@EMO
It doesn't cost a fortune to get a usable car and I'm not suggesting buying a car the first day you land, I would suggest doing it 6 - 12 months after landing, the balance of utility against cost will depend on your situation, but plan to get a car at the earliest convenience before leaving naija, meaning include it in your budget post landing.
@ Tito
If you get in with a clean driver's license and pass the G2 exit test and you're over 25 and never made an insurance claim, your insurance cost will be much lower than someone starting from scratch, and you have the option of liability only which is cheaper. Better to ensure you have the required driving license and documentation before taking off from Naija, I've met a lot of people who discovered this when they arrived and have paid the hard way.
Regarding the car issue, people have got different situations and experiences, I lived in the UK for many years and I've seen public transit from a much different light. I've got a family, so moving around with a bus showing up once every 30 - 45mins, and having to change buses 2x for a 3mile journey is not good enough. If you are single and live in downtown Toronto, you will surely have a different story to tell as it has a system similar to major US cities.
Regarding the host issue, you can find your way alone, but, better safe than sorry, I've met with people who have lost a lot of traction without someone to guide them.
Well the cash issue is a personal one, I won't advise carrying large amounts of cash in this day and age where there are many safer options. Trust me, your GT Mastercard provides a better deal with an all-in-premium of 2 - 3% above the market rate, which is much better than the rates offered by Canadian banks and Forex dealers.
It doesn't cost a fortune to get a usable car and I'm not suggesting buying a car the first day you land, I would suggest doing it 6 - 12 months after landing, the balance of utility against cost will depend on your situation, but plan to get a car at the earliest convenience before leaving naija, meaning include it in your budget post landing.
@ Tito
If you get in with a clean driver's license and pass the G2 exit test and you're over 25 and never made an insurance claim, your insurance cost will be much lower than someone starting from scratch, and you have the option of liability only which is cheaper. Better to ensure you have the required driving license and documentation before taking off from Naija, I've met a lot of people who discovered this when they arrived and have paid the hard way.
Regarding the car issue, people have got different situations and experiences, I lived in the UK for many years and I've seen public transit from a much different light. I've got a family, so moving around with a bus showing up once every 30 - 45mins, and having to change buses 2x for a 3mile journey is not good enough. If you are single and live in downtown Toronto, you will surely have a different story to tell as it has a system similar to major US cities.
Regarding the host issue, you can find your way alone, but, better safe than sorry, I've met with people who have lost a lot of traction without someone to guide them.
Well the cash issue is a personal one, I won't advise carrying large amounts of cash in this day and age where there are many safer options. Trust me, your GT Mastercard provides a better deal with an all-in-premium of 2 - 3% above the market rate, which is much better than the rates offered by Canadian banks and Forex dealers.
