Quick Facts

Citizens of all countries EXCEPT the following require a visa to visit Canada:

• Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas
• Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, British citizens (at home and abroad), Brunei
• Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia 
• Finland, France
• Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR
• Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy
• Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg
• Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway
• Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea
• St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland
• United States, Western Samoa

View visa requirements from the Canada Immigration website

The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the currency for Canada. 

Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and moneychangers. Major credit cards and direct deposit from bank cards (Interac) are accepted at almost all retail outlets.

Many retailers also accept traveller’s cheques, but it is best to enquire whether the retailer will accept specific traveller’s cheques before you make a purchase.

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

CAD 1.00 equals:

There are three levels of taxation that affect visitors to Vancouver.

There is a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor.

For the majority of other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales tax (PST) plus the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST). 

There are a number of exemptions and complexities to the way those taxes are applied, particularly where food is involved. PST, for instance, is not applied to food and children's clothing.

Visitors will also be taxed an additional 1.5% on hotel accommodations for a Destination Marketing Fee (DMF). This means a total of 16.5% on overnight accommodations.

Tipping is common practice in North America.

The tip should be proportionate with the quality of service received at any restaurant or hotel. Visitors are advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15%.

Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with tour groups to simplify bookkeeping (check with your tour guide).

This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. If meals are included in the price, the customary gratuity will be calculated at 15%.

Bank Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
10am - 3pm, Saturday
ATMs are available 24 hours.

Office Hours
8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday through Friday (Government)
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday (Commercial)
9am - 2pm, Saturday (Commercial)

Shop Hours
9 / 10am - 8 / 10pm, Monday through Saturday.
11am - 7pm, Sunday
It is best to check the hours of a particular store or location in advance.

Individual travellers are advised to obtain their own personal health, luggage or other travel insurance as desired.

However, regardless of financial status or healthcare coverage, British Columbia hospitals will not refuse treatment to those who require it. A fee will be charged depending on the service given.

Vancouver enjoys mild weather year-round. Summer months require shorts or light pants and short-sleeve shirt. Evenings may be cooler. Light pants and long-sleeve shirt or light sweater are suitable for autumn.

Winters are mild and wet. Dress to stay dry – you'll need warm clothes, a raincoat and an umbrella. Waterproof footwear is always a good idea.

Spring requires light clothing with a sweater for the evenings.

Vancouver has three distinct weather seasons.

The autumn and spring are generally mild with temperatures ranging from 13ºC / 55.4ºF to 21ºC / 69.8ºF. Evenings will cool down significantly.

Summers are generally warm with light breezes and temperatures ranging from 23ºC / 73.4ºF to 35ºC / 95ºF.

Winters are generally mild and bring more rain than snow. Temperatures range from 7ºC / 44.6ºF to 12ºC / 53.6ºF.