Newbies to the US from Canada: Anyone else having trouble adjusting?

[bloopygirl 20]

Chiggins, now that you mention the garborator, I had actually never seen one before coming to the US. I love it though. They're awesome. I guess it's because we had a rural home and I'm not sure if you can have those on a septic tank.

Hollywoodnorth, that is a good point.. I have lived in rural areas like I just mentioned, and also in the city.. but my husband lives in the suburbs. That is probably a big part of why it has been such a big change for me. We're in a townhouse, and even when I lived in the city I had detached homes... so that's new.. and I feel a bit on top of everyone else like they're always watching. And we have an HOA, which is also really foreign to me, and we get little annoying notices from them and they were like nazis about installing a satellite dish. lol

[iPod 89]

No Swedish berries? Here in Minnesota, people love them! I always remind them it's Canadian... they never believe me!

The words I most recently have been fun of saying... Pencil Crayon, Garborator, Eavestrough, Pop (oddly since Minnesota says Pop too...), Asphalt..

Even with all that, I get constant comments that I don't really sounds that Canadian.. So strange!

Even worse, the last time I went back to Canada, someone at a store said I sounded American... Noooo!!!

In Minnesota people drive like half speed if there is a snowflake falling and most people seem to stay home if they get a real snowfall... and they complain about the cold when it is like -10C.... I thought they were the tough ones in America when it came to winter... I basically feel like I am in the tropics compared to Edmonton!

I must go to Minnesota then!

You should see in California, as soon as there is a drop of rain, people are suddenly confused and don't know how to drive. I can't imagine how they would do if there was actual snow.

People ask me: did you put chains on your tires in Canada? I never heard of such a thing.

Yes, Rocket Fizz next to Porto's on Magnolia Blvd.

Some of the Candy may be the UK/South African versions as well, Smarties in the US are powdered Candies in a twist roll similar to Rockets. Canadian/UK Smarties are your usual candy coated chocolate with an African version that is a chocolate bar with smarties embedded within them.

I wonder how many adjustment problems is adjusting from urban -> rural areas which can be an an issue just within Canada or the US on it's own, let alone changing countries and going from Urban Canada to rural USA or vice versa. It can be a challenge.

I found that doing anything possible to meet new friends via classes, hobbys, clubs goes a long way to help make new friends. That helps a lot.

That's great! I'll go and visit that store as soon as I can. Thanks for the info.

[warlord 73]

The lady at McDonalds looked at me weird when I asked for packets of vinegar for my fries. They don't put vinegar on fries here! Or gravy!

I miss Dads Cookies (especially Goodie rings).

Car insurance is atrocious. With MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance), I pay $109 CAD / month. For the same plan, here, even with Geico and these supposedly "great" car insurances, the cheapest is like $170 a month (for the first 2 months) and goes upwards to $220 / month -- USD!

I miss home cooked meals and Canadian values of sitting down to eat supper together. First off, people look at me funny when I say supper. It's supposed to be dinner.

People look at me weird when I say I'm going to phone someone. You don't say "phone", you say "call".

Here's some explanations I think to help you out with the above points:

Yes many English traditions never became popular in the US like they did in the colonies like Australia and Canada and that includes the vinegar and gravy.

Car insurance if you haven't had it before will always be the highest premiums because if you are brand new to getting insurance in the US. It's the same as if you were 16 and never drove at all. I had to start high as well when I first started out. Over time, you will start to get the rates you should. But with no US driving history, they put you in the high-risk category as foreign driving records for insurance don't transfer.

The diner/supper thing is a regional thing here in the US like in Canada. My mother always used diner in Canada and my dad and girlfriend from North Dakota always uses supper. It's just depends on the European heritage where they learned it from (their parents or grand parents). So it's not actually a US/Canadian thing.

I've always used "call". Never heard of "going to phone" someone that I can remember even in Canada or Australia where I grew up...

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Tire chains are illegal in Canada.

[oncefuturealien 45]

Tire chains are illegal in Canada.

