City in British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver
Mountains, forest and ocean right by a compact city; great for hikers, cyclists and sushi lovers. Housing is Canada's priciest, winters are grey and wet, and downtown has visible drug use.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,020–4,000Comfortable, one person · C$4,300–5,700Details
- Value for money19/100Better value than 18% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Jul, 24°CDetails
- Air quality6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2023) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMountain-fed water is clean and soft; refill at public fountains.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$105–211Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereTap to pay works almost everywhere, including transit.Details
Where to stay in Vancouver
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Gastown–Yaletown | Central, restaurants and bars, close to SkyTrain |
| Kitsilano | Beaches, yoga, cafés; relaxed long stays |
| Mount Pleasant | Craft breweries, coffee, cheaper rents than downtown |
| West End | Near Stanley Park and beaches; walkable and LGBTQ+-friendly |
| Commercial Drive | Independent cafés, music, budget food |
Apps that work in Vancouver
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Widest restaurant choice |
| DoorDash | Frequent promos and gift deals |
| SkipTheDishes | Common local app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: Taxis (Yellow, Vancouver Taxi) take cards and can be hailed downtown; apps are usually cheaper. Surge pricing hits in rain and after events.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Tap to pay works almost everywhere, including transit. Carry a small amount of cash for markets, food trucks and some tip jars.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Vancouver solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Vancouver meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.