6 Things That SURPRISED Me After Moving To Canada

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their experience of moving from the Philippines to Canada and adjusting to the cultural shock. They explore unexpected differences, such as the climate (where carrying an umbrella in summer is uncommon), time zone variations, and the tipping etiquette in Vancouver. The speaker also discusses the cost of living, the use of credit cards, and how Canadians engage in friendly small talk. Additionally, they delve into food experiences like poutine and sushi, as well as the efficient public transit system in Vancouver. The video offers a personal and relatable account of adapting to life in a new country.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ It's common to use umbrellas in the Philippines, but in Canada, carrying one during summer is seen as unusual due to the limited sunny months.
• 🕒 Canada has multiple time zones, and adjusting for daylight savings can be confusing for newcomers.
• 💰 Tipping in Canada typically ranges from 10% to 20%, which is an important aspect of dining out.
• 🏷️ The cost of living in Canada is significantly higher compared to the Philippines, impacting budgeting for meals and expenses.
• 💳 Understanding credit card benefits is crucial for newcomers; options like the RBC credit cards offer specific rewards for international students.
• 👥 Canadians engage in friendly small talk, which may be a cultural shift for those from more reserved backgrounds.
• 🍟 Trying local foods like poutine and ketchup-flavored chips can be a surprising experience for newcomers.
• 🍣 Vancouver is known for its exceptional sushi scene, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.
• 🚍 Public transit in Metro Vancouver is efficient, allowing for quick commutes compared to expectations.
• 🚗 Driving in Canada may require unlearning certain habits and being prepared for a challenging testing process.

Q & A

What is culture shock, and how is it described in the video?

Culture shock is described as a normal and inevitable experience that newcomers face when moving to a new country. It may not be immediately apparent but can gradually take effect, leading to surprises.

What is a common practice in the Philippines regarding umbrellas, and how is it perceived in Canada?

In the Philippines, it is common to carry an umbrella regardless of the weather, but in Canada, particularly during the summer, using an umbrella is viewed as unusual since people tend to enjoy the limited sunshine.

How many time zones are there in Canada, and what challenges does this present?

Canada has multiple time zones, specifically four besides the Standard time in Vancouver and Eastern Standard time in Ontario. This requires planning ahead when trying to coordinate with friends in different provinces.

What is daylight savings, and how does it affect the lifestyle in Canada?

Daylight savings involves adjusting clocks twice a year to extend evening daylight. It affects lifestyle by causing significant changes in the time of day it is light or dark, impacting daily routines.

What are the expected tipping rates in Canada, and how might this differ from other countries?

In Canada, it is expected to tip a minimum of 10%, with 15% to 20% being ideal. This contrasts with other countries where tipping customs may vary significantly.

How does the cost of living in Canada compare to that in the Philippines, according to the video?

The cost of living in Canada is notably higher. For example, a meal that costs around 100 pesos (over 2 Canadian dollars) in the Philippines would cost about $7 to $10 in Canada.

What advice is given regarding credit cards for newcomers in Canada?

Newcomers are advised to choose credit cards based on rewards or benefits that suit their lifestyle rather than just opting for student packages, as utilizing credit card benefits can be advantageous in managing living expenses.

What are the features of the RBC credit cards mentioned in the video?

The RBC Iron Visa card has no annual fee and offers 1.5 times AV points on everyday purchases. The RBC Iron Plus Visa card has a $48 annual fee, earns three times the points on certain purchases, and includes additional benefits like mobile device coverage.

How do Canadians typically engage in social interactions, according to the speaker's observations?

Canadians engage in friendly small talk and are generally more straightforward in their communication. This was a cultural adjustment for the speaker, who was used to more reserved interactions.

What unique food items did the speaker mention trying in Canada?

The speaker mentioned trying poutine, which was initially unappetizing but later enjoyed, and ketchup-flavored chips, which the speaker found less appealing compared to barbecue-flavored chips. The Vancouver sushi scene was also highlighted as exceptional.

What concerns did the speaker have about public transit in Canada, and what was their experience?

The speaker was initially worried about navigating public transit but found it to be efficient and well-organized, allowing for travel across Metro Vancouver in 30 to 40 minutes. They also mentioned the challenges of obtaining a driving license in Canada.