Traveler-compatibility checks for this destination are still pending. Local notes are useful, but phone, payment and signup eligibility are not yet sourced per service.
Uber is the undisputed default. Lyft is new (2025) and thinner; Eva is the local ethical pick.
Uber Eats and DoorDash are genuinely neck-and-neck here; Skip is the Canadian veteran, Fantuan owns Asian food.
Co-dominant with Uber Eats; often better off-island/suburban coverage. DashPass kills delivery fees.
Go-to for Chinese/Korean/Japanese spots and Asian groceries that the big apps miss.
Chains are IGA, Metro, Provigo/Maxi and Super C; Instacart is the easiest one-stop delivery layer. Get the PC Optimum / moi loyalty apps — points matter here.
Use a physical OPUS card for the widest fare support. Chrono can reload it on iPhone or Android; compatible Android phones can now also buy and validate virtual fares, except on commuter trains. Open-loop bank-card tapping is not generally available.
What Montrealers actually open — best real-time bus/metro arrivals and trip planning. Montreal-built.
Official ARTM app: reload a physical OPUS card on iPhone/Android, or use current virtual fares on compatible Android phones.
Reliable metro/bus directions if you'd rather not install a transit app.
Contactless is universal — tap card or phone literally everywhere. Interac e-Transfer is how locals send each other money. Carry ~$20 cash for tips; tipping is 15–20% and card terminals prompt for it.
Networks are Bell, Rogers and Telus; budget brands are Fizz, Public Mobile and Koodo. Note: Freedom Mobile does NOT operate in Quebec. Airport (YUL) has SIM kiosks.
Quebec leans on Facebook Messenger far more than the rest of North America — expect to be added there. Texting is unlimited on virtually all Canadian plans, so plain SMS/iMessage is fine too.
iPhone users default to iMessage; plain SMS is free and unlimited, so locals text freely.
Amazon.ca for anything shipped; Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace dominate second-hand. Many listings are in French.
911 is police, fire and ambulance. 811 reaches a nurse for non-urgent health questions (English or French). 311 is the City of Montreal for non-emergencies. Verified July 2026.
One number for all life-threatening emergencies, 24/7, English or French.
Free 24/7 nurse line for non-urgent health issues; option 2 reaches Info-Social for mental-health/crisis support.
Municipal services: noise, parking, snow removal, city info.
Centre antipoison du Québec, 24/7 for poisoning and overdose advice.
Mostly relevant only at arrival — deeper Quebec services (SAAQ, RAMQ) require residency.
Submit the Advance CBSA Declaration before landing at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) to use the express kiosks and skip the customs line. Optional but speeds arrival.
Shared free-floating e-scooters (Lime, etc.) are banned in Montreal — BIXI is effectively the only shared micromobility, and it's excellent (roughly April–November).
Nearly 10,000 classic and electric bikes across the network; unlock in-app or use a short-term pass.
Six concrete setup decisions for Montreal. No fake personalization—just the local default, the local caveat, and what to do before day one gets expensive.
Mark only what you have actually set up. Progress stays in this browser.
Set up data before you need a ride, ticket, map, or verification code.
Best for stays of weeks+: Videotron-owned Quebec carrier, cheap prepaid eSIM, strong Montreal coverage. Networks are Bell, Rogers and Telus; budget brands are Fizz, Public Mobile and Koodo. Note: Freedom Mobile does NOT operate in Quebec. Airport (YUL) has SIM kiosks.
Know the local default before accepting a taxi quote or opening a global app.
The default across the island — widest driver coverage and shortest waits. Uber is the undisputed default. Lyft is new (2025) and thinner; Eva is the local ethical pick.
Compare the official airport-to-city option before paying for a car.
What Montrealers actually open — best real-time bus/metro arrivals and trip planning. Montreal-built. Use a physical OPUS card for the widest fare support. Chrono can reload it on iPhone or Android; compatible Android phones can now also buy and validate virtual fares, except on commuter trains. Open-loop bank-card tapping is not generally available.
Open the map that works best locally and save your hotel or first stop.
Default for walking, driving and transit; knows the metro well. Google Maps is the default; Waze is a genuine local staple because Montreal's endless roadwork and detours make crowd-sourced alerts essential.
Check the local card, cash, and wallet reality before your first purchase.
Canada's Venmo — free, instant P2P via your bank app using an email/phone. Set it up. Contactless is universal — tap card or phone literally everywhere. Interac e-Transfer is how locals send each other money. Carry ~$20 cash for tips; tipping is 15–20% and card terminals prompt for it.
Use the service locals answer—and note any calling or registration restriction.
The real local default; Quebecers organize social life here. Quebec leans on Facebook Messenger far more than the rest of North America — expect to be added there. Texting is unlimited on virtually all Canadian plans, so plain SMS/iMessage is fine too.
This is an arrival checklist, not an app ranking. Open the full local toolkit below for alternatives, coverage limits, and services you may need later.
Local tender, realistic foreign-currency acceptance, and a daily USD reference before a terminal or exchange desk chooses the rate for you.
Reference only. Your bank, card network, ATM, or exchange counter may add fees or use a different rate.
The normal currency for prices and payment.
Some tourist businesses accept it, usually with change in CAD.
Cards and contactless are the norm. USD cash may be refused or converted at an unfavorable merchant rate.
Country payment guidance reviewed Jul 21, 2026