Good morning everyone! Today, enjoy a wonderful guest post from the fantastic Mr. CBB!
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I’m not entirely sure why so many British people are leaving the UK, but Canada is a top destination. A few years ago, I joined this group and haven’t regretted it. Since moving from the UK to Canada, I’ve enjoyed North American life with some notable differences. Coming from a densely populated island to the vast spaces of Canada was a big adjustment. In my five years here, I returned to school and secured full-time employment, which has been an unforgettable learning journey.
Comparing Canada to the UK
Housing: The cost of houses where I live in Canada isn’t exactly cheap, but the value for money is different. You can get a 1,500 sq ft home with a garage here, while in the UK, you’d get a 600-700 sq ft place without a basement or garage for about the same price.
Farming: Canada offers a wide variety of locally produced foods that are seasonal and much tastier than the often flavorless imported produce. Eating local foods here also helps the local economy, whereas the UK relies more on imported produce.
Vehicles: Domestic cars are relatively affordable in Canada, and parts are cheaper. You only need to get an E-Test every two years and a safety inspection when buying or selling a vehicle. In the UK, car owners face yearly safety inspections and E-Tests, and of course, they drive on the left side of the road.
Fuel Prices: Gasoline and diesel are significantly cheaper in Canada. In the UK, diesel costs around £1.39 per liter, which is about $2.17 CAD per liter. Imagine paying that at the pump!
Taxes: In Ontario, the HST is 8% and GST is 5%, making a total of 13% tax on purchases and services. In comparison, Brits pay a hefty 20% VAT on many goods and services.
Alcohol: Alcohol prices in Canada are higher because sales are government-regulated. In the UK, competition among shops leads to cheaper prices, as you can buy alcohol from corner shops or supermarkets.
Dairy: Cheese in Canada doesn’t quite match up to European standards. Even the imported European cheese is costly. On the upside, the discovery of Greek yogurt here was a delight, but it’s much more expensive than in the UK.
Weather: Canadian summers are hot and call for air conditioning, unlike the occasional warm UK summer when people open their windows to cool down. The winters here bring heavy snow – a whole new experience compared to the UK’s rainy seasons.
Travel: Traveling in and out of Canada is expensive, and cultural differences don’t occur as frequently. I find Central and South America more appealing for exploration but prefer avoiding Mexico due to its resort-dominated areas.
Living in Canada has many similarities and differences compared to the UK. Initially, I noticed more differences, but as time passed, I adapted and began to embrace the lifestyle. A significant part of the change involved adjusting my behavior and language. Talking slower and avoiding British slang was essential to be understood clearly.
While moving to Canada has been mostly an easy adjustment for Brits, culture shock can be challenging. People often form communities with others who speak their language, which you see not only in Toronto’s “Little Italy” or “Chinatown” but also among British expatriates in Spain.
Travelling broadly in my 20s, I never felt out of place or homesick. Immersing yourself in local cultures rather than just relaxing at resorts opens your eyes to new perspectives.
One day at a hardware store, I asked for an “olive” for plumbing and was met with confused looks until another British expat helped me out. In Canada, it’s known as a “ferrule” or part of a “compression joint.” These linguistic nuances can sometimes be amusing.
Here are a few British terms that might confuse Canadians:
– Spanner: Known as a wrench in Canada, but in British slang, it can also mean a foolish person.
– Pants: Canadians refer to underwear as pants, whereas in the UK, pants mean trousers. The term can also imply something is rubbish.
Sounding distinctly British in a Canadian setting can spark interesting conversations. Whether talking to fellow Brits or locals, being open and friendly has always helped me feel accepted. Though I’m still proud of my British roots, I’m equally proud to call Canada my new home. I’ve adapted well and no longer feel like a stranger here.
This post was featured on The Frugal Farmer, Canadian Budget Binder, and Outlier Model. Thanks for reading!