Travel Tips
Customs/Entry
Overseas visitors require a valid passport and may require other
documentation such as an entry visa (ask your travel agent). U.S.
citizens travelling by air between the United States, Canada,
Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean are required to present a valid
passport to enter or re-enter the United States. Travel by land
or sea has different requirements for U.S. citizens. Please click here
for more information.
Are you a single parent traveling with a child
under 18 years of age to Canada?
Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders. Generally, persons younger than 18 years of age could be considered as children.
Unless a child is accompanied by both legal parents, the following documentation should be carried by the child or the accompanying adult:
- a valid passport or proof of citizenship for the child
- a legal document proving that the child has the permission of the lawful parent(s) or guardian(s) to travel and includes contact phone information for the parent(s) or guardian(s). Such a document must be specific for each trip. A sample document is provided on the following website: www.voyage.gc.ca/main/ before/faq/children_travel-en.asp
Currency
The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. Foreign currencies may be readily exchanged at airports and banks. Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many 24-hour-access automated banking machines. As in the U.S. and Europe these machines accept cards with Plus, Interac and Cirrus symbols and are easily found in Vancouver. Most Canadian businesses accept U.S. currency and travelers cheques, as well as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
Taxes
There is a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) in effect in Canada.
There is also a non-refundable Provincial Sales Tax (PST), currently
at 7% in British Columbia.
Medical Insurance
Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate traveling insurance. Delegates are urged to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever traveling outside of their own country.
Language
English and French are Canada’s two official languages. English is the predominant language in Vancouver. However, you will find that many banks, hotels, airline offices, shops, and key visitor attractions in each city have multilingual staff.
Electricity
The electrical current is the same in Canada as in the United
States: 110 volts AC at 60Hz. Adapters are required for appliances
from other countries.
Vancouver By Air
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Each year over 80 carriers transport some 17 million passengers
via Vancouver International Airport; there are direct flights
to and from over 150 destinations worldwide. Because YVR offers
the shortest flying times between much of North America and Asia,
as well as being a gateway to Europe, Vancouver is a major hub
for travel. Please click
here for more information.
Airport Transfers
Vancouver is served by the Vancouver International Airport, located approximately 15 km (11 miles) from the centre of the city. The airport is a major hub for international travel, with good connections to all major North American and international centers by a host of airlines. Cab fare from the airport to the city center is approximately $25-28 CAD. Limousine and Airporter shuttle bus services are also available at reasonable rates. All of these services accept major credit cards.
Weather
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From high 70's Fahrenheit (low 20's Celsius) in summer to a mild mid 40's Fahrenheit (0º to 5º Celsius) in winter, the climate is always hospitable. Average daily temperatures in June are 21 Celsius or 69 Fahrenheit. For current weather conditions check the following website: www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cabc0308
Time Zone
Vancouver is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone (-0800 GMT). Daylight Savings Time is in effect from 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in April until 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in October.
Telephone Service
Vancouver now employs two separate area codes: 604 and 778. Calls within the greater Vancouver area are local regardless whether they use a 604 or 778 area code, however, you will need to dial all ten digits of the phone number in order to be connected (e.g. 604-555-1234). Cellular phones may be used in all areas of the Lower Mainland, but may not get reception inside certain buildings or elevators. Check with your cellular service provider to ensure your plan offers roaming/long distance service in Vancouver.
