Travel information

Airport

For more information about the Stanfield Halifax International Airport, please visit the airport’s website.

Getting to and around Halifax

There are so many ways to get to and around Halifax. Visit this page to discover all the possible options. Public transport is a great way to see the city. Hop on the bus and in just a few minutes you’re at a museum, restaurant or on the waterfront. To obtain information on fees, schedules and paths, visit Halifax Transit website.

If you prefer getting around by taxi, it’s easy to flag one down on the street. You’ll also find them at one of the city’s many taxi stands or in front of most major hotels.

Finally, to discover Halifax in all its splendor, visit Discover Halifax website.

Car Rentals

Cars can be rented in Halifax from local or international companies. All cars are left-hand drive.

Climate & Clothing

October in Halifax is sometimes sunny but a little chilly and fog. Generally pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging between 13ºC (55ºF) and 4ºC (40ºF). We recommend bringing a range of clothing and dressing in layers. It can be warm in the daytime and chilly in the evenings.

Banks

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and sometimes on Saturdays. You will find automated teller machines almost everywhere.

Currency

The Canadian dollar is the national currency. Automatic teller machines and exchange offices are readily available. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards.

Electricity

Electrical outlets in Canada operate on 120 volts / 60 Hz. If you are traveling from Europe or elsewhere, you will need an adapter to use small appliances designed for a different standard (220/240 V).

Health Insurance & Hospitals

Hospitals and medical services in Canada are excellent. The vast majority of hospitals are publicly managed and rates are set by provincial and hospital authorities. Hospital care for non-residents of Canada is charged at a daily rate or on the basis of the medical condition and length of stay. Charges vary from province to province and from hospital to hospital. It is therefore important to obtain travel health insurance before leaving home, since it is possible your regular health insurance does not include coverage outside your country of residence.

Languages

The official languages of the Conference will be French and English. Simultaneous translation services will not be offered. In public places in Halifax, English is spoken mostly, but French is also spoken.

Time zone

Time zone in Halifax is UTC-4.

Sales Taxes

Goods and services

In Nova Scotia, a sales tax called the HST is charged on most goods and services. The HST is a combination of the federal Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). It is 15% of the total cost of the item or service being purchased.

Accommodation

In addition to 15% HST, hotel room sales in Halifax are subject to a 2% Hotel Room Tax.

Shopping

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are usually closed on legal holidays, but some establishments (supermarkets, SAQ outlets, etc.) may still be open.

Bars and restaurants

Most serve alcohol from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Some restaurants have a BYOW policy, which allows you to bring wine and beer of your choice. The legal drinking age in Nova Scotia is 19 years old.

Tipping

Service is not included in restaurants and it is customary to add a 15% tip to the total bill. (A quick way to calculate the appropriate tip amount is to add the two taxes that appear at the bottom of your bill. It works out to roughly 15%). If you are with a group, 15% for service may be automatically added to your bill. Just ask when you are not sure if tip is included. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. are also normally tipped 15%. Bellhops, porters, doormen, etc. generally receive at least $1 per suitcase or per service rendered. Coffee and food counters often have a tip cup next to the cash register; spare change is always appreciated. Here is a great tipping guide for Canada.

CMVA Liability

The Organizing Committee shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered participants of the CMVA 2019 Conference. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.