PERSONAL SAFETY

Big cities in Canada can be dangerous if you are not careful. If you observe a few simple rules you can avoid most dangers. The best precautions that one can take against 'mugged' or becoming an unsuspecting victim of robbery in Canada have to do with using simple common sense.

• Avoid traveling alone after dark in subways, downtown districts, parks, empty streets and decaying neighborhoods. Any area that looks seedy, is littered with trash and broken bottles and has idle people hanging around street corners, is probably unsafe.
• When in and around airports, train and bus terminals and entrances to subway stations, or on empty pavements and staircases always avoid standing around and looking lost.
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket.
• Always keep an eye on your luggage at airports and stations and do not leave bags unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Be careful of beggars and homeless people. Ignore them as far as possible.
• Avoid dark, lonely places if you do not have car.
• Find out from friends which areas of town to avoid.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Measurements are done in the old British Metric system, so you shouldn't have any problems. For a Metric Conversion chart, click here.

ELECTRICAL FITTINGS

Canada has 110/120V 60 Hz voltage. You will need to buy a transformer if you are taking any electrical appliance of non-Canadian manufacture (hair dryer, electric shaver, etc.), with you. You will also need an adapter to change the shape of your plug as plugs usually have just two flat, parallel pins. These are available in any hardware store.

WEATHER

Canada has four distinct seasons, although their arrival times vary across the country. The single most significant factor in climate is latitude. As a rule of thumb, it gets colder the further north you go, so it's not accident that the warmest areas in the south are also the most populated. The western and eastern coasts are both very wet, thought much of the rain falls during the winter. In Saskatchewan, Manitoba and eastern Alberta the prairies are fairly dry all year. Canadian winters are long: in more than two-thirds of the country, the average January temperature is a shivering -18°C. July and August are the warmest months, when temperatures in the south are usually in the upper 20s.

LANGUAGE

English and French are the country's two official languages, though the province of New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual area in the country. You will, however, notice both languages on maps, tourist brochures and product labels.

Nonverbals: Nonverbals, the 'silent' or 'body' language, form an important part of first impressions you create. The first few minutes in any interaction are vital. That's all it takes to make up your mind About Canada someone.

• Nonverbals include your posture, gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. Make sure that your nonverbals and what you are saying are in agreement.
• You convey messages all the time through your nonverbals and if you're not aware, you can give a wrong impression. Fiddling with your tie or shuffling loose change in your pocket is distracting and makes you seem nervous.
• Be aware of what you are doing, and with practice, you will be able to project a positive image.