Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

I wish I'd packed my kitchen utensils and loads of oxo cubes.

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Don't bring your mother in law

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Hi, welcome to BE!

There's lots of good info in our wiki so please make a drink and settle down for some reading :) https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Categ...gistics-Canada and https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Categ..._Topics-Canada

Have you got Permanent Residence or coming on a Temporary Work Permit? Have you prepared your "Goods to Follow" and "Goods Accompanying" lists? You will need them if you want to import any of your personal possessions without paying duty/taxes.

Mattress's are a different size in Canada (see the wiki) so be prepared to have to buy new sheets etc., - if you are bringing some with you they may not fit. There are numerous $ stores to buy basics to get you through the early weeks / months - cheap cups / cutlery / crockery / tea towels / kitchen utensils etc. Walmart and Canadian Tire are good for household small appliances like kettles, toasters, coffee maker - and Walmart is ok for bedding too.. Ikea have similar size bedding to the UK if you need it.

Don't buy anywhere to live until you have lived in the area for at least 6 months - what seems like a good idea when you first arrive could be an area you hate a few months later!

If you use 'mixed herbs' bring a few packets of refills with you - the nearest thing to them you will find here is an 'Italian blend' which just isn't the same.
:D

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

After over 50 years here, I've forgotten what "mixed herbs" were.

I use Fine Herbs here .......... how do they match with mixed herbs???

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Don't close your UK bank account. Keep a UK credit card.

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

life is no better or worse than it was in the UK..just colder :thumbdown:

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

I wish I knew that Kamloops got so hot in the summer. No one told me if stays in the 30's for all of July & August.

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

:lol:

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

I wish I had known how expensive everything is in Canada.

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Colman's Casserole mixes


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...f02e9ed9e6.jpg

Chip shop curry mix


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...4288d3c57f.jpg

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Me too. I had come to visit a few times before I moved here, but I guess as a visitor I didn't need to do the typical day to day stuff so didn't fully realize how costly things can be. There are some exceptions though, healthcare is far cheaper as is electricity compared to my home country/state.

I knew coastal BC was known for rain, but I wish I had known just how much rain this place can get, my first winter here was harsh, December that year was basically all rain and nothing but rain, I did not do well those first couple of winters.

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

+1!

Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
 

Similar thread from a few months ago - Things you wish you could’ve done differently