Ok, guys, so as promised, I get down to sharing my knowledge of Canada with those of you who still have their first journey here ahead of you.
1) First and foremost, bring as much money as possible. If you bring cash over 10000CAD, you are REQUIRED to declare it with CBSA. The officer will fill in the declaration for you, and MAY count the money, and eventually issue a declaration that would state that you have legally brought a sum amounting to XXX to Canada. This is a crucial document, which will render your life WAY easier.
2) Be sure to book a GOOD hotel (as per Tripadvisor rating) at the POE, whether it is Toronto or Montreal. It is no secret that your first couple of months in here will be super tough, because you'll be starting your life from scratch in a far away country of which you have little knowledge. So, you need a POSITIVE start that will give you a taste of Canada and keep you rolling for future challenges. Relax for a couple of days, do some sightseeing, eat, smile and enjoy yourselfs.
3) As soon as you are ready for action, you need to take your Canadian status document (PR visa, SP, WP or TRV), the customs declaration and obviously the money to a branch of one of Canada's top-5 banks. That is TD Canada Trust, RBC, CIBC, BMO, Scotiabank. All of them offer a special package meant for newcomers, which boasts in reduced fees and other benefits. You need to open a checking account with a debit card which will be issued on site, and a savings account which will be used to guarantee the credit limit for your future CC. CC is indispensable in Canada, you will NOT be able to buy anything online and will have difficulties applying for any services involving a monthly payment plan without it. Since you have no credit history in Canada, the only way to obtain it, is to deposit at least 1000CAD into the savings account which will be collected by the bank in case you fail to pay your monthly CC bill. Keep in mind that it takes about two weeks to get your application for CC approved and delivered to the branch. So ask the bank clerk for pickup and indicate your temporary address (hotel, friend's place) in the application. Also request Direct deposit and wire instructions, you will need it later.
4) Buy a prepaid plan with any cell service provider, they are all crazy expensive, but at this point you cannot enrol to a monthly plan wthout a CC. Canadians are fond of phones, answering machines and mail. It is customary here to call if you want something done, and you will have a lot of conversations ahead. Again you can use your temporary address, you will amend it later. An ID will be required of you, so bring your CIC issued document.
5) Now you are all set to start looking for an apartment. I would recomend kijiji.ca. DO remember that you are new here and don't have any referals, credit history, thus landlords will be very hesitant to deal with you. Consider it an interview and act accordingly when you secured an appointment with a LL. Be advised, that if you sign a rental agreement, you become legally binded to pay for the whole term of your stay (8 months, etc.). So if you decide to move you will still HAVE to pay the rent even if you stop living there, or find a sub-tenant. Therefore I cannot emphasize enough that you have to be extra clear that you will stay in this place for the term agreed with the LL. As POF bring along your customs declaration and bank statement. Also keep in mind that most of the apartments come unfirnished. If the LL agrees to let you in, which is unlikely to happen on day one and involves a lot of legwork, you will need to bring a money order for the first and last month (bought at Canada post or any bank), fill the papers, provide the LL with direct deposit instructions (so that he can charge your account for monthly rent) and set a move in date (usually it will be 1st day of month). It is important to get your address with postal code from the LL.
6) To buy basic things for the apartment I would suggest such stores as Dollarama or Dollar tree. They accept debit and are usually conveniently located unlike the large stores. You will buy the furniture later at Walmart and Ikea when your CC arrives, but be prepared to stick with air mattress for a week or two.
To be continued.
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