Montreal, Canada
If you are planning to move from Ireland to Canada, you need to know most of these unexpected travel expenses so you won’t run out of cash. Here, we’ve curated some of them for you.
Moving from Ireland to Canada comes with many expenses. And that's why many migrants create a budget. But, many migrants don't usually include some unexpected expenses when migrating to Canada, perhaps due to ignorance. You need to understand that unplanned expenses are not large purchases but small random purchases. That little 15 bucks you spend on a Canadian souvenir amount to unexpected expenses.
So, if you are planning to move from Ireland to Canada, you need to know most of these unexpected travel expenses so you won't run out of cash. Here, we've curated some of them for you. Keep reading!
Currency exchange and debit card fees
Ireland and Canada use different currencies. Hence, it is expected to exchange your Irish pound for the Canadian dollar on arrival. If you are not careful, you'll fall for exchange scams. More often than not, the official exchange rate is different from the local exchange rate. Scammers are patiently waiting to rip naive foreigners off their money.
So, it will help if you find an authorized money exchanger. It is also smart to exchange your money in Ireland before moving to Canada.
Ireland migrants are likely to incur unexpected expenses from Debit/Credit card fees. You may get excessive charges on your local card when using it in Canada. Better still, you can opt for an International Card or a travel card. Aside from these, withdrawal charges vary from bank to bank in Canada. Hence, you must confirm the withdrawal fee before swiping your card at that ATM – small card fees here and there can make you run out of cash.
Sudden weather change
The weather in Canada may be erratic sometimes. Even in dry February, unexpected rain may pour in Canada. When this happens, unprepared travelers would have no choice but to spend on stuff like a raincoat, umbrella, cardigan, etc. Often, sellers would hike the prices of their items based on the present atmospheric condition.
Interestingly, you can avoid these unexpected expenses. Before leaving Ireland, it is best to check the local weather forecast of any chosen destination in Canada. If the forecast reveals there will be rain, pack appropriate rain wears, you won't need to buy new ones.
Commuting costs
There are crucial things like Shelter, feeding, and transportation you will spend on your arrival in Canada. Transportation is the most underrated and least budgeted for. You will need money to move in and out of your chosen location. Often, you end up spending a large chunk of money on transportation costs. Why? No strategic plan for commuting.
Before you leave Ireland, make an account of the available commute options in Canada and the price of each. It is best to look out for those transportation systems available in your chosen destination. Can you afford private cabs and taxis? Is Uber the only safe option available? Can your preferred commute medium be booked ahead?
After considering all of these, make plans for your daily movements ahead of time. Remember not to spend on what is not on your budget.
Tipping
Unlike in Ireland, tipping is mandatory in Canada. It would be best to leave a few bucks as a tip for the waiter without being rude. In Canada, expect to tip the Uber guy, the coat checker, hotel staff, salon workers, waitress, bartender, food delivery guy, etc.
For foodservice and transportation, expect to spend 10% – 20% of the total costs as a tip, and for other services, budget 1-2CAD. It will be wise to plan for this or seek alternatives that don't demand tips. Certain restaurants also automatically add tips to your bill. Ask ahead, so you don't tip more than you can afford.
Emergencies
More often than not, migrants avoid predicting emergencies. It is simply because none wishes for a crisis in a foreign country. While staying in Canada, accidents can happen. You must plan for this and keep extra bucks for an unforeseen occurrence. If moving to Canada is solely for vacation, then get travel insurance. It will cover any unexpected emergency.
The close
Now that you know most of the unexpected expenses to avoid while moving from Ireland to Canada, don't forget to move along with all the essential travel documents. You will not only need these documents to stay seamlessly in Canada, but you will also need them to secure a legit and well-paid job there. You can contact an immigration expert if you are unsure of the types of document you need to go along with.
