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Toronto Local Custom Tips by paulbrec

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Toronto Pages by paulbrec


Toronto Local Custom Tips by paulbrec
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paulbrec   
We're here. Now what?


Real Name: Paul
Lives In: Toronto, CA
Member Since: May 20, 2002
VT Rank: 3452

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Tips 1 - 4 of 4
Toronto Local Customs
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People / Different cultures: Cultural Diversity
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  • Toronto People / Different cultures
  • Elm Street...No Nightmares Here
  • by paulbrec
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  • Toronto is Italian, Greek, Asian, French, German, Spanish...
    Toronto supports cultural diversity. When visiting Toronto, don't be surprised to see and meet people of different cultures. There are also many cultural events in Toronto. See 'Must See Activities' for more information.
    The official language of business is English, and the official languages of government are English and French.

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    People / Different cultures: A Friendly City !
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  • Toronto People / Different cultures
  • Downtown Business District
  • by paulbrec
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  • WE DON'T BITE...
    Torontonians are very friendly people, and love tourists. You will find that most locals will be helpful. You will run into the odd person who is not nice, but you get that everywhere. Overall, Toronto is a very pro-tourist city.

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    Tipping: Gratuities
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  • GRATUITIES
    In Toronto it is customary to leave a tip for food service, bellboys/redcaps, and taxi drivers. Generally 15% is good. You should not tip in self-service restaurants, or in coffee shops. However, some small shops have a "Tip Jar" on the counter. In this case it is OK to drop in some spare change. Also, in establishments that serve liquor, it is customary to tip slightly higher than 15% at the bar.

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    Taxes: Sales Tax
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  • GST & PST
    The total sales tax in the province of Ontario is 14%. There is a provincial tax (PST) of 8%, and a federal tax (GST) of 6%. What is and is not taxed is complicated, but for tourists, most things you buy will be taxed at the full rate. Some quick notes: Food in restaurants is taxed at the full rate (15%), but food bought from a store is not taxed (0%). Keeping in mind that soft drinks, potato chips, and candy, are not considered food. "Basic" clothing items and shoes are not taxed. There is no PST on books, but there is GST. The same applies to some office supplies, and school/educational products. There is GST on gasoline, and movie/theatre tickets, but its included in the final price. There is PST, GST and Liquor Tax on alcoholic beverages bought in a store or restaurant, but it is also included in the final price.
    As a rule of thumb, if the product is nessesary for survival, it is probably tax-free. If the product is considered "entertainment", it is probably taxed at the full rate. You could also do what people who live here do. Just assume that everything is going to have 15% tax, and if something doesn't, well, then..bonus!
    Visitors to Canada can get a tax rebate for any GST paid (minimum of $100) upon leaving the country. However, there is no rebate for PST. Tax rebate forms are available at the airport, and tourism centers.

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    More Toronto Tips

    OverviewThings to Do
    Tips: 7 - Photos: 7
    Restaurants
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 1
    Hotels & Accommodations
    Tips: 2 - Photos: 1
    Nightlife
    Tips: 2
    Off The Beaten Path
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 3
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 2 - Photos: 1
    Warnings Or Dangers
    Tips: 9 - Photos: 6
    Transportation
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 4
    Local Customs
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 2
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
    Shopping
    Tips: 7 - Photos: 3
    Sports TravelGeneral Tips
    Tips: 2 - Photos: 2

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    Comments for paulbrec about Toronto
    east_york_born Sat Oct 20, 2007 17:13 UTC
     you should ask yourself if there was a reason for the decline in police services.. there was not. they have simply adjusted to intervene when its becoming easier and easier to pick criminals out in open crowds as opposed to back alley ways. ownt
    triscuitbox Wed Aug 29, 2007 14:31 UTC
     this is the most relavent point on here. too true. BRING CASH!
    travelife Mon Apr 26, 2004 20:42 UTC
     Good pages on Toronto! I can in your desired future trips you would love Berlin! /Reza
    CdnJane Wed Mar 31, 2004 14:05 UTC
     Lots of very good tips on Toronto. Not sure I agree with everything you say, but that's what makes Canada great - we can disagree and respect the other's right to have differing opinions. I like that you updated tips instead of just deleting them.
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