Settling-in Tips from Staff at Crown Toronto

What is special or unique about your city?

Fortune Magazine described Toronto as "the best international city for work and family." According to Newsweek: 'Its streets are safe, its downtown core is lively and lived in, and its shopping, theater, sports and art facilities are unrivaled in North America."

Toronto and its surrounding areas are collectively called the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The city's population numbers are more than 5 million, and its residents come from countries all over the world and from all ethnic backgrounds. On any given day, over 100 different languages can be heard on the streets.

Toronto is also home to:

CN Tower – The tallest free-standing structure in the world. Near the top of this tower sits a restaurant that revolves 360 degrees, allowing patrons to enjoy dinner with an unrivaled view of the city.

Rogers Centre – Home of baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – One of the best museums in North America. It displays over 6 million objects in over 40 galleries.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) – Toronto’s largest and most well-known gallery is also one of North America’s Top 10 Art Museums.

Underground City – An 11km (7mile) subterranean walkway lined with eateries, shops, banks, medical offices and theaters.
The Air Canada Centre – Toronto's major sports and entertainment facility is home to basketball's Toronto Raptors and hockey's Toronto Maple Leafs. It plays host to many large concerts and events.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Toronto is huge. It's exciting. There are so many people with different lives whose stories need to be heard. There are so many activities and events that you'll probably never get a chance to experience them all. There is such diversity in social status, wealth, health, education and religion.

Are these impressions likely to change?

Even lifelong residents of Toronto remain impressed by this city.

What is the local language?

The primary language in Toronto is English. Canada, however, has two official languages: English and French.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

Street signs in Toronto are mostly in English. However, weekly and daily newspapers are published in a variety of languages, and OMNI (local television station/channels) offer programs, news broadcasts and movies geared at different ethnic groups in their native languages. In addition, the Government of Canada and the Ontario Government provide free information in English, French and may also provide information in your own language.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

The best way to avoid offending residents of Toronto is to abide by the Ontario Human Rights Code. This is the provincial law that provides everyone with equal rights and opportunities in specific areas such as jobs, housing and services.

Some other tips to avoid offending residents of Toronto are:

Canadians usually hope that visitors will recognize how different their country is from the United States.
Canadians quickly move to a first-name basis, although you should wait until you have been invited to do so.
The order for Canadian names is first name, middle name and last name.
A firm handshake makes a very good first impression.
Keep a distance of several feet when talking to another person.
Do not show emotion in public.
It is okay to use the "O.K." sign and the "thumbs up" sign, but the "V" sign with the palm inward and pointing are considered offensive.
Holding doors open for the person behind you is appreciated and often expected.
Being punctual should be a priority especially for business-related meetings. However, being 15 minutes late for an evening social engagement is acceptable.
Some professions allow for casual dress, but if you are not sure then dress on the formal side.
Canadians in general do not wear any type of scent in a business setting. Perfume, aftershave and heavily scented personal care products such as shampoo and hairspray should be avoided.
It is considered rude to speak in a foreign language in the presence of others who do not understand what is being said.
If you see someone you know at a distance, a wave is an appropriate acknowledgement.
People using the ATM machines expect the next person waiting in line to stand a few feet behind them.
No smoking is permitted in any enclosed work or public place or on any patio that is covered. With the exception of the streets, you will find that smoking is restricted in most public places. In private homes, you should always ask permission from your host to smoke.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

Most of Canada has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Canada measures temperature using the Celsius thermometer expressed as degrees Celsius (C). The best way to cope with Canada’s changing weather is to be prepared. Read or listen to weather reports in newspapers or on the radio and television. If you have cable television, you may have a channel that broadcasts weather information 24 hours a day.

Spring (March 21 to June 20) is mild and sunny. The air is refreshing and it seems as though the city awakes from its long winter slumber. The snow slowly melts and rain drizzles down.

Summer (June 21 to September 20) is wonderfully warm and can be sweltering hot during heat waves. Temperatures hover in the mid to high 20sC (68F) during the day and at night. Beaches are crowded with volleyball players and sun seekers, the lakeshore is surrounded by musicians of every style and restaurant patios seem to entice you to quench your thirst with a cool beverage while catching up with good friends.

Autumn (September 21 to December 20) is when green leaves on trees turn into luscious reds, oranges yellows and browns before falling to the ground. The cool, crisp air combined with the colors is what makes fall breathtakingly beautiful.

Winter (December 21 to March 20) in Toronto is cold. Temperatures usually stay below freezing. The wind chill temperature tells you how cold the air feels when it is windy. This is the perfect time to take a stroll down the city streets with a hot beverage (try a cup of hot Macintosh apple cider). Make sure you try to enjoy some of the outdoor activities such as skating, skiing and snowboarding.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Residents of Toronto are very concerned with environmental issues. Simple things you can do to help include disposing of garbage properly into recycling bins, trash cans and designated waste disposal sites. Also, walk, cycle or use public transportation whenever possible.

