Information for travellers to Ireland and Britain
Airline Information
The following information is believed to be accurate and reliable when placed on our site. For information about specific flights you should contact your airline directly.
Airline
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Terminal
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Seat Selection
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Customer Service
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Skyservice
|
3
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(877) 256-7946
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(800) 701-9448
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Air Transat
|
3
|
(877) 872-6728
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(877) 872-6728
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Air Canada (International)
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1
|
|
(888) 247-2262
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Air Canada (Domestic)
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2
|
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(888) 247-2262
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Air France
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3
|
|
(800) 667-2747
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British Airways
|
3
|
|
(800) AIRWAYS
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KLM
|
3
|
|
(800) 447-4747
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Airport Information
Documentation
All Canadian visitors to Britain and Ireland require a valid Canadian passport for entry. All non-Canadian citizens require a Permanent Resident card for entry back in to Canada as of January 1, 2004. All British or Irish visitors to Canada require a valid EC passport and a ticket for return.
Electricity
The standard voltage is 240V, AC, 50HZ. An adapter converter is necessary for any electrical appliances you may wish to take.
Currency
It is suggested that you travel with travellers cheques in Canadian Dollars. Canadian money can be exchanged at any bank in Britain or Ireland. Currency Exchange is located at airports. It is recommended that you change a small amount to Euros or Pounds Sterling to cover the weekend of arrival. Rate of exchange is usually better in overseas than in Canada.
Banks
Generally open Monday to Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm. Automatic Teller Machines are also widely available.
V.A.T.
Value Added Tax on goods purchased in Ireland is 13.5% and in Britain 17.5%. Application for refund of this tax can be obtained by the store completing a cash back form. You will be asked to present your passport. Please note that not all stores offer this facility and there is often a minimum purchase price. After the customs officer has certified the form, it should be returned to the cash back desk, who will issue the refund, from which a small administration fee may be deducted.
Climate
Monthly temperature averages for the British Isles:
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Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
C
|
4
|
4
|
6
|
8
|
11
|
14
|
16
|
16
|
14
|
11
|
7
|
5
|
F
|
39
|
39
|
42
|
46
|
52
|
57
|
60
|
60
|
57
|
51
|
44
|
41
|
Tipping
Some restaurant bills include a service charge; where a service charge is not included, it is customary to leave a tip of 10 - 15% for table service. All prepaid meals include service charge. No tipping for bar service. It is customary to tip your coach driver/guide at the end of your trip, the customary tip is $5 - $10 per person.
Calling Home
Most hotels charge a service charge of up to 50%. It may be less expensive to call collect or use Canada Direct Service card, in conjunction with your Bell Canada calling card.
Driving
You require a valid international license to drive in Britain or Ireland. They drive on the left hand side of the road and the most popular rental cars are manual shift.
Passport and Valuables
It is recommended that you keep your passport, airline tickets and any medications on your person when you are travelling. It is also advisable if you are on medication to bring an extra prescription with you just in case of loss.
Embassy Addresses in Canada
The Embassy of Ireland
130 Albert Street, Suite 1105
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4
T: (613) 233-6281
British High Commission
80 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5K7
T: (613) 237-1530
Tourist Information
Tourism Ireland
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 1501
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3E2
T: (416) 925-6368 or 1-800-223-6470
British Tourist Authority
5915 Airport Road, Suite 120
Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1T1
T: (905) 405-1720 or 1-888-VISIT-UK