The international access code for Canada is +1. The outgoing code is not necessary for calls to the U.S. and the Caribbean. The area code for Ottawa is (1)613, and (1)416 for Toronto. Internet cafes are widely available. Most international mobile phone companies have roaming agreements with Canadian operators, however it may be cheaper to buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card if visiting the country for long periods.
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There is no service charge added to restaurant bills, and staff expect to receive tips; 15 percent is the usual amount. Hairdressers and taxi drivers are also usually tipped at the same rate, while bellhops, doormen, porters and similar service providers at hotels, airports and stations are generally paid $1 per item of luggage carried. Tour guides and bus drivers generally receive $3-$5 per day.
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Most visits to Canada are trouble-free. The country is politically stable. The crime rate is low, but travelers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings as they would anywhere. Canada is prone to tornadoes between May and September.
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No vaccinations are necessary for travel to Canada. West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, poses a threat during summer months in rural areas, so insect-repellent measures are advised for those visiting the countryside particularly in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. Rabies is a problem and can be spread by small animals such as racoons and bats. Medical care is excellent, but expensive - medical insurance is essential. Food and water are entirely safe.
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Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs are standard.
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A New England native but explorer at heart, Melisse has lived in four U.S. cities, spent a summer in Hawaii, made her way through wine-producing regions in Australia and New Zealand, and traveled around Europe while studying abroad in London. She is the Content Manager for the U.S. and Canada at Cheapflights.