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Useful Information
Wondering about what kind of clothes to pack, how much sales tax is, or what the time difference is? You’ll find those answers and more in these sections.
Useful Information
Time Zone & Daylight Saving Time
Richmond is located in the Pacific Standard Time (PST) Zone, which puts it three hours behind Eastern Standard Time (when it’s 11 a.m. here, it’s 2 p.m. in Toronto) and eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (when it’s 4 p.m. here, it’s midnight in London). Daylight Saving Time is observed. Clocks are set one hour ahead in the summer, so there is more daylight in the evening. Clocks are set back to standard time in the fall.
Ten-Digit Dialing
The telephone area codes for Richmond are 604 and 778. These area codes must be used when dialing local phone numbers (i.e. 604-888-8888) and long-distance phone numbers (i.e. 1-604-888-8888).
Sales Tax
Most goods and services in British Columbia are subject to both federal (5%) and provincial sales taxes (7%). These taxes are in addition to the price of an item. When these sales taxes are combined they are called HST.
Climate & Temperature
Like other parts of Metro Vancouver, Richmond enjoys a mild, coastal climate year-round. Average high temperatures hit 23°C/73°F in the summer and fall to 7°C/45°F in the winter. In Richmond, the average annual rainfall is 111cm/44in.
Currency Converter
In today's world, currency and exchange rates change daily. Check here for the latest rates.
All visitors to BC and Canada are advised to have local currency on hand prior to arriving. Visitors can exchange currency at several points including:
Canadian chartered banks
Trust companies
Credit unions
Offices of foreign exchange brokers
Canadian currency is also readily available from automatic teller machines (ATMs).
Statutory Holidays
British Columbians celebrate 10 statutory holidays and one civic holiday each year.
New Year's Day (January 1)
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25)
Canada Day (July 1)
BC Day (first Monday in August)
Labour Day (first Monday in September)
Thanksgiving Day (second Monday in October)
Remembrance Day (November 11)
Christmas Day (December 25)
Boxing Day (December 26)
