Postal Services, Telephone and Internet in Canada
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Post
The cost of postal services in Canada is dependent upon the destination and
the delivery time required, as well as the weight and size of the parcel or
letter. Both surface and air mail are offered through Canada Post. Inquire at
the local post office for limitations and restrictions regarding the cost of
sending your package. Insurance is available. For increased security, registered
mail can be arranged, as well as international courier service.
Stamps for standard items such as letters or postcards can be found at many
convenience stores, drug stores, hotel front desks and grocery store customer
service outlets, in addition to the post office. Post boxes are also located
throughout major cities.
Telephone
Public phones can be found easily throughout the streets of major cities on
street corners, in restaurants, bars, hotel lobbies, shopping centres, department
stores and other public buildings. The rates at public telephones vary from
city to city, but are generally inexpensive.
Telephone rates in Canada are competitive. Long-distance rates are, on average,
the same as the U.S. Rates are lowest between non-business hours, beginning
after 6pm on weekdays until 8am the following day. Long-distance rates are economical
all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
To make a long-distance call within Canada or the U.S., you must dial 1 and
then the area code followed by the number. For directory assistance dial 1 (area
code) 555-1212. There is a charge for this call. Other helpful numbers include
dialing "0" to reach the operator and "411" for information. These numbers,
as well as the number to reach emergency services (911) are all free from both
public and private phones, although there may be a charge for some services
provided. When dialling "411" for information from a private phone, be aware that there will be a charge for the call if the information you are seeking is available in the local telephone book. Toll-free numbers are often available for many businesses, particularly
those related to travel. These numbers usually begin with 800, 888 or 877 and
must be preceded by dialing 1.
Help phones are often found along major city freeways and main highways in
the event of car trouble.
Cellular phones are widespread and reception is good in most places. There
are some areas throughout the mountains, particularly the Roger's Pass in British
Columbia, where it is difficult to get a signal.
Fax
Fax services are available through most hotels, post offices and small businesses.
The yellow pages telephone book usually offers a complete list of fax service
providers under the headings "mail box services," "stationers" or "facsimile."
Email and Internet Access
Most hotels also offer Internet connections, usually directly in the guest
rooms are modem lines (data port telephones) and high speed Internet access.
Internet cafés are also available throughout major cities and in shopping malls.
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