Tips for American Expats in Canada
Thousands of Americans move to Canada each year, with an estimated 280,000 American expats currently settled in the country.
Canada and the U.S. are often viewed as two sides of the same coin, similar in both geography and in culture. While it’s true that they share a lot in common, there are still challenges to being an expat, and some intricacies about Canadian culture that you may not expect!
As one Quora contributor put it, “Most everything looks quite similar but every now and then a difference hits you out of the blue that you do not expect.”
Let’s take a look at how American expats can settle into life in Canada, understand the differences, and navigate their new Northern home.
Tip #1: Get to Know Your Area
Canadian history and culture varies dramatically from place to place.
If you’re already living in Canada, you’ve definitely already noticed that, no, not everyone is polite, and people don’t drink maple syrup obsessively.
Provinces like Ontario may feel quite similar to the U.S., while provinces like Québec feel more distinct. Toronto is sometimes nicknamed “Little York”, referencing New York City, while cities like Calgary and Saskatoon have a completely different atmosphere.
A great way to settle into your new Canadian lifestyle is by learning more about your area.
Start by exploring these questions:
How was the area first established?
What is the biggest stereotype about the area?
Who are the most famous people from the area?
What’s the largest industry in the area?
Tip #2: Build Your Community
For expats, building a community is crucial, no matter where you came from or where you ended up. As an American expat in Canada, you may underestimate just how important this is. While you may not be shocked by a new culture or a new language in Canada, you may still face some challenges while settling into your new home.
Our top recommendation is always to focus on building new relationships, even in small ways. Take a look at local clubs, community spaces, volunteer groups, or even online forums.
Consider starting by joining a group based on an interest you already care about. This will give you a simple conversation starter and the opportunity to meet like-minded people.
If joining a club feels a bit too formal or out of reach, try picking a few “regular” places to frequent: think of cafés, restaurants, or even libraries. You can start building small relationships with people who work there and other patrons who visit often, slowly building up confidence and rapport.
Tip #3: Get To Know The Basics
For Americans relocating to Canada, the most meaningful differences include:
The healthcare system: Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system which covers most essential medical services and is free at the point of use. However, it does not include dental, vision, or most prescriptions.
The metric system: Canada officially uses the metric system, though some imperial measurements persist in informal use (e.g., height in feet, weight in pounds). Generally, expect temperatures in Celsius, distances in kilometers, and fuel in litres.
Taxes: Sales tax is significantly higher in Canada and varies by province. It’s not typically included in sticker prices, so be prepared for higher-than-expected totals at checkout.
Banking: Credit scores and banking systems operate differently. Your U.S. credit history doesn’t transfer automatically, and most Canadian banks charge monthly account fees. Interac is the primary debit system, and e-transfers are common for everyday payments (similar to Venmo or Cashapp, which are not available in Canada).
Practical Reminders for American Expats in Canada
💡 Get private health insurance to bridge the gap between your arrival and your provincial coverage start date. It is also worth keeping in mind that even once residents are on the system, you may experience wait times for non-urgent appointments.
💡 Work with an accountant or financial planner who is familiar with cross-border issues. Taxes can get confusing enough in one country, and having bank accounts, investments, or income in multiple countries can seriously add fuel to the fire.
💡 Remember that 32 degrees Fahrenheit = 0 degrees Celsius. This rule of thumb makes it easy to quickly convert the temperature in your head.
💡 Longer-distance public transportation like railways and domestic flights are less developed compared to the United States. If you need to travel within Canada, be sure to plan ahead!