buses and the metro.
  • Biking: The city is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and BIXI bike sharing stations readily available.
  • Walking: Montreal is pedestrian-friendly, especially in the downtown core and Old Montreal.

Cultural Etiquette:

  • Language: While French is the official language, most people in tourist areas speak English. A polite “Bonjour” (hello) goes a long way!
  • Greetings: Shake hands when meeting someone for the first time. Close friends might kiss each other on both cheeks.
  • Tipping: Tipping is customary in restaurants (15-20%), bars, and taxis (around 10%).

Dining:

  • Reservations: It’s recommended to make reservations, especially during peak season and at popular restaurants.
  • Table Manners: Keep your elbows off the table and use utensils properly.
  • Conversation: Avoid discussing controversial topics like politics or religion at the dinner table.

Shopping:

  • Haggling: Haggling is not common practice in Montreal. Prices are generally fixed.
  • Sales Tax: Be prepared to pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% and a Quebec Sales Tax (QST) of 9.975%.

General Tips:

  • Respect Personal Space: Canadians value personal space. Avoid standing too close when talking to someone.
  • Be Patient: Queues are common in Montreal, especially during peak hours. Be patient and respectful while waiting your turn.
  • Enjoy the Culture: Embrace the vibrant arts scene, explore historic sites, and savor delicious Québécois cuisine!