A Dollar by Any Other Name…
By Jay Pennington

Here are some basic tips for handling money of any kind both within the confines of the meeting and beyond:

• One of the first differences you may notice about Canada is that the currency is much more colorful (i.e., colourful) than the somewhat monotonous US greenbacks. Easily distinguishable bills are commonly available in most of the same amounts as US dollars ($5, $10, $20, etc), but the most outstanding difference in Canadian currency is a “green” one—environmentally green, that is. The $1 bill has been replaced by a gold coin (called the loonie because of the image of the loon on one side), and a $2 silver coin is also used (the twoonie).
• AABB will accept both US and Canadian currencies and major credit cards. Change will be given in the currency paid.
• Prices given at Registration are in US dollars. The AABB Bookstore will post prices in both Canadian and US dollars.
• As you enjoy shopping and dining in Montréal, you should be aware that on most goods and services, you will pay two types of taxes: the national goods and services tax (GST) and the Québec sales tax (QST). In Québec, the 5% GST is added to the selling price before the 7.5% QST is figured. Your receipts should specify the amounts of each tax applied, when applicable. (See example.)
• Debit and bank cards are accepted for purchases at most restaurants and retail outlets, and at any bank ATM machine, you can withdraw Canadian funds from a foreign currency account. Keep in mind, however, that most US banks impose an additional fee beyond the exchange rate and usual ATM fees for ATM withdrawals and debit/credit purchases outside the United States.
• Tipping practices are much the same as they are in the United States.