A French TikToker Revealed The Top 10 Things That Shocked Her When She Moved To Quebec

Guess you don't have to tip at restaurants in France.
Senior Writer

Have you ever wondered what would surprise you if you moved to Quebec from another province or country? TikToker @whatsupclaire, who came to Montreal from France, gave us some insight. 

In a two-part video series, Claire — who has more than a million followers on TikTok — highlighted the top 10 things that shocked her when she moved from France to Montreal

Editor's Choice: A Montreal OnlyFans Creator Opened Up About Her Journey From Farm Girl To Top Model

Here are the 10 things that Claire says shocked her upon arriving in Quebec:

  • You have to pay for your driver's license every year

  • There's free furniture/objects left on the street

  • You HAVE TO leave a tip at a restaurant

  • You can meet squirrels/raccoons/marmots everywhere

  • Everything is open on Sunday — even the post office

  • You have to pay a license every year when you have a dog

  • Everyone is on a "tu" basis (rather than using the more formal "vous") — even you and your banker

  • You can bring your own bottle of wine to restaurants

  • Most municipal pools are free

  • The stores close very late at night

How interesting to think that none of these things is true in France! 

  • Ilana Belfer
  • Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

A new travel warning was issued by the Canadian government & it may impact your summer trip

There are a few things the Canadian government wants you to know.

What's open and closed in Montreal on Victoria Day 2026 (Fête des Patriotes)

Many of Montreal's everyday services won't be running.

Quebecers who bought prepaid gift cards in the last 7 years could be owed up to $100

You now have a concrete deadline to file for your share of a $5.5 million class action settlement.

Canadians can FINALLY renew their passports online but there's a catch

The federal government opened the option to everyone last month.

Summer 2026 is expected to be hotter than usual across Canada — Here's what Quebec can expect

Southern Quebec as a whole is expected to see above-average temperatures.