With the start of the Winter Olympics just days away, the spotlight is on Vancouver like never before, so now's a good time to share a few tips on making the most of the city. For starters, Vancouver's weather is surprisingly mild in February, with temperatures usually a few degrees above freezing, but conditions can turn on a dime. Be prepared for everything from rain to snow with brilliant sunlight, and pack plenty of clothes geared toward outdoor activities, as this is a city of fitness buffs. Rent a car if you must, but be prepared for road restrictions and increased traffic around Olympic venues. A better bet is to stick to the city's abundant public transportation options, including shuttle service between many of the events. The Canadian dollar has recently been on par with the U.S. dollar, and many establishments will accept U.S. dollars. Keep up with the latest currency fluctuations with this handy currency converter. ATMs are plentiful, so keep an eye out for network acceptance logos that match your card. Most credit card companies impose foreign transaction fees of 1 to 3 percent, but the HSBC Premier World MasterCard is one of two companies that don't charge fees for purchases made outside of your home country. Finally, keep an ear out for a few colorful colloquialisms. A Canadian dollar is called a Loonie, and a two-dollar coin is a Toonie. People don't get excited, they get stoked, and when they head to the slopes for some snowboarding, they'll tell you they're off to shred some POW. Enjoy the games! Starwood has seven Vancouver properties, including the luxurious Westin Grand, Vancouver.