🔌 Plugs & adapters
Yes. You'll need a US-style (type A/B) adapter.
The voltage is 120V, much lower than the UK's 230V. Phone, laptop and camera chargers marked "100–240V" are fine with an adapter. UK hairdryers, straighteners and kettles usually won't work properly unless they're dual-voltage. You'd need a voltage converter, or buy one locally.
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins (no earth)
- Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin
🕒 Time difference
Toronto / Montreal (Eastern) is 5 hours behind the UK all year. Local time in Toronto / Montreal (Eastern): –.
Winnipeg (Central) is 5 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 6 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Local time in Winnipeg (Central): –.
Calgary (Mountain) is 6 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 7 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Local time in Calgary (Mountain): –.
Vancouver (Pacific) is 7 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 8 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Local time in Vancouver (Pacific): –.
Halifax (Atlantic) is 4 hours behind the UK all year. Local time in Halifax (Atlantic): –.
💶 Money & tipping
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD).
Expected: 15–20% in restaurants and for taxis.
🚗 Driving
Traffic drives on the right. Take extra care pulling out and at roundabouts, which go anticlockwise. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →
🗣️ Language & phone
Main language: English and French. Dialling code: +1.
Quick answers for Canada
Places in Canada
Other countries with the same plugs
Common questions
Do I need a plug adapter for Canada?
Yes. You'll need a US-style (type A/B) adapter. The voltage is 120V, much lower than the UK's 230V. Phone, laptop and camera chargers marked "100–240V" are fine with an adapter. UK hairdryers, straighteners and kettles usually won't work properly unless they're dual-voltage. You'd need a voltage converter, or buy one locally.
What plug type does Canada use?
Canada uses type A, B: type A – Two flat parallel pins (no earth); type B – Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin. The voltage is 120V at 60Hz.
What is the time difference between the UK and Canada?
Toronto / Montreal (Eastern) is 5 hours behind the UK all year. Winnipeg (Central) is 5 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 6 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Calgary (Mountain) is 6 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 7 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Vancouver (Pacific) is 7 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 8 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Halifax (Atlantic) is 4 hours behind the UK all year.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Canada?
On the right, unlike the UK. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, which go anticlockwise.
What currency is used in Canada?
The Canadian dollar (CAD).
Do you tip in Canada?
Expected: 15–20% in restaurants and for taxis.
What is the dialling code for Canada?
+1. From a UK phone, dial +1 and drop the first 0 of the local number.
For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.