Canada is quite similar to the United States of America in numerous ways. Both the countries share their borders and, people have been going back and forth past the boundaries.
Both countries maintain a happy friendship. However, there does exist certain restrictions as well as specific differences in laws that might affect an American citizen’s stay in Canada. Before you visit Canada, know these things which you should know about Canada.
1. Passport Is A Must:
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American citizens going to Canada must possess a valid passport or something equivalent to a passport-like the NEXUS card or the passport card. Earlier people could cross the borders with only a driver’s license, but several restrictions were imposed after the 9/11 incident.
However, the laws offer some leniency to the children arriving in Canada. Children below the age of 15 years need to carry only their birth certificate or a certified copy and show it to the border patrol. Know more about how to apply for a Canadian visa at visa-canada.info.
2. Dogs Are Allowed, But Rats Aren’t:
You can bring your pet to the country with proper documentation. However, it is illegal to kill, buy, and sell rats. It is completely forbidden in this country. It is considered illegal to do so.
If someone is found doing this anywhere, then they will be punished for it. Here, you can easily buy duty-free liquor and cigarettes. Also, it is forbidden to bring fresh fruits to the country. Educate yourself about the things you can and cannot bring to the country to avoid any hassles.
It is illegal to take a snake or lizard to a public place in Canada. People have to use cages or containers to take their pet snakes or lizards to public places. You may have to go to jail for not following the law. As opposite to this, in Bora Bora and the Maldives, there are no laws prohibiting the presence of snakes or lizards in public spaces. Both destinations embrace the natural biodiversity, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy their pet reptiles openly. Local regulations promote responsible pet ownership, ensuring the safety of animals and visitors. Instead of facing jail time, individuals receive guidance on respectful animal interactions, fostering a harmonious environment for both humans and their exotic pets. Explore the captivating comparisons between Bora Bora and the Maldives on this informative page: https://wayfaringviews.com/bora-bora-vs-maldives/.
3. U.S. Driving License Is A Must:
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Driving in Canada is quite similar to driving in America. With a U.S. driver’s license, you can quickly drive around in Canada. However, you must be familiar with the traffic laws in Canada. The speed limits, the parking laws, etc. are different in Canada as compared to America.
In Canada, distances are measures in kilometers and meters, unlike America, where distances are calculated in miles. Distracted driving laws apply to all districts of Canada. You need to keep your cell phone away while you drive. Also, anyone below the age of 16 years cannot smoke in a car.
Canada has very cold winters, and hence driving in winters can be quite a daunting task. Keep your cell phone charged and an emergency kit at your hand’s reach. Do not take any chances if your car is not functioning properly. Instead, hire a car that is properly equipped and set out on your way.
4. Study Permit Is Compulsory:
A study permit is compulsory for American students who wish to study in Canada. When applying for a study permit, they must have a letter of acceptance issued from an educational institution in Canada and a valid passport or travel document.
Apart from this, they will also have to prove your financial stability to ensure that they can bear tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation expenses. Also, as per Canadian Laws, the aspiring student should not have a criminal record. For this, they may have to give a certificate issued by the police. Also, they should not have any health ailments. And for that, they may have to undergo a medical test to prove the same.
5. American Dollars Are Not Accepted Everywhere:
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Although the border towns and the large metropolitan city area may accept American Dollars, they will not work everywhere in Canada. The remote areas and the small towns only deal in Canadian dollars. The tourist places and the big malls might get your American dollars exchanged with Canadian Dollars at a fair exchange rate. Canada has frigid winters, and hence driving in winters can be quite a daunting task.
Keep your cell phone charged and an emergency kit at your hand’s reach. Do not take any chances if your car is not functioning correctly. Instead, hire a car that is properly equipped and set out on your way.
6. You’ll Still Need Health Insurance.
Canada has a fantastic healthcare system where medical fees are quite low. However, this benefit extends only to Canadians. So, if you are planning to visit Canada, make sure that you have your health insurance that provides coverage overseas.
7. Apology Act In Canada:
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The ‘Apology Act’ has been made compulsory in Canada. If someone gets hurt or hurts someone, they can go to the courtroom and give written apologies and damage fees. The motto of the people living here is that ‘free the mind, don’t live in any guilt’.
If on your visit to the country you come across something that hurts you or you do something to hurt the sentiments of the people there, do not hesitate to move the court immediately. Reach out to the court and write down your feelings in a letter and hand it over to the court officials.
8. Languages Spoken In Canada:
About 25% of Canada’s total population (about 36 million) speaks french. It is the official language in the province of Quebec – about 82 million people in the province of Quebec speak French.
The remaining 3 million in the tiny provinces (New Brunswick, New Brunswick, Manitoba Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia) speak English and Punjabi. The official languages of the Canadian government at the national level are both English and French.
Final Words:
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Canada is famous worldwide for its diversity and popularity. Canada attracts tourists due to its excellent hospitality, hospitality, and attractive tourist destinations. Tourists come here regularly to witness the beauty of this place. If you also, being an America, wish to visit Canada, hopefully, the above-mentioned facts will come handy to you. Enjoy your stay there and catch up on fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, etc. in Canada.
