Montreal, Canada Report of what it's like to live there - 02/28/18
Personal Experiences from Montreal, Canada
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is my husband's 5th overseas post and my 2nd. I have also lived in Mexico City.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. 1.5 hours direct from Dulles.
3. How long have you lived here?
6 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Comparable to US in price, but grocery stores have a more limited selection.
2. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing. Can get pretty much everything here. There's even a small Latino market to get Mexican spices and peppers.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Good Mexican food is hard to find, but there are plenty of great foodie restaurants all over the city. Uber Eats and Foodora are great food delivery options.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Someone at the consulate makes a trip to the US post office once a week to pick up/drop off mail to US, but I also use Canada Post for letters and small packages.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Our housekeeper makes the equivalent of $20/hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are several gyms in downtown Montreal available. Cheaper prices than DC gyms, but not as nice.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted (even Amex in most places). ATMs are safe to use.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The vast majority of Montrealers speak some English so you can get by without knowing any French, but it's helpful to know a few pleasantries. Also, some restaurants will only be in French. If you venture to other parts of Quebec, it will be more in French.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The Metro subway runs underneath most of downtown Montreal. Affordable-ish and very safe. As of February 2018, Uber is still operating in the city and is the easiest way to get around. Taxis are also available, but you usually have to call them (this is not a place where you can just hail them on the street).
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Anything with snow tires.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but expect to pay a little more than you do in the US for comparable service.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use Telus. You may have to shop around to find a carrier and branch that will open a contract (vs. pay as you go), but it's not a huge hassle. You can pay an extra $10 (Canadian) a month to be able to use your phone/data in the US and make calls to the US.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
We've had no problem finding a vet for our dog or a place to board our dog when we're out of town. Dogs do not need to be quarantined when entering Canada, but bring complete paperwork, including a vaccination record.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Watch out for pickpockets on the subway or in large, crowded spaces, but otherwise very, very safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is easily available. You may have to wait a while for service at an urgent care facility. You can also go to a private clinic and get seen much faster, but expect to pay more.
3. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
SAD during the overcast winter months can be rough.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
VERY cold (a few days in minus 30s) in the winter, but a very pleasant summer.
Expat Life:
1. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good city for couples, plenty to do! When it's really cold or snowy outside, it's also a great opportunity to snuggle up and catch up on TV or play some board games.
2. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, there's a vibrant gay scene in Montreal. Lots of gay bars and clubs in the Village.
3. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
The city does have some problems with Islamophobia (there was a recent uproar over a proposed ban to wearing head coverings while receiving government services).
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Exploring the up and coming local craft beer scene and walking around in the snow.
5. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Mont Tremblant is supposed to be an amazing winter getaway and the Ice Hotel near Quebec City is also a must.
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's a friendly, clean city with lots to do and minimal culture shock (other than the language barrier).
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That my winter clothes from DC were not sufficient!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Swim trunks.
4. But don't forget your:
Winter clothes and gear!
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Books by Louise Penny.
