Halifax, Canada Report of what it's like to live there - 02/22/10
Personal Experiences from Halifax, Canada
Halifax, Canada
02/22/10
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Have lived all over the world.
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?
Only one direct flight to Washington, DC, so with a change of planes in NYC it's probably around 3 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
5 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
houses mainly. Not a huge pool, but decent
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
good selection but more expensive than in US
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
none.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
similar to the US
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
mosquitoes and black flies in the spring (out in the country more than the city).
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Canada Post - expensive but decent.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
available, $15-20/hr.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
yes
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?
as in US
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
yes, all.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
yes.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is predominant, with some French.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
quite a few hills, but generally most buildings are accessible
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
yes, yes
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?
any, though SUVs are good in the winter
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
yes, $30/mo.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
all are pretty good.
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
yes.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
some, not many.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
biz.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
no
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
no, good but not up to US level for hi-tech critical care.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
4 seasons. Cold, damp, snowy winters, short but pleasant spring and fall, and 80 degree summers.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
pretty large.
2. Morale among expats:
good.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
good, esp if you like to drink.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
yes for all
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
most likely
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
no
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling north and south along the coast, change of leaf colors in the fall, and x-country skiing at a nearby national park.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
sightseeing, ocean sports, skiing, golf, hiking, etc
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
maple syrup
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Lovely seacoast, quaint sections of the city, good food (esp seafood), similar (but NOT the same) culture as in U.S.
11. Can you save money?
not really
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
yes
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
attitude
3. But don't forget your:
smile
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
It's a nice little city. Not for party animals, but great for outdoors folks
