We often hear that our expectations are one thing, and reality is something entirely different. If you are planning on moving to Vancouver, you probably already have some ideas about it and how your Canadian life would look like. But just so you don’t get surprised, here is our guide on things you should know before relocating.
Moving to Vancouver – All You Need to Know
Located in the province of British Columbia, on the west coast, Vancouver is one of the most densely populated areas in Canada. It attracts a vast number of expats from all over the world, but the metro Vancouver area has the largest population of Americans who live outside of the US. So even if you’re moving abroad alone, we believe that adjusting to a new country won’t be a problem around here since Canada is known as one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Relocating to Vancity is not exactly as complicated as moving across the world, but there are some things you should pay attention to. We tried to cover some basics and things that might be interesting for newcomers and create a brief guide for all of you who are looking to work and live in Canada.
Pros of Relocating
- Beautiful nature, proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the mountains, and the US border, plenty of options for outdoorsy people.
- Mild climate with little to no snow. It mainly snows in the mountains where the ski centers are.
- SkyTrain – it makes your daily commute much more enjoyable.
- Vancouverism – A particular philosophy of urban planning that combines greenery, taller, and smaller buildings, in a way that does not hinder the views of the mountains and ocean.
Cons of Relocating
- It is expensive
- Traffic jams can be compared to the ones in LA.
- Some think that it is a boring city.
- The fear of earthquakes and a tsunami.
Cost of Living in Vancouver
It is not a secret that this city is known for being pricey, but you should know that the higher cost of living comes with higher life quality, standards, and salaries.
International Relocation to Vancity – a Brief Guide
Don’t forget to count in the cost of international moving and services provided by Vancouver international movers. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about boxes and moving supplies, as well as about packing services when you hire a reputable company. But keep in mind that international relocations require much more planning and scheduling, so you might want to rent storage in case your new home is not move-in ready yet, or you have not found the right apartment.
Neighborhoods and Renting in Vancity
Rents are quite high, which is why so many people are seeking roommates. Downtown is a very convenient location but also extremely pricey. It is preferred by young people, entrepreneurs, and everyone else who cannot imagine living outside of Downtown and have enough money to afford it.
For more affordable housing, make sure to check out Chinatown, Railtown, and Gastown. Every neighborhood is distinctive, with its own culture and vibe, and you will quickly realize that this city is much more than just Downtown.
There Is UBER in Vancouver
After years of waiting, with the beginning of 2020, Vancouverites finally got the chance to use UBER ride-hailing services. If you were already used to using their services, it could be a handy solution if you aren’t shipping your vehicle. Along with UBER, Vancouverites also welcomed Lyft, another app that works in the same way.
Is SkyTrain the Best Way to Go Around the City?
Although it has only three lines, SkyTrain covers Vancouver’s metro area with 53 stations. This is the oldest and fastest public transportation in the country, and it is entirely driverless. The prices depend on the zone. For example, one zone is $2.50, but there are also daily and monthly passes.
New Bank Account and BCID Card
The British Columbia Identification Card (BCID) is an ID that will help you get into any club or pub since they often tend to ask for a driver’s license or BCID. It can also be used for opening a new bank account.
Banks in Canada offer all kinds of accounts, so whether you’re coming here to work, study, or you’re just moving to another country for love, it won’t take longer than 30 minutes to set up everything.
Don’t Expect a Lot From Phone Data Plans
Although there is free Wi-Fi all around the city, it is much easier if you have your own data, especially for maps, etc. However, the offer of mobile data plans is not the best, especially if you’re used to using a lot of data. Most of the offers include only one gig, and if you go prepaid, it will cost you more than to sign a contract. Some companies often run promotions, so pay attention to special offers.
You Don’t Need to Know French
There are some parts of Canada where French is the predominant language, but British Columbia is not one of them. So here you don’t have to worry about breaking the language barrier. However, both French and English are official languages here, so you will often notice labels and signs on both languages, but rarely someone who speaks French in BC.
Keep Your Expectations Realistic
It is hard to get disappointed if you expect too much. You have to bear in mind that Vancity, just like any other place, has its drawbacks and advantages. You will have enough time to get to know, and probably get to like both the upsides and the downsides.
Vancity is very diverse and international, and it is a great place for young professionals and families who are looking for the experience of living abroad but not so far away from home.
