Visitor Info
Surrounded by water on three sides and nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range, Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia with over half a million residents and one of the mildest climates in Canada. Home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core, Vancouver will be home to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. Find out more at Tourism Richmond and Tourism Vancouver.
Currency
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CDN); and it is rare for any establishment in Burnaby to accept other currency (occasionally restaurants or merchants will accept US Dollars). While it's possible to use credit cards at most institutions, we recommend that visitors travel with at least some Canadian money.
Canadian currency is available in:
- Bills/notes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 and $1000 (although many smaller stores cannot accept bills higher than $50)
- Coins in denominations of $0.01, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25, $1 ("loonie") and $2 ("toonie")
More currency exchange information.
Banking/Credit Cards
Banks in Canada are usually open between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Mondays through Fridays. Some branches may be open during the weekend - but this should be confirmed with the individual branch. Many debit cards from outside of Canada will work at a local ATM, however it is best to check with your individual bank regarding charges and commissions. Canadian debit cards cannot be used for online or telephone purchases - for these a credit card is necessary. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are the most commonly accepted credit cards.
Electricity Voltage
The electric voltage in Canada is similar to that of the United States: 120 V and 60 Hz. Electric outlets in Canada accept two types of plugs: a flat blade attachment plug (two flat blades) or a plug with two flat blades and a round grounding pin. More info.
Emergency Services
The emergency services telephone number is 911 across Canada and the United States, and is free from any phone.
Free healthcare is not provided for non-Canadian visitors and can be costly, so be sure to obtain adequate health and travel insurance for your intended activities before you leave.
Ambulance rides are also not free. There is a charge of approximately $54 per ride, plus 50 cents per kilometre.
Languages
Canada is officially a bilingual country, with English and French being the two official languages. However, there are many other languages spoken in Canada - some more predominant in certain areas. While English is the language most commonly spoken in British Columbia, many other languages are spoken (and sometimes written) because of the area's cultural diversity. Some examples of commonly spoken languages in Burnaby, Vancouver and BC include: Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi and Spanish.
Metric Conversions
The metric system, also known as the System International, is the standard measuring used in Canada. One of the main advantages of the metric system is a decimalised system of measurement based on the meter and the gram. Some common conversions are:
| Metric | Imperial |
| Length | |
| 1 Centimeter = 0.39 inches | 1 Inch = 2.54 cm |
| 1 Meter = 3.28 feet | 1 Foot = 30.48 cm |
| 1 Meter = 1.09 yards | 1 Yard = 0.91 m |
| 1 Kilometer = 0.62 miles | 1 Mile = 1.61 km |
| Weight | |
| 1 Gram = 0.035 ounces | 1 Ounce = 28.35 g |
| 1 Kilogram = 2.21 pounds | 1 Pound = 0.45 kg |
| 1 Metric ton (1000 kg) = 1.1 US tons or 0.98 UK tons | 1 Ton = 0.91 metric tons |
| Temperature | |
| °C = (°F - 32) ÷ 1.8 | °F = (°C x 1.8) + 32 |
Some common temperature conversions are:
Room temperature = 20 °C or 68°F
Normal body temperature = 37 °C or 98.6°F
A very hot day = 40 °C or 104°F
Boiling point of water = 100 °C or 212°F
Smoking
Approximately 15% of residents in British Columbia smoke, and many cities and municipalities in British Columbia have passed smoking by-laws that prohibit smoking in restaurants and reduce the smoking areas allowed in pubs and bars. Some locations may allow smoking if a separately structured and ventilated designated smoking area is provided.
Taxes
In Canada, tax is not included in the purchase price.
The Canadian Goods and Services tax (GST) is charged at 5%, and is applicable to most goods and services provided in the country. However, Provincial Sales Tax (PST) differs from province to province. In BC, the PST is 7%, and is charged on most retail purchases - with the exception of items such as books, newspapers, magazines and restaurant meals.
Visitors can obtain GST refunds under certain conditions. For more information, contact Revenue Canada Customs and Excise (from anywhere in Canada) at 1.800.668.4748 or visit Revenue Canada.
