Re: Info for Quebec trip, please

**G* <g*@gmail.com>**

Oh yeah, the price you see at the counter will have a tax of 13% added to it.  There are no other taxes you will pay but this is applied to everything you will purchase.  If your primary residence is in the US, you  can apply for a rebate (forms at the border) on major purchases but not for consumables.

For Canadians - the US retail tax regulations are considerably different than ours.  Each level of government gets to add a tax or not.  So different counties/cities can and often do have different sales tax rates so locals all know to head to X to shop because they'll save money on taxes.  You get your  state tax and local tax to deal with on a shopping bill. And each state has a different set of rules and regs on what is taxed or not and at what level.  And yes, it's confusing if you're traveling. 

Doug

Head Weeder and Creative Director
DougGreensGarden.com

On 2013-07-22, at 12:12 PM, Doug Green <gardeningemail@gmail.com> wrote:

> Have cash for small purchases.  Credit card for anything else (we do accept those) :-)    Best rates - generally at bank before you come.   Cash machines on the road tend to be pricey (at least they are in the US) - in Canada, usually $2 surcharge from the local service but your bank will likely tack on extra because they can.  Do it before you come.  Use credit card for everything else - the exchange rate is currently slightly in US favor but that's a variable right now.  You may win a bit or lose a bit on either end.  We just save ours and use it in a few months when we go down again but we always do it locally for best rates.
> 
> Best rates?  Depends on what you're looking for.  :-)  Best beer - any corner store you can find.  Be prepared though - this is not 3%.  A bottle of Maudit at 9% can be a surprise if you're not ready for it and those puppies come in quarts.  
> 
> Speed - is in Kilometres per hour.   Driving in Quebec is by Formula One rules.  If somebody else gets a nose in first, you let them go and don't get upset.  Back off.  Don't try to compete with local drivers unless you're a taxi driver from deep dark NYC and then only with caution. Everybody else will be eaten alive.  LOL.  Speeding tickets on hightways are normally only given if you're 20 k over the limit.  Don't plan on driving at the limit - particularly if you're on the highways - the trucks will mate with your back bumper.  And get your butt over to the right lane (US drivers are more prone to sitting out in that left lane than Canadians) - because a truck will show no mercy at 2-inches off your back bumper.
> 
> Gasoline - take a deep breath.  You're buying it in litres and it's about 25% more expensive in Canada.  Deals are usually for locals and found off highway.  Anything you're going to find is tourist dollar value.   
> 
> Get travel health insurance before you come across.  Our rates for non-citizens are tiny compared to yours but they can still add up.  I get mine through CAA so I'd assume AAA or whatever association you may belong to may have something.  Normally a 4 day trip costs around $30.
> 
> Do a weather search before you leave for weather.  Can be cool in QC in August at night.  
> 
> Have a great time - Quebec City is an amazing place with some superb gardens.  Those going to Quatre Vents are in for a rare treat (been twice) :-)
> 
> And finally - do try Poutine.  And a beaver-tail if you can find one.  Both are national treasures.  LOL
> 
> Doug
> 
> 
> 
> On Mon, Jul 22, 2013 at 11:11 AM, <loisdan@juno.com> wrote:
>> Doug Green,
>> 
>> Advice please. For those of us who are going to Quebec, should we
>> exchange our money, use charge cards only? What do you recommend and any
>> secrets on getting the best rates, gasoline for those of us who are
>> driving? Anything else we need to know?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Lois
>> 
>> Lois J. de Vries
>> Visit: http://cultivatingtheinnergardener.blogspot.com
>> Visit: http://loisdevries.blogspot.com
>> On Twitter: http://twitter.com/loisdevries
>> On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loisjdevries
>> 
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> Doug Green
> Head Weeder
> http://www.douggreensgarden.com/about.html
> https://www.amazon.com/author/douglasgreen
> 
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