City in Alberta, Canada
Calgary
Practical big-city base for the Rockies, with sunny winters, Stampede in July and no provincial sales tax. The core is car-oriented and quiet at night; Banff is 90 minutes away.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,460–3,370Comfortable, one person · C$3,500–4,800Details
- Value for money31/100Better value than 30% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Jul, 25°CDetails
- Air quality7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableWater from the Bow and Elbow rivers is treated and safe.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$91–176Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and tap to pay work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Calgary
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Beltline | Bars, restaurants and condos near downtown; good first stay |
| Kensington (Hillhurst-Sunnyside) | Indie cafés and shops by the Bow River |
| Inglewood | Breweries, music venues and vintage shops |
| Downtown East Village | Library, riverside paths and Stampede grounds |
Apps that work in Calgary
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Widest restaurant choice |
| DoorDash | Frequent promos |
| SkipTheDishes | Common local app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: Taxis take cards and fixed airport rates; Uber is usually cheaper. Surge pricing hits after Stampede and Flames games.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and tap to pay work almost everywhere. Carry a little cash for Stampede stalls and tip jars.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Calgary solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Calgary meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.