Price on the shelf
Money- France
- Tax includedThe price on the label is what you pay.
- Canada
- Before taxSales taxes (5 to 15% depending on the province) are added at the till.
Takeaway: Mentally add the province's taxes to every displayed price.
Key differences
France vs Canada: the practical differences
What surprises French newcomers most, summarised as cards. Each card links to the guide or tool that goes further.
Money
Credit history
Money- France
- Rarely usedBanks mostly look at your income; there is no consumer credit score.
- Canada
- Credit scoreEquifax and TransUnion rate your history; it is checked for leases, phone plans and loans.
Takeaway: Start building your history on arrival with a well-managed credit card.
Work
Minimum paid leave
Work- France
- 5 weeks2.5 working days per month worked, set by the Labour Code.
- Canada
- 2 to 3 weeksMinimum set by each province: often 2 weeks, then 3 after a few years' service.
Takeaway: Leave is negotiable: many employers offer more than the legal minimum.
Standard working week
Work- France
- 35 hours a weekStatutory working time, beyond which overtime applies.
- Canada
- 40 to 44 hours a weekOvertime threshold by province (e.g. 40 hours in Quebec, 44 in Ontario).
Takeaway: Full-time work in Canada is often 37.5 to 40 hours a week.
Advertised salary
Work- France
- Annual or monthly grossNet pay is fairly predictable thanks to income tax withheld at source.
- Canada
- Annual gross or hourly rateTake-home pay depends heavily on the province: federal and provincial tax, CPP/QPP, EI.
Takeaway: Always compare monthly take-home pay after rent to judge an offer.
Daily life
Restaurant tipping
Daily life- France
- OptionalService is included in prices; leaving a few euros is up to you.
- Canada
- 15 to 20%Expected, usually on the pre-tax amount. The card terminal suggests it.
Takeaway: At restaurants, budget about 30% more than the menu price (taxes plus tip).
Health insurance
Daily life- France
- Social security + top-upNational cover, topped up by a mutuelle often paid for by the employer.
- Canada
- Provincial planMedically necessary care is free; drugs, dental and eye care often come through group insurance.
Takeaway: Depending on province and status, there may be a wait before you are covered: insure yourself meanwhile.
Plugs and voltage
Daily life- France
- 230 V, type E plugRound two-pin plugs with earth.
- Canada
- 120 V, type A and BFlat-pin plugs, as in the United States.
Takeaway: Bring an adapter and check your chargers accept 100–240 V.
Business
Consumption tax
Business- France
- 20% VATOne standard rate nationwide (reduced rates for some goods).
- Canada
- 5% to 15%5% federal GST, plus a provincial tax or an HST depending on the province.
Takeaway: The rate depends on the customer's province: businesses often have to handle several rates.
Working language
Business- France
- FrenchOfficial language and language of business everywhere.
- Canada
- English and FrenchFrench is Quebec's official language; elsewhere English dominates, with French-speaking communities.
Takeaway: Outside Quebec, good English is almost always essential for work.