When comparing daily life in Canada and Germany, many expats quickly discover that not everything is as it seems. While both countries offer unique experiences, there are certain aspects of Canadian life that come at no cost, while similar services in Germany often charge a fee. In this article, we will delve into ten things that are actually free in Canada but not in Germany, highlighting the nuances that make each country distinct.

10 Things That Are Actually Free in Canada But Not in Germany 🇨🇦

• 1. Public Restrooms 🚻
• 2. Soda and Coffee Refills ☕
• 3. Complimentary Bread and Salad 🍞
• 4. Sauces and Condiments 🍯
• 5. Grocery Store Shopping Carts 🛒
• 6. Recycling Refunds ♻️
• 7. Doggy Bags for Takeaway 🐕
• 8. Free Late Checkouts 🕒
• 9. Health Care Access 🏥
• 10. Education Costs 📚

1. Public Restrooms 🚻

 
In Canada, stopping at a gas station or rest area often means having access to clean public restrooms without any cost. This is a stark contrast to Germany, where using a public bathroom at a gas station typically incurs a fee ranging from 50 cents to 90 cents. While the cleanliness of German gas station restrooms is commendable, the fact remains that Canadian travelers can relieve themselves for free during long road trips.
 

• Canadian gas station restrooms are generally free.
• German restrooms often charge a fee.
• Canadian restrooms may be less clean compared to German ones.

2. Soda and Coffee Refills ☕

 
Another great perk in Canada is the availability of free soda and coffee refills in many restaurants and cafes. Whether you’re at a diner or a fast-food chain, it’s common to fill your cup as many times as you like. In Germany, however, refills are not the norm, and you usually pay for each beverage you order. This difference can significantly affect how much you spend during a meal.
 

• Free refills are common in Canadian eateries.
• German restaurants typically charge for each drink.
• Self-service soda machines are popular in Canada.

3. Complimentary Bread and Salad 🍞

 
Many Canadian restaurants offer complimentary bread or salad as a starter, which can enhance the dining experience. For instance, chains like East Side Mario’s are renowned for their free Caesar salads and garlic bread. In Germany, free appetizers are rare, with restaurants often opting for a more minimalistic approach when it comes to starters. This cultural difference can make dining out in Canada feel more generous and fulfilling.
 

• Complimentary bread or salad is common in Canada.
• German restaurants rarely offer free starters.
• This practice encourages customer loyalty in Canada.

4. Sauces and Condiments 🍯

 
In Canada, sauces like ketchup, mayo, and mustard are typically offered free of charge with meals. However, in Germany, it’s not uncommon to pay around 50 cents for these condiments. This can be quite surprising for Canadians who are used to having sauces included with their orders. The expectation of free condiments can lead to frustration when dining out in Germany.
 

• Canadian diners enjoy free condiments.
• German diners may need to pay for sauces.
• This can change the overall dining experience.

5. Grocery Store Shopping Carts 🛒

 
When shopping in Canada, you can grab a shopping cart without any upfront costs. When grocery shopping in Germany, however, you need to insert a coin to release a shopping cart, which can be a surprising adjustment for newcomers. While you do get your coin back once you return the cart, the initial fee is a notable difference in the shopping experience between the two countries.
 

• No fee for carts in Canadian grocery stores.
• German stores require a coin to use a cart.
• The coin system helps prevent cart theft in Germany.

6. Recycling Refunds ♻️

 
In Canada, recycling plastic bottles doesn’t come with any monetary association. You simply recycle them without expecting a refund. In contrast, Germany has a system where you pay a deposit on plastic bottles, which you can reclaim upon recycling. While this encourages recycling, it also means that Canadians do not associate money with their recycling efforts.
 

• No monetary association with recycling in Canada.
• Germany has a deposit system for plastic bottles.
• Recycling habits differ significantly between the two countries.

7. Doggy Bags for Takeaway 🐕

 
In Canada, doggy bags are commonly provided at restaurants, allowing diners to take home leftover food without hesitation. In Germany, while the practice exists, it’s not as prevalent, and many restaurants may not offer this service. This can be a minor inconvenience for those used to taking home leftovers from their meals.
 

• Doggy bags are standard in Canadian restaurants.
• Not all German restaurants provide this option.
• Leftovers can often go to waste in Germany.

8. Free Late Checkouts 🕒

 
When staying at hotels in Canada, it’s common to request a late checkout without any added fees. In Germany, however, many hotels may charge for this service, particularly larger chains. This cultural difference can affect the flexibility of travel plans, with Canadian hotels often being more accommodating.
 

• Free late checkouts are common in Canada.
• German hotels may charge for late checkouts.
• Flexibility varies between hotel chains.

9. Health Care Access 🏥

 
Healthcare in Canada is often touted as free, particularly through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Canadians can visit doctors without any direct charges, although prescription medications require payment. In Germany, healthcare is mandatory and funded through insurance, which can lead to different expectations regarding medical costs.
 

• Doctor visits are free under Canadian health plans.
• Prescription drugs require separate payment in Canada.
• German healthcare is funded through mandatory insurance.

10. Education Costs 📚

 
One of the most significant differences is in education. In Germany, university and college education is often free or very low-cost, making it accessible to many. In Canada, however, students often graduate with substantial debt from tuition fees. This can impact life choices and career paths, making raising kids in Germany instead of Canada far more appealing in my opinion.
 

• Higher education is often free in Germany.
• Canadian students face significant tuition costs.
• This affects career opportunities and financial futures.

 
While both Canada and Germany offer unique advantages, the differences outlined in this blog highlight the various aspects of daily life that can be surprising for newcomers. Whether it’s the availability of free condiments or the approach to healthcare and education, understanding these distinctions can enhance the experience of living in either country.

 
In conclusion, while some things in Canada may be free, they come with their own set of cultural norms and expectations. Embracing these differences can lead to a richer experience, whether you find yourself living in Germany or Canada.

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