What You Need to Know Before Coming to Toronto for FIFA 2026

It depends on your passport. Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, and many other countries don't need a visa but may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — a quick online application costing CAD $7. Citizens of some countries do require a full visa. Check the IRCC website (canada.ca/immigration) for your specific country well in advance of travel. Processing times vary.

For an eTA, apply at least a few weeks before travel — it's usually approved within minutes but can take a few days. For a full visa, apply 3–6 months in advance. Don't leave it until the last minute.

Canadian Dollar (CAD). As of early 2026, roughly: 1 USD ≈ 1.44 CAD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.55 CAD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.82 CAD. Check current rates before you travel.

Rarely. Toronto is extremely card-friendly — contactless tap payments (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted almost everywhere including TTC vending machines, markets, and food trucks. Keep a small amount of cash for farmers markets or very small vendors, but you can realistically survive a week without it.

Yes. Bank ATMs are everywhere downtown. Avoid the white standalone ATMs in convenience stores and bars — they charge $5–8 per transaction. Use TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, or CIBC bank ATMs instead.

Tipping is expected in Canada — it's not optional like in some countries. Standard is 18–20% at restaurants, 15% minimum for taxis and rideshares, and $1–2 per drink at bars. Most debit/credit card machines will suggest a tip amount — 18%, 20%, or 25% are typical prompts. You can adjust manually.

Fast food, counter service, and retail — tipping is optional there. You'll still get a prompt on the machine; it's fine to hit 'No Tip' without awkwardness.

Yes, if your home plan doesn't include Canada roaming. Canadian data plans are expensive by global standards, so getting a prepaid SIM is worth it for stays longer than a few days. Pick one up at Pearson Airport (Rogers, Bell, Telus all have kiosks) or at any carrier store downtown. For a 2-week stay, budget around CAD $30–50 for a prepaid plan with 10–15GB.

Check with your carrier first. Many US, UK, and European plans include Canada roaming at no extra cost or for a small daily fee. If yours does, you may not need a new SIM at all.

Yes. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants have free WiFi. The TTC (subway and streetcars) has WiFi at stations. Publicly available WiFi is widespread enough that you can get by without mobile data if you're careful.

Toronto in June–July is warm and generally sunny. Expect average highs of 24–28°C (75–82°F). Humidity can make it feel warmer. Evening temperatures are pleasant — usually 18–22°C (64–72°F). It rains occasionally, typically brief afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day rain.

Light summer clothes for daytime. A light jacket or layer for evening games — stadiums and air-conditioned venues can feel cold. One waterproof layer for rainy days. Comfortable walking shoes — Toronto is a walking city. Sunscreen.

No. Downtown Toronto and the area around BMO Field are entirely navigable by TTC transit, walking, and rideshare. Driving during the World Cup will be frustrating — traffic and parking around match days will be very difficult. Leave the car at home.

UP Express train from Pearson (YYZ) to Union Station — 25 minutes, runs every 15 minutes, costs about CAD $12 with a Presto card. It's faster and cheaper than a taxi almost every time.

Type A and B plugs (same as the US), 120V / 60Hz. If you're coming from Europe, you'll need a voltage adapter. Most modern phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage (check your charger — if it says 100–240V, you just need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter).

Yes. Toronto consistently ranks among the safest large cities in North America. Normal city precautions apply — watch your belongings in crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings at night — but violent crime against tourists is rare. The area around BMO Field (Liberty Village, Exhibition Place, Harbourfront) is safe.

English is the primary language. Toronto is one of the most multilingual cities in the world — over 140 languages are spoken here. You'll find Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, and dozens of other languages throughout the city, which makes it a natural World Cup host.

911, same as the US. For non-emergency police, call 416-808-2222.