Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/134491
Travelling by Car Driving in British Columbia Tourists are permitted to drive in British Columbia for up to six months if they hold a valid driver's licence from another province, state or country, or up to 12 months if they also hold an International Driver's Permit issued outside of Canada. Approximate Mileage Conversions 50 kph = 30 mph 100 kph = 60 mph Driver Services Centre Royal Centre Suite 221 – 1055 W. Georgia, Vancouver, B.C. 800.950.1498, icbc.com B.C. Buckles Up The use of safety belts, child safety seats, bicycle helmets and motorcycle helmets is mandatory in British Columbia. Money Currency Notes are in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins are in denominations of $2 ("toonie"), $1 ("loonie"), 25¢ (quarter), 10¢ (dime) and 5¢ (nickel). Visitors are urged to exchange their funds for Canadian dollars at a bank or foreign exchange outlet where they will receive the prevailing rate of exchange. to 20% of the pre-tax amount is suggested. Porters at airports, railway stations and hotels are generally given $1 to $2 per bag. Taxes A federal goods and services tax (GST) of five per cent applies to most purchased goods and services. In addition, a provincial sales tax (PST) of seven per cent is applicable to most retail purchases except liquor, which is taxed at 10 per cent. Alcohol and Smoking Minors (anyone under 19 years of age) are not admitted into nightclubs serving alcohol. Each municipality in Metro Vancouver has different rules for smoking in public places like public buildings, restaurants and pubs. Please smoke in designated areas only. Frequently Used Numbers Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre: 604.683.2000 (Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.), tourismvancouver.com Bank Machines/Credit Cards Most bank machines in Metro Vancouver offer service on the Plus, Cirrus and Interac networks. They also generally accept credit card withdrawals. If you use your credit card to get cash from an ATM, the currency exchange is automatically done for you at the rate your credit card company offers. Vancouver welcomes all major credit cards. COLOUR A TV channel just for visitors to Vancouver! RTOWN TV is a custom TV channel delivered to 25 of Vancouver's premier hotels, offering inside knowledge of the city's most popular restaurants, shopping districts, nightlife, parks and attractions. A hosted TV show plus 24-hour live web cams and weather updates make RTOWN TV your guide to doing Vancouver like a local! Tipping Tips or service charges are not usually added to a restaurant bill in Canada. Tipping your server at a bar, restaurant, nightclub or pub is standard practice, and in general, a tip of 15% 90 general information FULL BLACK p88-93_GeneralInfo.indd 90 13-04-17 2:06 PM