Canadian Currency

Canada’s official currency is the Canadian Dollar ($). One dollar equals 100 cents (¢).

Coins come in six denominations. Each is a different size, shape and colour for easy identification.

• penny = 1¢
• nickel = 5¢
• dime = 10¢
• quarter = 25¢
• dollar = $1.00 (known as the “loonie”)
• two dollar = $2.00 (known as the “toonie”)

All paper money is the same size, but each bill is a different colour. The paper bills used most are:

• $5 — blue
• $10 — purple
• $20 — green
• $50 — red
• $100 — brown

Currency Exchange

Although most establishments in Sarnia-Lambton offer fair U.S. exchange, to ensure the best rates it is recommended to convert money at:

Currency can also be converted at any local bank.

Prices and Sales Tax

When shopping in Canada, you pay the amount marked on the price tag plus tax. It is not common in Canada to barter for lower prices. When you pay for the item, the tax will be added to the total. As a general rule, the total tax will be 13% of the original price. This includes the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST). You do not have to pay GST on all things you buy. For example, there is no GST charged on basic groceries and drugs prescribed by a doctor.

On July 1, 2010, the Ontario government will combine GST and PST to produce the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). One tax of 13% will be added to the price of all goods and services in Ontario.

More Information:

• Currency Converter