Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
Nov 20th 2019, 5:24 pm
#61
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
In case you want to transact business in the UK, either because you've returned or due to some other circumstance. It's difficult to open an account in the UK if you don't live there and if, for example, you suddenly have pounds, you'll need somewhere to put them. At some point it'll become less useful to have the account but I'm not there yet.
Nov 20th 2019, 6:13 pm
#62
Bex in the city
Joined: Jun 2013
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 3,899
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
UK credit card can continue to be used in Canada when there's no credit record here or you have a low credit limit, at least initially. This does seem less of a problem than it was a few years ago.
If one has a UK income, it can still go into the UK account. Transferring income by Transferwise between accounts likely gives you a better rate than having the UK income paid into a Canadian account.
And if all this applies, the UK bank account can be used to pay the credit card payments.
In the event of a return to the UK it's easier to already have a bank account than to try and open one.
I use my mum's address in the UK but others have been more upfront and given Canadian addresses. But some have done that and then run into problems with having accounts closed.
If one has a UK income, it can still go into the UK account. Transferring income by Transferwise between accounts likely gives you a better rate than having the UK income paid into a Canadian account.
And if all this applies, the UK bank account can be used to pay the credit card payments.
In the event of a return to the UK it's easier to already have a bank account than to try and open one.
I use my mum's address in the UK but others have been more upfront and given Canadian addresses. But some have done that and then run into problems with having accounts closed.
The UK credit card in particular is better than paying foreign transaction fee. For example, every time I return, I have to hire a car - better to put it on my YL credit card
Nov 20th 2019, 6:31 pm
#63
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
That is what happened to me, but with a US bank. When I originally moved I kept my checking account and credit card in the US, but made the mistake of changing my address to Canadian, about 3 months later got a letter in the mail saying the accounts had been closed and they can't support accounts for those living outside the US, and thanking me for being a loyal customer. Upside they forgave the small balance on the credit card and sent me a check for the balance in the checking account.
UK credit card can continue to be used in Canada when there's no credit record here or you have a low credit limit, at least initially. This does seem less of a problem than it was a few years ago.
If one has a UK income, it can still go into the UK account. Transferring income by Transferwise between accounts likely gives you a better rate than having the UK income paid into a Canadian account.
And if all this applies, the UK bank account can be used to pay the credit card payments.
In the event of a return to the UK it's easier to already have a bank account than to try and open one.
I use my mum's address in the UK but others have been more upfront and given Canadian addresses. But some have done that and then run into problems with having accounts closed.
If one has a UK income, it can still go into the UK account. Transferring income by Transferwise between accounts likely gives you a better rate than having the UK income paid into a Canadian account.
And if all this applies, the UK bank account can be used to pay the credit card payments.
In the event of a return to the UK it's easier to already have a bank account than to try and open one.
I use my mum's address in the UK but others have been more upfront and given Canadian addresses. But some have done that and then run into problems with having accounts closed.
Nov 20th 2019, 7:50 pm
#64
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: London, ON
Posts: 2,485
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
That is what happened to me, but with a US bank. When I originally moved I kept my checking account and credit card in the US, but made the mistake of changing my address to Canadian, about 3 months later got a letter in the mail saying the accounts had been closed and they can't support accounts for those living outside the US, and thanking me for being a loyal customer. Upside they forgave the small balance on the credit card and sent me a check for the balance in the checking account.
Nov 23rd 2019, 5:32 am
#65
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 8
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
Just wanted to thank everyone for their posts. We are here now and enjoying it so far! Haven’t found any food stuffs to be an issue, the only thing I’m nervous of is driving in the snow/ice 😬
Nov 23rd 2019, 5:49 am
#66
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2014
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 118
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
Nov 23rd 2019, 10:41 am
#67
Stand-up Philosopher
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: Regina Saskatchewan
Posts: 16,344
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
Congratulations and a welcome from me as well. Take it easy on the ice both before and after you get used to it; there's no penalty for being cautious.
Nov 23rd 2019, 3:11 pm
#68
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: London, ON
Posts: 2,485
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
I would suggest ideally getting an all-wheel drive car and definitely invest in a separate set of snow tyres and rims and change onto them every November, then back again in April. This does not render you invincible, but if you then also drive with care and keep your distance, you will be fine. Snow tyres is one of the questions many insurance companies will ask and your premium will be adjusted accordingly (although it will still be eye-wateringly expensive compared to the UK!).
The number of all-singing all-dancing Dodge Ram type 'trucks' with AWD and serious ****-off snow tyres that I saw in ditches around Ottawa year before last beggared belief - I guess they thought (and drove) like they had all the answers!
Nov 23rd 2019, 3:24 pm
#69
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 14
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
once again Welcome to Edmonton!! if you need a hand with anything let me know, i'm At the Airport most days!!
