Expat Interview Series: A Conversation With Emilie

In this interview series, we had the opportunity to chat with our clients to learn more about their personal experiences as newcomers.

Here’s what Emilie had to say.

Q: What was something unexpected you encountered during the process of relocating and settling in?

Several things:
1. We didn't understand the Canadian culture regarding summer holidays which impacted our ability to find housing quickly. Throughout July and August as we searched there were limited houses that met our requirements.
2. Canada's requirement to use agents on the renters side. This was completely new to us where we needed to use an agent to engage the leasing agent in order to inspect and secure a property. This is in contrast to Australia where buyers or renters agents are very rarely used.
3. Banking - The requirement to use Cheques was a surprise.
4. The obsession of North America with credit history with you only getting very low transaction caps initially.
5. Loans - The maximum period of a loan will be your expiry date of your permit/visa. If you want a car loan, get it as soon as possible to get a good loan period.

Q: Was there anything about your new country or city that surprised you?

The traffic is terrible. Avoid the 401 where possible.

Q: What’s something that helped you feel more “at home” in your new location?

Our neighbours and how welcoming they were.

Q: What is one piece of advice that you would pass on to a future expat?

1. Use a relocation consultant.
2. If you are going to get your license transferred, arrange all the documentation of licence history (of all jurisdictions) before you move here.
3. If you're going to be here less than three years, get a furnished residence.