💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Montreal: card acceptance by area, how to pay for the metro and buses, and what to budget for smoked meat, poutine, and nightlife. For Canada-wide ATM tips, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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Very rarely. Montreal is extremely card-friendly, like the rest of Canada. Contactless tap-to-pay is the default payment method at restaurants, shops, the metro, food trucks, and even many market vendors. A few very small vendors at Jean-Talon Market or Atwater Market may prefer cash, and street performers appreciate coins. Carry C$20 as backup and you will be fine.
Where You Might Need Cash
Small market vendors at Jean-Talon or Atwater (some, not all). Street performers and buskers. Tips (though most restaurants handle tips at the card terminal). Coin laundry at hostels. Parking meters in some areas (though most accept the P$ app). That is essentially all.
Where Cards Work Fine
All restaurants and cafes. STM metro and buses (tap contactless card at turnstiles). Museums (Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Pointe-a-Calliere). Hotels. Uber. Food trucks. Bars and clubs on Saint-Laurent and Crescent Street. Supermarkets (IGA, Metro, Provigo). BIXI bike-share (card at stations). Visa, Mastercard, and Interac are accepted everywhere.
Paying by Card in Montreal
Visa and Mastercard (contactless) are universal. Amex is accepted at most larger businesses. Interac (Canadian debit) is everywhere. Tipping is handled at the card terminal, where you will be prompted to select a tip percentage. Montreal prices do not include tax: expect 15% (5% GST + 9.975% QST) added at the register.
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
The cobblestoned historic district along the waterfront. Notre-Dame Basilica: C$18 (card). Pointe-à-Callière Museum: C$24 (card). Restaurants on Rue Saint-Paul accept cards. Old Port activities (boat tours, Ferris wheel) accept cards. Art galleries accept cards. The most touristy area with full card acceptance. Budget C$25–50 for a restaurant meal.
Plateau Mont-Royal & Mile End
Montreal's trendiest neighborhoods. Schwartz's Deli: smoked meat sandwich C$12–15 (card). St-Viateur Bagels: C$1.25 each (card). Fairmount Bagels: C$1.25 (card). Restaurants along Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Avenue du Mont-Royal accept cards. Bars and live music venues accept cards. The best area for eating in Montreal.
Downtown & Underground City
Sainte-Catherine Street shopping is fully card-friendly. The Underground City (RESO) connects 33 km of shops, food courts, and metro stations, all card-friendly. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: permanent collection free, special exhibits C$24 (card). Bell Centre (Canadiens hockey) accepts cards. The commercial heart of Montreal.
Jean-Talon & Little Italy
Jean-Talon Market: one of North America's largest open-air markets. Most vendors accept cards, though a few small produce sellers may prefer cash. Restaurants in Little Italy accept cards. Espresso at a cafe: C$3–5 (card). A wonderful food experience. Budget C$15–30 for market shopping and eating.
Mont Royal & Tam-Tams
Mount Royal Park is free. The lookout (Bélvédère) offers the best city views. Sunday Tam-Tams drum circles in summer are free and a must-see. Food vendors at the base of the mountain accept cards. Beaver Lake area has a cafe (card). No cash needed for the mountain experience.
ATMs in Montreal
For Canada-wide ATM advice, see the Canada guide. You rarely need cash. Downtown: RBC, TD, BMO, Desjardins ATMs everywhere. Old Montreal: ATMs along Rue Saint-Paul. YUL Airport: ATMs in arrivals. Desjardins is Quebec's major credit union with extensive ATM coverage. Canadian bank ATMs charge no local fee.
Paying for the Metro, Buses & BIXI
STM Metro & Buses
Montreal's metro has 4 lines covering most tourist areas. Single fare: C$3.75 (tap your contactless card at the turnstile). Day pass: C$11. 3-day pass: C$22.25. The same fare works on buses. OPUS card (reloadable) available at stations for frequent riders. Metro runs from about 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM (1:30 AM on weekends).
BIXI Bike-Share
Montreal is very bikeable. Single ride (30 min): C$3.50 (card at any station or via the app). Day pass: C$7 (unlimited 30-minute rides). Stations are everywhere in the central neighborhoods. Great for getting between the Plateau, Old Montreal, and downtown. Montreal has an extensive bike lane network.
Airport Transfer
747 Express Bus: C$11 (exact cash or contactless card), runs 24/7 from YUL to downtown Berri-UQAM (45–70 min). Taxi: flat rate C$41.50 to downtown. Uber: C$30–50. The 747 is the best value. Buy a ticket at the airport machine (card) before boarding.
