1. Greetings
Usually, a smile, a nod, or a wave is sufficient. When meeting for the first time, Canadians typically shake hands and introduce themselves. Maintain eye contact during one-on-one conversations. When meeting acquaintances, waving and saying, “HOW ARE YOU?” is the most common form of greeting, and the standard response is “FINE, THANKS.”
2. Dining
In Canada, breakfast usually consists of fruit, juice, bread, bagels, coffee, etc. On weekends, there may be eggs, pancakes, and ham. Lunch is very simple, usually consisting of soup, sandwiches, fruit, and milk. Dinner is generally at 6:00 PM and typically includes meat or fish, vegetables, rice or potatoes, dessert, and bread. If dining with a Canadian family, it is best to let others start first when food is passed around the table so you can follow their lead. Generally, each person in Canada spends about 200 Canadian dollars per month on food.
3. Tipping
Tipping is usually 10-15% of the pre-tax bill and is generally paid to restaurant servers, taxi drivers, hair stylists, etc.
4. Forms of Address
Most Canadians follow the name order of first name, middle name, and last name. To show respect, use a title (MS, MRS, MISS, MR, DR) and the last name (e.g., MR. SMITH) when meeting someone for the first time. Once you are familiar with each other, the other person will invite you to call them by their first name.
5. Socializing
Canadians are very direct and usually get to the point quickly. When speaking, they typically maintain a distance of about 2 feet from the other person, use gestures, and maintain eye contact. In Canada, making loud noises while eating is considered very impolite. Smoking is prohibited in public places in Canada, and it is usually not allowed in homestay households either.
6. Gifts
If you are living in a homestay, you may bring a small gift. The best time to give a gift is upon your arrival. The best gifts are items that represent your home country's culture.
7. Telephone
In Canada, you only need to pay a monthly telephone rental fee to make unlimited local calls. The cost for a local call from a public phone is 0.25 Canadian dollars, with no time limit. The installation fee for a landline is 48 Canadian dollars, and the monthly rental fee is approximately 25 Canadian dollars. Use an IP card for long-distance calls. Canadian emergency number (police, fire, and ambulance): 911
8. Medical Insurance
All international students should purchase medical insurance. For example, if you are staying in Canada for more than 6 months and studying in British Columbia, you should register for the BC Medical Services Plan (BCMSP) immediately upon arrival in Canada. The BCMSP fee is 54 Canadian dollars per month. However, there is a 3-month waiting period before benefits begin after registration. Therefore, you should purchase private medical insurance during this period (125 Canadian dollars for 3 months, or 1.5 Canadian dollars per day).
9. Public Transportation
You can reach most parts of the city by bus, with a fare of 1.75 Canadian dollars. Students can purchase a monthly student pass with a valid student ID, priced between 42 and 75 Canadian dollars, depending on the transit zone.
10. Taxis
A 15-minute ride costs approximately 15-20 Canadian dollars.
11. Bicycles
In Vancouver and Victoria, the law requires cyclists to wear helmets, and bicycles must be equipped with lights for night riding.
12. Crossing the Street
Always watch the pedestrian signal when crossing the street. Some pedestrian signals are controlled by people (via a button).
