Canada: Few questions

Berzerker

What is the best way to work banking. I plan to just go with traveller’s cheques and then setup a bank account there when I arrive. Is that the best way?

And in regards to the SIN number can I just apply for that when I arrive or do I need to activate the visa first as I plan to enter as a tourist then go to niagra and flagpoll so I don't waste weeks of my visa.

Thanks

JohnMearsheimer

You won't be able to open a bank account or apply for your SIN without activating your visa first. Irish debit cards work fine over there. My Ulster Bank debit card worked at tills and ATMs. Most Irish banks offer visa debit these days. I bought 500 cash, opened my account and had my parents transfer the money from my Irish account to my Canadian account. I don't think anyone really uses traveller's cheques anymore.

jjbrien

do not use travelers cheques most banks here wont accept them and if they do they will charge you a fee to change them.

Sin number you can just go to dufferin mall once you have your visa but when you land in canada you are better off activating it as the people at immigration will know you have it the rules are you it gets activated the moment you set foot in Canada

Berzerker

Thanks guys. Yea I think I will go with some cash then just get the rest transferred once I have an account setup.

I was just going to enter as a tourist until I find a job but as you said may save alot of hassle and I should just get it activated when I arrive.

Helix

you dont need to activate it when you arrive

just make sure youre aware that to activate it later you need to leave the country first

Berzerker

Yea my plan was to just go to niagra cross the border there and explain what I was doing.