Hi there- I have been a member of this site for a long time now.

I am from the UK originally and have been in Canada since 2002, now a proud CDN citizen.

I would be more than happy to give advice to any new CDN who wants to have help with Financial stuff. e. g bank accounts, mortgages etc... as I have over 30+ years experience, formally as a Nat West Mortgage advisor in the UK, then in Canada a Financial services Manager with Bank of Montreal, and Scotiabank...

Feel free to ask me whatever you want- establishing credit, how to get a mortgage, job advice etc......

Hi Shelley748

Just wanted to say 'hi,' and that I should imagine your contribution to BE will be most welcome to many. I think your advice is likely to prove invaluable to those looking to finance a home etc. and it is generous of you to take the time-out to information share.

Merry Christmas btw, to you and your family; and congratulations on your successful life in Canada!

Thanks and the same to you!!

Hi Shelley,

My wife (Natwest employee also) and I are on "the list" so will hopefully be making the move to Toronto in the next 6 - 12 months, we've done lots of research visits but have not thought about opening a bank account until now.
can we open one even though we're still in the UK or do we have to wait until we are in Canada ?
many thanks in advance.
Chris

you can open an account before you get here. most if not all banks will allow you to. we did with HSBC and also got approved for a mortgage no problem with them although that was back in Feb when we got approved and we were still residing in the UK at the time. as we all know things have changed somewhat so would not like to comment now re mortgages.

Thanks, I've just read the forum banking link, it looks like we'll contact HSBC tomorrow as we already bank with them here.

Cheers,
Chris

Worth noting that unless you are a HSBC Premier customer, then there's a £100 fee for opening your account here from the UK. We weren't (didn't qualify), so had to pay the fee - no regrets however, it was worthwhile, we had debit cards, cheques and credit card (with $5k limit) all before we left, so we hit the ground running when we got here...

So, check if you can qualify for HSBC Premier first, if you can, then go that route, not only is the fee waived, it has other benefits (easier money transfers).

Is it free? Excuse my cynicism.

That's what living in Canada does to you after awhile

(I see on another thread that Shelley is a self-employed Mortgage advisor)

I would guess, on balance, that the experiences of BE members who moved to/with HSBC has generally not been a positive one... I don't really have links or the time to find links - just my perception of the many complaints about them on here! And yes, of course, there are exceptions. First off, make sure there is a physical branch near to where you are going to be living. Telephones and the internet only go so far for communications; especially important when wanting bank drafts to pay for those expensive items on arrival.

This has been covered many a time - usually ends up 50/50 split with those happy with them and those who aren't. I've been happy enough with them. But the point you make about a local branch is valid - I have one about 10 mins drive that's easy to get to and has plenty of parking, so it makes it convenient for me. Plus the staff in there are pleasant and helpful.

Shelley, we are planning to live around Belleville for the first 6 months, and hope to live on Prince Edward island. Where about do you live? if you dont mind, anything you can tell us about the area would be appreciated.

Her thingy says shew lives nr Kingston, which is approx a 45min to an hr drive east of Hellville (only kidding) .

I highly recommend a visit to Belleville's Reid's Dairy for ice cream and/or cheese curds in the summer.

Hi, were hoping to move to calgary in april 09, any advice about what we need document wise from the uk, to get bank accounts and mortgage sorted out when we get there, we have got temporary accommodation arranged but am keen to buy, but i'm a first time buyer with a saved deposit. will i have trouble? thankyou for any information.

thanks hook