12 Things to Know Before Moving to Canada

2. If your living area is different, the cost of living will also be different
The cost of living varies across Canadian cities. For renters, rent typically makes up the largest portion of their living expenses. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive to live in, but no matter which city you choose, living in the city center is usually more costly than living in the suburbs. Other expenses include food, utilities (water, electricity, heating, air conditioning, internet, home phone, cable TV), childcare, as well as parking fees, insurance and transit passes, which can quickly add up to your monthly expenses.

2. Canada is a credit-based economy, so your credit score is crucial.
It is well known that North American countries like the United States and Canada are credit-based economies. This essentially means that people use credit cards for their purchases and then pay them off at the end of the billing cycle or in installments. Once you receive your first credit card, you can start by paying for small expenses, such as your phone bill or grocery purchases, and ensure that you pay off the full credit limit used by the end of the billing cycle. This will ensure that you gradually build your credit history.

Having a credit rating or credit score is essential for living in Canada. A credit score is a way for financial institutions to measure your ability to repay loans. You may be asked to provide a credit report when renting an apartment, applying for certain jobs, or obtaining a mortgage or other loans from a bank.

Download the Free Credit Guide to learn more about Canadian credit cards, credit scores, and credit ratings.
3. Phone, internet and cable TV bills might be much higher than in your home country.
Air conditioning (AC) and heating costs are the main utility expenses. Electricity and gas bills average $50-$80 per month, while water bills are around $20-$40 per month. Internet and cable TV combined usually add up to an extra $100 per month. Canadians pay some of the highest cell phone plan fees in the world. Cell phone plans include prepaid plans (pay-as-you-go) and postpaid plans. However, in Canada, most people buy phone contract plans. These individual cell phone plans can cost between $50 to $100 per month. Therefore, it is best to budget and plan your expenses before moving to Canada.

Driver's licenses issued by your country of origin are only valid for continued use in Canada for 60 to 90 days.
If you have a valid driver's license issued by your country of origin, it can be used for a maximum of 60 to 90 days in Canada (the specific number of days varies by province). After this period, you will need to obtain a Canadian driver's license to continue driving. Before arriving in Canada, you should–

Confirm the specific issuance regulations for driver's licenses in your province, understand how long you can continue to use your original country's driver's license; and
Apply to the licensing authority in your country of origin for a copy of your driving history (also known as a “driving extract”). Having a driving record in English or French can be helpful when applying for a driver's license and for arranging driver's insurance.
Not all healthcare services are free.
Canada’s universal healthcare system is funded through taxes, which means Canadian citizens have access to free basic healthcare services. Each province and territory has its own health insurance plan to better deliver healthcare services. However, provincial health insurance may not cover certain items and services, such as prescription drugs, physical therapy, specialized care services, dental treatment, ambulance services, prescription eyeglasses, wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment, critical illnesses or severe injuries, and any medical expenses incurred while traveling.You can purchase private or supplemental health insurance plans from various providers to cover these specific services.

In Canada, the average annual cost of individual or supplemental health insurance for a family is $4,000. However, keep in mind that this cost can vary due to various factors such as total coverage, deductibles, number of dependents, age, health history, and province/territory of residence.

6. Canada's weather isn't always cold.
Canada is a vast country with significantly different climatic conditions between its West Coast and East Coast. While Canada is often referred to as a cold country, in reality, you can experience all four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter – depending on where you live. In some provinces, like Ontario, winter temperatures can reach minus 40 degrees Celsius, while summers might get up to 40 degrees Celsius. The winter on the West Coast is warmer and rainier than on the East Coast. As you head further north, the environment becomes more Arctic-like. However, as long as you are well-prepared for winter in terms of clothing, your home, and your car, you can get through the winter smoothly. Life in Canada can continue as usual, even with such extreme weather.

7. Canadians are very polite and often use words like “thank you,” “please,” and “sorry.”
Canadians are known for their politeness; they frequently use words like “thank you,” “please,” and “sorry” in conversation. But keep in mind that using polite language doesn’t necessarily mean they’re friendly—it’s simply a matter of standard social etiquette.

The product's listed price is not equal to the actual payment price.
In Canada, the prices listed on websites or in stores do not include sales tax. Simply put, the listed price is not the price you pay! Sales tax is added at the time of payment. Therefore, this extra few Canadian dollars will be included in your total. Most receipts will list the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

9. Canada's social norms may differ from what you are used to.
As is well known, Canadians are very frank, friendly, and polite when interacting with others. However, do not mistake this social custom and Canadian etiquette for permission to disregard social boundaries or overshare personal details. While it may be common practice in your home country to visit friends at any time, in Canada, people generally prefer to schedule their time and expect you to notify them in advance before visiting. Canadians value personal privacy, and it may not be wise to discuss political or religious beliefs with someone you have just met. Insisting that someone you barely know sample your homemade cooking may also be considered impolite.

10. Tipping after receiving service is customary.
Tipping may not be common in your home country, but it is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture. Failing to tip after receiving a service is considered rude.In Canada, workers in the service and hospitality industries—such as bartenders, waitstaff, hairdressers, drivers, and food delivery drivers—typically earn only the minimum wage (or even less than the minimum wage, depending on the province), and tips are expected to make up the difference in their pay.The standard tip for restaurant servers is 15% to 20% of the bill, while for most other service staff, the tip is around 10%. In Canada, it is also customary to tip bartenders.

11. Food allergies may be more common in Canada than in your home country.
Food allergies are very common in Canada. It is estimated that one in 13 Canadians has at least one food allergy. The most common allergenic foods include shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, fish, eggs, wheat, sesame, and soy. Therefore, it is best to ask before offering food to others to confirm if they have any allergies.

12. Smoking area is restricted
In Canada, smoking is illegal in indoor public places such as common areas in buildings, restaurants, shops, hospitals, workplaces, and on public transportation. You can only smoke in your own living space, in your car (unless a minor is present), and in specific open outdoor areas. Most buildings require smokers to stand at least 9 meters away from entrances when smoking outdoors, regardless of how cold the weather is. Some landlords also prohibit tenants from smoking in rental properties. The price of cigarettes in Canada may also be significantly higher than in your country of origin.

Many new immigrants experience culture shock after moving to Canada. Learning about Canadian culture from various perspectives can help you integrate smoothly into Canadian life, ease the culture shock, and develop realistic expectations about life in Canada.