Tips for Travelers

By Pamela den Ouden

If this is your first visit to Canada, I have some advice for you about politeness in North American culture. My most important tip concerns gift-giving customs when you visit a host’s home. If you’re invited for supper, it’s considered good manners to bring something for the host. Traditionally, people bring flowers, chocolates, or a small gift that they’ve brought from their own country. Next, it’s important to be on time. If you have a business meeting, show respect by arriving five to ten minutes early. Greet the receptionist and introduce yourself. This will help you make a good impression. For a dinner engagement at someone’s home, you should arrive 10-15 minutes before the stated time. For example, if the host tells you dinner is at 5:00 p.m., you should arrive between 4:45-4:50. If you are unavoidably detained, call your host and explain why you’re going to be late. Finally, if you eat out at a restaurant, you should leave a tip of 15-20%. This is a typical amount. This has not been added into the price shown on the menu. Following these simple suggestions will help you avoid awkward situations and will make your visit to Canada more enjoyable.