Practical Information

Currency
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD$).

Exchange rate
£1 = 1.97 CA$ (approximate at July 2008).

Time Zone
Calgary is 7 hours behind GMT.

Calling Home
Remember to add 011 44 and to remove the ‘0’ from the start of the local area code.

Tipping
In Canada, tipping is common practice with most places expecting a minimum of 15%. Failure to do so is seen as bad
manners, so it is recommended that you always keep some small change on you. You are expected to tip bar and
waiting staff, taxi drivers, porters, ski instructor and hotel maids. Porterage is normally CAD$2.

Electricity
Canada operates on 110 or 120 volts which means you’ll need dual voltage electrical appliances or a special adaptor.

Shopping
Remember to add the relevant sales tax to the price displayed on the item. Shops don’t include it in the advertised price but it is always added when you get to the checkout. Always carry your passport with you if you intend to buy alcohol. You will almost always be asked for ID before being served in bars, restaurants or bottle shops – even if you look twice the legal drinking age!