Moving to a new country means new laws, new regulations, and new cultural differences which can often times mean the difference between integrating seamlessly and suffering through a horrifyingly embarrassing situation. To help further the ease of your move, here are a few tips and common laws to insure you don’t rock the boat.

Firstly, as with most countries, it’s illegal to drive without your driver’s license, registration, and insurance. Just because you were able to drive back home, doesn’t mean you will be able to here…until you have taken care of the necessary paperwork.

Unlike the iron-fist of America, Canada provides a more relaxed, European view on things. You need only to be 18 or 19 to enjoy a beer while out on the town (depending on what province you are in).

Marijuana use in Canada is of appeal to many tourists and people moving here. However, despite the high level of tolerance in regards to the police, it is actually not legal at present. Don’t be fooled into thinking you can simply go around smoking on the sidewalk and get away with it! While there are special bars and restaurants where smokers can go, much like in Amsterdam, it is unwise to flaunt it. 

Expect culture shock in advance. The voices of experience normally give people anywhere from six weeks to six months of culture shock before settling into a new country can really begin. There will be new laws, new foods, new accents and languages, different landscapes…everything will be different. Be prepared to experience some disorientation before you finally settle in.