For all those lucky students who are flying to Canada on Study visa i have drafted a list of things that should be taken care of while packing your luggage
The upper limit of weight for most of the airlines is as follow
* 2 luggage bags weighing not more that 23 kgs each (the weight of the suitcase is included)
* 1 Carry on bag no more than 8 kgs (the weight of the carry on is included)
* 1 laptop bag (just keep laptop/chargers/few documents in this bag)
*please check the weight limit with your airlines as they may differ
Suitcases
* Mark your set of suitcases/luggage bag with a tape so that they can be easily recognized on the belt when you reach Canada
* Do not surpass the upper weight limit of bags else you will have to leave extra things at the airport itself
* You can lock the two suitcases as they will be placed in the aircraft after you get your boarding pass at the airport
* Keep all your important documents in your carry-on bag or laptop bag as you will be asked to show them frequently
* Never leave you carry-on/laptop bag unattended as they contain important documents like Passport/Documents to be shown at Point of Entry to get study permit
* Go for good quality suitcases (i wont recommend costly ones but they should be reliable)
* For the ease of strolling keep the heavy objects/things close to the stroller wheels this way it wont be difficult to stroll the luggage bags
* Do no keep any liquid/eatables/sharp edged objects (nail cutter/knife etc) in your carry on bag
* If you are carrying any general medicines please have a bill of that from the chemist and keep the bill in your wallet so that it can be shown if asked for
Documents
* Dont forget to carry your passport
* Acceptance letter of your college
* Other documents (if any) instructed by the CHC when visa was delivered
* Carry your educational qualification certificates/degrees as you might need those in Canada
* Carry the xerox copies of all the important documents with you
* Also scan and email all the documents to your email account so that in case any documents is lost you can rely on the ones which are there in your inbox
* Latest passport size photographs and stamp size photographs
Money
* Its advisable to carry 2000 CAD with you.
* INRs can be exchanged to CADs easily by various agents who are omnipresent in most of the cities of India
* Always carry a change of 10$ with you coz you will need 25 cent coins to make calls(to your parent back in home country/friends in Canada) from PCO at canadian airport
* Its good if you keep the currency of the country where the aircraft have stay. Like if your stay is in London then keep few pounds with you in case you want to talk to your contacts
* Also there is a facility provided by forex exchange guys where you are provided a debit card with money in it and this debit card can be used in canada. Like you want to keep 2000$ so you have can 500$ cash with you and rest 1500$ in the debit card as this is the safe way to travel with money. The money in debit card can be withdrawn in Canada
Since students have started getting their study visas for Jan 2012 intake so they must be preparing themselves for new life away from home. There are lot of questions that an international student have before coming to Canada. The most important question that everyone have the living expense. This article will provide you some information about that.
living expenses in canada
First thing is rent for the place where you will be putting up when you come to canada. There are 3 options that most of the guys have
* Living in college/university residence
1. Rent per month starts from 900$ (please confirm with respective colleges/universities)
2. One time meal is included in most of the cases generally a breakfast
3. One room with all the bedding
4. Internet is included
5. Within the campus so you can save money on transit passes
6. Can enjoy hostel life and meet people from all over the world
* Living as a paying guest
1. Rent per room starts from 500$
2. Bedding is provided
3. 2 meals a day are provided in some cases
4. Internet might be included
5. In most of the the cases you have to pay one month in advance
* Renting a house/basement/condo with classmates/friends
1. In this case you rent out a house/basement with your classmates/friends and then divide the rent equally
2. Rent for basements starts from 650 per month in major cities
3. You have to cook your own food
4. Internet sometime is included
5. Upto 3 people can share a single bedroom basement easily
Cost of living in Canada
Canada lies to the North of the USA and, behind Russia, is the world's second largest country. It is one of the best countries in the world to live, learn and work. Canada ranks first among the G7 countries in providing equal opportunities for individuals, whether native-born or a new arrival. Cost of living expenses in rural areas can be significantly low.
