Are you ready to come to Canada? 😊
Moving to Canada can involve a bit of culture shock, here are 5 helpful things to know as newcomers to the Great White North!
Canadian Cell Phone Plans are Crazy Expensive!
The Big 3 Canadian telecom companies (Bell, Rogers, and Telus) own 90% of the market!
Because of the lack of competition, these three companies can raise their prices.
For unlimited talk, text, and 2 GB of data, Canadians spend an average of $74 CAD/month!
If that price almost gave you a heart attack, we suggest you look into telecom companies like Fido, Virgin, or Koodo which have similar packages to the big three but for a much lower cost.
The Price Tag Does Not Reflect the Final Cost of an Item
You've found a shirt that you love in a store, and for only $24.99? What a great deal!
Except, when you get to the counter to pay, the tax is added and now the shirt costs $30.67.
In Canada, taxes are added at the register and is not displayed on the price tag which makes for quite a shock when it comes time to pay!
Tipping is Not Required but it is Expected!
When you go out to eat or go to get your nails or hair done, it is expected that you tip the person who served you. Normally, the tip is the equivalent of 10 - 15% of the service you paid for.
This is because those in the service industry generally receive pretty low pay (minimum wage) and tips bring their earnings to a decent rate!
So, Who do you tip?
Restaurant wait staff
Hotel staff like housekeepers
Hairstylists/beauticians
Taxi drivers and ride-share drivers
Be Prepared to Pay for Parking!
Most public parking lots require you to pay, either by the hour or by day. Street parking isn't free either! Keep some coins handy because you will have to pay a meter in order to park.
Watch out! If the parking patrol sees that your meter has run out and you're still parked, you will probably be facing a parking ticket. In Toronto, a parking ticket can range from $30 all the way up to $450!
Beware Pay Cheque Deductions!
Each pay period, prepare to see around 20-30% of your salary deducted. These deductions go towards EI, CPP, Income Tax & lots more depending on your company.
At least there is tax return season to look forward to!
There You Have it!
Really, what this all boils down to is that Canada is expensive! Still interested in coming to Canada after reading this? Our team of licensed & experienced immigration consultants would be happy to assist you! If you plan to immigrate to Canada, the first step would be to schedule a consultation with one of our consultants.
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