Vancouver - Post Report Question and Answers
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Travel as much as you can. BC has so much to offer to increase your enjoyment of life. - Aug 2015
Though a city kissed by a world-class setting, it tends to be a little heartless, as no one can really call it home, and many things seem imported or copied from far away places. The melting pot is awesome, but it does not create much of a feeling, rather a fragmented kaleidoscope of disconnected sensations. It is a real blade-runner city, and in this, a likely picture of things to come. - Mar 2012
If you are coming to work at the U.S. Consulate, it is a living quarters-allowance post. You find your own housing, pay your bills, and deal directly with your landlord. You need to come with at least $10,000 for start-up money, and you cannot get an advance until you have signed a lease. Signing the lease generally requires first month's rent, security deposit, and pet deposit if applicable. Security deposits are also required from the gas and electric companies. You are exempt from local taxes, but you have to save all receipts and send them to designated tax offices to get your refund. It can take up to 6 weeks to get refunds. Many people shop over the border to save a bit of money. Border line-ups can be long, so in the long run, you might stop making a run for the border. I think this is a good post for couples without kids or single people. Otherwise, families that have one parent staying home will also enjoy this post. Families that need childcare will find it the expense crippling, especially given the high cost of everything else. - Jun 2010
If you're looking for a relaxed and chill city, Vancouver is it. Don't expect excitement and action. - Oct 2008
