Moving to a new country at a young age can be an eye-opening experience. When I first arrived in Canada at the age of 15, I encountered a cultural shock that was both intriguing and sometimes bewildering. Having come from a conservative background, adapting to Canadian culture had its challenges. In this blog post, I'd like to share some of my discoveries and observations during those early days.
💧 Drinking Tap Water is Safe 💧
One of the first things I learned was that drinking tap water in Canada is not only safe but also encouraged. It took me a while to fully accept this fact, and for the initial weeks, I found myself buying bottled water from convenience stores. It's amazing how something as basic as tap water can differ from one place to another, and in Canada, you can trust that it's perfectly safe to quench your thirst straight from the faucet.
🎩 People are Very Polite 🎩
Canadians are known for their politeness, and I experienced this firsthand. You'll quickly notice that people often wear warm smiles, even to strangers. Holding doors for one another and offering polite apologies, even when someone accidentally bumps into you, is a common practice. It creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that is quite different from what I was used to.
🧾 Taxes are Not Included in the Price Tag 🧾
One of the most perplexing discoveries for me was that taxes are not included in the price tag of items you purchase. For instance, if you see a laptop with a price tag of $1,289, don't be fooled into thinking that's the final cost. You'll need to budget for additional taxes, which could add up to at least $168 or more, depending on your location. So, in reality, that laptop would cost you around $1,457. It's a concept that can be baffling at first, especially for newcomers. It's not uncommon to hear immigrants wonder why Canada (and the United States) doesn't include taxes in price tags, as is the practice in many Eastern parts of the world.
Look Out for Part 2! 👀
This is just the beginning of my cultural shock journey in Canada. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I'll delve into more insights and observations from my early days as an immigrant in this diverse and welcoming country. There's so much more to discover!