Hitting the big-5-0 is a whole different ballgame. You have to be prepared for the cultural differences, language barriers, and most importantly, the weather. The last thing you need is a bad case of hiccups bringing you down.
So when you do make it past the first few months, you will begin to realize that being a pilot isn’t all cake and ice cream. You need to be equipped with everything from survival skills to mechanical know-how, and that’s a lot to think about. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know to successfully transition to a new country. Hopefully, this will help make the next few months a bit easier for you.
Health Insurance
Just like America, Canada is a big country with lots of different food and living habits. One thing you will need to consider is healthcare. If you’re doing this as a career move, you’ll most likely be covered by healthcare in your home country. However, finding medical coverage when you arrive in Canada can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a job. Luckily for you, we’ve found a solution: travel insurance. Travel insurance policies are specifically designed to cover your healthcare costs while you’re traveling. The premium you pay for this coverage is usually based on your age and the type of plan you select. Most travel insurance policies also have a medical emergency care benefit that covers you for medical emergencies while you’re traveling. For example, if you get sick or injured while you’re in another country, you have access to the country’s medical care system. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be assisted by experts who have experience working in the country.
Dental Insurance
Having dental insurance while you’re traveling is important for a number of reasons. First, it makes getting dental work done much easier. Just like in other countries, dental care can be very expensive. Having insurance coverage while traveling allows you to get work done without having to worry about financial constraints. Second, you can get quick and easy access to emergency dental care if you have it. Third, getting dental work done while traveling allows you to keep your smile healthy. Fourth, many dental plans have a lifetime cap on the number of visits you can make to the dentist. Having dental insurance while traveling means you can go to the dentist as often as you need to without worrying about running out of coverage.
Visa
Another item to think about is applying for a visa. A visa is an agreement that a country makes with another country or an international organization to allow a certain number of people to enter the country in a given period of time. To get a visa, you have to go to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and apply in person. There are three types of visas that you will need to consider: working visa (OTR), study visa (TER), and visiting visa (TV).
Living Arrangement
One of the first things you will need to do is set up your living arrangement. You will have to choose between renting an apartment or house with other travelers or solo living. Renting a room in a private home is another option. If you plan to stay in Airbnb rooms, be sure to look for hosts who are licensed by the city or town hall. This ensures that you are legally allowed to stay in their home. In any case, you should book your accommodation well in advance since the rental seasons in Canada are relatively short. If you arrive at the destination without a place to stay, it can be difficult to find a decent place to live. Even in big cities like Toronto, accommodation is pricey and there is plenty of competition. If you plan to travel during rush hours, you may find it difficult to find a place to stay since most vacation rentals are occupied by holiday makers during the tourist season. In addition, if you plan to stay in a house with other travelers, make sure that everyone knows about it so they don’t try to stay overnight without your permission. In some countries, this can be considered as an act of trespassing and is considered a crime. You can also ask the homeowners to leave a key behind so they can return home in the event of an emergency. In some instances, this can be legally complicated since the homeowners may not want to give you their key or let them stay overnight without their permission. In these cases, having a hotel key may be your only option.
Transportation
Getting around in a new city or town is always difficult. You will need a car to get to work and to get around town. In smaller towns, there may not be any other means of transportation available. If you are new to the area, it may be difficult to find out how to get places without relying on public transportation. For instance, if you want to visit the Canadian Museum of History, you will need to find out how to get there without an automobile. Fortunately, there are many public transportation options available. In many cities, there are bus and subway services that can take you to your destinations. In larger cities, there are also taxis available. No matter which option you choose, make sure you know how expensive everything is in Canada compared to the US. For instance, a taxi ride in Toronto is usually about $60, while a similar ride in New York would cost you about $30. In addition to the cost of the vehicle, consider how much you’ll need on your credit card to pay for gas, parking, and extra fees. In the end, you’ll have to decide whether or not the convenience and cost-effectiveness of driving is worth it. In most cases, it is.
Language
Speaking a new language is always difficult. You will have to learn how to ask for things, how to order food, and how to talk to the people around you. Don’t worry, though, as many countries, including Canada, have large English-speaking communities. Learning a few phrases and words will make you feel much more comfortable. For example, ‘thank you’ and ‘hello’ are very useful phrases to know. In most countries, including Canada, speaking English is something that is generally expected of you. In some places, like Quebec, people prefer it if you speak French. Even if you don’t plan on traveling to this part of the country, it’s still worth knowing a few phrases since they are rarely spoken outside of Quebec. For example, saying ‘bonjour’ or ‘auf wiedersehen’ may make you seem much more intelligent to the people around you. In most cases, learning some phrases and words will make your stay much smoother and less frustrating. Of course, if you have a specific language requirement for work, you will need to learn how to say those phrases and words in order to get your job done.
Money
Tourists often come to Canada on a budget. Many visitors think that Canada is extremely expensive because of the cost of living and the exchange rate. While it is true that Canadian dollars can seem expensive, especially if you are only bringing a few dollars with you, you will soon learn how cheap Canadians really are. First, everything from rent, food, and transportation are very affordable. Second, you will notice that the average person doesn’t spend a lot of money. Third, since everyone is so nice, it’s okay to spend money on little things like cups of coffee and busfare. Fourth, services like Uber and Lyft make getting around town cheap and easy. Lastly, credit cards can be useful in making purchases cheaper since most places and items will be billed to your account. In some cases, you can even get cash back when making a purchase with a credit card. In any case, don’t worry about not having enough money to spend. Many Canadians live pretty simply and manage to travel and do the things they want to do. You will have plenty of money for both spending and saving.
Hopefully, this article will help make the next few months a bit easier for you. From arranging your living situation to getting the right visa, to learning the language and culture, these are all things you need to consider before your trip.