Moving To Canada: The Final Checklist
Moving To Canada: The Final Checklist
Once you get admission at a university in Canada, you have to prepare yourself for a whole different life in a new country. You need to be ready for it all before moving to Canada. Here are a few steps that can make your switch as comfortable and smooth as possible. Let’s go through a few important pointers before moving to Canada.
1. Bank accounts
- Check and confirm that all your accounts have the ‘minimum compulsory balance’ to keep your bank account active. Else, you might have to pay a penalty fee.
- If you have a salary account, it will be changed to a savings bank account (with minimum balance Rs. XXXX) after a while. Once again, you might lose money if you fail to maintain the minimum balance.
- If you are unable to track and hold the active status of your account, we recommend you withdraw/transfer all cash and close your bank account.
- If you will be handling your bank account from Canada, activate the Net Banking facilities for your bank account before moving to Canada.
2.SIM card
- If you are planning on taking your local SIM card to Canada, request the customer service to activate the International roaming plan.
- However, you will be switching to a Canadian SIM card once you arrive in Canada. If you have any postpaid plan active on your Indian SIM, terminate it before moving to Canada.
- All international airports have free WiFi. You can stay in touch with your loved ones using VoIP calling apps (e.g. MobileVoIP), or you can buy a matrix SIM card.
3. Other records
Lastly, we would like you to check your important legal and financial records: confirm that all your income tax records are cleared and clean before moving to Canada. You must also check that the services like your Health/Life Insurances, any Provident Funds, all Credit Cards, Business Partnerships etc. are taken care of before your departure. You must ensure that either (i) You can manage them abroad or (ii) delegate your authority to a responsible person in your home country or (iii) end/close it.
4. Education loan
- Meet your bank manager and discuss on ways to pay the monthly interest for your study loan.
- Note the list of the records/certificates to be submitted to the bank (e.g. University Enrollment Letter)
- You might want to think about arranging for a Life Insurance on your education loan. Again, you can consult your bank manager for details.
5. Currency exchange
- You need to have at least $1,000 with you when you land in Canada. Splitting this amount in a prepaid card and hard cash is suggested.
- Usually, bank cards may charge you with a greater conversion rate or charge additional servicing costs, when you use them in Canada. So we would suggest you to have more money in your prepaid card instead.
- For money exchange, you can either (i) use the website- BookMyForex to get prime deals near your place. (ii) Contact the dedicated Forex companies (iii) Visit few banks, UAE Exchange, Western Union, Thomas Cook etc. to find out the best exchange rate and buy Canadian Dollars.
- Get a prepaid travel card and load it with at least half the amount of cash you are considering to carry before moving to Canada.
6. Learn to cook
- Once you start living on your own, cooking your meals becomes important. Before moving to Canada, learn some quick-to-make recipes that you can easily modify according to the ingredients available to you.
- Eating outside every day is not healthy, nor is it wallet-friendly. Keep the option of eating out only when you are out exploring the country during weekends/free time. Otherwise, on a daily basis, ensure that you can cook easy and nutritious meals at home.
7. Smart shopping
- Only about 50-60 kgs. allowance will be given for all the things you need for a pleasant stay in Australia. Be smart in packing & in choosing what is really needed to be carried across the seas.
8. Install useful mobile apps
- Download all the important apps on your phone before you leave for Canada. VoIP Calling Apps: MobileVOIP or any other app you generally use
- Maps: You need to use the maps at your destination place.
Goodbyes can be quite difficult. Spend time with your family and friends before you leave. Be sure to keep in touch with them regularly even after you have settled into the new country. Be appreciative for every person and everything that has been a part of your life, and bid adieu with a big, warm smile.
