What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

I am about to leave in the next few weeks to start my new life in Canada!!!!

What are the things that need to be done here before we go?

Do we need to inform inland revenue, do a tax return. What about keeping bank accounts here does that have any implications? Im just thinking and the list seems endless, any ideas?

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Turn the gas off.

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

This might be more helpful: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Depart...K_to_Canada%29

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Don't forget to visit Majestic's and take one last longing look at affordable wine, then drop all your smart clothing at the charity shop.

Edited to add: tell the Majestics staff that where you're going Black Tower is ten quid a bottle and you might get some helpful sympathy!

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Stock up with Jelly Babies, Branston Pickle and Ready Brek and you're all set.
Also inform all your relatives that you do NOT want scarves and gloves EVERY Christmas and birthday because you will have enough and the UK ones simply are not designed for anything below zero degrees C.

Get a copy of your UK driving license.
I don't think a UK bank account or credit card is much use, unless you can think of a good reason to keep one.

PS - Anyone going back to live in the UK and wants a big box full of gloves and scarves, let me know.

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Go and see you friends and family as you'll probably only see them once every three or four years.

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Life in Canada is difficult without a credit card - I would keep your UK one at least until you have a Canadian Card. Also, keep the UK bank account at least until you have no more payments in £ to make.

I still have a UK bank account and credit card. If anyone wants to give me money in £ they pay it into my UK account. I can then spend it by using my UK credit card and pay the bill on-line from my UK account.

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Yeah and don't forget to flip the switch to 115v on the back of your 386 :P

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

All of the above. Plus go to Tescos and buy and enjoy the bountiful selection of cheap cheese.;)

File a P...whatever it is, the form for you to claim back any UK taxes you have overpaid when you leave. Keep your UK bank account for many reasons, not the least you might need it if you ever go back. Ditto a UK credit card. Obtain proof of your insurance records for car insurance. (not just your no claims history). Obtain copies of your medical records if you have any particular ailments/conditions or prescription requirements it might be helpful for the Canadian Dr to have.

And savour decent beer. A lot.;)

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Practice using a fax

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

And go to a good pub, one with atmosphere, hand-pumped real beer and a real landlord/landlady. And savour a proper pork sausage.

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Cling to the hope that one day you will return.

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Well lots of things to think about, some very obvious!!!!

Medical records and tax issues not really thought about and due to receiving a pension in the uk I need to keep bank accounts etc....

Any more useful tips... beside going down the pub!!!!! which I will be doing...

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

I second the savour cheap wine, cheap cheese and decent pork sausage and add to it eat as much chocolate as you can stomach. They have Dairy Milk over here but it is NOT the same. Also, enjoy a few last tins of Heinz Baked Beans, tasty ketchup and cheap milk.

I would bring some packets of cheap paracetamol with you, get copies of any medical information that might be important and make sure you've cancelled all the usual things like car insurance and magazine subscriptions.

And accept that whatever winter coat you bring will never be enough! Save the room in your case and just buy a new one over here - your body will thank you for it in Jan/Feb.

Re: What to do before you leave for Canada?
 

Paracetamol is widely available in North America.

It mainly marketed as Tylenol or if you want the cheaper generic look for acetaminophen. ;)