Visiting Victoria

Is it your first time to visit Victoria or Canada? Are you looking for travel information that you concern for  your trip? Such as  emergency number, office language, currency, tax, drinking and smoking policy, etc.  The following sequences will be helpful when your are traveling Victoria or Canada.

Emergency

In case of emergency including fire, police or ambulance, call 911.

Language

Canada is a bilingual country; the official languages spoken are English and French. Canada is a multi-cultural nation however, and many other languages are spoken within individual families and cultural communities. Visitors should only expect English to be spoken at most accommodations, restaurants, attractions and other tourist services.

Currency

Canadian currency is in dollars and cents. Our one dollar and two dollar denominations are coins, while all other dollar denominations are paper currency.

Taxes

Most purchases in British Columbia are subject to sales tax totaling 12% of the purchase price. The provincial sales tax (PST) of 7% applies to retail purchases and leases with the exception of liquor, which is taxed at 10%. Some items, including groceries, restaurant meals, children clothing and books, are PST exempt. The federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% is applicable to most purchased goods and services, but rebates on accommodations and purchases taken out of the country can be claimed by non-residents of Canada. Some restrictions apply. For more information call 1-800-66-VISIT from within Canada; outside Canada call 902-432-5608.

Time Zones

Canada spans six time zones and is five to 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Victoria, Vancouver Island and most of mainland B.C. are in the Pacific Standard Time zone (PST). Standard Time zones are observed during winter months. Each year, on the second Sunday in March, Daylight Savings Time comes into effect in most of Canada, including B.C.. Clocks are advanced by one hour. On the first Sunday in November, Canada reverts to Standard Time.

Drinking and Alcohol

The minimum age for the legal consumption of alcohol, beer and wine in British Columbia is 19. It is illegal to drink and drive.

Smoking in Public Places

Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places and work places. The province has also banned smoking near public doorways, open windows and air intakes.

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