Toronto guide for newcomers

Now, when all the hard work is done, you are ready to start a whole new life in a new city. You have been through the whole moving process- packing, transporting, unpacking – and now is a fine time to learn more about Toronto. There are a lot of great cities for expats in Canada, but Toronto is really a special place. There are many things you should know about life in this city. Maybe there are some things you already know, but there certainly are things you are not familiar with. This is precisely the reason why you should look up for a Toronto guide for newcomers. There you can find many useful pieces of information that can improve the quality of your life.

Things you must not forget

First things first. Visa is a must if you are thinking about moving to Ontario, or, to be more precise, to Toronto. You need to make sure you have a passport that is valid throughout the duration of your visa. Then, you will need an insurance certificate which is also valid as long as your visa is. The third thing you must provide is proof of funds – there needs to be at least 2,500 CAD.

The last thing you will be asked for is your introduction letter. And don’t forget the documents if you are relocating some specialty items. When all of this is in your possession, you will go to immigration. Do not be afraid- people there are quite friendly and they will make sure that the whole process ends without stress. Just make sure you check all the information once you have your visa in your passport- it is easier to repair the error on the spot.

Transportation in Toronto

Since you are a newcomer, the best way to save money is to use the Toronto Transit Commission. If you commute often, that is, at least 2 times a day, it is advisable to get the Monthly Metropass card. It costs $146.25 and gives you unlimited access to the bus, streetcar, and metro network. On the other hand, if you do not commute often, you can take a Day pass. This is a ticket that costs $12.50 and with which you will have whole-day transportation. In addition to this, if there comes a week when you have more things to do, buy a weekly pass. You will also have unlimited access, so you can use it when you need to pay your bills or have other errands to run.

The most important thing in a Toronto guide for newcomers is housing

In most of the cases, what has a great impact on choosing your new home is your budget. That depends upon whether you will choose to live in the center of the city or in the suburbs. As in every other city, in Toronto, you can find a place to live on the Internet or with the help of a real estate agent. There are several types of housing in this city.

First, you can choose whether you want a roommate or not, or whether you would prefer your home to be furnished or not. Then, you can choose among condominiums, basements or houses to live in. Of course, if you are in doubt, just go through a Toronto guide for newcomers. You will find many useful pieces of information there and you will know what to pay attention to when looking for a place to live.

Think about where to open a bank account

Banks and bank accounts are quite important in today’s world. If you are moving to Toronto, ask around what banks are at your disposal and which of them has the services that suit you best. Luckily, there is a variety of banks for you to choose from. Once you decide which of them to put your trust in, the next step is to gather all the necessary paperwork. You will need:

• a passport,
• your visa,
• SIN number (this is actually a social security number) and
• an address (the one which is on your SIN number document).

There is no need to mention that you should, first of all, consider what kind of fees you would need to pay. But, there is the possibility that you will have some conveniences as a newcomer.

Tips from a Toronto guide for newcomers for everyday life

The essential thing you should know about Toronto is that prices are displayed without tax there. This will probably be somewhat tricky for you as a newcomer, but you will get used to it quickly. Since relaxing during moving is very important, we encourage you to seek some fun. If you are fond of bars, this is a city for you. Toronto has a great variety of cheap bars which are at your disposal every day.

In case you are a driver, you should bear in mind that the traffic lights are located opposite the road. They are not on your side, so be careful while driving. In addition to this, bear in mind that the pedestrian lights do not go green – they go white. But, the good thing is that you will be notified on time before they turn red. When you are moving to a place where you know how things work, it will not be a stressful experience. On the other hand, when you are moving somewhere where life is quite different, it is better to gather as much information about it as you can. Something like a Toronto guide for newcomers will make your life there more simple. A cosmopolitan city like Toronto has a variety of things to offer, especially to a newcomer. Ask around and you will learn what you can expect there. So, just relax and use every opportunity to enjoy all the advantages of life in Toronto.