Montréal Information
Transfers & Directions
Visitors' Information
Concierge
Montréal Events
Currency Converter
Location Map
Transfers & Directions
Visitors' Information
Concierge
Montréal Events
Currency Converter
Location Map
Greeting
When greeting people, shake their hand, introduce yourself and present a business card. In some situations, the French custom of kissing your female host on both cheeks may be appropriate. However, if you are unsure, shake hands as this standard greeting will not offend. Canadians are generally very amiable, and Montréal residents are no exception. A casual and relaxed atmosphere usually ensues, no matter what the setting, and conversation generally flows very easily.
When greeting people, shake their hand, introduce yourself and present a business card. In some situations, the French custom of kissing your female host on both cheeks may be appropriate. However, if you are unsure, shake hands as this standard greeting will not offend. Canadians are generally very amiable, and Montréal residents are no exception. A casual and relaxed atmosphere usually ensues, no matter what the setting, and conversation generally flows very easily.
Tipping
As in USA, a service charge is not automatically added to restaurant bills. Tipping is generally expected and this can cause problems if one is used to having a service charge included in the bill. Service charges can only be added to the bill with your consent and normally amount to 10% to 20% of the total. Doormen and porters are normally tipped at around $1 per bag in a standard hotel. Maid service may be tipped at around $1 a day.
As in USA, a service charge is not automatically added to restaurant bills. Tipping is generally expected and this can cause problems if one is used to having a service charge included in the bill. Service charges can only be added to the bill with your consent and normally amount to 10% to 20% of the total. Doormen and porters are normally tipped at around $1 per bag in a standard hotel. Maid service may be tipped at around $1 a day.
Dress
Managers and executives are expected to dress conventionally; men in a business suit and tie, and women in a conservative dress, suit or trouser suit. Business dress may be less formal on Fridays. Outside business, casual clothes are acceptable in most situations, with the exception of some restaurants and hotel lounges.
Managers and executives are expected to dress conventionally; men in a business suit and tie, and women in a conservative dress, suit or trouser suit. Business dress may be less formal on Fridays. Outside business, casual clothes are acceptable in most situations, with the exception of some restaurants and hotel lounges.
Smoking
As in most Western countries, smoking is the subject of much debate in Canada. Most locations provide some form of rest area, although many of these are designated as non-smoking, and some organisations have banned smoking on their premises completely. If you are a smoker, exercise discretion and sensitivity when selecting a place in which to smoke. The best advice would be not to smoke unless others around you are doing so.
As in most Western countries, smoking is the subject of much debate in Canada. Most locations provide some form of rest area, although many of these are designated as non-smoking, and some organisations have banned smoking on their premises completely. If you are a smoker, exercise discretion and sensitivity when selecting a place in which to smoke. The best advice would be not to smoke unless others around you are doing so.
Region-specific Details
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Although English is widely spoken, it may be useful to learn a few phrases and greetings in French. French is mainly spoken in Québec, but French-Canadian communities exist in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, northern Manitoba and Ontario. Canadian French is linguistically similar to the French spoken in France; the difference may be likened to that between British English and American English.
Return to Main Page
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Although English is widely spoken, it may be useful to learn a few phrases and greetings in French. French is mainly spoken in Québec, but French-Canadian communities exist in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, northern Manitoba and Ontario. Canadian French is linguistically similar to the French spoken in France; the difference may be likened to that between British English and American English.
Return to Main Page
