Trip budget calculator
The total cost of your trip, provincial taxes and tips included.
Updated October 13, 2026For travellers
Money, sales taxes and tipping in Canada
In Canada, the price on the shelf or menu generally excludes sales tax, which is added at the till (5% to 15% depending on the province).
In restaurants, a tip is expected: usually 15 to 20% of the pre-tax amount. Tipping is also customary in taxis, at the hairdresser's and for guides.
Free tools
Run the numbers for your situation
Guides in this section
Sales tax and tipping in Canada: why the price you see isn't the price you pay
In Canada, prices are shown before tax and tipping is expected. Tax rates by province, how to calculate a tip and worked examples for a traveller from France.
Checked October 13, 2026Questions this section answers
- How much tax is added to the displayed price?
- How much should I tip, and who?
- Which bank card should I use to limit fees?
Official sources
- GST/HST and PST rates calculator (Canada Revenue Agency)
- Bank of Canada exchange rates (Bank of Canada)
France vs Canada
Differences to know
Price on the shelf
Money- France
- Tax includedThe price on the label is what you pay.
- Canada
- Before taxSales taxes (5 to 15% depending on the province) are added at the till.
Takeaway: Mentally add the province's taxes to every displayed price.
Restaurant tipping
Daily life- France
- OptionalService is included in prices; leaving a few euros is up to you.
- Canada
- 15 to 20%Expected, usually on the pre-tax amount. The card terminal suggests it.
Takeaway: At restaurants, budget about 30% more than the menu price (taxes plus tip).
Consumption tax
Business- France
- 20% VATOne standard rate nationwide (reduced rates for some goods).
- Canada
- 5% to 15%5% federal GST, plus a provincial tax or an HST depending on the province.
Takeaway: The rate depends on the customer's province: businesses often have to handle several rates.
More Travel topics
eTA, passport and customs
eTA required when flying, passport and declaration.
3 questions coveredTravel insurance
Healthcare is expensive for visitors: get proper cover.
3 questions coveredSIM, eSIM and phones
Roaming, travel eSIM or a local prepaid SIM.
3 questions coveredDriving and car rental
Car rental, surprising rules and winter driving.
3 questions coveredDestinations
Choose your region by season and trip length.
3 questions coveredRoad trips and itineraries
Realistic itineraries, distances and stops.
3 questions covered