Surrey city guide
For newcomers & families
Where the community is: Newton, Strawberry Hill and the 128th Street / 72nd Avenue area have one of the largest Punjabi communities outside India.
Health coverage
BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Enrol as soon as you arrive; coverage usually starts after a short waiting period, so arrange private insurance for the gap.
Driver’s licence
ICBC driver licensing
You can usually drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited time after you arrive, then exchange it or take ICBC tests.
Getting around
TransLink (SkyTrain and buses)
Pay with a Compass Card.
Schools
Surrey Schools (SD36)
Public school is free for children of permanent residents and most work- and study-permit holders.
Free newcomer help
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society
PICS (Progressive Intercultural Community Services)
WelcomeBC
Free settlement services help with jobs, English or French classes, housing and paperwork.
First steps in Canada
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Canada Child Benefit for families
Open a bank account and get a local phone number in week one.
Read the full newcomer checklist →
Festivals & events
Surrey’s Vaisakhi Parade (April) is one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world outside India.
Rules and programs change; always confirm on the official site before you apply.
Local directory
🍛 Indian restaurants
🥟 Nepali restaurants
🍬 Sweet shops & bakeries
🛒 South Asian grocery stores
🙏 Gurdwaras
🛕 Hindu temples
👗 Ethnic wear & jewellery
💅 Beauty salons, threading & henna
⚖️ Lawyers & immigration services
🎓 Tutoring, music & dance classes
🎉 Banquet halls, events & community centres
Some listing details come from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and may be out of date. Own one of these businesses? Add or update your listing for free.
