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About Vancouver |
Electricity
Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are th same as in the United States. Small
appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Canada. For
those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The
frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.
Video System
In Canada, the NTSC-system is used for television broadcasts. This system is not
compatible with the PAL and SECAM systems used in Europe and in many other
countries. If you purchase a video cassette or DVD in Canada, ensure it is
recorded in the appropriate system for your video playback machine.
Climate
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 (0° to 5° Celsius) in
winter, the climate is always hospitable. Our winters are wet, but it rarely
snows, except on local ski hills.
Average Daily High Temperatures Vancouver, Canada
Celsius Fahrenheit
Jan 5 42
Feb 7 44
Mar 10 50
April 14 58
May 18 65
June 21 69
July 23 74
Aug 23 74
Sept 18 65
Oct 14 58
Nov 9 48
Dec 6 43
Language
English and French are Canada's two official languages. English is the
predominant language in British Columbia. Many banks, hotels, airline offices,
service institutions, shops and key tourist destinations have multi-lingual
staff.
Metric Measures
Canada follows the international metric system. Temperatures, rainfall measures,
distance, weights, velocity are expressed in metric units. Distance is measured
in kilometres.
Metric Equivalents
Length 1 kilometre 0.6 mile
1 mile 1.6 kilometre
Capacity 1 litre 1.06 US Quart
1 US Quart 0.95 litre
Weight 1 kilogram 2.2 pound
1 pound 0.45 kilogram
Mileage Conversion
20 mph 30 km/h
30 mph 50 km/h
50 mph 80 km/h
Population
City of Vancouver: approx 580,000
Greater Vancouver: approx 2 mill
Time Zone
Most of British Columbia is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone; however, some
portions of the province that border the Rocky Mountains are in the Mountain
Time Zone, one hour ahead of the Pacific Zone. Daylight Savings Time is in
effect from 0200hr on the first Sunday in April until 0200hr on the last Sunday
in October.
Banking
Regular banking hours in Canada are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday,
with extended hours including weekends at some locations. Visitors who wish to
cash cheques or require other banking services are advised to check times of
operation with the institutions. Main branches of Canadian chartered banks,
particularly in major centres, are equipped to exchange foreign currency as
well. Several major European and foreign banks have offices in Vancouver, and
will handle some foreign currencies directly. Most banks have automatic teller
machines, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, using bank cards on major
international banking networks such as Cirrus, Plus and Interac.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted, but visitors are always advised to check
with the vendor before a purchase is made. Cash machines with 24 hour access are
available in many convenient locations.
Tipping
Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 per
cent.
Food and Beverages
An extensive variety of cuisine is available representing the multicultural
flavour of Vancouver. Alcoholic beverages in bottles are sold in special stores.
However, alcoholic beverages including beer and wine may be purchased in
restaurants, hotel lounges, taverns, and nightclubs, which can be recognized by
the sign "Licensed Premises". Minors are not admitted into bars. In British
Columbia, minors are defined as anyone under 19 years of age.
Smoking Laws
No person shall smoke in a restaurant, a limited food service establishment, a
casino, a bingo hall or in a liquor outlet except in a patio or in a smoking
room.
Newspapers
Residents of Greater Vancouver stay well informed through a variety of daily and
weekly newspapers that service a wide range of cultural interests. The two major
daily newspapers are the Vancouver Sun and The Province and there are two major
daily Chinese newspapers: Sing Tao and Ming Pao, offering local and regional
news. Business in Vancouver offers weekly local business information while the
Globe and Mail and National Post provide national and international news on a
daily basis.
Important Telephone Numbers
Emergency 911
Bus Transit 1-604-521-0400
BC Ferries 1-250-386-3431
BC Rail 1-604-984-5246
Weather Report 1-604-664-9010
Road Reports 1-900-451-4997
Canada Customs 1-604-666-0545
Fish & Wildlife 1-604-582-5200
Ocean & Fisheries 1-604-666-3545 |
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