Are you traveling from Canada to the US soon? Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming business trip or crossing the border for some well-deserved time off, we've got you covered with some helpful tips and tricks and even a handy checklist!
In this article
- Pre-Travel Checklist
- Canada to US Travel: Getting There
- Safety and Health Tips
- Money Matters: US Currency
- Stay Connected on Your Canada to US Trip
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Pre-Travel Checklist
Passports and Immigration Documents
Canadians traveling to the US must carry a valid Canadian passport or a NEXUS card. According to the Customs and Border Protection website, residents of Canada who don't have citizenship will generally need a passport and visa to enter the United States unless they are citizens of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. They will still need an ESTA even if they are part of the Visa Waiver Program.
Travel Insurance
Foreign hospitals can be expensive. Travel insurance to the US from Canada is worth considering to protect yourself against emergencies and ensure that unforeseen costs don't negatively affect your trip.
Related reading: International Travel Insurance: Everything You Need To Know
Driving or Renting
Remember to book accommodation and rent a car if you need one. While major US cities have decent public transportation options, more rural areas will be heavily car-dependent, and some cities' urban planning favors having a car. Visitors should research options in their destination city so they're adequately prepared upon arrival and not stranded in the suburbs. Reading online reviews for accommodations and researching check-in times can also help you feel more prepared.
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Canada to US Travel: Getting There
By Air
Flying is an efficient way to get to your destination, especially if the US city you're visiting is further away or you are on a time crunch for a business trip. Here are some common flight routes:
Toronto→ New York: 1h 40 min
Toronto→Chicago: 2h
Calgary → Los Angeles: 3h 25 min
Montreal→ Fort Lauderdale: 3h 50 min
Vancouver→Honolulu: 6h 35 min
On The Road
A quick road trip across the border appeals greatly to a lot of Canadians. Many US towns aren't too far driving-distance-wise, making excellent weekend getaway destinations. Burlington (Vermont) is just a few hours drive away from Montreal! Enjoy breweries, unique art installations, and more. You can also look into bus options if you don't drive.
By Rail, Waterways and Cruises
Some more unconventional ways to travel include trains and even cruises. "It's not the destination; it's the journey." Enjoy scenic routes and an unconventional adventure.
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Safety and Health Tips
Emergency Numbers
Just like in Canada, you can dial 911 for emergencies.
Health Services
Remember that health insurance on your pre-trip checklist? It will come in handy if you have a health emergency while traveling.
Crime
Check Travel Canada's advisories ahead of your trip to understand better what to expect and read up on common scams and criminal strategies to look out for. Research the area you will stay in and read online reviews to ensure you feel comfortable with the neighborhood.
Hiking
Ready for the great outdoors? Research the trails you want to visit and their conditions depending on the time of year. A great tool is the app AllTrails. You'll find information like the length of the hike, the elevation gain, current conditions, reviews, and more. You can also read more tips and tricks from Travel Canada for safe hiking here.
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Money Matters: US Currency
Credit Cards
You can typically use your credit card in the US, but a foreign transaction fee usually applies. Checking details with your bank or credit union beforehand is a great way to ensure you feel fully prepared.
Cash
However, having cash on hand can be helpful when tipping on some excursions or with some merchants that don't allow cards. Research the places you'll visit on arrival, or have some cash ready just in case.
Exchange Rates
You can check exchange rates here before your trip.
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Stay Connected on Your Canada to US Trip
Look out for your future self! Instead of dealing with your phone provider's high roaming fees or having to hunt down a physical SIM card, make your life easier. Download, install, and activate a US eSIM from Airalo (iOS | Android) and enjoy your trip to the US with peace of mind.
FAQs
How does Airalo work? Airalo provides eSIMs that allow you to access mobile networks without needing a physical SIM card. Purchase an eSIM plan through the Airalo app, install it on your device, and start using data immediately.
How to activate Airalo eSIM? Activation is simple. After purchasing a plan, follow the instructions in the Airalo app to install the eSIM on your device. Once installed, it will activate automatically.
Is my phone compatible with Airalo eSIM? Airalo eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones. Check the list of compatible devices.
What if my Airalo eSIM isn't working? Airalo's customer support is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact support through the app or website for immediate help.
