Plan your first trip properly

Major reason that you are reading this blog could be that either your first trip to Canada is round the corner or you have just landed and going through first experience. So am I, and the first thought that occurs to you, to share your experience so that things could be smoother for next immigrant. Therefore, I am writing this.

First trip to Canada is important. Full of joy and excitement on moving to new country and worried as well! Here are my suggestions about planning your first trip properly.

First, While coming, especially, if coming by British Airways flight, keep weight of suitcases in-check, else, you would be in embarrassing situation. The flight luggage handlers, especially in British Airways are quite intolerant.

Money: To keep in short, at least what the law says or as much as you can get- absolutely no upper limit. Do carry funds as advised by the Canadian High Commission (or Consulate) along with your passport, immigration/visa papers etc. You can bring money in various forms; the best one is Travelers cheque as the charges are very less.

In fact is there is some family member left in India for whom you need to remit money to India periodically, what I would strongly or very strongly suggest, before coming open an account with ICICI Bank or CITI Bank (At time when I was moving, only these two banks were offering service, now please check) as NRO account. Most of the year, there is one scheme or the other where the account is opened with no minimum balance commitment. You can send money to this account later on, Western Union may be a speedy option but is expensive. While CITI Bank has its own branches, ICICI bank has reciprocal arrangements with Canadian Bank.

State Bank of India is other choice, service is good and reliable. Only disadvantage of is that you will get that money in your bank account after 10 days. As regards for bringing money to Canada, You can bring some cash, but it is not advisable as not all airports are safe! You need some money for spending on airports but it might never be more than 100 US$.

On airport you can get cart by inserting a dollar in the slot to carry your luggage, otherwise those collies will charge you 15$ just to get out of airport. The 25 cents (known as quarter here) will be useful if you need to call your relative or friend or you need to call Taxi. If you don’t have any change, you can always get them by locating change machine. It is automatic machine, in which by inserting a bill (notes of $10, $5 etc.) you can get change.

Important things to Bring.
First and foremost and not to forget is; Cooker. As an immigrant, for the first time, you can bring a lot of personal and household stuff free of customs duty. Depending on your airline luggage restrictions (usually around 60 Kg without additional surcharge in economy class travel but it is better to contact the airline about the maximum luggage limit), you may plan to take many of your important possessions. You can even ship some of your possessions separately, if you cannot carry all your important items with you. You need not bring any electronics, it is quite cheap here especially during season end sales.

Ensure that you carry all your educational certificates, job experience certificates and any short term or long-term course certificates without fail. If you have a car-driving license, it is a good idea to take it with you. If you wish to drive a car as soon as you arrive in Canada, you can take an International Driving Permit also. Even if you have good driving experience back home it is advised to take 2 or 3 classes at the minimum to get accustomed to the roads and its rules here.

After Landing
Most of you probably arrive by an airline. A few people may be driving down by car, if arriving from USA. If you are arriving by plane, you will be given a Customs declaration form in your flight. Complete it fully and clearly. As soon as you land at a Canadian airport, you need to go through the Canadian Immigration check. When you arrive at the Immigration Counter, keep your passport, immigration papers and duly filled Customs declaration form ready and show them to the Immigration Officer. You will probably be directed to go to another area and meet another officer. That officer will verify your passport, immigration papers, and the funds you are carrying and sign and stamp your immigration papers. That means you have finally LANDED in CANADA. Now go and pickup your luggage and pass through Canada Customs.

Venturing out of Airport
If somebody is picking you up from the airport, it will be much easier for you. For some reason, if your friend or relative failed to show up the airport, you may need to make a phone call to them. There are several public phones in the airport. Got a telephone booth and dial the number (including the area code) you want to reach and when a voice tells you to deposit 25 cents (for a local call) or the calling card to be swiped, do as directed. You can also do collect call, that is when you call you have to speak your name and the receiver will confirm your name and receives the call. The call charges will be applicable to the person you are calling. Please remember that it may be 3 times costlier than normal call.

If no body is picking you up from the airport, take a taxi or public transport from the airport to reach your accommodation, if you have already booked in advance. If your accommodation is not booked in advance, contact the information counter at the airport, who can help you to find accommodation.

If you have arrived in Toronto Pearson International Airport or Vancouver YVR airport, Taxis (or Limousines) charge fixed fares from the airport to your destination. These fares are posted at the taxi stand. If you wish to take public transport (buses), enquire at the information counter in the airport on which bus to take.

Accommodation
If you do not have any friends or relatives living in Canada, with whom you can stay or who can arrange for your initial accommodation, it is very important to make your own arrangements at least for your temporary accommodation on your arrival. If you are emigrating from the USA, get reference letter from your current landlord.

In my subsequent contributions, I would mention the addresses of few lodges in Calgary and Toronto, two places that I know better. Here you can move for initial period of say seven days. Later on, believe me you would be wiser enough to take your own step. Do search on net for some cheaper accommodations, there are many one room or two rooms apartment, some of them even semi furnished ones.

Buying a house in Canada may not be much tough, as, after having a credit history, the monthly lease would not be much higher than rentals.