Useful Links

Official City of Toronto website
www.city.toronto.on.ca/

CN Tower
www.cntower.ca/

Ontario Human Rights Commission
www.ohrc.on.ca

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

35 million people travel to Canada each year for the purpose of work, school or tourism. A valid passport, visa or ID is required. Your status could be classified as a permanent or temporary resident, depending on the type of visa you enter the country with and how long you plan to stay.

Travelers from Europe:
European passport holders are not required to have a visa to enter Canada. All you need is a valid passport.

Travelers from the United States:
A passport or visa is not required to enter Canada. You must have identification for proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, driver's license or another type of ID card with your photo.

Travelers from other countries:
International travelers may be required to provide a visa to enter Canada. Please check with your local Canadian embassy, Crown Toronto or the website for Canada International listed below for more information.

What kinds of visas are available?

There are two kinds of visas:

Permanent - For workers and their families who are moving to Canada permanently.
Temporary - For workers, visitors and students who will be residing in Canada for more than six months, but not permanently.

Most visitors do not require visas if they stay less than six months. However, travelers from Portugal, South Africa, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, some Eastern European countries and developing countries do require them. To find out whether you will require a TRV or for further information, contact your local visa office, Canada embassy, high commission or consulate.

What is required to obtain these visas?

To obtain a Temporary Resident Visa:

You must be healthy
You may need a doctor’s examination if the duration of your stay is more than six months
You will need a valid passport, proof of who you are or other travel documents.

For further information, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website listed below. You may also download application forms from this site.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Your spouse may qualify for a work permit without having to get confirmation from the Human Resources Development of Canada (HRDC). However, before your spouse applies for a work permit, you must:

Be authorized to work in Canada for six months or longer
The work you are doing must meet a minimum skill level (usually work which requires at least a college diploma)

If you meet these two requirements, your spouse may apply for a work permit which is 'open' and will allow him or her to accept any job depending on whether or not a medical examination was taken. Do note: your spouse’s work permit will be valid for the same duration as your authorization to work in Canada.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

One of the first things you should do after arriving in Canada is to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This nine-digit number is used to identify people who earn money through work, pay taxes, contribute to pension plans and use government services. To apply for a Social Insurance Number, contact the Human Resources Development Center of Canada. Their website is listed below. Please note that your SIN should not be given to people who are not authorized to use it for identification purposes.

As a temporary resident, your main form of identification is your passport. Even though you may note need a passport to travel within Canada, you should carry at least two pieces of identification whenever possible. Common forms of recognized identification include birth certificate, driver’s license, permanent resident papers or citizenship card, credit cards and SIN card.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

Yes, if you are working in Canada, you must have a valid work permit, passport, Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and a letter from your employer stating that a job offer has been made and accepted.

Additionally, an immigration officer must issue employment authorization after the Human Resources Development Center approves your employer’s job offer. This process, known as job validation, ensures that there are no other Canadians or permanent residents available to do the job.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

There are strict laws about what you can bring into Canada. Avoid bringing in the following items into the country:

Unauthorized firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition
Narcotics, other than prescription drugs
Meat, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables
Plants, flowers and soil
Endangered species of animals or products made from animal parts, such as skin, feathers, fur, bones and ivory
Cultural property, including antique and cultural objects considered to have historical significance in their country of origin (you may, however, bring family heirlooms)
More than 200 cigarettes (you must pay tax on the excess amount) -- per person over 19 years of age
More than 1.5 litres of commercial alcohol (you must pay tax on the excess amount) -- per person over 19 years of age

If you are unsure about an item, you should contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Their website is listed below.

Also, motor vehicles must meet Canadian safety and pollution control standards. Many motor vehicles are not allowed into the country. For more information, contact Transport Canada. Their website is listed below.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Depending on your personal situation and length of stay, you should consider bringing some or all the following important documents with you to Canada:

Birth certificates or baptismal certificates
Marriage certificates
Adoption, separation or divorce papers
School records, diplomas or degrees for each family member traveling with you
Trade or professional certificates and licenses
Letters of reference from former employers
A list of your educational and professional qualifications and job experience (r�sum�)
Immunization, vaccination, dental and other health records for each member of the family
Driver’s license, including an International Driver’s Permit, and a reference from your insurance company
Photocopies of all essential and important documents, in case the originals get lost - kept separate from the originals
Car registration documents (if you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada)

Useful Links

Human Resources Development of Canada
www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/sin-nas/

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca

Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/

Social Insurance Number: Frequently Asked Questions
www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/sin-nas/a040_e.shtml

What is the local currency?

