Destination Guide for Canada - USP Relocations (Thailand Moving)

Life in Canada

The culture of Canada embodies the artistic, culinary, literary, humor, musical, political and social elements that are representative of Canada and Canadians. Throughout Canada’s history, its culture has been influenced by European culture and traditions, mostly by the British and French, and by its own indigenous cultures. Over time, elements of the cultures of Canada’s immigrant populations have become incorporated to form a Canadian cultural mosaic. Certain segments of Canada’s population have, to varying extents, also been influenced by American culture due to shared language (in English-speaking Canada) and geographic proximity

Weather

The two major Canadian cities that fall outside the continental climate schema are Vancouver and Victoria. Vancouver experiences an oceanic climate, bordering warm-summer Mediterranean with a marked summer dry season. Victoria, BC is the only major Canadian city entirely in a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Of the eight largest Canadian cities, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto have the warmest summers, Winnipeg the coldest winters, while Vancouver’s winters are far milder than any other large city in Canada.

In mountainous regions such as British Columbia the variety of elevations creates micro-climates with average temperatures that can vary wildly within relatively small distances. A few small towns in southern BC outside of Vancouver, for example, have a humid continental climate with average winter temperatures and cold snaps comparable to other parts of the country.

Central Canada and northern Canada experiences subarctic and Arctic climates, much of them arid. Those areas are not heavily populated due to the severe climate, where it drops below −20 °C (−4 °F) on most winter days and has a very brief summer season.

Cost of Living

Universal healthcare, a socially progressive government, a reputation for kindness and geography perfect for hikers, skiers, sailors, photographers and urbanites alike. It’s easy to see why so many people from around the world have considered moving to Canada.

If you’re among those who have decided to take the plunge, one of the first steps is figuring how much it will cost to move, and how much it will cost to live once you get there.

Housing & Rent

Renting in Montreal	Average monthly cost
large apartment	C$1,100⁷
medium apartment	C$930
small apartment	C$730
student dorm room	C$500⁸
internet	C$38

Renting in Toronto	Average cost
large apartment	C$1,900⁹
medium apartment	C$1,600
small apartment	C$1,300
student dorm room	C$750¹⁰
internet	C$41

Renting in Calgary	Average cost
large apartment	C$1,400¹¹
medium apartment	C$1,200
small apartment	C$990
student dorm room	C$600¹²
internet	C$46

For more detailed cost of living in the Canada, please click here or visit:

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International Schools

Here you can find a short list of some top schools in Canada:

La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

36 Scarsdale Road,
North York,
Toronto ON,
M3B 2R7,
Canada

www.lacitadelleacademy.com

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Read more about La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

Meadowridge School

12224 240th Street,
Maple Ridge BC,
V4R 1N1,
Canada

www.meadowridge.bc.ca

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Mulgrave, The International School of Vancouver

2330 Cypress Bowl Lane,
West Vancouver BC,
V7S 3H9,
Canada

www.mulgrave.com

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Read more about Mulgrave, The International School of Vancouver

Stratford Hall

3000 Commercial Drive,
Vancouver BC,
V5N 4E2,
Canada

www.stratfordhall.ca

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

TFS - Canada's International School

306 Lawrence Avenue East,
Toronto ON,
M4N 1T7,
Canada

www.tfs.ca

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Read more about TFS – Canada’s International School

The Sacred Heart School of Montreal

3635 Atwater Ave.,
Montreal QC,
H3H 1Y4,
Canada

www.sacredheart.qc.ca

Girls, Boarding, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.

Read more about The Sacred Heart School of Montreal

Customs Regulations for Returning Citizens

Personal attendance during customs clearance by shipper is mandatory
Shipments must be declared to Customs at the port of entry (POE) (airport/U.S-Canada border) when the owner of the goods arrives in Canada.

Customs Regulations Canada

Required Documentation

Following documents are required for import of household goods and personal effects into the Canada:

Passport
Original Detailed inventory / Packing list including "goods to follow" in English or French

Proof of Residency abroad for at least 1 year (bank statements, utilities, rent receipts, income tax statement, etc. for first and last month of 12-month period)
Receipts for new items
Liquor Permit if you are bringing liquor into Canada
Personal Effects Accounting Document (Form BSF186 formerly known as form B4)
Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
Liquor Permit, if applicable
Proof of residence in Canada (copy of Deed / Sales Agreement / Lease Agreement) (seasonal residents)
Copy of Death Certificate (import of inheritance items)
Copy of Will or Letter from the Executor of an estate (import of inheritance items)

For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into Canada from Thailand.

Motor Vehicles

Vehicles less than 15 years old must comply with all Canadian safety and emissions standards
Vehicles must be made for the Canadian market
The vehicle must be owned and used for more than 6 months in order to qualify for tax and duty relief.
A tax and duty exemption applied to the first $10,000 of the vehicle’s value. Anything in excess of $10,000 will be charged applicable duty and taxes.
If the vehicle is eligible for importation, an import assessment, which may include duty, excise tax, and the 7% goods and services tax, will apply
The vehicle cannot contain household goods and personal effects items.

Pets

Pets are allowed to be imported into Canada with accompanying vet certificates
The veterinary health record certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, gender and color.
Check with agent for specific information prior to import.

Transit Times and Ports of Entry

Sea Shipments:

Port of Entry	Transit Time	Customs Clearance
Montreal	Approx. 26 Days	2-5 Working Days
Vancouver	18-22Days	7-15 Working Days

Air Shipments:

Port of Entry	Transit Time	Customs Clearance
TBD	TBD	TBD