First 5 Things To Do in Toronto

In my previous blogs posts I've written about the shoes I've worn during my first few days or weeks here in Toronto. But since I also want to share useful information for anyone who is planning to move to this city, I want to share more information what to actually do and expect when you make your move. Moving to a new city, more so a new country could be overwhelming. Before leaving the Philippines, I did some research and asked my friends and family on what were the most important things I had to do the moment I get to Toronto. They all gave me good tips and I'm glad I did some research because I had less things to stress about since I sort of knew already what to do and what to expect. It's been a month since I landed and I thought of the top most important tasks I had to do or currently still doing since I got here. First, get a local sim. When you are just visiting for a short while, staying long term or permanently moving to a new country like me, it's always best to get a local sim card. Skip the hassle of paying exorbitant cellular roaming fees and save yourself a couple of bucks by getting a local number. You'll need this anyway for different types of transactions such as opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, and getting different IDs. For me, this was the number one thing on my "to do list". I wanted to make sure I was connected as well in case of emergency. Here in Canada, there are a lot of service providers to choose from (Bell, Rogers, Telus, Shaw, and many more!) with different types of plans depending on your usage and budget. They will also also have different offers and promotions, so make sure to take time and research online or go to their stores and ask them about it. I personally went for Bell since most of my friends and family here in Toronto gave great reviews about it.

Second, get your SIN sorted out.

You'll need this especially if you are planning to and/or eligible to work in Canada. The SIN or social insurance number is a unique 9-digit number used to identify people in Canada. This number is what your employer will look for when you get a job. You won't be allowed to work in Canada without a SIN. Your SIN will also allow you to receive benefits and services from the Canadian government. So this number is very important. In fact, when I landed at Toronto, Pearson, one of the things the Immigration Officer told me was to make sure I get my SIN sorted out as soon as possible. Aside from that, based on experience when I applied for a credit card, my bank relationship manager also asked for my SIN. So for me, do get this sorted out immediately in order for you to be able to do all the other administrative work when getting settled. To get your SIN, go to the nearest Service Canada office. You can walk-in or set an appointment. Personally, I just walked in because I didn't have time to set an appointment since I arrived during Canada day long weekend/holiday. You can check out https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/service-canada.html for me details about your SIN, how to get it and what documents you need to prepare.

Third, open a bank account and apply for a credit card.

If you weren't required by the IRCC or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to open a bank account to complete the visa application process, you may choose to open your bank account the moment you're in Canada already. I wasn't required to open a bank account prior to coming to Canada, so I opened one when I was in Toronto already. Opening a bank account here was really easy. No long lines nor long waiting time. I made sure I had all my documents such as: passport, temporary resident visa, valid student and work permits, address, and contact number ready. Opening my bank account took me just 1 hour. It would have been even quicker if I didn't ask so many questions. But I wanted to be sure about everything so I asked all the questions I needed and wanted to ask. My relationship manager was really kind and patient with me and he was really quick and informative too. Once I had my bank account opened already I was able to deposit whatever cash at hand I had. Canada only allows you to bring a maximum of $10,000. Anything above that amount, you'll need to declare it. So I made sure I had less than the maximum and just did international bank transfers from my Philippine bank to my Canadian bank account. In doing the bank transfers though, you just need to be mindful that your Philippine bank could have transfer fees and your Canadian bank account could also charge you for receiving fees. So keep that in mind when you do international bank to bank transfers. Applying for a credit card was different story. In doing this they asked for my SIN. So again, getting your SIN is that important. My bank relationship manager also helped me out when applying for a credit card. He talked me through the different cards I could possible get as well as the perks that came with them. Don't be surprised if your credit limit at the beginning is very little. Credit score here is taken seriously. I never really knew what "credit score" meant until I got here and I don't think I completely understand it yet. But what I know is your credit score is "creditworthiness". Your credit score represents the likelihood you will pay your bills on time. The higher your score is, the better. Fourth, look for a place to live. ASAP.

I am lucky enough to have family and friends here who have welcomed me to stay with them while I get settled in. Currently I am staying with my cousin while looking for my own apartment. Let me tell you- if there's one thing I wish I knew and did earlier while I was still in Manila, it would be to start the apartment hunting early. If you can, look for one already the moment you get your visa approved. Out of all the things I had experienced in my first month in Canada, I must say, finding an apartment is one of the most challenging. Many factors come into play when looking for an apartment. Budget, location, size, and utilities. But if you're like me who is very picky, I also consider amenities and aesthetics. I think that's why I am also having such a hard time finding my first home here in Toronto. But if there is one thing I realized from my 3-week on-going apartment hunt, it's I don't think there will be a perfect apartment. There will also be a different set of pro's and con's and this is something I am honestly still trying to come to terms with. So, if you are reading this and you're planning to come to Toronto anytime soon, my suggestion is start looking at the Toronto housing market as soon as you can. Start early. Prepare yourself so you won't be surprised. With the Toronto housing market being so hot right now and sky high rental costs, you need to prepare yourself for what to expect. Also a tip: work with a broker. Their services are free! As a tenant, you won't pay them anything. Instead, they'll get a cut from what you'll pay your landlord. Working with a broker is great because he or she can help you set up the appointment viewings and bring you around the different viewing locations. And yes, everything here is by appointment. No walk-ins. So work with the broker, they will make things easier for you from looking for a place, closing the deal, and moving in. If you prefer to also look on your own, you can check out condos.ca, FB Marketplace or Kijiji.ca for rental listings. Last but not the least, explore your new city and connect. Honestly, finding an apartment can take awhile so while you're at it, explore the city! While you're doing different viewings around the city you'll be able to see the different neighbourhoods. Connect with family or friends who are in the city. They will be able to give you tips on which are the best spots in town; maybe ever refer you to a broker they've worked with. For me these are the most important tasks I did (and still working on) during my first few weeks in Toronto. I know getting an Ontario photo card or driver's license is also important but honestly, so far I haven't had an encounter where they asked for a local ID. If they ask for an ID, I normally just present my passport or Philippine driver's license. But I do know I should get a local ID. My tip and because this is also what I plan to do very soon (maybe when my finals are over), get a driver's license instead of getting an Ontario photo card because you can only have one. If you drive, know how to drive, or plan on getting a driver's license anyway, then go for it right away and don't get an Ontario Photo ID anymore. This will allow you to save on costs as well since you can only have one of those two identification cards. Running around the city, doing all these administrative tasks to settle in properly can be tiring but at the same time, you get this feeling of fulfillment and being productive once you get these tasks done. A fair warning- there will be A LOT of walking involved even if you'll be taking the TTC. So, in true #inmyshoes fashion, please make sure to wear proper footwear! Wear sneakers or trainers when going to government offices to get your SIN and local ID, because I guarantee you there will be a lot of standing and waiting in lines involved. Wear flats or heels when going around the city apartment hunting and connecting with friends and family!