Question:  Sally Sholly asks: Do you have any tips for traveling in Canada? Montreal in particular, but all information will be helpful. I'm a little worried about the language barrier too.

Answer:  AAA's Inspector 40, who approves and rates lodgings and restaurants in Canada, answers: Travel with Canadian currency for all your cash transactions, or you may not get the a fair exchange rate exchange rate.  Or use your credit card. It is always best to exchange money at a bank rather than an exchange counter at the airport or on the street. Credit cards convert from the local currency and the exchange rate is dependent upon the bank with which you have your credit card. Some banks give a better conversion rate than others. All taxis from the airport into downtown Montreal are required to accept credit cards, but they prefer cash. I suggest you mention up front that you want to pay with a credit card. Taxis from the airport into downtown have a flat rate. Drivers speak English and French.

The tourist and business areas of Montreal and Quebec City have many people who are bilingual or adequately proficient in English. Locals understand that visitors do not speak French, but they appreciate any effort! Hello is "bonjour", Thank-you is "merci." More than 80% of folks in the province of Quebec are French-speaking; but keep in mind that Montreal is an international business city. The downtown area is very bilingual and has more than 10 per cent of its population have English as their first language.

If you want to do some sightseeing, I suggest you stay downtown. It is easy to get around on buses, taxis or the subway (called the Metro). There are many great shops, restaurants, pubs and museums downtown and in Old Montreal (a must-see), great nightlife on St-Laurent blvd and on Crescent and Bishop streets.  From downtown, many visitors like to take the subway and visit the Botanical Gardens across the street from the Olympic Stadium and Biodome. In Old Montreal, the Old port area is a night place to take a stroll and Notre Dame Basilica is a popular tourist stop. In Quebec City, the old City is a must to visit. (For large cities, Montreal and Quebec City are very safe, even at night. 

But if you are travelling by car, it is advisable that you do not leave valuables out in the open in your parked car. Car break-ins and thefts occur with higher frequency in the downtown areas. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in the car). Remember that speed limit signs reflect kilometers not miles.  Therefore, when you see 100 posted it means 62 miles/hr, not 100 mi/hr.

Montreal and Quebec City are famous for their old cities. Quebec City is 400 years old. Visitors rave about the high quality of cuisine and the variety of ethnic foods available, especially in Montreal. Try some Montreal bagels and Montreal-style smoked meat!