Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
#16
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Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Canberra
Posts: 568
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
Also, if anyone has any other useful websites such as, Banks, Job Sites (my partner will need to look for a job), Rentals or anything else that might be helpful.
Thanks.
Thanks.
#17
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
Have a look at the Wiki (on blue bar at top of page) for info on all of that kind of stuff - there is a very good section on Job Hunting which should help your partner,plus info on banks, doctors, etc and even a list of things to do before you leave!
Good luck.
Good luck.
#18
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
Do read the question. It called called for a response comparing Canada and the USA. I am likely as well informed on that topic as anyone else who lives in one country with a national of the other and, despite residing in one, makes a living in the other.
#19
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
Well actually you sure gave me an edumacation on the topic, and I have to admit mostly what you say of the comparison is true. The level of rural retardation in both countries is probably about equal. /etc
Canada=Amerika Lite. That would be a good thing. Even better if it was Amerika-free but that's never gonna happen now the NWO has taken economic and social control over the past 20 years.
R.
#22
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Joined: Feb 2004
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 801
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
It's just great. But ssshhhh, don't tell anyone.
#23
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
#24
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 401
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
Check out craigslist for rentals it has the biggest list across the widest area in my opinion also the might be a little cheaper because rental agents aren't normally involved.
#25
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,020
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
If you're renting don't sign up for more than a month contract on anywhere until you've arrived.
#26
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
My wife and I immigrated to Canada from Australia just over a year ago now and spent most of that time in Vancouver so here are my 2 cents.
For rentals I agree that craigslist will give you a good idea though I wouldn't suggest you rent anything until you have arrived and can view properties, and watch out for 'Nigerian' type scams.
I also agree that Canada and US are not that dissimilar, but really there is not a gigantic difference between Australian and Canadian standards of living either - except for the climate of course.
Be prepared for lots of damp weather, not much rain more a constant drizzle, during winter you may get a couple of weeks with snow on the ground but a good dump is often gone within a couple of days.
Car insurance is sky high versus Oz so be sure to bring a letter from your car insurer confirming your # years of no claims to help soften the blow as well as a copy of your driving history to help you get a licence.
Vancouver is very multicultural with large asian communities, I personally was not very impressed with its public transport but that would depend on exactly where you lived of course.
Jobs may be OK depending on what your other half is looking for. Lots and lots of semiskilled to unskilled type jobs but note that Vancouver is not really a corporate centre (Toronto or Calgary have the most corporate head offices) if you're looking for really good law, accounting and finance type roles. Ultimately that and the high cost of living is what prompted me to move from Vancouver to Calgary but in your situation its a non-issue I'd think.
I'd just go for it if you have an easy opportunity to experience Vancouver for a year or two on a work visa - but I'd focus on the pros and cons of having the experience of living/working in another country versus maybe getting more 'setup' financially at home or what-ever, then I would be worried about rent etc etc in Vancouver when making your decision.
For rentals I agree that craigslist will give you a good idea though I wouldn't suggest you rent anything until you have arrived and can view properties, and watch out for 'Nigerian' type scams.
I also agree that Canada and US are not that dissimilar, but really there is not a gigantic difference between Australian and Canadian standards of living either - except for the climate of course.
Be prepared for lots of damp weather, not much rain more a constant drizzle, during winter you may get a couple of weeks with snow on the ground but a good dump is often gone within a couple of days.
Car insurance is sky high versus Oz so be sure to bring a letter from your car insurer confirming your # years of no claims to help soften the blow as well as a copy of your driving history to help you get a licence.
Vancouver is very multicultural with large asian communities, I personally was not very impressed with its public transport but that would depend on exactly where you lived of course.
Jobs may be OK depending on what your other half is looking for. Lots and lots of semiskilled to unskilled type jobs but note that Vancouver is not really a corporate centre (Toronto or Calgary have the most corporate head offices) if you're looking for really good law, accounting and finance type roles. Ultimately that and the high cost of living is what prompted me to move from Vancouver to Calgary but in your situation its a non-issue I'd think.
I'd just go for it if you have an easy opportunity to experience Vancouver for a year or two on a work visa - but I'd focus on the pros and cons of having the experience of living/working in another country versus maybe getting more 'setup' financially at home or what-ever, then I would be worried about rent etc etc in Vancouver when making your decision.
#27
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Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Beautiful BC
Posts: 1,106
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
"The same but colder" - yeah, that really describes the whole of Canada in comparison to the US. Sure.
#29
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
In short, very much like each other, dropped in most of the US or Canada you'd be able to tell which you were in only by the licence plates.
#30
Re: Vancouver BC – What’s it really like?
^^^ sadly his wisdom is wasted on witless fools dreaming of an escape from the Underground to a land of big houses and snow mobiles.
R.
R.