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U.S. Visitor Information
American dollars have been worth more in Canada for some time. Click here for the current exchange rate information.
You may want to carry some Canadian cash when you enter Canada but automated teller machines are readily available and usually offer the best exchange rates. Don’t be surprised if your money feels heavier; loonies and toonies ($1 and $2 coins) are in wide circulation.
In Prince Edward Island, both the Federal GST and provincial PST are applied to many purchases, but clothing and footwear are not charged the 10% PST.
Non-resident visitors to Canada are entitled to a rebate of GST/HST on certain goods they take out of Canada as well as short-term accommodations. Keep your receipts and pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors to apply for your GST/HST rebate. Forms are available at any Customs office, in most tourism information centres, duty-free shops, and department stores, and even some hotels. This program will end April 1, 2007.
American citizens and permanent residents do not require a passport or visa to enter Canada. All you need are travel documents proving identity and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Acceptable documents include photo identification, such as a valid driver's license, plus a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or green card. If you are travelling with children under 18 years of age, you should carry identification for each child such as a birth certificate or green card. Children travelling without their parents, with one parent, or with guardians, should carry written permission.
After January 8, 2007, the U.S. government will be requiring that each U.S. citizen and permanent resident leaving the country or returning to the United States by air or sea must carry a valid U.S. passport or other secure travel document such as a NEXUS Air card when used at a NEXUS Air kiosk. Effective December 31, 2007, each U.S. citizen or permanent resident leaving the country or re-entering the United States through any land, air or sea border will be required to carry a valid U.S. passport.
For detailed information about obtaining or renewing your U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services Office, or access U.S. passport application services from the United States Postal Service.
For detailed information on entry requirements, including medical exams, working or studying in Canada, and what you are permitted to bring into Canada, visit the Canada International web site.
Keep in mind that distances are measured in kilometres and speed limits are posted in metric as well. The metric system is also used for most grocery products. Temperatures are measured in Celsius; a very simple comparison to remember is that 20 degreees Celsius is about 70 Farenheit, and that average daytime summer temperatures in PEI are 23 degrees Celsius.
PEI is in the Atlantic Time Zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Time Zone.
U.S. residents returning to the United States after 48 hours can take back $800 US worth of merchandise, duty free, every 30 days. This may include one litre (33.8 fl oz.) of alcohol (provided the resident is 21 years or over), 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars that are not of Cuban origin. Members of a family travelling together may combine their personal exemptions. After a visit of less than 48 hours, or if the $400 allowance or part of it has been used within the previous 30 days, an exemption of $200 US is allowed (may not be combined by family members), including 150 mL (4 fl. oz.) of alcohol, 150 mL of perfume and no more than 50 cigarettes or 10 cigars, not of Cuban origin. Articles brought back into the U.S. as part of an exemption must be for personal or household use. They must be brought with the person and properly declared. They must not include prohibited or restricted items. Duty charged varies according to the country the article was made in and the type of article. More information about entering or re-entering the U.S. is available through 1. U.S. Customs.
