Practical Information

We’ve gathered from various sources information that might be helpful to you

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Calls

Telephone numbers in Canada follow the fixed-length Bell System format, consisting of the country code +1, followed by a three-digit area code, a three-digit central office code (or exchange code) and a four-digit station code. This is represented as 1 NPA NXX-XXXX,[1] in which the country code is “1”.

Local calls from Canadian landlines must be dialled without the leading ‘1’, which is used as the trunk prefix for domestic long distance calls. Toll calls from Canada to other North American Numbering Plan countries are dialled in the same format (eleven digits) as domestic calls. Overseas calls to locations outside country code +1 are dialled with the 011international prefix, followed by the country code and the national significant number.

Dress code

The dress code for the sessions is informal; but please check the dress code for the different social events.

Electricity

Canada’s electrical supply and electrical outlets (sockets, wall plugs) are the same as those found in the United States.

The electrical supply is 120 Volts and 60 Hertz (cycles per second).

For visitors arriving from countries that use a different electrical supply, here is a website about international electricity that provides explanation and photos of the adapters and transformers you need for your appliances.

Emergency Numbers

9-1-1 is an emergency telephone number used in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Paraguay, among other countries

Internet

We will provide wireless internet access free of charge for GA participants. Please collect your Wi-Fi passwords at the Registration Desk or at the Help Desk.

Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation from English into Spanish or French and vice-versa will be provided at the Members’ Assembly.

Most of the side meetings will have simultaneous interpretation from English into Spanish and vice-versa, and a few will have French translation.

Languages

In Vancouver, the main spoken language is English.

Money

  • ATM: There is an ATM at the Hotel.
  • Tipping: Gratuities are seldom included in Canadian restaurants. It is customary to tip approximately 15-20% on the total bill before tax, less for poor service, more for truly exceptional service. Many restaurants may charge an automatic 15-18% gratuity for larger groups.
  • Banks and currency exchange: You can change foreign currency in banks and foreign exchange bureaus in the main cities.  Opening hours are often from 9.30am to 4pm, though sometimes later on a Friday. Many banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday, though some have limited services on a Saturday morning.
  • Credit cards: you can pay with any international credit card, and you’ll need to show your passport or ID. Travelers checks are accepted in many places, with a passport.

Time zone

The time zone oin Vancouver is the Pacific Time Zone.

Shopping

Shops generally have longer opening hours and may be open until 8pm during the week and from 10am to 5 or 6pm on a Sunday.

Water

The Water Services utility provides clean, high-quality drinking water to 2.5 million Metro Vancouver residents in the Lower Mainland. Over one billion litres of water flows through our taps every day.