General Information A-Z

Business hours

General working hours are 09:00 – 17:30 Monday – Friday.

The majority of banks are open between 10:00 – 15:00 Monday – Friday, with some occasionally staying open later.

Climate

Toronto has a semi-continental climate with a warm, humid summer and cold winter. Although Toronto is one of Canada’s warmer cities in winter, winters are still severe, with snow on the ground most days between mid-December and mid-March.

Average weather condtions in March

Maximum temperature: 5 ^OC

Minimum temperature: -2 ^OC

Hours of sunshine: 5.0

Days with rainfall: 8

Days with snowfall: 6

Depth of snow on ground (cm): 3

Windspeed (km per hr): 17

CME

The conference organisers are currently applying for accreditation for the meeting and will be able to confirm the number of points available shortly.

Currency, credit card and exchange

The currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD). You will find cash machines/ATMs in most banks, hotels and shopping centres. Travellers 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.

Customs

There are certain restrictions on what you may bring into Canada aside from your own personal effects. There are regulations concerning pets and livestock, firearms, prescription drugs, plants and meat products, alcohol, tobacco, commercial samples and anything you may leave in Canada. For detailed information on what you are allowed to bring in please contact the Canada Border Services Agency.

Electricity

Canadian appliances operate on 110 volts (60Hz), which is identical to the U.S. voltage. A universal adaptor is required for overseas electrical devices. 

Main wall sockets (or power outlets) and plugs for 110 volts are two parallel flat blades. If those sockets are different from the ones used in your country you will need a socket converter.

Geography

Toronto, on the north shore of Lake Ontario, is the largest of Canada’s vibrant urban centres and is located on a broad sloping plateau cut by numerous river valleys. It is the hub of the nation’s commercial, financial, industrial and cultural life.Toronto covers 641 sq.km and stretches 43 km from east to west and 21 km from north to south at its longest points.

Language

English and French are the 2 official languages spoken in Toronto.

Local information in Toronto

For further information on activities to do whilst visiting Toronto please visit the Tourism Toronto website - www.seetorontonow.com.

This website offers you a wide variety of things to do whilst in Toronto including alternative accommodation.


Passport and visa requirements

A valid passport is required in order to enter Canada.

For specific information on travel documents required to visit Canada from countries other than the U.S., please refer to www.cbsa.gc.ca and www.cic.gc.ca.

Population

5.5 million people.

Smoking

Be careful when smoking in public as most public places have banned smoking altogether.

Taxi

There are a number of different taxi companies in Toronto. Fares are standard, metered and non negotiable. The driver should start the meter at the beginning of the journey and stop it when you reach your destination. Refuse a taxi which doesn’t have an operational meter. If your service was acceptable, a 15-20% tip is customary.

 
Crown Taxi (+1 416 292 1212 / +1 877 750 7878) www.crowntaxi.com

Diamond Taxicab (+1 416 366 6868) www.diamondtaxi.ca

Royal Taxi (+1 416 777 9222) www.royaltaxi.ca

Tipping

 
If you are happy with the service you receive, a 15-20% tip on the bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining out within the city. Please be aware that some restaurants will automatically add this to bills when serving large groups.

Tips are expected for services such as taxi rides, 15-20% is standard.

Time

Time in Toronto is GMT -5 hours.

Taxes

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 5% tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. As they are part of the Province of Ontario, purchases made in Toronto are also subject to the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Please note that from 1st July 2010, the Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) system will be in operation, replacing GST / PST for most items. Further information on this new system will be available shortly.