Money works differently in Quebec — between sales taxes, the two levels of income tax and the credit system, there's a lot to learn.
Sales taxes: the price on the tag isn't what you pay
GST (federal) 5% + QST (provincial) 9.975% = about 15% on top of the listed price. Exempt: basic groceries, prescription medications, certain children's clothing.
Tipping
15–20% before tax at a restaurant. 15% for hairdressers, taxis, delivery drivers. Quick trick: the total of the two taxes ≈ 15%.
The tax system
Two separate returns: federal (CRA) and provincial (Revenu Québec). Deadline: April 30. Even with little income, file your return to access the Canada Child Benefit, the Quebec Family Allowance, the GST/HST credit and the solidarity tax credit.
CARI offers a tax help service (March–April).
Building your credit
Your score starts at zero in Canada (range: 300 to 900). Get a secured credit card, use it regularly, ALWAYS pay the full balance, pay all your bills on time, use no more than 30% of your limit. Free check: Equifax or TransUnion.
Approximate monthly budget (single person)
Housing: $1,000–$1,400Groceries: $300–$500STM transit pass: $100Phone: $40–$70Internet: $50–$80Hydro: $60–$120Home insurance: $20–$40Other: $200–$400Total: $1,770–$2,710Benefits you may be entitled to
CCB (per child under 18), Quebec Family Allowance, GST/HST credit, solidarity credit, work premium. All calculated from your tax return.
