Telephones

Telephone service is reliable, nearly universal and accessible in almost all of Ontario with the exception of the most remote areas of Northern Ontario. Near Ontario's major highway intersections and at many gas stations, restaurants and lodgings (including those signposted on provincial freeways) you are sure to find public pay phones.

Local calls cost 50 cents Canadian. You can pay for both local and long-distance calls using coins, calling cards of some non-Ontario phone companies, and commercial long-distance smartcards. Phones installed in major public facilities, on Canadian Via Rail trains, and on some commercial aircraft accept major credit cards and commercial long distance telephone debit cards.

Hotel and motels normally impose additional charges on long distance calls made from their rooms.

Other Radio and Phone Equipment

We have an extensive cellular phone system. Some car rental agencies offer in-vehicle cellular phones for an extra charge. Your personal cell phone may be usable in Canada, but check beforehand with one of the Ontario service providers, Rogers, Bell Mobility, Telus or Fido, to ensure your equipment is compatible with systems in Ontario.

United States residents are allowed to operate aircraft, marine, amateur, citizens' band (CB), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service (FRS) radios as well as cellular and PCS mobile radio telephones in Canada without explicit permission from Industry Canada. If you are not a United States resident, you will need permission from Industry Canada to use this equipment. For more information, contact Industry Canada.

Postage

Canadian postage stamps must be used on all mail posted in Canada. Stamps, current postage rates and other postal services are available at many local retail outlets and accommodations.