ESSENTIALS - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 769

When these are closed, head to the local chamber of commerce for information. Most cham-
ber offices are open Monday-Friday year-round.
COMMUNICATIONS
Postal Services
Canada Post ( www.canadapost.ca ) issues postage stamps that must be used on all mail pos-
ted in Canada. First-class letters and postcards sent within Canada are $0.63, to the United
States $1.10, to other international destinations $1.85. Prices increase along with the weight
of the mailing. You can buy stamps at post offices, automatic vending machines, most hotel
lobbies, airports, Pacific Central Station (Vancouver), many retail outlets, and some news-
stands.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Through 2013, the Canadian dollar decreased very slowly in value against the U.S.
dollar after a number of years of trading at par.
At press time, exchange rates (into CDN$) for major currencies are:
• US$1 = $1.08
• AUS$1 = $0.93
• €1 = $1.58
• HK$10 = $1.65
• NZ$1 = $0.80
• UK£1 = $1.78
• ¥100 = $1.28
On the Internet, check current exchange rates at www.xe.com/ucc .
All major currency can be exchanged at banks in Victoria, at the Victoria Inter-
national Airport, or at the airport in the gateway city of Vancouver. Many Canadian
businesses will accept U.S. currency, but you will get a better exchange rate from the
banks.