2024 Algoma-Travel-Guide-online 100 - Flipbook - Page 80
VEHICLES AND
INSURANCE
SEAT BELTS
Any necessary permits are issued at
the port of entry. If you’ve rented a
vehicle or trailer, make sure you bring
along a copy of the rental contract,
which stipulates that you have
permission to use it in Canada. U.S.
motorists planning to travel in Canada
are advised to obtain a Canadian NonResident Inter-provincial Motor Vehicle
Liability Insurance Card available only
in the U.S. Contact your local insurance
agency. For more information contact
Canadian Border Services (204) 9833500, or (506) 636-5064, or visit the
website at www.cbsa.gc.ca
Note that in Ontario use of cellular and
other devices is hands-free.
www.ontario.ca/page/distracteddriving
HOSPITALS &
HEALTH INSURANCE
Most communities have hospitals and/
or resident doctors. Wise travellers will
check with their medical service plans
to ensure they will be covered while
in Canada, as health insurance plans
may not extend coverage outside your
country of residence. If you are taking
prescription drugs, make sure that they
are in the original packaging, bring an
adequate supply, and bring a copy of
the prescription in case you need a
refill during your stay in Ontario.
If this is not possible, carry a copy
of the prescription or a letter from
your doctor. For more information
and insurance details, contact your
travel agent, insurance broker, or your
employer’s insurance provider.
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Ontario Law requires that adults and
children over 40 lbs/18 kg in weight
wear seat belts. Infants from birth to
20 lbs / 9kg in weight must travel in
a rear-facing child restraint system.
Toddlers weighing 20-40 lbs/9 -18 kg
must travel in a forward or rear-facing
child restraint seat.
CREDIT CARDS,
FINANCIAL SERVICES
AND U.S. FUNDS
Chartered banks are located in virtually
all cities and towns. These full-service
institutions are the best locations for
exchanging currency. There is also
a government-sanctioned Canada
/ U.S. currency exchange service
at the International Bridge Plaza in
Sault Ste. Marie and at the Duty-Free
Store & Kiosk. Credit cards such as
Visa, MasterCard and AMEX, are
generally honoured in all communities.
Be sure to check with individual
businesses before or when booking
accommodations to ensure they
accept your card.
SALES TAX
In Ontario, a Harmonized Sales
Tax (HST) of 13% applies to most
purchases. For more information,
contact:
• 1-800-565-9353 (inside Canada);
• 1-902-432-5604 (outside Canada);
• www.cra-arc.gc.ca
CURRENCY
If you want to know what your money
is worth in Canada, visit www.
bankofcanada.ca/rates/exchange/
daily-converter/ to quickly convert
your currency to Canadian dollars.
BOATERS - HOW TO
REPORT YOUR ENTRY
Pleasure crafts may enter Canada by
trailer or under their own power. All
boats powered by motors 10 HP or
over must be licenced. Boat licences
from outside Ontario are accepted.
Operator Competency Requirements
for Pleasure Craft – Regulation requires
that all operators of motorized pleasure
crafts have proof of competency and
proof of age on board at all times. An
operator card or equivalent, issued
to a non-resident by their state or
country, will be considered as proof of
competency.
Learn more at www.safeboater.com
Planning to “land” your vessel on
Canadian soil or did you leave
Canadian waters and land on U.S.
soil? All private boaters who intend to
land on Canadian soil, or who have
departed Canadian waters and landed
on U.S. soil, are required to report to
a CBSA designated marine reporting
site. Upon arrival at this designated
site, call the Telephone Reporting
Centre at 1-888-226-7277 from the
phone provided to obtain clearance.
Not planning to “land” your vessel or
did you leave Canadian waters but did
not land on U.S. soil? You still need
to report to the CBSA. Certain private
boaters may contact the CBSA by
calling the TRC at 1-888-226-7277.
For more info, visit www.cbsa-asfc.
gc.ca/travel-voyage
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL
POLICE (OPP)
For police services anywhere in
Ontario, call the 24-hour toll-free 1-888310-1122 or 1-888-310-1133(TTY).