However, living in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be very expensive. Space and living conditions in Canada are excellent although getting private land will still be expensive. Only 12% of the land is inhabited and almost 18% of the overall population is comprised of immigrants from Europe and Asia.
Where to look
There are many different sources of information when looking for an apartment or a house to rent:
* Our Housing Classifieds
* Local community newspapers (Villager, Guardian, etc.)
* City newspapers (Toronto Sun, Vancouver Sun, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, etc.)
* Free rental publications available in public places such as subway and bus stations (Homes for Rent publication, etc.)
* Personal contacts (family, friends, etc.)
* Management offices of rental properties (buildings, co-operative housing, etc.)
* Government offices
* Real estate agencies (not many do rentals)
In most cases for Toronto and major Canadian cities, the closer you are to the city center, the higher the rent/mortgage will be. In Toronto, average rental prices are:
* Approximately C$850/month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city of Toronto is (between $500 and $1,200 depending on the proximity to city center and the amenities included)
* Around C$1,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment (between $900 and $1,500 depending on the proximity to city center).
There is a small supply of luxury apartments priced up to several thousand dollars a month.
Here are some typical costs for living in Canada:
* Bus Fare One Way (local) $3.00
* Utilities (one month) $20 - $30
* Phone (one month not including long distance) $20 - $40
* Cell Phone Package (one month) $40
* Cable Television (one month) $25 - $50
* Average Restaurant Meal $10.00 - $25.00 per person
* Movie $8.50 - $12.00
* Letter within Canada $0.50
* International Postage (letter) $1.45
Canada
Taxes
Some provinces apply a provincial tax levy to goods and services. All provinces must apply the federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) of seven per cent to most purchases. As a visitor, a portion of the GST may be refunded to you upon your departure from Canada. There are restrictions that apply and you must provide original receipts. Contact Revenue Canada or your school for further information. GST refund forms can be obtained at the information counters at airports and at most shopping malls.
Canadian Tax Rates
Personal Income
C$ 0-40,726 15%
C$ 40,726-81,542 22%
C$ 81,452-126, 264 26%
Over C$ 126,264 29%
Food and Drink Costs in Canada
The Canadian food processing industry (NAICS 311) is one of the third largest companies and its biggest food industry. 3.7% of per capita GDP is attributed to the food processing industry and together with farming and agriculture makes up 6.3% of the country's total GDP. The farming industry has also helped a lot in contributing sales of frozen or canned vegetables and fruits like olives, pickles, corn, cherries and licorice.
As for drinks, Canada has a number of large breweries and wineries. Canadian beer and wine are popular among local residents and Americans. Food and drinks in Canada are priced fairly but not altogether cheap. There are also baked goods and pastries available but these are also quite expensive especially in the big cities. Some people are able to acquire very affordable products like rice, corn, fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets.
Services Costs in Canada
The Canadian government is very generous in giving social assistance to all citizens. There are benefits that help support payment for commodities, food, house repairs, medications, health care car repair and fuel as well as on education. Workers also receive insurance and benefits during medical and financial situations. Some older individuals who did not finish their college degrees are also given the opportunity to study for free.
Canada also has equalization rights wherein the government provides income redistribution for those earning less than what is required for the whole family to cope and survive comfortably. Taxation rates can be adjusted by the government provided that citizens request and provide sufficient evidence of low affordability status. Canada is one of the leading nations in the world when it comes to social groups and programs.
Main Banks in Canada
* Bank of Montreal (BMO)
* Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotia bank)
* Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
* National Bank of Canada
* Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
* TD Canada Trust
In general, banking in Canada costs money, either in monthly fees, or in lost interest through having to maintain a sufficiently large balance in a low interest daily account to have the fees waived. A regular day to day transaction "current" account is referred to in Canada as a chequeing (checking) account. Interest in a chequeing account will be very low, so most people operate savings accounts in parallel. You can also buy guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) from your bank. These offer higher rates of interest than savings accounts but your money is tied up for the term of the certificate.
Currency and Banking
Money and Measurements
Canada uses the metric system of measurement. The unit of currency is the Canadian dollar, which equals 100 cents. The most common paper currency in Canada comes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Coins appear in 1 cent (pennies), 5 cents (nickels), 10 cents (dimes), 25 cents (quarters), $1 (loonies) and $2 (twonies) denominations. The $1 and $2 coins have been introduced over the last 10 years, and there are still Canadian $1 and $2 bills in circulation that are considered legal tender (they have also become collector's items). Canadian bills are clearly marked and each denomination has a distinctive colour.
Banks & Currency Exchange
Although banks often offer the best currency exchange rate, some do charge a small fee to change money or traveller's cheques, and prices listed often do not include taxes. It is best to change a small amount of currency into Canadian money before coming to Canada, as banks are usually open only Monday to Friday, daytime hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Other means of exchanging your currency can be somewhat more costly. Exchange services offered by hotels, shops, and exchange booths almost always offer the highest rates or charge large commission fees. Wherever you go, always ask about hidden charges before changing money.
All shops and businesses will accept Canadian currency, and some will accept United States currency in tourist areas. All other currency must be converted.
Banks and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
Students can easily access the many banks and affiliated ATMs in Canada. They are especially easy to find in large cities, and are more convenient than credit cards and traveller's cheques. You can usually use a regular bank card or a major credit card at ATMs to withdraw cash. It might also be possible to open a local account which would come with an ATM card. ATM cards can also be used at many stores in Canada to pay for items such as groceries and clothing.
Banks offer a variety of services to their customers including currency exchange, safety deposit boxes for storage of passports, and savings accounts. Many Canadians use personal cheques issued by banks as an efficient means to pay for services.
Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards
Traveller's cheques are a recommended form of currency when travelling (for safety reasons) and can be purchased at major Canadian banks. They are easily replaced if stolen or lost. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and attractions accept traveller's cheques as well as major credit cards.
The rate of exchange in effect on the day of a credit card transaction will be automatically updated on your credit card bill. Students can also apply for credit cards when they arrive in Canada; however, the expenses are due at the end of every month with interest charged on unpaid expenses.
i copied it from 2 different forums..so if any mismatch please excuse ..think u guys may get benefited ..
The upper limit of weight for most of the airlines is as follow
* 2 luggage bags weighing not more that 23 kgs each (the weight of the suitcase is included)
* 1 Carry on bag no more than 8 kgs (the weight of the carry on is included)
* 1 laptop bag (just keep laptop/chargers/few documents in this bag)
*please check the weight limit with your airlines as they may differ
Suitcases
* Mark your set of suitcases/luggage bag with a tape so that they can be easily recognized on the belt when you reach Canada
* Do not surpass the upper weight limit of bags else you will have to leave extra things at the airport itself
* You can lock the two suitcases as they will be placed in the aircraft after you get your boarding pass at the airport
* Keep all your important documents in your carry-on bag or laptop bag as you will be asked to show them frequently
* Never leave you carry-on/laptop bag unattended as they contain important documents like Passport/Documents to be shown at Point of Entry to get study permit
* Go for good quality suitcases (i wont recommend costly ones but they should be reliable)
* For the ease of strolling keep the heavy objects/things close to the stroller wheels this way it wont be difficult to stroll the luggage bags
* Do no keep any liquid/eatables/sharp edged objects (nail cutter/knife etc) in your carry on bag
* If you are carrying any general medicines please have a bill of that from the chemist and keep the bill in your wallet so that it can be shown if asked for
Documents
* Dont forget to carry your passport
* Acceptance letter of your college
* Other documents (if any) instructed by the CHC when visa was delivered
* Carry your educational qualification certificates/degrees as you might need those in Canada
* Carry the xerox copies of all the important documents with you
* Also scan and email all the documents to your email account so that in case any documents is lost you can rely on the ones which are there in your inbox
* Latest passport size photographs and stamp size photographs
Money
* Its advisable to carry 2000 CAD with you.
* INRs can be exchanged to CADs easily by various agents who are omnipresent in most of the cities of India
* Always carry a change of 10$ with you coz you will need 25 cent coins to make calls(to your parent back in home country/friends in Canada) from PCO at canadian airport
* Its good if you keep the currency of the country where the aircraft have stay. Like if your stay is in London then keep few pounds with you in case you want to talk to your contacts
* Also there is a facility provided by forex exchange guys where you are provided a debit card with money in it and this debit card can be used in canada. Like you want to keep 2000$ so you have can 500$ cash with you and rest 1500$ in the debit card as this is the safe way to travel with money. The money in debit card can be withdrawn in Canada
Since students have started getting their study visas for Jan 2012 intake so they must be preparing themselves for new life away from home. There are lot of questions that an international student have before coming to Canada. The most important question that everyone have the living expense. This article will provide you some information about that.
living expenses in canada
First thing is rent for the place where you will be putting up when you come to canada. There are 3 options that most of the guys have
* Living in college/university residence
1. Rent per month starts from 900$ (please confirm with respective colleges/universities)
2. One time meal is included in most of the cases generally a breakfast
3. One room with all the bedding
4. Internet is included
5. Within the campus so you can save money on transit passes
6. Can enjoy hostel life and meet people from all over the world
* Living as a paying guest
1. Rent per room starts from 500$
2. Bedding is provided
3. 2 meals a day are provided in some cases
4. Internet might be included
5. In most of the the cases you have to pay one month in advance
* Renting a house/basement/condo with classmates/friends
1. In this case you rent out a house/basement with your classmates/friends and then divide the rent equally
2. Rent for basements starts from 650 per month in major cities
3. You have to cook your own food
4. Internet sometime is included
5. Upto 3 people can share a single bedroom basement easily
Cost of living in Canada
Canada lies to the North of the USA and, behind Russia, is the world's second largest country. It is one of the best countries in the world to live, learn and work. Canada ranks first among the G7 countries in providing equal opportunities for individuals, whether native-born or a new arrival. Cost of living expenses in rural areas can be significantly low.
However, living in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be very expensive. Space and living conditions in Canada are excellent although getting private land will still be expensive. Only 12% of the land is inhabited and almost 18% of the overall population is comprised of immigrants from Europe and Asia.
Where to look
There are many different sources of information when looking for an apartment or a house to rent:
* Our Housing Classifieds
* Local community newspapers (Villager, Guardian, etc.)
* City newspapers (Toronto Sun, Vancouver Sun, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, etc.)
* Free rental publications available in public places such as subway and bus stations (Homes for Rent publication, etc.)
* Personal contacts (family, friends, etc.)
* Management offices of rental properties (buildings, co-operative housing, etc.)
* Government offices
* Real estate agencies (not many do rentals)
In most cases for Toronto and major Canadian cities, the closer you are to the city center, the higher the rent/mortgage will be. In Toronto, average rental prices are:
* Approximately C$850/month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city of Toronto is (between $500 and $1,200 depending on the proximity to city center and the amenities included)
* Around C$1,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment (between $900 and $1,500 depending on the proximity to city center).
There is a small supply of luxury apartments priced up to several thousand dollars a month.
Here are some typical costs for living in Canada:
* Bus Fare One Way (local) $3.00
* Utilities (one month) $20 - $30
* Phone (one month not including long distance) $20 - $40
* Cell Phone Package (one month) $40
* Cable Television (one month) $25 - $50
* Average Restaurant Meal $10.00 - $25.00 per person
* Movie $8.50 - $12.00
* Letter within Canada $0.50
* International Postage (letter) $1.45
Canada
Taxes
Some provinces apply a provincial tax levy to goods and services. All provinces must apply the federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) of seven per cent to most purchases. As a visitor, a portion of the GST may be refunded to you upon your departure from Canada. There are restrictions that apply and you must provide original receipts. Contact Revenue Canada or your school for further information. GST refund forms can be obtained at the information counters at airports and at most shopping malls.
Canadian Tax Rates
Personal Income
C$ 0-40,726 15%
C$ 40,726-81,542 22%
C$ 81,452-126, 264 26%
Over C$ 126,264 29%
Food and Drink Costs in Canada
The Canadian food processing industry (NAICS 311) is one of the third largest companies and its biggest food industry. 3.7% of per capita GDP is attributed to the food processing industry and together with farming and agriculture makes up 6.3% of the country's total GDP. The farming industry has also helped a lot in contributing sales of frozen or canned vegetables and fruits like olives, pickles, corn, cherries and licorice.
As for drinks, Canada has a number of large breweries and wineries. Canadian beer and wine are popular among local residents and Americans. Food and drinks in Canada are priced fairly but not altogether cheap. There are also baked goods and pastries available but these are also quite expensive especially in the big cities. Some people are able to acquire very affordable products like rice, corn, fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets.
Services Costs in Canada
The Canadian government is very generous in giving social assistance to all citizens. There are benefits that help support payment for commodities, food, house repairs, medications, health care car repair and fuel as well as on education. Workers also receive insurance and benefits during medical and financial situations. Some older individuals who did not finish their college degrees are also given the opportunity to study for free.
Canada also has equalization rights wherein the government provides income redistribution for those earning less than what is required for the whole family to cope and survive comfortably. Taxation rates can be adjusted by the government provided that citizens request and provide sufficient evidence of low affordability status. Canada is one of the leading nations in the world when it comes to social groups and programs.
Main Banks in Canada
* Bank of Montreal (BMO)
* Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotia bank)
* Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
* National Bank of Canada
* Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
* TD Canada Trust
In general, banking in Canada costs money, either in monthly fees, or in lost interest through having to maintain a sufficiently large balance in a low interest daily account to have the fees waived. A regular day to day transaction "current" account is referred to in Canada as a chequeing (checking) account. Interest in a chequeing account will be very low, so most people operate savings accounts in parallel. You can also buy guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) from your bank. These offer higher rates of interest than savings accounts but your money is tied up for the term of the certificate.
Currency and Banking
Money and Measurements
Canada uses the metric system of measurement. The unit of currency is the Canadian dollar, which equals 100 cents. The most common paper currency in Canada comes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Coins appear in 1 cent (pennies), 5 cents (nickels), 10 cents (dimes), 25 cents (quarters), $1 (loonies) and $2 (twonies) denominations. The $1 and $2 coins have been introduced over the last 10 years, and there are still Canadian $1 and $2 bills in circulation that are considered legal tender (they have also become collector's items). Canadian bills are clearly marked and each denomination has a distinctive colour.
Banks & Currency Exchange
Although banks often offer the best currency exchange rate, some do charge a small fee to change money or traveller's cheques, and prices listed often do not include taxes. It is best to change a small amount of currency into Canadian money before coming to Canada, as banks are usually open only Monday to Friday, daytime hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Other means of exchanging your currency can be somewhat more costly. Exchange services offered by hotels, shops, and exchange booths almost always offer the highest rates or charge large commission fees. Wherever you go, always ask about hidden charges before changing money.
All shops and businesses will accept Canadian currency, and some will accept United States currency in tourist areas. All other currency must be converted.
Banks and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
Students can easily access the many banks and affiliated ATMs in Canada. They are especially easy to find in large cities, and are more convenient than credit cards and traveller's cheques. You can usually use a regular bank card or a major credit card at ATMs to withdraw cash. It might also be possible to open a local account which would come with an ATM card. ATM cards can also be used at many stores in Canada to pay for items such as groceries and clothing.
Banks offer a variety of services to their customers including currency exchange, safety deposit boxes for storage of passports, and savings accounts. Many Canadians use personal cheques issued by banks as an efficient means to pay for services.
Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards
Traveller's cheques are a recommended form of currency when travelling (for safety reasons) and can be purchased at major Canadian banks. They are easily replaced if stolen or lost. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and attractions accept traveller's cheques as well as major credit cards.
The rate of exchange in effect on the day of a credit card transaction will be automatically updated on your credit card bill. Students can also apply for credit cards when they arrive in Canada; however, the expenses are due at the end of every month with interest charged on unpaid expenses.
i copied it from 2 different forums..so if any mismatch please excuse ..think u guys may get benefited ..
