Moving Guide
– Canada

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Removals to Canada

Moving to or from Canada is made effortless with Britannia Alan Cook. Our commitment goes beyond mere relocation – we take pride in offering a suite of removal services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re in need of storage solutions or expert packing assistance, our goal is to ensure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

At Britannia Alan Cook, we’re your trusted solution for international relocation moves, irrespective of the size or destination. Whether you’re navigating local landscapes or exploring picturesque regions, our seamless service is supported by the extensive network of Britannia Movers International. Your journey to Canada begins with us.

For more details on our Overseas Removal services, click here. Alternatively, contact us to arrange a free quotation, or if you have any further questions.

Country Facts: Canada

Time Zone:

Canada has six different time zones, ranging from UTC -3.30 to UTC -8

Currency:
Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Calling Code: +1

Languages spoken

English & French are the official languages of France

Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage team member securely packing furniture in padded removal covers

Importing Personal Effects to Canada

Before your belongings are shipped, you must provide a copy of the photo page of your passport.

If you are not a Canadian resident or do not hold a Canadian passport, you will also need to submit a copy of your visa or work permit.

Additionally, when entering Canada, you must declare to customs that your personal shipment will follow. Further documentation and information may be required both upon entry and after your arrival. For full details, please contact us – we’re happy to help.

Importing Vehicles to Canada

Generally, importing a used or second-hand vehicle into Canada is not allowed. However, in certain cases, Canadian customs may grant permission.

If your vehicle is eligible for import, you will need to provide the same documents required for personal effects, along with proof of ownership, previous registration, and insurance documents.

Before customs clearance, all vehicles are inspected and must meet Canadian safety and environmental standards. Since cars are subject to duties, the importer must attend customs in person to complete the clearance process.

For more detailed guidance on importing a vehicle, please get in touch – we’re happy to assist.

Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage team busy wrapping and packing a customers personal belongings into cardboard boxes while she sits and relaxes

Moving Pets to Canada

Pets that meet certain requirements and from countries not at high-risk of rabies can usually be imported into Canada. A pet moving specialist will be able to provide more information on what pets can be imported and what the requirements would be.

Prohibitions and Restrictions:

Baby walkers are not considered safe and are banned in Canada, if you were to try and ship one into Canada and were caught, you could face quite a considerable fine.

Other items that are prohibited as they deemed a danger to children are infant self- feeding devices, yoyo balls balloon blowing kits.

It is not recommended to ship any food to Canada.

Alcohol will be subject to customs duty if shipped to Canada.

Please ask for more information on other prohibited or restricted items.

Importing plants do you need a Phytosanitary certificate.

It is not recommended to ship any plants to Canada, it is very unlikely permission will be granted to customs clear plants from the UK into Canada.

A happy family thanking one of our removals managers following another successful house move
Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage lorries outside a customers new home ready to be unloaded

General information about the country and what it is known for

Canada is the world’s second-largest country after Russia. However, with just three people per square kilometre, it has one of the lowest population densities – far lower than the UK’s 270 people per square kilometre.

In the north, Canada is home to many polar bears, especially in Churchill. In fact, this remote town has roughly equal numbers of humans and polar bears, earning it the nickname “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Occasionally, unruly bears are safely detained in a facility known – less formally – as “polar bear jail.”

Culturally, Canadians are famously polite. Their tendency to say “sorry” so often led to the creation of the Apology Act, a law that ensures an apology isn’t treated as an admission of guilt. This protects individuals who apologise instinctively without accepting legal responsibility.

Whether you need a permit to work or live there

Non-Canadian citizens will need a work permit and visa to live and work in Canada.

A happy family thanking one of our removals managers following another successful house move
Young woman looking at the website of Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage foreign exchange partners, IFX a leading foreign exchange and payments consultancy

International money transfers

If transferring currency from or to Canada, IFX can use their expertise to save you money with competitive rates that are better than the high street bank. Please contact them to see how much you can save.

BRITANNIA MOVERS INTERNATIONAL PLC in partnership with International Foreign Exchange (internationalfx.com)

For more information about Canada removals and storage services, please contact our friendly team. Alternatively, please complete our contact us form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

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