That's funny, because plenty of the roads I've driven on in British Columbia have big signs on them that say "USE WINTER TIRES OR CARRY CHAINS" and there are pull-offs called chain-up areas. Canadian Tire has all kinds of them for sale.

They're not in use on city roads but they are certainly not illegal. In fact the cops can send you back down the road if you're travelling in the mountains and you don't have any.

[goolia 54]

My homesickness has actually happened a bit backwards. When I first got here, I was perfectly okay. Mind you I was able to take a couple visits home and have my family come down here all within the first few months. Additionally, it was also summer when I moved and the misery of winter has definitely taken its own toll. It wasn't until I sent in my AOS and realized I didn't have the option of visiting home for a while that it all sunk in. Like many of you, I also moved from a big city (Toronto) to Suburbia in New Jersey. I hate the fact that I can't walk anywhere because it's all so far. I was in NYC this past weekend and realized how much happier I am when I can walk out the door and only be steps away from anything I might possibly need. So that's probably the biggest adjustment. Of course, not having many friends (besides mutual friends with the husband) also makes it difficult. Never mind that because my husband is really the only person I have available to vent to in person, we end up getting into stupid petty fights that would have never happened had I the option to have a proper girls night, etc.

On the upside, I did just receive two costco size bottles of clamato juice and a huge jar of pickled beans so that has put a pretty big smile on my face. Now, if I could just get my hands on some ketchup chips, we'd be set.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

That's funny, because plenty of the roads I've driven on in British Columbia have big signs on them that say "USE WINTER TIRES OR CARRY CHAINS" and there are pull-offs called chain-up areas. Canadian Tire has all kinds of them for sale.

They're not in use on city roads but they are certainly not illegal. In fact the cops can send you back down the road if you're travelling in the mountains and you don't have any.

Odd. Most provinces I've been too they're illegal.

[Teddy B 17,252]

It is possible to transfer your International driving record for insurance purposes. My wife had a perfect driving record in Canada, we got a copy of her driving record from the Ontario Ministry Of Transportation and we used it to get a lower rate with Metropolitan Insurance Co.

Is It Possible to Transfer International Driving Records to the United States?

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 9:09:19 PM

If you're moving to the United States or even just visiting, you may have wondered whether it's possible to transfer your driving record and how you can continue to drive once you're in the United States. The good news is that driving records can be transferred relatively easily. However, if you're staying in the U.S. for longer than a year, you'll want to get a driver's license from the state that you’re a living and driving in for the period of time you’re here.

An International Driver's Permit, or IDP, translates the information from your driving record into ten languages, allowing drivers to travel freely and drive in foreign countries. Many countries accept IDPs as temporary licenses. Luckily, the United States is one of these countries. The IDP must be issued by your country of origin, not the United States government, and is considered supplemental to a U.S. driving license. The laws vary depending on the state you're driving in, but IDPs are always accepted and can often be used while you get a U.S. driver's license (or if you're not going to be in the state for very long).

In the United States, it's necessary to have proof of car insurance to drive, and a good driving record does not exempt you from this stipulation. Car insurance rates and requirements vary by location, so it's wise for foreign visitors to contact a state's Department of Motor Vehicles to discuss car insurance requirements. Many car insurance companies have special rates for foreign visitors, and a temporary car insurance policy can be purchased and implemented very quickly to allow you to freely drive in the United States without any trouble. They will often need your IDP or a translated version of your driving record to use when estimating what your car insurance rate will be. It's a good idea to contact your current car insurer, if you have one, to discuss travel plans and see if they offer international rates.

