Essential local services, directory, and practical advice
| Product / Service | Vendor / Details |
|---|---|
| Presto Card (TTC, GO Train, UP Express) |
Physical Card purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart (or free download of the "Presto App" for compatible phones). |
| TTC eBike Rules | Check the official TTC website for current guidelines. |
| Lucky Mobile (Prepaid SIM Card) |
Dollarama, Walmart |
| Saily eSIM | Direct from vendor website |
| Well Known Taxi Cabs (Toronto) |
"Beck", "Co-op Cabs" (Telephone booking available) |
| Popular Food App (Downtown Toronto) |
UberEats (App) |
| Big Grocers (Downtown Core: near Yonge & Dundas) |
Loblaws, Metro, T&T |
| Major Pharmacies (Downtown Core) |
Shoppers Drug Mart (Note: Yonge & Carlton location is open 24/7), Rexall |
| Major Canadian Banks | TD, Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), RBC, BMO |
| Major Downtown Hotels (Yonge & Dundas area) |
Chelsea Hotel, Marriott (CF Eaton Centre), Holiday Inn (Carlton St.), Courtyard by Marriott, DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown |
| Downtown Emergency Rooms | Mount Sinai, Toronto General, SickKids (Children's Hospital) |
| Emergency Phone Number | 911 |
Tourist Tips – Quick Read
This article was kept as short as possible for fast reading. For more information, there are other guides within the website. YouTube or Artificial Intelligence may be of help, too.
If visiting Canada, join us at: Toronto.uk.com for local news articles and information.
The TTC (public transit) in Toronto uses a Presto Card. Transfers are valid for 2 hours. Credit cards can be used directly, but it can sometimes be a bit confusing.
Paper currency in Canada uses holograms and advanced security features. There are reports of high-quality counterfeit cash, so learn how to detect real money before coming.
There are specific news reports of tourists visiting Canada experiencing medical emergencies costing over $100,000 CAD (especially unforeseen accidents involving seniors). Get travel insurance for safety.
You can buy a temporary (prepaid) phone in Toronto. Get an adequate data plan and download an app like “TextNow” for a free (limited) local Toronto number.
When traveling outside the city into nature or going camping, phone coverage can be unreliable. Products like satellite communicators can help in emergencies.
Restaurants charge an extra HST (Harmonized Sales Tax, 13%) plus an expected tip (around 15%). A $100 meal will end up costing around $128. It is not like the UK or Australia where menu prices include tax and service.
Be aware of your physical surroundings and the time of day. Not all areas in Toronto are safe for tourists (especially very early in the morning or late at night). Unlike places that are generally safe like Japan, it pays to research neighbourhoods before touring.
Cheques and wire transfers can be fraudulent. Exercise extreme caution if conducting large financial transactions.
There have been reports of vehicles sold with major hidden damage, outstanding liens, or false serial numbers. Exercise strict due diligence.
Hotels and Airbnb hosts can sometimes cancel your reservation unexpectedly. Ensure you have a backup plan or choose highly reliable lodging.
Be cautious of rental scams where fraudsters attempt to rent the same unit to multiple people and disappear with the security deposits.
When hailing an Uber or similar service, double-check the license plate before entering. When taking a standard street taxi, beware of fake taxis that steal your debit card by refusing cash and using compromised card readers.
Be cautious if approached with a story that a “pizza delivery driver” or “taxi cab” won’t accept cash. Fraudsters ask victims to help by paying with a debit or credit card in exchange for cash, stealing card data in the process.
Protect your valuables, such as your phone and jewelry, especially in crowded areas. Pickpocketing incidents do occur.
Beware of imposters calling and pretending to be from banks or government agencies (call display names can be spoofed). They may ask you to reply “Y” via SMS, granting them account access. Always hang up and call the official customer service number directly.
Search engine results sometimes lead to fake websites or expired domains posing as official entities. Appearing at the top of search results does not guarantee authenticity. Double-check URLs carefully.
Watch out for third-party ticket resellers appearing in search results. They often charge hundreds of dollars in avoidable service fees. Always navigate directly to official event venues to purchase tickets.
Ensure you have your personal emergency contacts updated, accessible, and ready before traveling.