There are two official Canadian languages – English and French. In addition to these, the top five languages spoken in Toronto are Chinese, Italian, Tamil, Portuguese and Spanish.

People with disabilities have the same tourism desires as others however, travelling in environments that don’t always consider the unique challenges of those with disabilities can be aggravating and disheartening. Toronto is proud to be an accessible destination, accommodating travellers of varying special needs! Start planning your trip to accessible Toronto with helpful maps, guides and tours from Travel with a Challenge, Accessible Toronto, Beyond Ability and Abilities. Travel with a Challenge lists accessible accommodations, and to savour Toronto’s global cuisine, visit Resto Toronto and Dine.TO which highlight accessible restaurants around the city. Looking for Accessible Transportation in Toronto? Dignity Transportation is Ontario’s largest transportation provider for those with special needs. Not all disabilities are obvious, so be sure to advise those accommodating you of your special needs.

Take charge of your travel needs by consulting The Canadian Travel Agencies guide for those with special requirements and for Accessibility standards in Ontario please visit www.cwdo.org/ASC_Welcome_page.htm.

Toronto offers visitors world-class products without world-class prices. A favourable exchange rate doesn't hurt, either. So be sure to pack an extra bag for the loot you'll want to bring back home.

• Toronto's currency is the Canadian dollar
• For denominations under five dollars we use coins - some we've even given cute names: the loonie ($1), and toonie ($2)
• U.S. dollars are accepted in most Toronto establishments, although you'll receive change in Canadian funds and exchange rates will differ from merchant to merchant
• You’ll find cash machines/ATMs in most banks, hotels and shopping centres
• Travelers cheques and credit cards are accepted at most (but not all) major retailers
• Currency exchange is available at banks and kiosks throughout the city and at the airport

Tipping
If you’re happy with the service you receive, a 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining out in the city. Note that some restaurants automatically add this gratuity when serving large groups, so be sure to check your bill.

Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides. 15-20% is standard in these situations as well.

Taxes
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a 13% tax that is applied to most purchases of taxable supplies of goods and services in the Province of Ontario. The HST consists of a 5% federal portion and an 8% retail sales tax portion.

Retail Sales Tax Rebate
Visitors to Ontario are eligible to claim a rebate of the 8% Retail Sales Tax (RST) paid on goods permanently removed from Ontario within 30 days of purchase. Please note that a refund is not available for the RST paid on taxable services. For more information visit the Ontario Ministry of Revenue website.

Visitors may qualify for a tax refund of RST if the RST paid on each invoice is $50.00 or more, the RST was not paid for tobacco products, liquor, wine or beer and the refund claim is made within four years of buying the goods. If the goods are removed to another Canadian Province, proof must be supplied that all of the applicable tax has been paid to the other Canadian Province.

To obtain your rebate please download and complete the Instructions and General Application for Refund of Retail Sales Tax (PDF), or contact:

Ontario Ministry of Revenue
Retail Sales Tax Refund Unit
1600 Champlain Ave, 2nd Floor
Whitby ON L1N 9B2

Toll free: 1 866 ONT-TAXS (1 866 668-8297)
Fax: 905 435-3543

Toronto is home to a vast multicultural population and is welcoming to all. For places of worship in Toronto please click here.