The most important thing when traveling to any country is to get your driving record translated as soon as possible, and to obtain an International Driver's Permit from your country of residence before traveling. This way, you can avoid long wait times at a DMV and make sure that you're driving legally as soon as you arrive. Contact the DMV of the state you're going to be driving in, as well as your nation's driving bureau, to make sure that your driving records are transferred quickly and correctly, and don't forget to look into obtaining the necessary insurance, too. With a bit of planning, you shouldn't have any trouble getting around during your visit or residency.

http://www.carinsurancequotes.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-transfer-international-driving-records-to-the-united-states

Edited February 16, 2016 by Teddy B

[Lemonslice 4,841]

It is possible to transfer your International driving record for insurance purposes. My wife had a perfect driving record in Canada, we got a copy of her driving record from the Ontario Ministry Of Transportation and we used it to get a lower rate with Metropolitan Insurance Co.

that's also what I did. Clamato lovers should lot try to get some Walter, it is Canadian made and delicious.

[Loki_Go 126]

I saw Clamato in Meijers last week. I was surprised! Of course all dressed chips made an appearance last year too so things seem to be filtering in. Still no Kraft peanut butter though lol

February is the worst month as far as depression goes. Exercise helps... we've gone roller skating over here and had a blast!

[Teddy B 17,252]

that's also what I did. Clamato lovers should lot try to get some Walter, it is Canadian made and delicious.

I believe Stop & Shop carries Clamato juice.

Also for those who miss the Swiss Chalet, see if you have a Boston Market close by. It's not exactly the same, but it is close.

And if you don't have a Tim's anywhere near you like us, try Amazon for Tim's coffee by the pound or in K-cups. We have a monthly subscription for Tim's k-cups through Amazon. Also we have found that Maxwell House is really close to Tim's in flavor.

[HollywoodNorth 22]

Tire chains are illegal in Canada.

???

http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=27928#.VsN4l3VdVi0

Living in Vancouver, going on the Sea to Sky highway up to Whistler, chains are certainly allowed if not required at certain checkpoints up the mountains. It depends on the province, the area, and the type of vehicle and whatever or not you have M+S or Alpine rated tires [mountain with snowflake].

I see chains for sale everywhere here in BC.

In the US, I had a full time 4WD truck, and even with winter tires I'd still get stopped at the chain check going up into the mountains around Big Bear coming up from Los Angeles.

So the actual legality will vary from area to area.

If you were driving with them in the summer on the highway, you would probably get a ticket [and wreck your tires/fenders when they fail].

Edited February 16, 2016 by HollywoodNorth

[HollywoodNorth 22]

It is possible to transfer your International driving record for insurance purposes. My wife had a perfect driving record in Canada, we got a copy of her driving record from the Ontario Ministry Of Transportation and we used it to get a lower rate with Metropolitan Insurance Co.

I did this back in 2005, I picked up a drivers abstract from the Ontario MOT and a few printouts off from my insurance agent showing how long I was insured and that I had no claims.

I was able to get a discount on my US rates right away with Progressive. After a few years driving in the US, I switched to AAA insurance and after that the best rates I found for me was through State Farm. I'm not sure if it'll be that easy for non-Canadian drivers.

If no one will give you a discount with a drivers abstract showing a clean history plus letters from your previous insurance companies, shop around.

[goolia 54]

I have actually found clamato at a couple grocery stores but it's a tiny bottle and it's like $4! It's nice knowing it's there for when I have serious cravings but nothing beats those party pack bottles from costco haha.

I will definitely look out for Walter!

It's funny, I was never really a Tim Horton's fan at home (blasphemy, I know) but I got excited when one opened up in my town a couple weeks ago.

[Teddy B 17,252]

I have actually found clamato at a couple grocery stores but it's a tiny bottle and it's like $4! It's nice knowing it's there for when I have serious cravings but nothing beats those party pack bottles from costco haha.

I will definitely look out for Walter!

It's funny, I was never really a Tim Horton's fan at home (blasphemy, I know) but I got excited when one opened up in my town a couple weeks ago.

I never had Tim Horton's coffee until about 6 years ago when I first met my wife in Canada. I think it's some of the best coffee around, especially for store bought. It blows Dunkin Donuts away. And Timbits rock! We have very few Tim Horton's in New England and I believe there are none in Massachusetts where we live. We go to Maine a few times a year and there are a couple there.