Practical information about Vancouver

The busy and pleasant city of Vancouver is an excellent holiday destination in the warm spring and summer months. As a visitor to a new city it is important to have access to the emergency numbers in the city, know what travel documents are required and be up-to-date on the health requirements for entry into the city.

It's also useful to understand the electricity system to ensure that you can charge your phone, laptop or use a hairdryer with success in the city. Our handy guide provides some insight into the currency, languages spoken in the city and whether you should tip at a restaurant and how much is customary.

It will also help you to know what to pack when visiting Vancouver and whether you need rain gear or garments for snowy weather. Check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Vancouver !

Essential Vancouver information for visitors

Emergency numbers: In most areas of British Columbia you can dial 911 for any emergency and this is the best option to get emergency assistance. For non-emergency police services dial 604 717 3321. For Drug and Poison Information you can dial 604 682 5050 or 1 800 567 8911 and for non-emergency medical questions call 811. Vancouver Coastal health offers Emergency Mental Health Services on 604 874 7307,daily from 07:30-15:00 at 520 West 6th Avenue in the city.

Temperature: There is a temperature range from 20°C during the summer to around 0 to 5°C during winter, which is much warmer than many places in Canada, which typically has very cold winters. Rain falls mostly during the winter months and there are some snowfalls. Make sure to bring rainproof clothing to Vancouver if you will be visiting outside of the summer.

Currency: The currency used in Vancouver is the Canadian Dollar and there are 100 cents in a dollar. Bank notes are issued in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations. Banking hours in Canada are 9 am to 5 pm every week day but some branches open at 8 am and stay open until 7 pm. There are international and foreign exchange facilities in Vancouver.

Local Time: Vancouver uses Pacific Daylight Time and is seven hours behind GMT/UTC. Vancouver employs Daylight Savings Time from March to November. Vancouver is eight hours behind UK time and three hours behind the US.
Electricity: In Vancouver the outlets and voltage are the same as in the United States at 110 volts. Appliances like razors and hair dryers or irons from the US can be used in Canada but visitors from countries around the world may find that various adapters are required to safely use electrical appliances.

Language: Most of the population in Vancouver speaks English with a small percentage that speak French and English and very few that speak only French. Other languages are represented, but in general most people you meet will have an excellent command of English.

Health: Visitors must be up-to-date on routine vaccinations when entering any city in Canada. The CDC and WHO recommend measles, mumps and rubella, Tdap, Hepatitis A and B, polio, pneumonia and influenza vaccinations.

Tipping and taxes: A 15-20% tip is usual, but customers are known to refuse tipping for poor service or to tip much less. If the service has been excellent a much larger tip is given. It is also usual for a standard 20% tip to be added to the bill if the group is very large or has requested extra services.

BudgetAir offers help for those who want to visit Vancouver and will help you to find our best deals on flights into the city and the most comprehensive flight packages to suit your needs.