Vancouver is a safe city however travel with caution in Downtown Eastside, and the Whalley area of Surrey .
Emergency
Dial 911.
Telephones
The area code for Vancouver is 604 and Lower Mainland is 778.
Languages
Federal government departments provide service in English and French but most of the population speaks English as either a first or second language.
Climate
Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year round. From a low 20º in summer to 0º in winter.
Currency
Most places accept US dollars and Japanese yen. The Canadian dollar is a gold coloured coin nicknamed the 'Loonie'.
Taxation
A 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor. For just about all other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales tax (PST) as well as a 6% federal goods and services tax (GST.) PST (provincial sales tax) and the GST (goods and services tax) are added to goods. A tourist can get a GST tax refund by either visiting one of the tax refund centres (one is located in Pacific Center ) or going directly to Canada Customs at the airport prior to check in. There are lots of private firms that will process GST refunds.
Time
Vancouver is in the Pacific Time zone, eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Tourist Information
Tourism Vancouver is at the Plaza Level, Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street (604 6832000).
|
