Coming from a continent where you simply pay the price displayed on the price tag, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the way sales taxes are applied here in BC. It’s not complicated – it’s just a bit of a shock when the amount you’re charged at the cash register is more than you expected. This is especially true for larger purchases like electronics and home furnishings.
There are two main sales taxes in BC: Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). There’s also a municipal tax on tourist accommodation (Municipal and Regional District Tax/MRDT) and a separate tax on tobacco products (simply called Tobacco Tax).
When it comes to everyday expenses, here’s what to expect:
You can find lots more information about sales taxes on the BC government website.
Moving to Vancouver 