What do I need to know before moving to Canada?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Canada, they said...
"Expats should research the areas they wish to move to before committing to a location in Canada, as they may find they are better suited to living in cities, suburbs or rural areas. It is recommended that they learn some basic French, as Quebec and parts of New Brunswick are officially bilingual. Depending on the area they are moving to, research must be done on appropriate housing and cost of living. Expats should also become familiar with Canadian culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, finding a job prior to arrival should be considered as Canada's job market can be competitive. Finally, research should be done to ensure that all necessary documents and paperwork are handled prior to the move," remarked another expat who made the move to Canada.
"Find one in an older neighbourhood close to a school, as there is tremendous growth here due to Alberta's Oil economy, and new schools are at a premium. Children have to be bussed from the new suburbs because of the lack of schools," explained one expat living in Calgary, Canada.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Canada?
- How do I meet people in Canada?
- What is life like in Canada?
- Is there a lot of crime in Canada?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Canada accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Canada like?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Canada?
- What are healthcare services like in Canada?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Canada?
- What is the weather like in Canada?
- Are there good restaurants in Canada?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Canada?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Canada?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Canada?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Canada?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Canada?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Canada?
If you live in Canada, newcomers to Canada would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


