Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cell Phones
Cell phones use the GSM and CDMA systems, depending on your carrier. Check with
your cellular service provider before you leave about using your phone in Canada. Calls
may be routed internationally, and US travelers should beware roaming surcharges (it
can become very expensive for a 'local' call).
Phonecards
Prepaid phonecards for long-distance and international calls can be purchased at con-
venience stores, gas stations and some post offices. Beware some phonecards that ad-
vertise the cheapest per-minute rates, as they may also charge hefty connection fees for
each call. Leading local phone company
Telus
(
www.telus.com
) offers a range of reli-
able phonecards available in retail outlets around the city.
Time
Vancouver is in the Pacific time zone (PST/PDT), the same as the US West Coast. At
noon in Vancouver it's the following:
»
11am in Anchorage
»
3pm in Toronto
»
2pm in Chicago
»
8pm in London
»
9pm in Paris
»
6am (the next day) in Sydney
»
8am (the next day) in Auckland
During Daylight Saving Time (from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in
November), the clock moves ahead one hour.
Tourist Information
877-826-1717;
www.tourismvancouver.com
; 200 Burrard St; 8:30am-6pm ;
Waterfront) is a large repository of resources for visitors, with a staff of helpful advisers
ready to assist in planning your trip. Services and info available here include free maps,
visitor guides, half-priced theater tickets, accommodation and tour bookings, plus a host
of glossy brochures on the city and the wider BC region. At time of writing, the main
