Vancouver

The questions people ask first about Vancouver, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
• SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
• TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
• SafetyVancouver is generally safe for visitors; the real issues are petty theft from cars and bikes, rain-related planning…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
• Street or quick mealNoodle soup or a food-court plateC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at a liquor storeC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–4 (≈ US$3)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareRideshare surges on weekend nights.C$18–25 (≈ US$14–19)
• Metro or bus rideSkyTrain or bus single rideZone-based fare; the YVR AddFare applies only when departing from the airport station.C$3.20–4.65 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum or attraction entryGrouse Mountain and Capilano are at the top of the range.C$20–45 (≈ US$15–35)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
• Mid-range bedDowntown hotel double room, a night, per roomC$280 (≈ US$250)
• High-end bedDowntown hotel double room, a night, per roomC$550 (≈ US$400)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$180 (≈ US$140) · High C$320 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

YVR Vancouver International Airport (Canada Line SkyTrain to downtown, about 25 min; taxi 20–30 min with fixed zone fares from the airport) · YXX Abbotsford International Airport (About 60 km (37 mi) east; mostly domestic and low-cost carriers, no public transit link, drive 45–90 min) · CXH Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (Downtown seaplane terminal at Canada Place; floatplane links to Victoria, Nanaimo and Whistler)YVR Vancouver International Airport (Canada Line SkyTrain to downtown, about 25 min; taxi 20–30 min with fixed zone fares from the airport) · YXX Abbotsford International Airport (About 37 mi (60 km) east; mostly domestic and low-cost carriers, no public transit link, drive 45–90 min) · CXH Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (Downtown seaplane terminal at Canada Place; floatplane links to Victoria, Nanaimo and Whistler)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed

Mid

C$160–260 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed

High

C$300 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed

• Rain from October to March is frequent and can last days: pack a waterproof shell, not an umbrella you will lose.
• The Downtown Eastside around Main and Hastings has open drug use and street disorder; walk through in daylight, do not linger.
• Some Gastown and Granville Street bars add cover charges or unposted minimums: ask the total before you sit.
• Summer weekends fill Stanley Park, Granville Island and the Grouse Mountain gondola: go before 10:00 or after 16:00.Summer weekends fill Stanley Park, Granville Island and the Grouse Mountain gondola: go before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM.
• Parking downtown is expensive and scarce; use transit and the park-and-ride lots instead.