If you're planning a trip to Canada — for a festival, a concert or just a vacation — fresh data from Visa Canada offers a useful benchmark: during the TIFF 2026 film festival in Toronto, international visitors spent 12% more on Visa cards than a year earlier, and their average ticket was roughly 40% higher than that of Canadian cardholders. Small businesses captured about 15% of all festival spending. For a traveler, this isn't just statistics — it's a hint that the city gets more expensive during major events, and your card needs to be ready for the load.

What the Visa data actually shows

Visa Canada published data on Visa card spending in Toronto during TIFF 2026. The key numbers:

  • International visitor spending on Visa cards rose 12% year-over-year.
  • The average foreign cardholder spent roughly 40% more than a Canadian one.
  • Small businesses captured about 15% of total festival spending.

This means that during major events, both the payment infrastructure and travelers' budgets come under real pressure: hotels, restaurants, taxis and downtown Toronto shops all operate at peak.

Who this affects in practice

First of all, tourists and travelers heading to Canada for events, festivals and concerts — and anyone paying for the trip in advance from abroad. If you're booking a hotel and buying tickets with a foreign card, keep three things in mind: currency conversion, limits and possible declines.

Currency nuances

Payments in Canada are made in Canadian dollars (CAD). If your card is denominated in another currency, your bank or the payment network will add a conversion fee. During high-demand periods, this is especially noticeable on large amounts — hotels and airfare.

Hotel pre-authorization

Toronto hotels during festival season often place a deposit hold on your card (pre-authorization) — usually on top of the room cost. The money isn't charged immediately, but it is frozen on your balance. If your card limit is nearly maxed out, the booking may fail.

How to pay for a trip to Canada from abroad

If your local card doesn't work overseas, or you want to split budgets, a virtual card helps cover the payment side of the trip. A rough scenario:

  • Top up the card in a currency close to CAD or to your main account's currency to reduce double conversion.
  • Keep the booking amount plus a buffer for the hotel deposit (pre-authorization) — usually another 20–30% on top.
  • Pay for the hotel and tickets in advance: it's easier to control the rate and limits that way.
  • For day-to-day spending on the trip, keep a separate card with a small balance — this reduces risk if your details are compromised.

If a payment fails, check three things: insufficient balance including the deposit, regional restrictions on the merchant's side, and a mismatch between the cardholder name and the booking details.

eSIM and taxis

On arrival in Canada, it's easiest to activate an eSIM right away — you can pay for it with the same virtual card before departure. Taxis and car-sharing in Toronto accept cards, but during festival days expect surge pricing and higher demand.

What to do if the event has started and your card won't work

During major events, the load on banks and support teams grows. Keep a backup payment method, check in advance whether your issuer allows transactions in Canada, and don't leave exactly the booking amount on the card — leave a buffer for the deposit and small expenses.

FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Canada as a tourist?
Rules depend on your citizenship. Check the requirements on the official IRCC website — it also lists fees and processing times.

Can I pay for a Toronto hotel with a virtual card?
Yes, if the merchant accepts Visa/Mastercard and the card supports CAD transactions. Factor in pre-authorization and any conversion fee.

What if my booking won't go through?
Check your balance including the deposit, your limits, and that the cardholder name matches the booking. Sometimes contacting the hotel directly helps.

This material is informational and not financial advice. Exchange rates and service terms can change — confirm current rates with your issuer and the merchant.

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Sources

This material is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Data and service terms may change, so check primary sources before making a payment or investment decision. Mentions of third-party brands and services do not imply official partnership, support, or endorsement by VirtCardPay.
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