Visitor Information

Canadian Currency

The facts about our money: The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. All prices quoted are in Canadian dollars, except the registration fees, which are listed in both Canadian and US dollars.

International currencies (American dollars, pounds Sterling, French and Swiss francs, etc.) can be exchanged at any bank, or at the International Currency Exchange at the Vancouver International Airport.

Banks
Banking hours vary between branches and banks.
The closest bank to the Delta Vancouver Suite Hotel is:

Royal Bank
658 West Hastings Street
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
( Closed on Saturday and Sunday)

Major credit and charge cards are readily accepted in Canada including American Express, MasterCard and VISA. ATM machines (automated teller machines) are also widely available in banks, retail areas and at the Delta Vancouver Suite Hotel.

You are advised to use a credit card wherever possible to take advantage of the best exchange rates. When changing funds into Canadian dollars do so at a bank or foreign currency exchange outlet where you will receive the prevailing rate of exchange. Many places will accept US dollars but they set their own exchange rate or accept US dollars at par.

Taxes
As a non-resident visitor, you can claim a refund for goods and services tax (GST), currently 7%, paid on eligible goods and/or short-term accommodation while visiting Canada. Save your receipts for submission to Revenue Canada.For more information, visit the Canada Customs and Revenue website.

Hotels charge a 10% hotel tax that is not refundable.

Provincial sales tax is 7.5%. There is no sales tax on food or restaurant meals. If a visitor purchases goods and has them shipped by the vendor directly to his or her home location outside of Canada, no taxes are charged. (This is subject to availability and dependant on whether the vendor offers this option).

Customs Information

Entry into Canada
The following information is provided to assist visitors in crossing Canadian borders with ease and minimal delays. For more detailed information, you may wish to visit the Canada Customs and Revenue website.

Visitors from the United States: United States citizens or permanent residents can generally cross the Canadian-US border without delay or difficulty. No passport or visa is required. However native-born United States citizens should carry identity papers (an original or notified birth certificate or voter's registration card) that establish US citizenship. Naturalized citizens should carry documentary evidence of citizenship (e.g. a green card). Permanent alien residents of the United States are advised to carry their alien card. Photo ID is also required.

Visitors from Other Countries: All persons visiting Canada from countries other than the United States should carry a valid passport. Certain citizens require a visa for entry. Because visa requirements for countries change, we suggest that you call the Canadian Consulate or Embassy at least a couple of months before your visit to Canada to check on document requirements.

Have your papers ready when you arrive in Canada: All visitors and residents who arrive by air have to complete a Customs Declaration form that is handed in to an Immigration Officer when you go through Canada Customs and Immigration. You can help make the immigration interview as short as possible by answering all questions simply and honestly. You should have your passport and other documents ready and with you rather than in your luggage.

Departure from Canada
Visitors departing Vancouver International Airport for US destinations should note that they clear US Immigration and Customs at Vancouver Airport. All documents mentioned in the "Entry to Canada" sections (see above) are required. Please make sure that you leave enough time to clear customs before your flight departs. It is recommended that you allow no less than half an hour after you check in for your flight to clear US customs and proceed to your departure date.

Airport Improvement Fee
Everyone flying out of Vancouver International Airport has to pay the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). The cost is CDN $10 for domestic flights (including the US and Mexico), CDN $15 for international flights.