City in Quebec, Canada
Montreal
French-speaking island city of festivals, great food, cheap-by-Canadian-standards rents and European street life. French helps, winters are brutal and summer is crowded with events.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,460–3,370Comfortable, one person · C$3,500–4,800Details
- Value for money29/100Better value than 28% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Jul, 25°CDetails
- Air quality7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSt Lawrence River water is treated and safe.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$105–211Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereContactless works almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Montreal
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Plateau-Mont-Royal | Cafés, bagels, parks; classic first stay |
| Old Montreal | Cobbled streets, historic hotels, near the port |
| Mile End | Artists, coffee and long stays; quiet streets |
| Downtown (Ville-Marie) | Metro hub, universities, malls, nightlife |
| Gay Village | Nightlife, central location, close to Old Montreal |
Apps that work in Montreal
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 meters are fixed; the airport has a flat rate to downtown. Uber is also widespread. Some drivers speak mostly French.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Contactless works almost everywhere. Carry a little cash for farmers' markets, food stands and some bars.
- 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 Montreal 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.