Top 9 Things You Need to know When Moving to Canada
Making the move to another country is an extremely daunting prospect and can feel very intimidating when put into practise. To prevent you from experiencing this level of shock factor upon your arrival to Canada, let this article act as a guide to prepare you as best as possible to make your journey and new life be a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Health Insurance Policies
Health insurance for Canada is an excellent healthcare service that is offered to both residents and non-residents residing in the country. If you are worried about the status of your healthcare when moving to Canada, fear not. You have a variety of options to get the treatment you need, and coverage from private insurance providers. Regarding cost, the price of global medical insurance in Canada for foreigners is estimated at $3,162 per year- but this price varies depending on your age, your chosen plan design, and other factors.
The Question of Tipping
If you are asking yourself the question of whether tipping is the norm in Canada, the answer is yes. Similar to USA, waiting staff typically earn a low wage that is mostly dependent on earning tips from customers. To immerse yourself in your new life as a Canadian, be sure to participate in the custom of tipping. While Canadians are generally perceived as friendly people, not tipping is likely to give you a frosty response.
Variety of Family-Friendly Events
Canada is a vibrant place, and Christmas in Canada is a joy to behold. For example, the city of Edmonton hold a vast array of experiences, from Santa Clause parades to Light up Festivals. The true spirit of Christmas is found within the twinkling lights of the parade or the smile of a child’s face as they look up at Santa.
Expect a Warm Welcome
Generally, immigrants and outsiders have been known to be welcomed with open arms in Canada. This makes your move a more relaxing prospect, as there will always be natives around you to help you out if you need a hand. It also means it is more acceptable for you to be yourself, and hold onto your already-ingrained values and customs.
Canada is Probably a Lot Bigger Than You Think
Canada is huge- it actually measures as the second largest country in the world, behind Russia. Globally, Canada has the longest coastline. Luckily, it is divided into thirteen parts (ten provinces and three territories), which will make moving seem a lot more manageable and a lot less daunting. Do some thorough research into which part of Canada seems right for you before taking the plunge and diving into the deep end.
The Jaw-Dropping Temperatures
People generally know Canada to be cold, but few know just how cold. The low temperatures coupled with freezing cold winds can make for a generally, all-round miserable experience if you’re spending a lot of time outside. Parts of the country can drop as low as -30°C, so be sure to prepare for those dangerous temperatures when planning your move. Pack plenty of coats and skimp on the bikinis.
Be Careful of Wild Animals
… specifically bears. Canada is no stranger to wild animals of all kinds, including moose, bison, wolves, and, of course, bears. Although it may be tempting to approach them, some people are inclined to think of bears as cuddly and friendly, this would be a grave mistake. The three types of bears that you could possibly come across are black bears, grizzly bears and polar bears. Interestingly, polar bears are the type of bear most likely to attack a human.
Beautiful Landscapes Are the Norm
Canada has some truly breath-taking views. The landscape of Canada are different too, depending on where you are. Landscapes with a Western feel, meadows, mountains, just to name a few. If you are thinking of moving to Canada, don’t make the move before investing in a state-of-the-art camera, to capture the beautiful views for your friends and family back home. Choosing the best landscape camera will make it appear as though you’re living in a dream, and will make you the envy of all your friends.
Mind Your Manners
Canadians are a friendly bunch, and with this comes a level of politeness that you may not be used to from your hometown. Remember to always say please and thank you, no matter what, and embrace the word ‘sorry’ as it will likely result in being your most-used word in your vocabulary. This politeness sets a social standard of mutual respect, so it is highly recommended that you respect it.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of positive aspects about moving to Canada, including healthcare advantages, friendly locals, and the beautiful scenes of the country. Of course, as with every country, there are downsides too, such as the freezing temperatures and the threat of wild animals. But with a little digging, some thorough research and the help of this guide, your move to Canada should be plain sailing.
