Entry into Canada | Returning to the US | Transportation | Currency Exchange | Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada
Entry into Canada
Registrants arriving from the US must provide proof of citizenship. A passport is preferred, but a certified copy of your birth certificate along with a current government issued photo ID should also suffice. Permanent residents must bring their green cards. If you are arriving from a country other than the US, you must bring a valid passport and a visa may be required.
Note: If you are travelling with children, each child must have identification similar to what is mentioned above. If the child is not your own, bring a letter of permission from the child's legal guardian. If you share custody, bring copies of legal documents regarding custody rights.
For more details on entry requirements, check the Canadian Border Services Agency Web site at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Returning to the US
Registrants returning to the US via air travel will go through US Customs and Immigration at the Vancouver airport. Please allow extra time to do so. To re-enter the US, a US citizen should have either a valid US passport or a certified copy of their birth certificate with current government issued photo ID. For information on US customs regulations, please visit www.customs.gov.
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Transportation
Air Travel
Vancouver International Airport is served by most major airlines.
Train
For travelers from the Pacific Northwest, Amtrack's Cascades line runs daily service from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver. For more information go to www.amtrakcascades.com.
Bus
Quick Shuttle Service offers service from Seattle's SeaTac Airport to downtown Vancouver about 4 times daily. The trip takes about four and 1/2 hours, and costs approximately $74 Round trip. Reservations are recommended. For more information and a schedule go to www.quickcoach.com
Greyhound US ( www.greyhound.com) operates to Vancouver from many US locations. Greyhound Canada ( www.greyhound.ca) goes to Vancouver from Canadian points of origin.
Ground Transportation From Vancouver Airport:
The YVR Airporter runs about every 20 minutes from the airport to most downtown hotels including the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The ride takes about 35 minutes and costs CAN $12 one way or CAN $18 for a return trip. For more information visit www.yvrairporter.com
Taxis are also available and cost between CAN $25-40 from the airport to downtown Vancouver.
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Currency Exchange
There are many places to exchange money throughout Vancouver if you bring US dollar traveler's checks or cash. But the best method of getting Canadian Currency is by using your ATM card. PLUS and Cirrus ATMs are widely available throughout Vancouver. Your account will be debited with the appropriate conversion amount, however there will be a fee for using an ATM not affiliated with your bank. Most establishments in Vancouver accept major credit cards as well.
Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada
Non-resident visitors to Canada can claim a refund on the 7% Good and Services Tax (GST). Individuals qualify if they paid at least CAN $200 (before taxes) for eligible goods and accommodation. Go to www.rc.gc.ca/visitors for more information. To qualify for the refund, you must keep your original receipts and have them stamped by a Canadian Customs Officer before you leave the country. There are many private companies located in Vancouver that will submit an application for you. However, they generally charge a fee for their services.
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