From Singapore to Québec: Everyday Culture Shocks That Surprised Me
What really surprised me after living in Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and finally settling in Canada.
When you move abroad, you expect some big changes—new language, new seasons, new taxes. But honestly? It’s the small, everyday things that can trip you up.
I’m originally from S.Korea, and I’ve lived in Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and now Québec. Canada is our longest stop so far, and while I’ve grown to love many things here, some cultural habits truly surprised me, especially as a parent raising two kids. Let’s dive into some unexpected culture shocks that made me go, “Wait, really?”
💰 1. Lottery Winnings? 100% Tax-Free
In Korea, winning the lottery feels exciting—until taxes consume a significant portion. So when I learned that in Canada, lottery winnings are entirely tax-free, I was stunned. Win $1 million? —No deductions, no strings attached. You keep all of it. That was one of those “small detail, big surprise” moments that made me realize just how differently money is treated here.
The original prize is tax-free, but be mindful that if you invest that money, any profits you make from those investments will be subject to taxes down the line. Pretty standard, but good to know!
So if you’re reading this and you ever win the jackpot, please don’t forget me, your friendly neighbour who told you about it first. 😉
🧾 2. People Still Use Checks?
In S.Korea and Singapore, I never used a check—everything from groceries to daycare fees was handled via apps or QR codes. So when we moved to Canada and our daycare asked us to pay by check, I actually said, “Wait, did I hear that right?”
I thought checks were long gone! It felt like time-travelling back a couple of decades. We didn’t even receive our tax refund by check—it was a direct deposit. But apparently, many small services like home daycare or extracurriculars still prefer paper cheques. We had to order a chequebook for the first time in years, just to keep up.
Ordering a chequebook might feel like a blast from the past, but it’s often quite simple through your bank. And while cheques are still around, many smaller services and individuals also use e-transfers, which are super convenient digital payments directly from bank to bank.
👉 If you’re new to banking in Québec, you can check out my post on which chequing accounts are best for newcomers.
🥗 3. School Lunches: Pack It or Pay for It?
In Canada, most elementary schools don’t provide hot school lunches like we’re used to in South Korea. Here in Québec, parents usually have to pack lunch every day or sign up for a paid lunch supervision program—and even then, it’s often cold food or the occasional catered meal.
When I first experienced this system, I was honestly overwhelmed.
I remember my mom and friends back in Korea asking me,
“You have to prepare lunch every day? That’s impossible! How do parents manage?”
It really was a cultural shock.
Back home, every school has a licensed nutritionist (영양사 선생님) on staff. Meals are freshly prepared on-site each day by school cooks. The menus are designed to be nutritionally balanced, with rice, soup, vegetables, and protein.
Of course, not every lunch was delicious, but I always appreciated having a warm, well-rounded meal every single day without worrying about packing it myself. It’s a system I truly miss—especially now as a parent packing lunch boxes while managing work, younger siblings, and school schedules.
🏥 4. “Free” Healthcare—If You Can Wait
Yes, Canada has universal healthcare, and it’s such a relief not to worry about hospital bills. But as a mom, I also need to say: it can be very slow.
Getting a family doctor in Québec can take months, sometimes years—you apply via the official GAMF platform and wait. If you’re not matched yet, you rely on your local CLSC, clinics, or 811 for non-emergency help.
And emergency rooms? In theory, the average wait time is 4–8 hours, but in reality, I’ve waited 10+ hours in some Montréal hospitals for non-critical cases. You can check live wait times on the Québec ER dashboard here. Ontario has a similar site by region.
We go deeper into this in my post on how to navigate the healthcare system as a newcomer in Québec, including how to apply for RAMQ, find pediatric dentists, and book vision exams.
💳 5. Transit Cards & Credit Cards: Why Aren’t They Together?
In Asia, my credit card doubled as a metro pass. It was sleek, easy, and fast. But in Canada? You carry a separate transit card, like Montréal’s OPUS card. It’s not linked to your bank, not auto-reloading unless you set it up, and not very intuitive at first.
It felt like going back a decade in tech. I even thought, “How is this not connected yet?”
Oh, don’t forget to register your OPUS card! Seriously, this is a game-changer. If it ever goes missing, your balance is protected, and you can get a replacement without losing all your loaded fares. It’s a small step that offers huge peace of mind!
🧠 Final Thoughts: Tiny Shocks, Big Adjustments
These differences might seem small, but they stack up when you’re starting fresh in a new country. And especially when you’re trying to help your kids adjust while staying sane yourself.
But honestly, the culture shocks weren’t all bad—they made life more interesting. And they gave me things to laugh about, vent to friends over coffee about, and now… share with you 💛
❓ Have You Experienced Culture Shocks Like These?
- Have you waited 8+ hours in a Canadian ER?
- Did your kid ask, “Where’s the lunch lady?” at school?
- Did you have to relearn how to write a cheque?
Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your stories, especially if you’re a fellow newcomer parent!
