Moving to Canada?: 12 key facts to know before

Canada is a nation that embraces immigrants from across the globe, creating a vibrant mosaic of diverse cultures and traditions. However, while Canada is known for its multiculturalism, it also has a distinctive way of life and unique cultural aspects that newcomers will naturally adopt as they integrate into Canadian society and eventually consider themselves Canadians.

In this article, we will explore some essential aspects of Canadian life and culture, dispelling a few myths along the way. This guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for your move to Canada, ensuring a smoother transition into your new life here.

The cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city you choose to live in

Living costs in Canada fluctuate greatly depending on your location. Rent is often the largest component of living expenses, especially in urban areas. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are known for their high living costs, and regardless of the city, residing in the downtown core is typically more expensive than in the suburbs. In addition to rent, other regular expenses include groceries, utility bills (such as hydro, heating, air conditioning, internet, and home phone), childcare, and costs for parking, insurance, and transit passes. These expenses can accumulate quickly, so it’s important to account for them when planning your budget.

Canada operates on a credit-based economy, making your credit score crucial

Canada, like the United States, is a credit-based economy, meaning that credit cards are widely used for purchases, with payments typically made at the end of the billing cycle or in installments. Once you obtain your first credit card, it’s advisable to start using it for small expenses such as phone bills or groceries, and make sure to pay off the balance in full by the due date. This practice will help you gradually establish a positive credit history. Your credit score plays a significant role in many areas of life in Canada, including renting accommodation, applying for certain jobs, and securing loans or mortgages from banks. A good credit score can make a big difference in your financial opportunities.

Phone, internet, and cable TV costs can be higher than what you’re used to in your home country

Utility costs such as air conditioning and heating are significant contributors to your monthly expenses. Hydro (electricity) bills typically range between $50-80 CAD per month, and water costs about $20-40 CAD monthly. Additionally, internet and cable TV services usually cost over $100 CAD per month combined. Mobile phone plans in Canada are also known to be expensive, with many Canadians paying between $50-100 CAD monthly for contract-based plans. While prepaid options are available, most people choose postpaid plans. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully plan and budget for these expenses before you move to Canada.

Your home country’s driver’s license will only allow you to drive for the first 60 to 90 days in Canada

If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you are permitted to drive in Canada for up to 60 to 90 days, though this period may vary depending on the province. After this time, you will need to obtain a Canadian driver’s license. To prepare for this, check the specific licensing requirements in the province where you’ll be living. It’s also a good idea to request a copy of your driving history (known as a “driving extract”) from the licensing authority in your home country, ensuring the document is in English or French. Having this information ready will streamline the process of applying for a Canadian driver’s license and securing car insurance.

Healthcare services aren’t entirely free in Canada

While Canada offers a universal healthcare system funded through taxes, not all healthcare services are completely free. Basic healthcare services, such as visits to family doctors or emergency room care, are covered under provincial or territorial health insurance plans. However, certain services and products, including prescription medications, physiotherapy, dental care, ambulance services, prescription eyeglasses, wheelchairs, and any medical expenses incurred while traveling, are not covered. To cover these additional costs, you can opt for private or supplementary health insurance plans, which can be purchased from a variety of providers. On average, Canadian families spend about $4,000 CAD annually on such private health insurance, though this amount can vary based on factors like coverage options, age, health history, number of dependents, and province of residence.

Canada’s weather isn’t always cold

Although Canada is often thought of as a cold country, its vast size means that weather conditions vary significantly depending on the region. In many parts of Canada, you can experience all four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter. For instance, provinces like Ontario can see temperatures range from -40°C in the winter to 40°C in the summer. On the west coast, winters are typically milder and rainier, while the east coast experiences colder, snowier winters. The farther north you go, the more extreme and arctic-like the weather becomes. However, with the right winter clothing, preparation for colder temperatures in your home and car, and a mindset that embraces the season, Canadians live their daily lives normally even during the harshest winter months.

Canadians are known for their politeness

One of the cultural hallmarks of Canada is the politeness of its people. Phrases such as “sorry,” “please,” and “thank you” are used frequently and often in a variety of situations. While these expressions are part of everyday conversation, it’s important to note that they are more of a social norm than a direct indication of personal warmth. They are simply a reflection of the country’s strong emphasis on courtesy and respect for others in daily interactions.

The price on an item isn’t the final price you’ll pay

In Canada, sales taxes are added to the cost of goods at checkout, meaning the price you see listed on an item or on websites is not the total amount you’ll be charged. Sales taxes such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will be applied at the point of payment. As a result, you’ll often need to budget for these additional charges when making purchases. Be sure to factor in a few extra dollars when shopping, as the final price will be higher than the sticker price you initially see.

Social norms in Canada may differ from what you’re accustomed to

Canadians are often described as friendly, polite, and approachable. However, it’s important to recognize that their social norms and mannerisms do not necessarily indicate a willingness to overstep personal boundaries or share intimate details about one’s life. For example, while it may be typical in your home country to show up unannounced at a friend’s house, Canadians generally prefer to plan ahead and appreciate being given adequate notice before a visit. Privacy is highly valued in Canada, and discussions about sensitive topics like politics or religion with someone you’ve just met are best avoided. Additionally, offering home-cooked food to someone you don’t know well can be considered impolite, so it’s always a good idea to be mindful of these cultural preferences.

Tipping is an essential part of Canadian service culture

If tipping isn’t common practice in your home country, be prepared for it to be a standard part of life in Canada. Failing to tip for services is generally seen as impolite. In Canada, workers in the service and hospitality industries—such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, taxi drivers, and food delivery personnel—are typically paid minimum wage, and in some provinces, even less than the minimum wage. Tips are expected to make up the difference in their income. The standard tip for restaurant staff is usually between 15 and 20 percent of the bill, while for other service providers, it’s generally around 10 percent. Tipping bartenders is also customary.

Food allergies are more prevalent in Canada than in many other countries

Food allergies are a significant concern in Canada, with one in 13 Canadians estimated to have at least one food allergy. Common allergens include shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, wheat, sesame, and soy. Because of the high incidence of food allergies, it’s always a good practice to check with others before offering them food, ensuring that it is safe for them to eat.

Smoking is highly regulated in Canada

Smoking in Canada is strictly regulated, with laws prohibiting smoking in indoor public spaces, such as restaurants, stores, hospitals, workplaces, and public transportation. Smokers are only allowed to smoke in their own private residence, within their vehicle (unless they have a minor passenger), and in designated outdoor spaces. Additionally, many public buildings require smokers to stand at least nine meters away from entrances when smoking outside, regardless of the weather. Some landlords also have a no-smoking policy for rental properties. You should also be aware that cigarettes in Canada may be significantly more expensive than what you’re used to paying in your home country.

Many newcomers to Canada experience culture shock due to these and other differences in social norms and regulations. Familiarizing yourself with Canadian culture in advance can help ease your transition, reduce feelings of culture shock, and set realistic expectations as you adjust to your new life in Canada.

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