City in Nova Scotia, Canada
Halifax
Friendly Atlantic port city with seafood, pubs, live music and easy trips to Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg. Winters are damp and windy, and transit outside the core is limited.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,320–3,160Comfortable, one person · C$3,300–4,500Details
- Value for money37/100Better value than 36% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Aug, 21°CDetails
- Air quality6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableHalifax Water is treated and safe.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- 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 Halifax
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown–Waterfront | Pubs, boardwalk and hostels near the harbour |
| North End (Gottingen) | Cafés, breweries and local life |
| South End | Universities, leafy streets, close to Point Pleasant Park |
| Dartmouth (ferry) | Cheaper rents and views across the harbour |
Apps that work in Halifax
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Main app; reliable pickups and upfront fares |
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 are metered and take cards; Uber works across the metro. Late availability is limited around 2–3 am.
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 small cash for some pubs and markets.
- 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 Halifax solo?
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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.