BANKING / CURRENCY & TAX REBATES

• Currency Exchange Centres
• Banking Institutions
• RST/PST Refunds
  

Currency Exchange Centres.  Check the present Currency Exchange rate!

Visitors from the United States will find that U.S. currency is readily accepted by Canadian merchants, restaurants, accommodation and other places of business. However, the exchange rate you receive at each location will vary. To obtain a consistent rate of exchange, we suggest you utilize your credit card, or exchange your money at any of the following facilities.

Banking Institutions

Top of Page

Retails Sales Tax Refunds

As a visitor to the Province of Ontario, you can claim a refund for some of the 8% "Retail Sales Tax" (RST) you pay on goods removed for permanent use outside Ontario.

Purchasers are eligible for a refund where proof is provided that:

• goods are permanently removed from Ontario within 30 days of being bought;

• RST paid on each invoice is $50 Cdn. or more (i.e. total taxable goods on each invoice before taxes is at least $625);

• refund claim is made within four years of buying the goods; and

• residents of other Canadian provinces pay the applicable sales tax to their home province on goods being claimed and provide proof of payment of tax. If the goods are purchased for use in a jurisdiction where sales tax is not payable, a copy of the bill of lading or customs documents must be provided as proof of removal.

A refund is not available for the RST paid on transient accommodation or on taxable services.

Avoid delays!   Be sure your application is accompanied by:

• documents showing tax was charged, i.e. invoices, cash register tapes, sales contract, etc.;

• documents showing tax was paid, i.e. cancelled cheques, supplier's statement, etc.;

• if the documents are too numerous for shipping, please have them segregated from other records, and available for verification at your premises;

• Finally - be sure to sign your application!

The General Application for Refund of Retail Sales Tax form is available by calling 1-800-263-7965, through the Tax Fax service at 1-877-482-9329, on the Ministry of Finances website at www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/index.html  and by writing as below.

Enquiries regarding an application for refund of Retail Sales Tax should be directed to your local Retail Sales Tax Office (see your Blue Pages listing) or :