Nov 23rd 2019, 6:52 pm
#70
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2014
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 118
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
I would suggest ideally getting an all-wheel drive car and definitely invest in a separate set of snow tyres and rims and change onto them every November, then back again in April. This does not render you invincible, but if you then also drive with care and keep your distance, you will be fine. Snow tyres is one of the questions many insurance companies will ask and your premium will be adjusted accordingly (although it will still be eye-wateringly expensive compared to the UK!).
The number of all-singing all-dancing Dodge Ram type 'trucks' with AWD and serious ****-off snow tyres that I saw in ditches around Ottawa year before last beggared belief - I guess they thought (and drove) like they had all the answers!
The number of all-singing all-dancing Dodge Ram type 'trucks' with AWD and serious ****-off snow tyres that I saw in ditches around Ottawa year before last beggared belief - I guess they thought (and drove) like they had all the answers!
Nov 23rd 2019, 9:11 pm
#71
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
I wish I had used my dad's address, but I was young and naive at the time, live and learn. Biggest downside is now I have no credit history in the US, so if I ever moved back it would be a pain until I rebuilt it.
Now if the courthouse would get the clue I no longer live in the US, life would be good. About once a year my dad gets a jury duty summons for me and mails it to me, then I have to mail it back saying I no longer reside in California or the US and thus not eligible for jury duty at this time, you would think after 15 years of me telling them this they would clue in, but I suppose it might be automated and if they are using voter lists I still vote so it may appear to their computers I am still eligible for jury duty.
Now if the courthouse would get the clue I no longer live in the US, life would be good. About once a year my dad gets a jury duty summons for me and mails it to me, then I have to mail it back saying I no longer reside in California or the US and thus not eligible for jury duty at this time, you would think after 15 years of me telling them this they would clue in, but I suppose it might be automated and if they are using voter lists I still vote so it may appear to their computers I am still eligible for jury duty.
Yes, I have told my UK account bank (Nationwide) that my address is that of my mother-in-law (UK address) for that very reason. I have heard that people have given their UK bank their Canadian address and they are fine, but I have also heard of banks doing what happened to you (i.e. change of policy a few years down the line).
Nov 24th 2019, 3:27 pm
#73
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 280
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
Mince (Christmas) pies
Real Heinz bean's
My 240v tools, appliances, dj equipment (LOL)
A magnifying glass (to read the food labels)
A French Dictionary, because everything has to be labeled in 2 languages
Mothercare (although they went bust)
My 944
Washer with integral Dryer
Gas Cooker (although I have one now)
Tesco's & Sainsbury's - Because I just understood the food better there
My Sense of Humor (cos your def going to need that !)
Real Heinz bean's
My 240v tools, appliances, dj equipment (LOL)
A magnifying glass (to read the food labels)
A French Dictionary, because everything has to be labeled in 2 languages
Mothercare (although they went bust)
My 944
Washer with integral Dryer
Gas Cooker (although I have one now)
Tesco's & Sainsbury's - Because I just understood the food better there
My Sense of Humor (cos your def going to need that !)
Jan 30th 2020, 6:26 am
#74
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 8
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
Mince (Christmas) pies
Real Heinz bean's
My 240v tools, appliances, dj equipment (LOL)
A magnifying glass (to read the food labels)
A French Dictionary, because everything has to be labeled in 2 languages
Mothercare (although they went bust)
My 944
Washer with integral Dryer
Gas Cooker (although I have one now)
Tesco's & Sainsbury's - Because I just understood the food better there
My Sense of Humor (cos your def going to need that !)
Real Heinz bean's
My 240v tools, appliances, dj equipment (LOL)
A magnifying glass (to read the food labels)
A French Dictionary, because everything has to be labeled in 2 languages
Mothercare (although they went bust)
My 944
Washer with integral Dryer
Gas Cooker (although I have one now)
Tesco's & Sainsbury's - Because I just understood the food better there
My Sense of Humor (cos your def going to need that !)
Just in case you really are missing them, I have seen real Heinz beans (along with several other imported British stuff, including Robertson’s Mincemeat!) in Walmart. Didn’t think $2.50ish was a bad price either.
Feb 1st 2020, 10:53 am
#75
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 112
Re: Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving to Canada?
Hi all, my family and I are less than 2 weeks away from moving to Edmonton, AB 😬
Is there anything you wish you’d known then (ie, anything you’d have brought with you, things you’d have done differently after arriving etc)?
New to BE so will have a read of the posts and advice etc.
Thanks in advance!
Is there anything you wish you’d known then (ie, anything you’d have brought with you, things you’d have done differently after arriving etc)?
New to BE so will have a read of the posts and advice etc.
Thanks in advance!