Ottawa, Canada

What to wear in Ottawa, Canada

Dress as you would in any cosmopolitan city, but keep in mind that you are further north and temperatures are cooler than you may be used to for corresponding seasons in the US. Spring and summer often call for a light sweater and in the winter, a full ensemble of heavy coat, scarf, gloves, hat, boots and very warm socks are required. Over all, "nice casual" is the order of the day, and since you'll most likely walk everywhere, comfortable shoes are a necessity!.

Spoken language in Ottawa, Canada

English and French are the regional languages, as Canada is officially bilingual.

Electricity in Ottawa, Canada

The electrical current is the same as in the United States, so you won't need an adapter.

Customs information for Ottawa, Canada visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry

American citizens are not required to have either a passport or visa to enter Canada, but you must have proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate with a raised seal and a government-issued photo ID. Naturalized US citizens must have their naturalization certificate, and alien permanent residents must carry their Alien Registration Receipt Card.

Canadian Customs

Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Property

Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country - including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials - you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.

US Customs

US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

US Consulate

490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 Canada, phone 613-238-5335 or toll-free 800-283-4356.

Advising for Ottawa, Canada visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Tax Refund

The GST (Goods and Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.