10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Canada (From a German Girl with a Work Permit)
Real Talk from a German Girl Living Her Vanlife Dream in Canada
Keywords: moving to Canada from Germany, Canada culture shock, living in Canada with work permit, tips for Germans in Canada
So, you’re thinking about moving to Canada from Germany or staying for longer? I did exactly that – packed up my life, got my work permit, shipped my van (yes, really!), and started exploring this insanely beautiful country. But let me tell you: it’s not all maple syrup and mountain views.
There are a bunch of things I wish someone had told me before I moved here – from strange cheese to how recycling actually works. So if you're heading to Canada soon, here’s your no-BS guide to the biggest culture shocks and helpful tips from someone who’s living it.
1. Recycling in Canada is… confusing
Keywords: recycling in Canada vs Germany, Canada culture shock
Forget Germany’s perfectly sorted bins and Pfand system. In Canada, it’s wild. Every province (and sometimes city!) has its own rules. Most places only have a trash bin and a mixed recycling bin. Glass, plastic, paper – all in one. Compost? Rare. And no, you don’t get money back for returning bottles. Sad, I know. But some places like in BC they do take money for cans.
2. Turning Right at a Red Light is Totally Normal
Keywords: driving in Canada, Canada traffic rules
Yep, in most provinces it’s legal to turn right at a red light – after you stop. That blew my mind at first. It keeps traffic moving, but don’t forget to check for signs – some intersections say “no turn on red.”
3. The 4-Way Stop System Actually Works
Keywords: 4-way stop Canada, driving tips for newcomers in Canada
At 4-way stops, first come, first go. And unlike in Germany… people actually follow that rule. It’s kind of amazing. Drivers wait patiently, wave you through, and no one honks. It felt weird at first, but it honestly makes driving super chill and smooth.
4. Canadian Cheese is... Not It
Keywords: food in Canada vs Germany, Canadian grocery tips
I love cheese. But Canadian cheese? Sorry, not that much of a fan. Most of it comes in huge plastic bricks, the taste is meh, and soft cheese is expensive AF. If you love German cheese- lower your expectations 😅
5. Check Your Car Brand Before Importing
Keywords: importing a car to Canada, car tips for newcomers in Canada
I shipped my Renault van from Germany. Canada doesn’t really do Renault, sowe're hoping to never have an accident or need new car parts. It'll be difficult. If you plan on importing your car, make sure it’s a common brand here – think Toyota, Ford, Honda, Subaru, etc. It'll save you a lot of stress. Also whenever you do a service, stay with the people, apparently you get often ripped of as a foreigner.
6. Everything Is Bigger
Keywords: differences between Germany and Canada, lifestyle in Canada
From grocery store packages to pickup trucks – everything in Canada is huge. Coffee sizes? Giant. Roads? Wide. Parking spots? Massive. You’ll get used to it and the first time you buy peanut butter in a 1kg tub, you'll be in heaven.
7. Tipping is Not Optional
Keywords: tipping culture in Canada, travel tips for Germany to Canada
Coming from Germany, where tipping is casual, it was a shock: you’re expected to tip 15–20% pretty much everywhere – restaurants, cafés, hairdressers, even food delivery. It's built into the culture, and servers rely on it. So yeah… budget for that. I comes up when you use a card to pay and mostly you can choose from 15%, 18%, 20% or choose your own. Some are even higher.
8. "Free" Healthcare Comes With a Catch
Keywords: healthcare Canada work permit, insurance for newcomers Canada
Yes, Canada has public healthcare – but not everything’s covered. You’ll probably need private insurance for things like dental, physio, prescriptions or even ambulance rides. Also: every province has its own system, so register fast when you arrive! But if you stay here on a work permit, you won't have Canadian healthcare, you'll need to get a Travelinsurance! They check that at the boarder.
9. Canadians Are Friendly – But Not Fast Friends
Keywords: making friends in Canada, expat life in Canada
Canadians are super polite, helpful, and nice – but building deep friendships can take time. Small talk is easy, but real connection? It’s slower. Don’t take it personally – it’s just a different vibe than in Germany. Be patient, join local stuff, and things will grow.
10. Camping in National parks sells out quickly
Keywords: camping in canada, camping in national parks, backcountry camping
What I didn't know is that they launch there reservations for the upcoming summer always in january and februrary so in may most of the camping places were sold out before and it was so devastaing. It made it so complicated to find spots to go to. Most of all finding a day where we could go Backcountry camping. So if you plan on coming here and you're traveling with a camper or want to camp in your tent, look up some places bevore hand and book them, as everything will be booked out, no joke.
At Maligne Road, Jasper National Park, Alberta.
💬 Final Thoughts
Moving to Canada was a big step – and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
But knowing this stuff ahead of time? Would’ve made things sooo much easier.
If you’re about to start your Canada adventure – I’m cheering for you!
Got questions? DM me on Insta or leave a comment. I’ll answer with real talk, not tourist fluff. 💌
➡️ Follow my Canada journey on @van.trouble
And check out more travel + vanlife tips on my blog!
Save travels , your Xenia