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Le français au QuébecDialogues · Chapter II

Web version
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Chapter II · Shopping and commerceA2

62Dialogue · A2

Understanding taxes added at checkout

Situation

The total at the checkout is higher than the price on the tag. This dialogue explains taxes in Quebec.

The roles

AYouBThe cashier
  • You
    Listen

    Bonjour. L'article affichait dix dollars, mais le total est plus élevé.

    Hello. The item showed ten dollars, but the total is higher.

  • The cashier
    Listen

    Oui, c'est normal. Les taxes s'ajoutent à la caisse.

    Yes, that's normal. Taxes are added at the checkout.

  • You
    Listen

    Ah, les prix n'incluent pas les taxes ?

    Oh, the prices don't include taxes?

  • The cashier
    Listen

    Non. Au Québec, on ajoute la TPS et la TVQ, environ quinze pour cent.

    No. In Quebec, we add the GST and QST, about fifteen percent.

  • You
    Listen

    Je comprends mieux maintenant.

    I understand better now.

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Understanding taxes added at checkoutDialogue 62

  • The cashier
    Listen

    C'est presque toujours comme ça, sauf pour quelques produits de base.

    It's almost always like that, except for some basic products.

  • You
    Listen

    Comme la nourriture à l'épicerie ?

    Like food at the grocery store?

  • The cashier
    Listen

    Exactement, plusieurs aliments de base ne sont pas taxés.

    Exactly, many basic foods are not taxed.

  • You
    Listen

    Merci pour l'explication !

    Thanks for the explanation!

Vocabulary

  • les taxestaxes
  • la TPSthe GSTFederal tax
  • la TVQthe QSTQuebec tax
  • s'ajouterto be added
  • le totalthe total
  • un produit de basea basic / staple product

Culture note

In Quebec, displayed prices are before tax; about 15% (GST + QST) is added at checkout. Many basic foods are tax-free.

Web version

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Understanding taxes added at checkoutWeb version
vieauqc.com128

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Dialogue 62 / 369 · p. 127–128 / 742