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Useful Halifax Information Climate - Nova Scotia is known as a place where the four seasons are refreshingly distinct. Average daily temperatures are 10 to 16 °C (50 to 61°F) in the Spring; 20 to 25°C (68 to 77F) in the Summer; 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F) in the Autumn; and -2 to 1°C (28 to 34°F) in the Winter. Rainfall on an annual basis averages 1,178.1 millimetres / 46.38 inches. Currency - Canada's currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 cents to the dollar. You can exchange your currency for Canadian dollars at authorized currency exchange counters at the Visitor Information Centre at Halifax International Airport, and various locations in Halifax. You can also exchange currency at banks, credit unions and trust companies throughout Nova Scotia. Banks - Banking hours vary, with most banks open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some banks are open on Saturday. Banks are closed on federal public holidays. Automated banking machines and debit (Interac, Cirrus, Plus, etc.) services are widely available. Hospital/Medical Services - Visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent, but a hospital stay can be costly without adequate insurance coverage. Visitors taking prescribed medications are advised to take a copy of the prescription should it need to be renewed during the trip. Smoke-free Places - New regulations require all indoor workplaces and public places in Nova Scotia to be smoke-free. Smoking is not allowed in outdoor licensed areas and patios of all restaurants, lounges, beverage rooms, casinos, and cabarets. Designated smoking rooms can be operated for the use of residents in health-care facilities for the acute or long-term care of veterans, in licensed nursing homes and residential care facilities and in homes for aged and disabled persons. Getting Around The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with numerous downtown parks and green spaces. Halifax Metro Transit Services provides fixed route bus services throughout the city, and operates a harbour ferry linking downtown Halifax and Dartmouth. Schedules, tickets and other information about buses and ferries are available at most hotels, stores and at the Metro Transit Web site. Halifax also has abundant taxis, with stands at most hotels. Taxis - Several taxi companies serve the Greater Halifax area with many taxi stands located throughout the city core. A one-way trip between Halifax International Airport and the city centre is $53. Information for Drivers - Speed limits and distances are in Metric (1 km - 0.62 miles). Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit within urban and residential areas is 50 km/h; on the highways, 100 km/h. Unless otherwise posted, it is legal in Nova Scotia to turn right on a red light after making a full stop. Seat belts are compulsory. Driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law. Bridges - The A. Murray MacKay Bridge and the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge are the two toll bridges in the HRM. The toll required for a single crossing is $0.75 or a token. The only bridge with pedestrian and bicycle access is the Macdonald bridge. Information Centres Year-round:
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