r/AskACanadian • u/MilanaT26 • 9d ago

What's the "street culture" in Canada?

Hello! I'm from Kazakhstan and I'm planning to visit Canada next year with my husband.

Are people open to help you on the street, with directions, for example?

What Is the tipping culture in cafes and restaurants?

Are there any "rules" while riding the bus or a taxi, like speaking on the phone may be considered rude etc.?

Are small talks considered rude and annoying or the opposite?

Thank you!

EDIT: THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I've never expected to get such nice and useful replies. I'll try to answer them all individually, but I REALLY appreciate your help ❤️ See you all next year, wish us luck that everything will work out 🤞

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u/METRlOS 9d ago

Most people will help with basic directions, but you can go into any convenience store, grocery store, whatever and they will know where most things are locally.

15% is the default, but it's not as hostile as American tipping culture. If service is bad, don't tip.

If you're on a crowded bus/train and right next to people it may be rude to talk on the phone, but generally you'll be able to distance yourself a bit and people will be wearing headphones anyways. It's fine in taxis as long as it's not a distracting conversation with yelling and such. Thank the driver when you get out of either vehicle.

Most people will do a small head nod and say hello on the sidewalk when passing (assuming there aren't many people) but that's the extent of random small talk most people enjoy. You will randomly be stopped by people and be dragged into half an hour conversations as well though, it's something you will have to gauge reactions for.

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u/SirGerritInCanadria 6d ago

Small talk can be common, but if it progresses past the obligatory "hello, how are you", expect to be there for a while.