Banking and other services

There are several national banks to choose from and most banks will allow you to open a basic savings or chequing account while you are living in BC. Many international banks also have partners here so check with your bank before you leave.

Banks: There are five national banks and several local banks and credit unions in British Columbia. The hours of operation will depend. Most are open between 9am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Some stay open late, until 6pm or 8pm, and some are open on Saturday's. Sunday's all banks are closed. You can withdraw money, convert travelers cheques, buy travelers cheques and withdraw money from your credit card at any bank, but the charge for these services will vary.

Bank Machines (ATM's): All banks have bank machines where you can withdraw or deposit money using your bank card. You can use any machine as long as it is connected to your bank. There is always a list of symbols indicating which networks can be used. Almost all machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Maestro and Cirrus system cards. Before you leave, find out which system you need to access your home country bank. Remember, you may be charged a service fee by the machine for using it.

Currency Exchanges: Banks usually offer the best exchange rate but there are also private currency exchange businesses. Compare the rates when you arrive to find out the best place to change your money into Canadian dollars. Hotels may also offer currency exchange rates for their guests.

Currency Information: To find out what your national currency converts to in Canadian dollars, check out the XE Currency site.

Taxes: In British Columbia there are several different taxes that exist. It may be confusing at first as taxes in British Columbia are not usually included in the price tag on an item. In general the following is true:

• there is a 7% PST (provincial sales tax) added to goods or services you purchase. Children's items and some selected other products are exempt.
• there is a 6% GST (goods and service tax) that is added on to goods or services that you buy. There are some exemptions including some bulk purchases. Visitors to Canada may claim a GST rebate when they leave, to find out more about the GST rebate please check here.
• there is a 10% liquor tax on alcoholic beverages. This is added to your bill when you are at a restaurant or bar. Liquor purchased from an authorized liquor distributor will include taxes in the price listed.
• Often airports, airlines and other transportation services must charge other taxes. When you are booking airline tickets make sure you inquire about the total price including all applicable taxes.

Student Discounts: A number of businesses and stores, such as travel agencies, movie theatres, book stores, hair salons, office supply stores, airlines, bus companies and tourist sites will offer a reduced fee or discounts to students. Make sure that you get a student ID card from your school when you start classes, or you can get an international student card (ISIC) from your institution.

Athletic and Work-out Facilities: Many schools will have an on-campus athletic or recreational facility for students to use and often the cost is included with your tuition. Most cities and towns will also have athletic facilities available including private gyms, the YMCA, climbing gyms, public and private tennis and golf clubs, skating rinks and other types of athletic centres. Make sure you inquire about the individuals costs as some may offer drop-in, short-term and student discounts.

Tutoring and Extra Help: We all need a little help when we are in school. Whether you need assistance with math, science or would like someone to help you with conversations in English, the school you go to will help you find a tutor. The cost of tutors varies and some schools have help-desks which are free. Ask your school about the services that are available, or go by the student union building or the individual department for the the subject for which you need help.

Groceries: Depending on where you choose to live you will have a wide choice of grocery store options to choose from. There are large super stores and smaller locally owned businesses. Most cities or towns will have one or more grocery stores that specialize in different meats, fish, dairy or ethnic foods. No matter where you choose to live you should be able to find any type of food or ingredient that you are looking for.

Tipping/Gratuity: In BC and Canada it is standard to tip when eating in a restaurant and it is not included on your bill. An average tip for good service is 15% of the pre-tax total. The other services where it is customary to tip include: taxis, hotel bell hops, hair stylists, aestheticians, and tour operators or guides for fishing, skiing, or other recreational tours.