Vancouver

Why Vancouver?

With its soaring mountain peaks and glittering skyscrapers, Vancouver, British Columbia is the perfect fusion of urban cityscape and natural magnificence. Host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, Vancouver combines world-class business and entertainment with multiculturalism and diversity. With its state-of-the-art rapid transit system for easy access to the greater metro area, the city is simple to navigate and effortless to explore.

Vancouver is home to people from all over the world, including a large population of expatriates. Many relocate to the area for business, educational, or work-related purposes. Two prestigious universities, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, lead the way with cutting-edge research, while the British Columbia Institute of Technology presents the latest in technological innovation. The Port of Vancouver is the largest in Canada, while industries such as film and television, digital media and information and communications technology, biotechnology, mining, and performance apparel constitute a large segment of the job market.

Sustainability and environmentalism are important endeavors in Vancouver, and clean transit and green spaces are steps being taken toward this goal. One of the most famous green spaces within the downtown core is world-renowned Stanley Park, a 1000-acre natural park harboring wildlife and a lush sanctuary of plants and stately, old trees.

Vancouver has been named one of the most livable cities in the world, and offers a unique mélange of culture, sophisticated urbanity, and natural wonder and beauty. Here it is possible to swim or sunbathe on the beach, hike in the mountains, shop for couture fashions, take in a hockey game, and wind down with a romantic dinner atop a skyscraper, all in the space of one day.

Relocating to Vancouver can be seamless, with the right tools. Because English is the official language in Vancouver, as in the rest of Canada (French is the other official language although not widely spoken in British Columbia), and numerous other languages are spoken, it is not difficult to navigate the system. People are friendly and helpful, and, as many were once newcomers themselves, are understanding of those new to the area and culture. That said, however, it is imperative to be armed with the right information about how to relocate, settle into and live in this wonderful city. This guide is filled with essential details about the logistics of relocation and integration into the city and culture, as well as useful facts such as cost of living, relocating with a pet, things to do on the weekend, and much more. Vancouver is your destination; this guide is your key to a successful and stress-free relocation experience and contains the following information- 

1) Living legally in Vancouver

The EID guide to Vancouver contains detailed information about all the paperwork you will require to live legally in this Canadian city. From visas, passports and landing papers, through to tax requirements and laws, you can be assured that you will have complete and practical guidance that can help you to meet legal requirements with minimum stress and confusion.

2) Setting up home in Vancouver

Each expatriate guide contains comprehensive details of popular living areas together with information about transport options, local facilities and the type of people you will find living there. There is also practical advice on how to find a reputable agent, whether to rent or buy and the purchasing and leasing process in Canada. Expats can also benefit from our insights into leases and rental agreements, what you may be asked to commit to and common pitfalls to avoid.

3) Navigating the infrastructure

Our guide to Vancouver contains a comprehensive shopping and services directory that lists contacts and addresses that you will find invaluable when navigating the city and setting up home here. From arranging utilities through to buying clothes and furniture you can be assured that everything you need is in this single guide.

4) Having fun in Vancouver

Expat life is not all about paperwork and endless administration. The EID guide can help you to locate suitable sports, leisure and cultural activities and learn about how to make new friends and grow your social network.

5) Staying safe and healthy in Vancouver

Vancouver is a great city but, as with many other major cities around the world, it is prudent to be aware of safety risks. Our expat gives you an insider’s view of methods of staying safe in Vancouver together with tips about how you can protect yourself and your family. We also provide details about public and private healthcare facilities, what they include and who is eligible for them, together with full addresses and contact details for clinics, hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the city.

6) Blending in

Being a foreigner in a place that is to be your home can be very daunting and the best way to increase your confidence is to learn as much as you can about the local culture and the types of people that live there. Although many people are familiar with Canadian life through popular media, it can still take time to adjust to the pace of life here and social expectations. The EID guide to Vancouver contains valuable insights into the people who live in Canada, the behaviors you can expect and the acceptable norms.

7) Reality bites

Genuine experiences are always better than travel brochures and that is why our guides are truly the best on the market. Written by expats, for expats, they tailor all the information to ensure that it is practical, helpful and comprehensive to those who are looking to relocate or establish life in Vancouver.

Your only expat guide to Vancouver; Feel at home abroad – Fast!

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