While studying in Canada, I have found many differences between in Canada and Japan. To know the different culture is interesting, though to adjust it is sometimes very hard. The differences between Canadian bank and Japanese bank are one of the most things that make me surprised.

Firstly, the atmosphere of clerks is considerably different between Japanese and Canadian banks. I have found that Canadian banks look promote a more laid back-working environment allowing employees to dress very casual. On the other hand, in Japan, the clerks must wear conservative uniforms, and it makes them seem formal.

Secondly, there are many different things in the quality of customer services. In Japan, when we enter a bank, there is a bank clerk at the door to ask us if we require help and let us know to do. On the other hand, if we need help in a Canadian bank, we must search out the bank clerks. When we need individual services, we have to line up at Canadian bank. In contrast, we don't need to line up at Japanese bank. As there are sofa and magazines, we can wait having a seat until our number, which was picked up first, is called. While being served customer services, seating are also available at the banks in Japan. In Canada, during being provided services, we have to stand up. In addition Japanese banks give small gifts, such as towel, notebook, pen etc. to the customer who open the new account, erase, or investigate. However, Canadian banks don't have such kind of services unfortunately.

Thirdly ATMs (Automatic Teller Machine) in Canada are different from that of in Japan. In Canada, ATM is available seven days a week 24 hours a day. However, in Japan, we only use it during certain hours. Each bank and branch have their own set hours of operation. So we have to check the open and close times continuously. Also there is a difference in the way of using ATM. In Canada, when we deposit money, we have to put it into an envelope. Then we input the amount that we are going to deposit. On the other hand, in Japan, put money into the ATM directly and as the ATM counts the amount, we don't need to input the amount.

Considering these points, Canadian banks are more efficient, yet impersonal than Japanese banks. However, Japanese banks have many good services that are not seen in Canadian banks. Nowadays, Japanese banks extend their services rapidly, such as Internet banking and it's hard to keep up with the new services. So, the important thing is our flexible adjustment to new services and differences according to the condition.