General Info/Practical Advise

Banking/Credit Cards

Banks in Canada are usually open between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Mondays through Fridays. Some branches may be open during the weekend - but this should be confirmed with the individual branch. Many debit cards from outside of Canada will work at a local ATM, however it is best to check with your individual bank regarding charges and commissions. Canadian debit cards cannot be used for online or telephone purchases - for these a credit card is necessary. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are the most commonly accepted credit cards.
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Climate

Burnaby has a mild climate, much like the rest of British Columbia. During the time of the Games, athletes can expect ideal competitive conditions while visitors will enjoy warm, comfortable weather for spectating and enjoying all the things British Columbia has to offer.

For additional information on current and forecasted weather conditions, visit http://www.theweathernetwork.com/
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What to Wear

With a myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities, summer is usually the locals' favourite time of year. The city turns green, and the rest of the country turns green with envy. Summer temperatures are usually comfortable in the low 20s °C (low to mid 70s °F), which means shorts, skirts and light pants (trousers) are ideal. T-shirts are perfect for day outings, although be sure to bring a jacket or light sweater for your evenings out.
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Currency

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CDN); and it is rare for any establishment in Burnaby to accept other currency (occasionally restaurants or merchants will accept US Dollars). While it's possible to use credit cards at most institutions, we recommend that visitors travel with at least some Canadian money.

Canadian currency is available in:

• Bills/notes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 and $1000 (although many smaller stores cannot accept bills higher than $50)
• Coins in denominations of $0.01, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25, $1 ("loonie") and $2 ("toonie")

Visit http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for currency exchange information.
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Driving in Canada

British Columbia has an excellent highway system, with distances and speed limits clearly posted on highway signs in metric (kms/hour). When driving in Canada, it's important to take notice of several rules:

• Canadians drive on the right side of the road.
• It is allowable and legal to make a right turn on a red light at an intersection, as long as the car is first brought to a complete stop and there are no signs forbidding a right turn. (This is the same everywhere in Canada, except the province of Quebec.)
• Canada honours all valid foreign driving licenses, which means an International Drivers' Permit is not necessary. However, the purchase of liability insurance is suggested.
• The use of seat belts is mandatory for drivers and passengers in British Columbia.
• Motorcycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia, and must be worn by all riders.
• An infant car seat is required for children weighing up to 18 kg (40 pounds).

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Electricity Voltage

The electric voltage in Canada is similar to that of the United States: 120 V and 60 Hz. Electric outlets in Canada accept two types of plugs: a flat blade attachment plug (two flat blades) or a plug with two flat blades and a round grounding pin. For descriptions and pictures of these two plug types, visit http://kropla.com/electric2.htm.
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Emergency Services

The emergency services telephone number is 911 across Canada and the United States, and is free from any phone.

Free healthcare is not provided for non-Canadian visitors and can be costly, so be sure to obtain adequate health and travel insurance for your intended activities before you leave.

Ambulance rides are also not free. There is a charge of approximately $54 per ride, plus 50 cents per kilometre.

Some helpful emergency contacts are:

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Languages

Canada is officially a bilingual country, with English and French being the two official languages. However, there are many other languages spoken in Canada - some more predominant in certain areas. While English is the language most commonly spoken in British Columbia, many other languages are spoken (and sometimes written) because of the area's cultural diversity. Some examples of commonly spoken languages in Burnaby, Vancouver and BC include: Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi and Spanish.
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Metric Conversions

The metric system, also known as the System International, is the standard measuring used in Canada. One of the main advantages of the metric system is a decimalised system of measurement based on the meter and the gram. Some common conversions are:

• Room temperature = 20 °C or 68°F
• Normal body temperature = 37 °C or 98.6°F
• A very hot day = 40 °C or 104°F
• Boiling point of water = 100 °C or 212°F

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Passports & Visas

US citizens do not require a visa or a passport to enter Canada, but do require a birth certificate, a resident alien card or a green card together with photo identification. Note that a driver's license is NOT accepted as proof of citizenship.

Visitors from the following countries do not require a visa, but will require a passport for entry into Canada:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, 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 and Western Samoa.

Citizens of other countries should check the following website for exact entry details as they may need a temporary visa for Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Visas
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Smoking

Approximately 15% of residents in British Columbia smoke, and many cities and municipalities in British Columbia have passed smoking by-laws that prohibit smoking in restaurants and reduce the smoking areas allowed in pubs and bars. Some locations may allow smoking if a separately structured and ventilated designated smoking area is provided.
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Taxes

In Canada, tax is not included in the purchase price.

The Canadian Goods and Services tax (GST) is charged at 6%, and is applicable to most goods and services provided in the country. However, Provincial Sales Tax (PST) differs from province to province. In BC, the PST is 7%, and is charged on most retail purchases - with the exception of items such as books, newspapers, magazines and restaurant meals.

Visitors can obtain GST refunds under certain conditions. For more information, contact Revenue Canada Customs and Excise (from anywhere in Canada) at 1-800-668-4748 or visit Revenue Canada
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Telephone Codes

In Greater Vancouver, all landline phone numbers begin with either 604 or 778, followed by another seven digits. Vancouver Island has a separate dialing code of 250. Local calls are free from a private telephone, but charges apply when calling long distance. If long distance charges apply, a recorded voice will inform you after dialing and direct you to redial with a number 1 in front of the area code.
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Time Zones

Canada encompasses six of the world's 24 time zones, with 4.5 hours difference between Newfoundland and British Columbia. The time zones are:

• Pacific Time Zone (British Columbia & Yukon)
• Mountain Time Zone (Alberta & North West Territories)
• Central Time Zone (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut & parts of Western Ontario)
• Eastern Time Zone (Quebec & most of Ontario)
• Atlantic Time Zone (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island)
• Newfoundland Time Zone (Newfoundland & Labrador)

For more information, visit www.timetemperature.com/tzca/canada_time_zone.shtml
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Tipping

Tipping is part of the culture in Canada. As a general rule, waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, hairdressers and bartenders receive a tip of about 15%-20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service received.
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