The Canadian dollar is Manitoba's official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted, with an exchange-rate close to par. Smaller establishments may become flustered if asked to calculate exchange, so carry a supply of colorful Canadian bills. Can$1 and Can$2 bills have been replaced by coins, commonly called the loonie and the toonie (the former nickname deriving from the loon on the Can$1 coin, the latter because it rhymes with the former).
ATMs are widely available. Banks operate Monday-Saturday during standard business hours. Credit cards or cash are the easiest way to handle transactions. Debit cards are in increasingly common use as well.
Taxes
Manitoba collects a federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on all transactions except for grocery-store food purchases, and a universal 7% provincial retail-sales tax (PST). Visitors may be eligible for a rebate of the federal tax. For details, contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Phone toll-free 800-668-4748 or visit http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors.
The province does not charge a separate hotel tax.
Tipping
Tippers will find 15% appropriate for good service, with a slightly higher amount (up to 20%) suggested for excellent care. Hotel porters will appreciate Can$2 per piece of luggage handled for a guest.
