Customs/Entry
Overseas visitors require a valid passport and may require other documentation such as an entry visa (ask your travel agent). As per the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), U.S. citizens also require a valid passport in order to re-enter the United States. Naturalized U.S. citizens should also carry documents proving citizenship.  For more information regarding the WHTI, please visit the following website: http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/whtibasics.shtm

Are you a single parent traveling with a child
under 18 years of age to Canada?
Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders. Generally, persons younger than 18 years of age could be considered as children.

Unless a child is accompanied by both legal parents, the following documentation should be carried by the child or the accompanying adult:

• a valid passport or proof of citizenship for the child
• a legal document proving that the child has the permission of the lawful parent(s) or guardian(s) to travel and includes contact phone information for the parent(s) or guardian(s). Such a document must be specific for each trip. A sample document is provided on the following website: www.voyage.gc.ca/main/ before/faq/children_travel-en.asp

Currency
The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. Foreign currencies may be readily exchanged at airports and banks. Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many 24-hour-access automated banking machines. As in the U.S. and Europe these machines accept cards with Plus, Interac and Cirrus symbols and are easily found in Vancouver. Most Canadian businesses accept U.S. currency and travelers cheques, as well as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). For current rate of exchange information, please visit: http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca/en/rates/converter.html

Taxes
There is a 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) in effect in Canada. There is also a non-refundable Provincial Sales Tax (PST), currently at 7% in British Columbia.

Medical Insurance
Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate traveling insurance. Delegates are urged to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever traveling outside of their own country.

Language
English and French are Canada’s two official languages. English is the predominant language in Vancouver. However, you will find that many banks, hotels, airline offices, shops, and key visitor attractions in each city have multilingual staff.

Electricity
The electrical current is the same in Canada as in the United States: 110 volts AC at 60Hz. Adapters are required for appliances from other countries.

Airport Transfers
Vancouver is served by the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), located approximately 15 km (11 miles) from the centre of the city. The airport is a major hub for international travel, with good connections by a host of airlines to all major North American and international cities. Taxi fare from the airport to the city center is approximately $30-35 CAD. The Airporter Shuttle Bus and limousine services are also available at reasonable rates. All of these services accept major credit cards.

Weather
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From low 20's Celsius (high 70's Fahrenheit) in summer to a mild 0º to 5º Celsius (mid 40's Fahrenheit) in winter, the climate is always hospitable.   Average daily temperatures in October are 10º Celsius or 50º Fahrenheit. For current weather conditions visit the following website: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cabc0308

Time Zone
Vancouver is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone (-0800 GMT).

Telephone Service
Vancouver now employs two separate area codes: 604 and 778. Calls within the greater Vancouver area are local regardless whether they use a 604 or 778 area code, however, you will need to dial all ten digits of the phone number in order to be connected (e.g. 604-555-1234). Cellular phones may be used in all areas of the Lower Mainland, but may not get reception inside certain buildings or elevators. Check with your cellular service provider to ensure your plan offers roaming/long distance service in Vancouver.

Smoking Laws
Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls and in most rstaurants, pubs, nightclubs and casinos. Many restaurants and other establishments have designated smoking areas such as patios or outside heated seating areas. Please smoke in designated areas only.

Special Needs
Vancouver enjoys a reputation as being one of the most accessible cities in the world among travelers with special needs. Whether using wheelchairs, white canes, Seeing Eye dogs or hearing aids, Vancouver leads the way in making the area a more livable place for people with disabilities through its progressive transportation systems, innovative housing and recreational opportunities.