Moving to the UK From Canada on a Working Holiday?

The UK is small but so diverse!

Canadians are used to long drives and huge distances. In the UK, a 2-hour trip feels like a journey! But within that space, accents, food, and culture change dramatically. Traveling from London to Liverpool almost feels like going to a new country.

Everyone talks about London as the main city, but there’s so much more. Cities like Manchester and Edinburgh are full of culture, history, and great job opportunities (often with lower rent!). Many of our participants moving from Canada choose regional cities, and not only in England. Remember, you can live and work in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland too. This is one of the best UK living tips for Canadians: don’t limit yourself to London.

You’ll need to budget for the exchange rate

The UK is an incredible place to live and work, but being financially prepared is what lets you actually enjoy the experience.

The cost of living can be a surprise for many Canadians, and one of the most important UK living tips for Canadians is understanding how the exchange rate affects your daily spending. When you first see prices in pounds and then convert them to CAD$, don’t forget that £1 is worth much more than one Canadian dollar. Rent, groceries, and transportation can feel expensive at first, especially in London or the South of England. So realistic expectations and a savings cushion go a long way!

A good rule of thumb? Have at least $3,500–$5,000 CAD saved for your first few weeks while you find housing, settle in, and wait for your first paycheck.

Digital banking apps like Revolut and Wise help you manage GBP and CAD side-by-side, avoid extra fees, and track spending in real time. Planning weekly budgets for rent, food, transport, and fun will help you adjust faster after moving to the UK from Canada. And you’ll have more freedom to say yes to weekend trips, concerts, and all the little adventures that make your Working Holiday unforgettable!

We speak the same language… or do we?

Canadians in the UK quickly realize that “same language” doesn’t always mean “same everything.” Within your first week, you might catch yourself thinking: What did they just say?

British slang, tone, humour, and even spelling can make everyday conversations feel like a mini language lesson. For example, “pants” in the UK means underwear!

Check out our participant Kyle’s videos on social media. His reactions to UK vs Canada English are spot on! Watch Video on Instagram.

Driving and crossing streets

One of the first things Canadians notice? Everything feels backwards.

Cars drive on the left-hand side, which means traffic comes from the opposite direction of what you’re used to. You’ll even spot “Look Right” painted on crosswalks to help visitors adjust. Even escalators have a rhythm—stand on the right, walk on the left. It might seem like a small thing, but trust us, breaking that rule during rush hour will earn you a few sharp looks.

It feels strange at first, but quickly becomes part of the fun of living in the UK as a Canadian.

Finding housing takes patience (and flexibility)

Flat hunting in the UK is a sport. Good places go fast, and deposits are usually one month’s rent. Most Canadians start in temporary accommodation before signing a longer lease. Be ready to act quickly, but never send money before viewing or confirming the landlord’s details.

Your “flat” will probably be smaller than what you’re used to in Canada. Older buildings come with quirks, compact rooms, and tiny fridges—but you’re in Europe now, and every weekend trip makes it worth it.

You’ll need a National Insurance Number (NIN)

This is your UK version of Canada’s SIN. You can apply once you arrive, and most employers will let you start working as long as the application is in progress.

Opening a UK bank account isn’t always simple

Traditional banks may ask for proof of address, which you might not have yet. Online banks like Monzo and Starling are popular for newcomers and make life much easier when you’re moving to the UK from Canada.

Brits take humour seriously (and sarcasm even more)

If someone says “not bad,” that’s actually a compliment. British humour relies on understatement, irony, and dry wit. Once you catch on, you’ll love it, just don’t take everything literally.

Traveling around Europe is easier than you think

One of the best parts about living in the UK as a Canadian, is how easy (and affordable!) It is to explore Europe. From London, you can hop to Paris, Barcelona, or Amsterdam in under two hours, faster than flying from Vancouver to Calgary! 

Thanks to budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet,… you can find one-way tickets for as little as £20-£40 (around $35–$70 CAD) if you book early or fly midweek. These airlines keep costs low by flying into smaller airports and charging extra for add-ons like checked bags or seat selection, so pack light and read the fine print before you book.

It’s not just planes, the UK is also connected by affordable buses and trains, which makes weekend trips to Scotland, Wales, or even continental Europe a breeze. Companies like National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus are perfect for short getaways on a budget, especially if you’re flexible with travel times.

Once you’re based in the UK, you’ll be amazed at how much cheaper travel can be compared to Canada. Many Canadians use their Working Holiday to explore a new European city every few weeks, so take advantage of it while you can! Your time abroad will fly by, and those spontaneous weekend trips will become some of your best memories.

UK culture shock is real for Canadians—but it fades

When you’re living in the UK as a Canadian on a Working Holiday, it’s exciting, but also a lot. That’s exactly why our UK Send-Off Package exists and has been built by UK locals (yes, our team has UK team members that have helped us build this program): to take the guesswork out of the move so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics.

If you’re looking for practical UK living tips for Canadians, this is where the support begins. From the moment you apply, you’ll get step-by-step visa support (so you don’t waste time or miss something crucial), a dedicated work & travel advisor who knows the UK well, and pre-departure orientation that covers everything you’ll need once you land: finding accommodation, opening a bank account, getting your National Insurance number, and more.

We’ve been helping Canadians make this move for years, and because we’re an officially Recognized Organization under International Experience Canada, you’ll feel confident we’ve got your back. You’ll also get insider UK living tips for Canadians from our team so you can adjust faster and feel at home sooner.

Let’s make your UK work-and-travel dream happen!