Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time Zone (GMT-8)
Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last
Sunday in October.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Arrival: Visitors travelling by air can fly into Vancouver International
Airport, which offers the usual array of car rentals, shuttles and all other
services you expect in a large international airport. Visitors departing the
airport are required to purchase an Airport Improvement Fee ticket that must be
presented at the security checkpoint. The fee ranges between $5.00 and $15.00
depending on your destination.
Taxis can be difficult to find in the downtown area in peak times, so you may
wish to consider using public transportation.
Weather: Vancouver has a year-round mild climate. Spring arrives in
February or March, though expect overnight temperatures in the 5 C/40F range.
Summers are very comfortable and seldom unpleasantly hot. The fall season is
long with temperatures remaining mild until November when the wet season begins;
an umbrella is definitely recommended for winter Snow is a rarity, though be
warned, even a small winter snow can snarl the city's traffic, especially if ice
forms on the often steep streets.
| Average Daily
Temperatures: |
|
High |
Low |
| Month(s) |
Fahrenheit |
Celsius |
Fahrenheit |
Celsius |
| January - March |
50 |
10 |
42 |
5 |
| April - June |
69 |
21 |
58 |
14 |
| July - September |
65 |
18 |
59 |
21 |
| October - December |
58 |
14 |
43 |
10 |
Metric Measures Canada follows the international metric system.
Important Telephone Numbers
Emergency 911
BC Ferries (Vancouver) 604-444-2890
Bus Transit 604-521-0400
BC Rail 604-984-5246
Weather Report 604-664-9010
Vancouver Tourist Information Centre 604-683-2000
Canada Customs 604-666-0545
Currency: All visitors should use Canadian currency when traveling within
Canada. It is best to have local currency on hand prior to arriving; contact
your local bank. Visitors may exchange their currency at Canadian banks, credit
unions, or at the offices of foreign exchange brokers.
Taxes for Travellers
There are three levels of taxation in Vancouver. A 7% provincial sales tax
(PST) is levied on most goods and services. In addition, there is a 7% Federal
tax on the same items (GST). PST is not charged on accommodations. Instead,
there is a 10% accommodation tax.
TIP: Non-Canadian residents are entitled to claim a rebate of all GST
paid on accommodations and certain categories of goods purchases (see Canadian
Travel Information on this site).
Always save the original receipts from stores and hotels (not just credit-card
receipts), and be sure the name and address of the establishment is shown on the
receipt. Original receipts are not returned.
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