Navigating life in a new place doesn’t always come easy. No matter how much you’ve romanticized it, relocating to Canada is tough, but undeniably beautiful if you can get a hang of it. This means having to uproot your life and leaving everything you once knew behind, to form new experiences. The interesting thing about moving somewhere new is the novelty of adjusting and embracing change, here are some cultural shocks you’ll likely experience when moving to Canada:
The Weather Shock.
As you might expect, the biggest shock is the extreme climate. This might not be something new when you hear it first, but after experiencing it is different and a shock. However, the temperatures can vary dramatically, soaring between 25°C and 35°C in the summer, while winter can plunge to a chilling -30°C.
Canada has a much colder climate, and you may need to purchase warm clothing and learn how to drive in snow and ice. But despite the cold climate, Canada also has a beautiful natural environment with forests, lakes, and mountains to explore, and the summer months can be warm and pleasant.
Sales Tax Can Be A Shock.
Even for something as small as a candy, you'll find that sales tax applies. One of the most surprising cultural shocks in Canada can be the sales tax rates, as well as the costs of telecom services. For instance, you’ll buy the N800 pack of Maggi cubes for N8k ($20) because it’ll be taxed. It’s that or eating bland food.
The final price of items differs significantly from the listed price due to these taxes. It's wise to plan your budget carefully before heading to Canada, especially since back home, prices are typically tax-inclusive.
Telecom Prices In Canada Are High.
Another big culture shock is in terms of telecommunication. Back home, you don’t need to pay a monthly bill to have a line, you just need your SIM card to receive calls, and you can receive text messages.
But in Canada, you would have to pay to send and receive calls and everything else. Canadian telecom rates are among the most expensive in the world.
Landing A Job.
While it is true that there are job opportunities available in Canada, the reality is more nuanced. The job market can be quite competitive, and finding employment that aligns with your skills and experience can be quite challenging, despite the strong demand for skilled professionals in Canadian companies. Being a newcomer often means finding work in bars or care homes than in positions directly related to your expertise. And the job search process for roles you want can take longer than initially expected, like several months or even years.
When preparing for your move to Canada, it's best to start planning and taking action from your home. Like saving money and cutting expenses for a more soft financial landing. Knowing the type of job and salary level you want, and start applying for those jobs before you finally move. Before you arrive in Canada, use CadRemit to handle some essential financial matters. For example, you can send money to a loved one living there to help book a hotel for your first night. CadRemit offers a convenient and affordable way to transfer money between Nigeria and Canada.
Be flexible, keep your ear to the ground, and speak to people who know more about these things so you’re able to choose what works best for you and things won’t be much of a shock to you.
Olivia
CadRemit Editorial
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