Living in Alberta - Daily Life

Daily life in Alberta may take some time getting used to if you are from another culture, but with patience, perseverance and a few tips, you should be able to integrate into your new surroundings and take the fullest advantage of your study experience.

You should work out a budget that covers accommodation, food, transportation, clothing and entertainment. Childcare, if applicable, should also be taken into account.

The currency in Alberta is the Canadian dollar (CAD$). There are 100 cents in a dollar.

Canadian coins include: The penny (1 cent) The nickel (5 cents) The dime (10 cents) The quarter (25 cents) The one-dollar coin known as the loonie The two-dollar coin called a toonie The paper bills are multicoloured with the most common denominations being $5, $10, $20 and $50.

Travelers' cheques can be cashed at any bank and many retail outlets throughout the province. Be sure to bring identification if you are cashing a travellers' cheque.

Credit cards are widely accepted around Alberta. The most commonly accepted credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and their affiliates.

Bank cards are also widely accepted at retail outlets displaying the Interac logo and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or bank machines are conveniently available across the province.

You may want to open a Canadian bank account to avoid foreign bank charges and fluctuating exchange rates and to help with your budgeting. To do so, simply go to the bank branch you would like to deal with and look or ask for the new accounts desk. You will need at least two types of identification, one with your photo on it, such as a passport or a driver's license. You may also need to provide proof of your Alberta address.

Banking hours are usually from around 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., but this varies by bank and branch.

Health Care Alberta has an excellent health care system. If you will be studying in Alberta for at least 12 months, the Government of Alberta provides subsidized health care coverage. If you will be in Alberta for less than twelve months, you must ensure that you have appropriate health care insurance. Please contact your institution for more information. Make sure to obtain and maintain appropriate health, travel and personal insurance.

Electricity

The electrical current in Canada is 120 volts. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.

Shopping Most Alberta stores have cashiers at the entrance or exit where you can line up and pay for your items. Some stores have cashiers set up in different places around the store, and you pay at the nearest cashier. You will receive a paper receipt for whatever you buy, and this is your proof of payment. Many Alberta stores are grouped together in large shopping malls, so you can do all your shopping in one place. Remember that each store has its own cash register where you pay for your purchases. In Alberta, all purchases are subject to a 7 per cent federal goods and services tax (GST).

Alberta has a fantastic variety of food. Our top quality beef is known all around the globe. There is a large range of fruit and vegetables available at Alberta produce markets. You should have no difficulty in finding most of the foods that you are used to eating at home.

You can sample almost every type of cuisine available throughout the world in our many restaurants. There are elegant restaurants or typical western pubs. Ethnic restaurants offer cuisines from all around the world. Good food at reasonable prices can be found at bistros or cafes. And for those who like take-out food, most of the major global fast food chains are well represented.

Spare Time

Albertans love to take advantage of their natural surroundings during their vacations and spare time. During semester breaks you can travel to experience more of Alberta's spectacular natural environment. You should try to take the time to explore the community that you are living in, and when possible, other areas of the province. Try to get involved in extra-curricular activities at school or in your community. You will find these experiences rewarding as you relax, meet new people and gain a true understanding of Canadians and their culture.