Getting to SFU
Air Travel to Vancouver
Vancouver is located on the West Coast of Canada. There are direct flights by many major airlines to Vancouver International Airport from international destinations and most major US cities. Several charter airlines offer flights between Europe and Vancouver in June as well. We suggest that you call your travel agent well in advance and ask them to negotiate the best airfare for your trip.
West Jet (http://westjet.com) offers a 10 % discount on their best published fares for conference attendants. Please use the downloadable form (Word, 64k) to take advantage of this offer. West Jet offers flights between various Canadian and select US cities.
Climate and clothing
What to wear: Warmed by off-shore currents and protected by the Coast Mountains, Vancouver's lower mainland enjoys pleasant spring temperatures that are rarely cold. Daytime temperatures in early June linger around 21°Celsius (69° Fahrenheit). Evenings are a bit cooler so it's best to pack a warm jacket or a light coat.
Simon Fraser University's main Burnaby campus is situated at the top of Burnaby Mountain and may be a few degrees cooler than the city. Casual attire is appropriate for all conference sessions.
Disclaimer
The program planning committee and Simon Fraser University will accept no liability for personal injuries sustained or for loss or damage to property belonging to delegates either during or as a result of the meeting.
Health Insurance
Be wise and plan ahead: Visitors to Canada should have medical protection coverage. Canadian government health plans do not cover non-residents visiting Canada. Purchase health insurance before your visit.
Commercial Information
Canadian Currency
The facts about our money: The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. All prices quoted on this website are in Canadian dollars. International currencies (Euros, US dollars, pounds Sterling, etc.) can be exchanged at any bank, or at the International Currency Exchange at the Vancouver International Airport.
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 and retail areas.
Conference participants from the USA or other international destinations 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 6%, paid on eligible goods and/or short-term accommodation while visiting Canada. Save your receipts for submission to Revenue Canada. Burnaby Hotels charge a 8% hotel tax that is not refundable.
Provincial sales tax is 7%. 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. All visitors should carry a valid passport. In addition to a passport, there are a number of countries whose citizens also require a visa to enter Canada.
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. Please make sure that you leave enough time to clear customs before your flight departs. It is recommended that you allow no less than an hour after you check in for your flight to clear US customs and proceed to your departure date.