Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda.
Citizens of Australia and the U.K. must have passports. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.
Population: 122,709.
Languages: English.
Predominant Religions: Christian.
Time Zone: 3.5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-3.5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 709, area code;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
Most commercial banks offer money-changing services. On Water Street, you will find major branches for the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Royal Bank, Bank of Montreal and more.
There is a 15% sales tax in Newfoundland and Labrador, although some sales to nonresidents may be exempt. A 3% hotel tax is in effect in St. John's.
Tip 15% in restaurants, unless superior service warrants more. An easy way to calculate the tip is to use the tax as your amount (increase tip to 20% if the service was outstanding). Service providers (bell hops, hairdressers, taxi drivers) also expect the same gratuity. Customary tip for tour guides and motor-coach drivers is Can$1-$2 per day, per person.
Summer is the most enjoyable time to visit St. John's. It can be foggy, but temperatures are generally warm (highs around 70 F/21 C) during the day, with nights in the low 50s F/10-11 C. June has the most rainy days of the summer months, and fog sweeps in regularly. Early fall is drier but cooler, with highs in the low 60s F/15-17 C in September. A warm sweater will be useful any time of year.
Remember that if you're on the island of Newfoundland, you will never be more than 62 mi/100 km from the ocean. Many travelers are surprised by how cool the wind feels, even though the temperature is warm. Fog moves in fast and can take you by surprise in any season, though most often in spring and summer. Expect coolish temperatures and always, always pack at least light rain gear. Many of the major storms and hurricanes that cross the southern U.S. unleash their fury in Newfoundland before heading out to the Atlantic Ocean. While temperatures there are cooler than the rest of Canada, people from Newfoundland refer to their climate as character-building and invigorating.
Winter can be stormy, though the Atlantic moderates the cold, sometimes turning the snow to rain or sleet. Only hardy travelers who don't mind weather-related inconveniences should go then.
| Weather Forecast | Top  |
Weather forecast not available at this time.
| What to Wear | Top |
Casual-dress Fridays have been adopted by most businesses across Canada, relaxing even the conservative attire found in larger centers. Casual wear is welcome in St. John's year-round, but you will need to prepare for quick changes in weather, even in summer. Because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, a small change in wind direction can bring fog and cool winds. Dress in layers. A sweater or pullover is always a good addition, and a rainproof jacket is handy. While the thermometer may call for short sleeves, cool Atlantic breezes can make the air feel colder. Fall weather is cool but often pleasant. In winter, be prepared for freezing rain and icy sidewalks.
On the streets, you'll see a wide range of attire from stilettos to punk rock, but most people keep it casual in Newfoundland. Leather is a wardrobe staple in the Atlantic provinces, and boots are a fashion (and survival necessity) during the winter months. No matter what season, think layers when packing for Newfoundland. Even at the peak of humidity in summer, nights often cool off enough to warrant a sweater or light jacket.
Sweaters are often worn in place of a sport coat, but a tie should still be visible at the neck when visiting upscale establishments. Some places still have a "no running shoes, no jeans" policy in effect so call ahead if that's a concern. Very few restaurants have formal dress codes, but social convention mandates at least a sport coat in fine-dining establishments.
If you're traveling in the winter, be sure to pack a toque and mitts to go with your boots. If you don't have any, pick up a Canadian-made toque when you arrive—they're the warmest in the world.
| Communication | Top |
| Internet Access | Top |
Many bed-and-breakfasts and hotels offer Internet access to clients, as do some coffee shops. Free public Internet access is available at the public library at the Arts and Culture Centre, a complex on Allandale Road.
Wi-Fi is becoming more common in Newfoundland. The technology and availability is contantly changing, but if you need connectivity while visiting the province, ask the concierge when booking your lodging.
This downtown cafe offers Internet access. 123 New Gower St., St. John's. Phone 709-738-8324.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
There are postal outlets in most major shopping centers. Visit the Canadian postal system Web site if you know the postal code of the place you’ll be visiting (they are listed by postal code). http://www.canadapost.ca. The main post office in St. John's is at 98 Kenmount Road.
| Newspapers & Magazines | Top |
The Telegram is the daily newspaper in St. John's. It publishes community activity listings on Thursday and entertainment listings on Friday. Weekly newspapers include
The Express (published on Wednesday) and
The Independent (published on Sunday).
The Current is a free monthly entertainment newspaper distributed widely in downtown establishments.
Pay phones are much more widely available there than in most American cities. They accept cards or coins. To call anywhere within Newfoundland, you must dial 10 digits (an area code and a seven-digit number). Toll-free numbers begin with 800, 888 or 877. Directory assistance is 411; emergency is 911.
| Transportation | Top |
St. John's is a good city for walking. Most downtown attractions are within a short distance of one another and in close proximity to restaurants, hotels and museums.
Domestic and regional airlines serve St. John's International Airport (YYT), with Air Canada supplying connections from all cities in North America. Air Labrador also supplies daily scheduled flights throughout Newfoundland and Labrador from St. John's. Major rental car agencies maintain branches at the airport, and taxis and the metrobus are readily available. The airport is in Torbay, about 10 minutes' drive from the downtown core.
DRL Coachlines operates daily service between Port aux Basques and St. John's. For in-city needs, the metrobus is all you'll need.
We suggest renting a car during your visit, even if St. John's is your principal destination. With a vehicle at your disposal, you can more easily make day trips out of the city. The principal roadway in Newfoundland is Highway 1 (the TransCanada Highway), which begins in St. John's and runs west across the island to Port aux Basques. If you plan to stay only in the city core, everything is within walking distance.
There is no direct ferry service to St. John's, but a ferry runs three times a week mid-June to mid-September between North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Argentia (a town about 80 mi/130 km west of St. John's).
| Public Transportation | Top |
Metrobuses provide transportation throughout St. John's at Can$1.75 a ticket and make stops at many of the popular attractions.
More than 300 taxis serve the city of St. John's and are easily reached by phone. Unlike major centers, it's better to call for a cab than to try to hail one from a sidewalk. A few samples of some taxi companies include Avalon Taxi (phone 709-722-6070), King's Bridge Cabs (phone 709-726-5050) and Tickle Taxi (phone 709-579-9700).
| For More Information | Top |
| Tourist Offices | Top |
This office can help you with tour information and maps. City Hall Annex, 35 New Gower St., St. John's. Phone 709-576-8106. http://www.stjohns.ca.
