Calgary

The questions people ask first about Calgary, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
• SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
• TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
• SafetyCalgary is a safe big city by North American standards; the real risks are winter cold, summer storms and a few downtown bar strips late at night.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
• Sit-down mealDinner main at a mid-range restaurantC$28–45 (≈ US$25–35)
• Street or quick mealLunch main (burger, sandwich, bowl)C$18–28 (≈ US$14–25)
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at a liquor storeC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–4 (≈ US$3)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareC$18–25 (≈ US$14–19)
• Metro or bus rideCTrain or bus single fareC$3.60 (≈ US$3) (check)
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum or attraction entryC$20–35 (≈ US$15–30)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
• Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
• High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomC$420 (≈ US$350)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$170 (≈ US$130) · High C$320 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

YYC Calgary International Airport (About 20 min by car to downtown; taxi or rideshare, no train link)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed

Mid

C$160–260 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed

High

C$300 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed

• Winter cold snaps can hit −20 °C (−4 °F) or lower between November and March: layers, gloves and a hat are not optional.Winter cold snaps can hit −4 °F (−20 °C) or lower between November and March: layers, gloves and a hat are not optional.
• Chinooks swing temperatures 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) in a day; check the forecast each morning.Chinooks swing temperatures 59–68 °F (15–20 °C) in a day; check the forecast each morning.
• Summer afternoons bring short, heavy thunderstorms: carry a light shell.
• The sun is strong even in winter, especially off snow: bring sunglasses.
• Some downtown bars and clubs have cover charges and no posted prices: ask before you go in.