Canada
Spain
Colombia
Costa Rica
Australia
Morocco
Tunisia
Turkey
Indonesia
Mexico
Algeria
China
Preparing your Arrival
When to arrive?
We suggest that you arrive in Vancouver 2 to 4 weeks before the beginning of your program. Allow yourself enough time to get familiar with the city and transportation system, organize your accommodation, purchase all the necessary household articles for your move, open a bank account and set up cell phone service if desired. Most importantly, you need to attend the New Student Orientation one week before your program start.
Arriving and leaving Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Traveling from and to YVR airport is very convenient. You can either take the public transportation system - Skytrain via Canada Line or take a Taxi.
Skytrain fare leaving from YVR starts from $7.75 for traveling to 1 Zone destinations; $9 to 2 Zone destinations and $10.50 to 3 Zone destinations.
Taxi fare leaving from YVR are regulated by the new set rate taxi fare zone system (as of Nov 2015). Any taxi travel from YVR to the downtown Vancouver peninsula will cost a flat rate of $35. The highest rate is $41 for destinations in North East Vancouver while the lowest rate is $20 for the zones of Sea Island, South Vancouver, North Richmond and Central Richmond.
Currency Exchange at the airport
At the airport, there are exchange offices that will allow you to exchange your money into Canadian currency. We do however strongly recommend you arrive with a credit card in case these offices are closed when you arrive. It is also recommended to travel with US dollar for any emergency expense. Most places will accept US dollar at 1:1 rate to Canadian dollar. However, this is not the most economic when it comes to spending a larger amount. It is recommended that you prepare Canadian currency before you leave your home country.
Keep in mind that it is best to keep all your cash, traveler's cheques and important documents on board with you and NOT in your check in luggage. Each year we have students who lose their luggage and are stranded with no documents or cash. Be prepared and avoid this situation.
What to bring
Canada has everything you'll need. You'll find specialty grocery stores with foods from around the world at reasonable prices. However, for your everyday comfort, it is recommended to take your personal belongings.
Don't forget to bring the following important documents:
- Acceptance letter from LaSalle College
- Student visa
- Any original document required by the College for your admission
- International driver's license ( make a request with your local transport authorities before you leave)
- Medical report (if applicable)
- Medicine prescriptions (if applicable)
Electronic devices
Canada uses the nominal tension of 110 volts with an alternating current of 60 watts. If your country has a different voltage, be sure to get an adapter for your electronic devices. Be sure to inquire what are the best solutions for you. Here is a website link that may help: Adaptors and converters
*Adaptors allow you plug your electronic devices in foreign sockets while converters convert electrical tension.
Luggage
Most airlines have strict regulations regarding cargo and carry-on luggage. Please refer directly to your airline for complete details.
