Essentials
| 🏙️ City | London is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 400,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Canadian Dollar (CAD). 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is safe and drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Bell, and TELUS. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include TD Canada Trust, RBC, and Scotiabank. Services like Wise and Revolut are also popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to traditional rentals through websites like Kijiji and Realtor.ca. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept debit and credit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and VRBO are popular for short term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI London Hostel or local guesthouses. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown London near Richmond Row is highly recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Old East Village is becoming popular among digital nomads for its cafes and co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The London Incubator is a popular spot for networking and remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Locomotive Espresso is a favorite among remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often held at Innovation Works and local co-working spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The London Expat Meetup Group organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used, as well as local options like London Taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Citywide bike-sharing is available through Bike Share London. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Grand Bend Beach is approximately 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada is a primary regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | WestJet and Air Canada provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include Highway 401 and Highway 402. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | London's main transit hub is the VIA Rail station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for around CAD 90. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect London to nearby cities like Toronto and Windsor. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | London Health Sciences Centre is the primary hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Shack offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | YMCA London and GoodLife Fitness are popular gym choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry World offers self-service and drop-off options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Apps like DoorDash and SkipTheDishes are popular. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty of London-style smoked barbecue. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Goddess Cafe specializes in plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Clementine's is a must-visit for sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Covent Garden Market for budget-friendly food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca and local online shops like The The Cook Shop are popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Fresh City Farms offer grocery delivery in London. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Richmond Row is the best area for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Fanshawe College Brewery offers local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bottles and Brews provides a cozy wine-tasting experience. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the London Food Truck Festival for diverse street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Explore The Village for a variety of international foods. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Budweiser Gardens and the Covent Garden Market are must-sees. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum London showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The London Public Library is a historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Paul's Cathedral is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The London Fringe Festival is a popular annual event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old East Village is known for its artistic vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Grand Theatre offers a range of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Covent Garden Market is the main local market in the city. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various venues like The London Music Hall. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the street art around Oxford Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The London Brewing Company offers cooking classes related to brewing. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery of Ontario features local and national artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The John Labatt Centre is a historic venue in London. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | London's heritage is celebrated in its many local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fanshawe Conservation Area offers hiking and wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Point Pelee National Park is a great day trip option. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Thames Valley Parkway provides scenic pathways for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Victoria Park is known for its beautiful landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at Point Pelee are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Springbank Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Central is a popular choice for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes offer table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The London Language Institute offers several language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The London Public Library has multiple branches suitable for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | London's community centers host various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | LevelUp Gaming Lounge provides a space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gateway Casino London is the main gaming venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 25%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Canada operates on a worldwide income basis for taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate can go up to 53% depending on the province. |
| 🧾 VAT | The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has strict CFC rules for taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary, generally around 1-2% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 5% applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from various tax credits and deductions. |