Banks: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.30:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 18:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Vancouver is a typical large Canadian city with all the normal health and safety safeguards. Violent crimes such as shootings and muggings are rare and visitors are unlikely to experience any problems. As is normal with visiting any place for the first time, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the surroundings and to take extra care with your money and belongings. Walking around the city is safe during the daytime. The area around downtown Eastside, north of Chinatown and east of Gastown, has a higher number of homeless and disadvantaged people and drug problems are more prevalent. It's not considered dangerous to walk through the area but visitors should be aware and take the necessary precautions. 

Stanley Park is very popular during the day with tourists and locals, but you should take extra care at night. Attacks are very rare but they do happen occasionally so try to avoid walking here when it's dark. If you're visiting bars and clubs late at night, it's a good idea to take a taxi home and avoid any dark alleys and quiet side streets.

Electricity: 110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.

If anything does happen during your visit, there are excellent medical facilities in Vancouver. Canadian government health plans do not cover non-residents so it is essential to take out an insurance policy before travelling to cover against illness and injury. A good insurance policy will also cover you against loss or theft when overseas.

There are no serious health concerns when travelling to Canada, but it's always advisable to make sure that you are up-to-date with standard inoculations such as tetanus. Tap water is safe to drink and food hygiene standards in restaurants are high and closely monitored.

Emergency services: 911

English is the most commonly spoken language in the Vancouver area, however, Mandarin is spoken by 17per cent of the downtown population. There are many ethnic groups and nationalities including Germans, French, Italians, Russians, Dutch, Filipino, Taiwanese, and Chinese.

The currency used nation-wide is the Canadian dollar and it has a different value to that of the American dollar. Coin denominations include the 1 cent (penny), 5 cent (nickel), 10 cent (dime) and 25 cent (quarter), $1 (loonie) and $2 (toonie). Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, and $1,000 denominations.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most shops in Vancouver. It's always a good idea to have cash as well, for smaller purchases. Currency can be exchanged at a number of places at the airport and most banks in the city. Exchange bureaus can be found at various locations.

Money can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are located strategically around the city. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Other financial services such as Western Union and Thomas Cook are also available, although they tend to charge more and are best used in emergencies.

The importation of fresh food or agricultural products is prohibited. Duty free allowances include 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200g of loose tobacco; 1 bottle of wine or spirits, 24 bottles or cans of beer.

It's always wise to find out about local customs when visiting a new place. Canada is generally very liberal and tolerant, but you should still be courteous and respectful of religious beliefs and traditions.

Dress code is casual, except if you are conducting business when you are expected to wear formal attire. Jeans and t-shirts are perfectly acceptable if you are visiting most tourist attractions, shopping malls and many restaurants. The more upmarket restaurants will expect a higher dress code. Remember to observe basis customs such as queuing and refrain from smoking in public places.

Dining Etiquette
As with many other customs, dining etiquette is generally relaxed in Canada. It is usually polite to wait until all members of your group are seated and have been served before you start your meal. You do not need to finish everything that is served to you, but if you are have been invited to a dinner party at someone's house then it is advisable to eat everything that you are given. If someone makes a toast then you should stop eating and wait until they have finished.

Alcohol is often consumed during a meal and dessert can be ordered after the main course. Tea or coffee are popular at the end of the meal. After you have finished eating, you should place your knife and fork together on the side of the plate. If you have been invited to dinner, just check how your hosts are eating before you use your hands. If you invite people to dinner, this may be a sign that you are prepared to pay for the meal.

Most EU citizens will find that they do not require a visa to enter Canada. If you are unsure whether or not you fall into this category, it is advisable to check with your nearest Canadian embassy. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States do not need a passport or visa for stays of up to three months. However, visitors should carry identification such as a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate or social security card to prove citizenship.

There are tourist information centres located throughout the city providing information on attractions, accommodation and public transport. Some of the key centres are in Metrotown Mall, corner of Robson Square or the Harbour Centre. Alternatively visit their website at www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors