Housing + Bank Account + Money Transfer Issues

[John Elaine]

I will be moving from USA to Canada (Vancouver) on work permit. At the very least, I have to take care of:
1. Renting apartment
2. Bank account
3. Transferring my money from USA bank to Canadian bank

I called few apartments and they mentioned that they won't accept cash payment for deposit or first month's rent. This means I need a bank account first?

I called Scotia bank to open a bank account and they mentioned that I need a Canadian address before I can open a bank account. This means I need to rent a place first?

How should I proceed further? Is there a way to achieve 1 or 2 without depending on the other?

-----

Also, how do I go about bringing my money from USA bank to Canadian bank? I wish to minimize any fees/exchange-rates/tax deductions. I am reading about transferwise and currencyfair, but I wonder if there are any hidden fees that I should be aware of?

 

[steaky]

1) Go to a different bank or get a PO box.

 

[Prax]

I will be moving from USA to Canada (Vancouver) on work permit. At the very least, I have to take care of:
1. Renting apartment
2. Bank account
3. Transferring my money from USA bank to Canadian bank

I called few apartments and they mentioned that they won't accept cash payment for deposit or first month's rent. This means I need a bank account first?

I called Scotia bank to open a bank account and they mentioned that I need a Canadian address before I can open a bank account. This means I need to rent a place first?

How should I proceed further? Is there a way to achieve 1 or 2 without depending on the other?

-----

Also, how do I go about bringing my money from USA bank to Canadian bank? I wish to minimize any fees/exchange-rates/tax deductions. I am reading about transferwise and currencyfair, but I wonder if there are any hidden fees that I should be aware of?

Currently RBC is offering special banking services to new immigrants. Visit http://www.rbc.com/newcomers/ for details.
You can give your temporary accommodation address (hotel/hostel etc) to open the account with any bank. Once you opened the account, order the checkbook online (all this can happen on day 1 of your arrival into Canada). By paying speed-post charges, you can get the checkbook in 3-4 days. This whole process is very simple, unless you want to move into a rental apartment directly from the immigration counter
There is no short cut to bring the money from USA without paying any fees. The best I figured out so far is, to open a USD account with the same bank that you will be opening your account in Canada (TD is a good option here) and do the transfer directly from your US bank account. (but you need to make sure that both banks participate in such a transfer).

 

[chikoo1985]

Open premium account in TD bank in US and One in Canada (I hope for Canada they don't need address, please double check). Transfer and ATM use is free.