It is recommended that visitors use Canadian funds. Currency exchange offices, conveniently located at most travel centres at the U.S. / Ontario Border, offer a good rate of exchange and are open daily. Good rates of exchange are also offered at the currency exchanges at international airports (Toronto, Ottawa) and at all banks, trust companies, and credit unions. Banks are generally open 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday, and to 6 pm on Friday. Most trust companies are open 9 am to 6 pm weekdays and on Saturday mornings.

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are welcome in Canada, including American Express, Master Card, and VISA.

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is 13% in Ontario. It is collected by the federal government. 

Goods and Services Tax Refund
The Government of Canada introduced the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP). It provides tax rebates on certain property and services used during conventions held in Canada, and on the accommodation portion of tour packages for non-residents. For more information, visit the Canada Revenue AgencyWebsite.

Local Banks/Currency Exchange

Bank of Montreal
90 Collier Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 734-7900
509 Bayfield Street, Unit J016, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 734-7930
494 Big Bay Point Road, Unit 101, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 734-7930
44 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 719-1181

CIBC
46 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 728-2459
363 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 737-2411
600 Yonge Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 725-6139
23 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 721-0966

Meridian Credit Union
18 Collier Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 728-5191
592 Yonge Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 737-2101
410 Essa Road, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 735-2970

Money Mart
9 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 721-7700
360 Bayfield Street, Unit 7, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 725-7680
241 Essa Road, Unit 6, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 812-3719

National Bank of Canada
64 Dunlop Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 726-9311
487 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 726-0340

Royal Bank
99 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie, ON Tel; (705) 725-7830
53 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 734-4400
405 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 728-0999
649 Yonge Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 792-1990

Scotiabank
44 Collier Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 726-0217
190 Minets Point Road, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 725-7320
544 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 726-3690
19 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 725-2670

TD Canada Trust
33 Collier Street, Suite 100, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 721-6001
327 Cundles Road East, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 728-7878 
624 Yonge Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 726-5594
534 Bayfield Street, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 721-6005
60 Mapleview Drive West, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 734-2287
53 Ardagh Road, Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 722-5767