New Brunswick, Canada
Major providers Rogers, Bell, Telus, and sub-brands like Fido, Koodo, Virgin Plus. Purchase at carrier stores or electronics retailers. An unlocked phone is a requirement. Prepaid plans are available from $30-40 CAD.
Public Wi-Fi is common at cafes, restaurants, hotels, public libraries, and the Saint John City Market. Most hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.
Canada is officially bilingual (English and French). New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. Saint John is predominantly English-speaking.
Canada Post offices are available in Saint John for sending letters and parcels. Stamps can be purchased at post offices or some convenience stores.
Purchase a local SIM card for better data rates than international roaming charges.
Generally 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM on weekdays, extended on Thursdays/Fridays. Shorter hours on weekends.
Lunch service typically 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Dinner service from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM/10:00 PM. Some cafes open earlier.
Grocery stores are typically open from 7:00 AM/8:00 AM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM daily for your convenience.
Banks are generally open 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 4:00 PM/5:00 PM on weekdays. Some branches have limited Saturday hours. ATMs are widely available.
Many outdoor attractions and smaller tourist businesses operate seasonally, typically from May/June to October. Confirm hours and dates before visiting.
Plan ahead for public holidays as many businesses and services may operate on reduced hours or be closed.
Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your experience. Saint John endeavors to be welcoming to all travelers, including those with mobility challenges.
A simple "Hello" or "Hi" is common. Handshakes are typical for formal introductions. Eye contact is generally expected. "Please" and "Thank you" are highly valued.
Tipping is customary and expected for service staff (typically 15-20%). Standard Western table manners apply. Reservations are recommended for dinner at popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
Avoid overly strong political opinions. Do not proselytize or make disparaging remarks about religion. Cannabis is legal for recreational use by adults (age 19 in New Brunswick).
Canada is a progressive country regarding gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Saint John is an inclusive city. Discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation is prohibited by law.
Use the City of Saint John website for transit routes and accessibility information before your trip. Service animals are permitted in public places.
