- Population: 2.5 million residents citywide (2006 census)
- Area Code: 416 and 647
- Tax: 8% on General Retail Sales, and 13% on Hotel Occupancy
- Time Zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5) with Daylight Saving Time (UTC-4) observed April through October
- Major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and JCB are widely accepted. ATMs can be found in many grocery and convenience stores, airports, as well as the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
- Canadian dollar (CAD or C$) is the official currency, please note that US dollar is not generally accepted
- Check for the latest exchange rates on: www.xe.com or www.oanda.com
- When exchanging money, currency exchange offices may offer better conditions than banks. Rates and fees are generally less favorable at counters in airports and tourist centers
- Traveler's checks are accepted as form of payment only if they are issued in Canadian dollars
- Restaurants: 15% on the pretax bill is the generally accepted practice, tipping is also expected for bar services
- Hotel Porterage/Bellhop: $1.00 - $2.00 per piece of luggage or parcel
- Valet Parking: $2.00-$3.00 to attendant
- Housekeeping Services: $2.00 - $3.00 /day
- Taxi/Towncar: 10%-15% of total
- Concierge Services: $5.00 +
- As of June 1, 2009, all arriving visitors in Canada are required to have a passport or equivalent travel document. This regulation includes all US citizens. If you are a US citizen in need of a passport, you can find more information on the US Department of State website. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a visa to enter Canada. Further information can be found on Canadian Immigration website.
- The main airport in Toronto is Pearson International Airport (IATA code: YYZ). For transport from airport to hotels, a taxicab fare is approximately C$50 - C$55, and takes about 40 - 50 minutes. Shuttle service is also available through Airport Express at the rate of C$19.95 per person each way.
- Toronto has the third largest and most heavily-used mass transit system in North America. Public transit is preferred as driving can be unpredictable due to extended rush hour. Check the Toronto Transit Commission website for information on fares, frequent use passes, and transit maps.
- When public transit is not available, taxicabs are easy to flag downtown. Meters start at C$3 and are distance-based. Outside of rush hour, fares will average around C$7 - 10, rarely topping C$15.
Toronto's multiculturalism is reflected in the cuisines of the city. Many ethnic cuisines can be found in different neighborhoods, such as Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines in Chinatown (along Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue), Greek cuisine on The Danforth (also known as Greektown, located on Danforth Avenue, between Chester Avenue and Dewhurst Boulevard), Italian cuisine in Corso Italia (on St. Clair Avenue West, between Westmount Avenue and Landsowne Avenue), various types of Jewish cuisines, and many more.
Numerous fine dining restaurants are also present in Toronto, many of which can be reserved online through Opentable website. Some of the most notable restaurants in Toronto are:
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