Surrey Fast Facts

To make the most of your visit to Surrey, consider these helpful travel tips. From understanding the weather and time zone to getting a sense of what to expect, these facts will help you prepare for a fantastic experience. 

Fast Facts

Indigenous Peoples & Lands

Surrey is home to the largest urban Indigenous population in BC. The City of Surrey sits on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen First Nations.

Population

Based on the 2016 Canadian Census, the population of the City of Surrey is estimated to be 517, 887; it is thought that 68% of that population is between the ages of 15 to 64. Surrey makes up about 11% of British Columbia’s population of an estimated 4.6 million. 

Language

The City of Surrey is largely diverse and is home to a variety of multicultural groups. In fact, after English the most common language is Punjabi, which is spoken by around 20.5% of the population. Some other prevalent mother tongue languages spoken in Surrey are Mandarin, Hindustani, Tagalog and Korean. 

Weather & Climate

Surrey is a four-season destination with a mild climate throughout the year. Winters are generally rainy and can stay wet into early spring. Summers are sunny and pleasant, and the weather cools down in autumn.

Time Zone

Surrey is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Surrey participates in Daylight Savings Time during the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Currency

Use Canadian Dollars (CAD) in Surrey. You can exchange foreign currency at border kiosks, malls, and banks. Canadian coins are in 5, 10, and 25 cents, plus $1 and $2. Bills come in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

Taxes

In BC, most purchases have a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Accommodations incur an 8% PST plus up to a 3% hotel tax, while liquor has a 10% PST. Essentials like food are generally exempt.

Gratuities & Tipping

Tips are not included in restaurant bills. It's customary to add 15-20% for good service. For groups of eight or more, a tip of 15-18% is often added automatically. Counter service does not require tipping.

Health & Safety

Emergency Services:
Ambulance: 9-1-1
Fire: 9-1-1
Police: 9-1-1

Non-Emergency Services:
Surrey Memorial Hospital: (604)- 581-2211
Non-Emergency Police: (604)-599-0502
BC Nurse’s Hotline: 811