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Quebecers use the Canadian dollar ($) which is made up of 100 cents (¢). A 5 cent piece is called a nickel, a 10 cent piece a dime, and a 25 cent piece a quarter. The $1 coin has a loon (a type of waterfowl) on it so is known as a loonie; the $2 coin is known as a toonie. French Canadians refer to sous meaning penny or piastres for dollar. Paper money comes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 1,000-dollar denominations.

These money-changing shops cash checks and exchange currencies provided you have sufficient identification. For cash currency exchanges they sometimes provide better rates than banks. You can find them at airports, hotels and on popular boulevards and squares.

In the earlier 1900s Quebecers opened the first credit union in North America called a caisses populaire , or people’s bank. Today, while not as numerous as banks, they are more amiable and give attractive rates.

Quebecers recognize all major credit cards issued by legitimate financial entities throughout the world, but prefer cash, as there are charges associated with plastic. Bank debit cards are common at convenience stores, markets, bistros, cafés and restaurants. Check before you leave home that your debit card uses the Interac, Plus or Cirrus systems.

Traveler’s checks are accepted throughout Québec, but if you are traveling to isolated or rural areas, ask in advance to verify their acceptance. Otherwise you should have no real problems cashing American Express, Travelex, Visa or other major brand traveler’s checks in either of the city’s hotels, restaurants and stores.

Québec has a wealth of newspapers available at specialty stands. Local papers include The Montréal Gazette (daily) and Québec City’s weekly Chronicle-Telegraph in English. French papers include Le Devoir , La Presse , Le Journal de Montréal , Le Journal de Québec and Le Soleil .

Quebecers have the Canadian networks CBC (government-run), CTV and Global in English, and SRC, TQS, TVA and Téle-Québec in French. Radio stations are CBCFM at 93.5 & 95.1 in Montréal and 106.3 in Québec, CJAD 800 AM Talk Radio for English Montréal and INFO 690 AM for French. FM 94.3 CHYZ Radio Laval and CJMF 93.3 FM Classic Rock are active French stations in Québec City and Radio X CHOI at 98.1 FM broadcasts French and English music.

Tourisme Montréal publishes the official Tourist Guide each year available at many outlets. Free weeklies list most entertainment activities in both cities: The Mirror and The Hour (English) and Voir & Ici (French) are found in stores, restaurants and street boxes.

For cellular/satellite rentals with delivery seven days a week call World Cellular Rentals. To use public telephones, pick up the receiver, dial the number and deposit a flat fee of 25¢ to begin.

Internet cafés are located throughout both cities, where for a small fee based on the amount of time you are on line, you can pick up and send e-mails or access information on the web.