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Currency And Taxes

Chartered banks are located in virtually all cities and towns in Algoma. These full-service institutions are the best locations for exchanging currency. Note: most banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. There is also a government sanctioned Canada/U.S. currency exchange service at the Ontario Travel Information Centre in Sault Ste. Marie and at the Duty Free Store and Kiosk or at the Casino Sault Ste. Marie.

Credit Cards

Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club etc., are honoured in all communities in Algoma Country. Be sure to check with individual businesses before or when booking accommodations.

Taxes and Tax Rates

In Ontario, an 8% provincial sales tax applies to most purchases, and most goods and services are subject to the federal 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). For more information contact Canada Customs Officers: 1-800-668-4748 (Canada) 902-432-5608 (Outside Canada) Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

The general retail sales tax rate (RST) is 8%.

The other RST rates for certain goods and services are:
  • accommodation for a period of less than one month - 5%
  • admissions of more than $4 to places of amusement - 10%
  • alcoholic beverages sold through licensed establishments - 10%
  • alcoholic beverages sold through retail stores - 12%
  • alcoholic beverages taken from your inventory for your own use - 12%
  • alcoholic beverages provided free of charge - 12%

 

If you have any questions, contact the Border Information Service (BIS) line. This is a 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers all incoming calls and provides general border services information. You can access BIS free of charge throughout Canada by calling 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, you can access BIS by calling 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long-distance charges will apply). If you call during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday, except holidays), you can speak directly to an agent by pressing "0" at any time during the recording. www.cbsa.gc.ca