Tipping in Montreal
The Canada guide covers general norms. Restaurants: 15–20% (prompted at the card terminal). Bartenders: C$1–2 per drink or 15–20%. Hotel housekeeping: C$3–5 per day. Taxi/Uber: 15–20% through the app or terminal. Coffee shops: tip prompts appear but are optional. Tax in Quebec is 15% (already added to the bill), so tip on the pre-tax amount.
Prices in Montreal
Montreal is notably more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver for dining, nightlife, and accommodation. The food scene offers incredible value, from C$1.25 bagels to world-class restaurants. Note that Quebec adds 15% tax to most purchases (5% GST + 9.975% QST), which is not included in displayed prices.
| Item | Price (CAD) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal bagel | C$1.25 | $0.90 |
| Schwartz's smoked meat sandwich | C$12–15 | $8.55–10.70 |
| Poutine (La Banquise) | C$10–16 | $7.15–11.40 |
| Metro single fare | C$3.75 | $2.70 |
| Notre-Dame Basilica entry | C$18 | $12.85 |
| Craft beer (bar) | C$8–12 | $5.70–8.55 |
| BIXI bike ride (30 min) | C$3.50 | $2.50 |
| 747 Airport Bus | C$11 | $7.85 |
| Mid-range dinner for two | C$60–100 | $42.85–71.40 |
| Coffee (cafe) | C$4–6 | $2.85–4.30 |
| Budget hotel (per night) | C$120–200 | $85.70–142.85 |
| Montreal Museum of Fine Arts | Free (permanent) | Free |
USD estimates based on approximately C$1.40 = $1. Quebec tax (15%) not included in displayed prices. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Montreal
Quebec City (2.5 hours by car or bus)
A UNESCO-listed walled city that feels like a piece of Europe in North America. Orleans Express bus: C$50–70 each way (card). VIA Rail: C$40–90 each way (book in advance for best fares). Château Frontenac is free to admire from outside. Old Quebec is fully card-friendly. Restaurants in the Petit Champlain district accept cards. A beautiful day trip or better as an overnight stay.
Mont-Tremblant (1.5 hours by car)
Quebec's premier ski resort and summer outdoor destination. Rental car: C$50–80/day. Gondola ride: C$28 (card). Tremblant Village is pedestrianized and fully card-friendly. Restaurants and shops accept cards. Skiing: C$100–150/day lift ticket (card). Beautiful in both winter and fall foliage season. Not easily accessible by public transit.
Ottawa (2 hours by car or bus)
Canada's capital. Flixbus: C$20–40 each way (card). Parliament Hill: free to visit the grounds. National Gallery of Canada: C$20 (card). ByWard Market: card-friendly restaurants and shops. Rideau Canal: free to walk along. A compact, walkable capital. Budget C$40–80 for a day trip.
Montreal Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurants & cafes | ✅ Contactless | No | Tip on terminal |
| Metro & buses | ✅ Tap card | No | C$3.75/ride |
| Old Montreal | ✅ Cards accepted | No | Museums, restaurants |
| Plateau & Mile End | ✅ Cards accepted | No | Best food area |
| Jean-Talon Market | ✅ Most vendors | C$10–20 backup | A few small sellers cash |
| BIXI bikes | ✅ Card at station | No | C$3.50/30 min |
| Nightlife | ✅ Cards accepted | No | Saint-Laurent, Crescent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Montreal?
Very rarely. Contactless tap-to-pay works at restaurants, shops, the metro, and food trucks. A few small market vendors may want cash. Carry C$20 as backup.
How does the metro work?
4 lines covering the city. Single fare C$3.75 (tap contactless card). Day pass C$11. Same fare system for buses. Runs roughly 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM.
Do I need to speak French?
Service staff greet in French, but virtually everyone in the tourist industry speaks English. A simple "bonjour" goes a long way. Staff switch to English immediately if needed.
Is Montreal cheaper than Toronto?
Yes, notably. Dining, nightlife, and accommodation are all more affordable. Smoked meat sandwich C$12–15, poutine C$10–16, hotels C$120–200/night.
What should I budget for food?
Bagels C$1.25 each. Schwartz's smoked meat C$12–15. Poutine C$10–16. Mid-range dinner for two C$60–100. Montreal's food scene is incredible value.
How do I get from the airport?
747 Express Bus: C$11, runs 24/7, 45–70 min to downtown. Taxi: flat rate C$41.50. Uber: C$30–50. The 747 is the best value.
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