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar. There are 100 cents to one dollar.

What denominations does it come in?

Notes: The Canadian Dollar is available in $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. ($1 and $2 bills have been replaced by coins)
Coins: All Canadians Coins are the same size and shape as their American counterparts except for the one and two dollar coins which do notexist in the U.S.

1 Cent - This coin used quite a bit, because with the GST tax, most items you buy do not come out to a nice even amount. There are a large number of U.S. pennies in circulation and they can be used� as Canadian.
5 Cents - The slang for this coin is "Nickel". The term originates because of the metal the coin is minted from. The same term is used in the United States.
10 Cents - The slang for this coin is "Dime". The same slang is used in the U.S.
25 Cents - The slang for this coin is "Quarter", because it is 1/4 of a dollar. The same slang is used in the U.S.
50 Cents - You will rarely see a 50 cent piece. They are only minted for special occasions.

1 Dollar Coin - The dollar bill was replaced by a coin in 1989. This coin is called a "Loonie". This is because it contains a picture of that quintessential North American bird, the Loon.

2 Dollar Coin - The 2 Dollar bill was also replaced by a coin in 1996. The two leading contenders for a slang term were the "Twonie" or "Doubloon".

Do note: American coins can be used in Canada, but you will not get any exchange for them. They are in wide circulation, so you will get them in change on occasion. American coins will also work in most vending machines.

What is the best way to exchange currency?

Banks provide you with the best exchange rate on your foreign currency since their rates are updated each minute. There are also money exchange booths that will exchange your money at the rate that was listed at opening time. You may also notice that your hotel or temporary accommodations have services for exchanging money at the reception desk. These places should be used only when your options are exhausted, as they tend to provide lower exchange rates because they factor in a service fee on each dollar.

If you are unable or do not want to exchange your money, then your other option is to pay for goods and services with credit or debit cards. Almost all stores and service providers accept this method of payment. Each purchase will automatically convert into Canadian dollars, which will be shown on your statement.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Depending on the location, stores will accept cash, traveler's cheques, major credit cards and debit cards (personal banking cards used to purchase goods and services). Some places accept personal cheques accompanied by two forms of identification.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

With over 5 million residents and millions of visitors to the GTA, there is little worry that your major credit card will not be accepted to purchase goods and services around town. Credit cards that are widely accepted include Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

However, only recently has it been possible to pay with credit cards in fast food restaurants. Some are still making the transition to this form of payment. In addition, when visiting the downtown core, you will notice numerous street vendors selling merchandise and food. These vendors have limited payment options. Therefore, cash is the preferred method of payment.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Depending on the bill type, several options for bill payment are available to you. They include:

Cash
Personal checks
Traveler’s cheques
Automatic personal bank account withdrawal set up prior to the payment date(s)
Debit card (personal banking card)
Credit card

Additionally, most payments can also be done by mail or at your local bank.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

When opening a bank account in Canada, you are required to do the following:

Fill out an application form
Provide two forms of identification (passport, birth certificate, Social Insurance Card and/or any credit cards in your name)
Provide proof of residency (you will need a fixed home address before you apply)

Also, depending on the circumstances, the bank may 'hold funds' from your account for a period of time to ensure that you are not a financial risk.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Typically, banking services are offered in English, but they are also available in French at certain branches as well as on many banks' websites. And, since Toronto has over 80 cultures and 100 languages, there is a good chance that a representative at the bank may speak the language of your home country.

Another option to consider is opening an account through the bank of your origin. A few banks with branches in Toronto are: the Bank of China, Credit Suisse, First Boston Canada Inc, Hong Kong Bank Of Canada, and State Bank Of India (Canada). These banks provide an increased likelihood that there will be representatives versed in the customers' languages.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

Not generally, but this may vary from bank to bank.

What are typical banking hours?

Banks are typically open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. At some banks, there may be a day during the week in which they stay open until the early evening. Some are also open on Saturday mornings and all banks are closed on Sundays and statutory holidays.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

ATMs are located everywhere and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, be aware of high service charges for using ATMs that are not affiliated with your bank.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

Keep in mind that using debit cards for purchases can be costly due to service fees for each transaction.

Credit cards offer postponed payment at the cost of interest incurred on your outstanding balances. Normally the interest is in the range of 17 to 20 percent. If you plan on keeping a balance, you can opt for a lower monthly interest rate, but you will have to pay an annual fee for this service. In addition, department stores offer discounts and incentives for purchasing items with their store credit cards. However, be aware that monthly interest charges for these cards can be as high as 30 percent.

Useful Links

Royal Bank of Canada
www.rbc.com

CIBC
www.cibc.com

Canada Trust
www.td.com

Scotiabank
www.scotiabank.com

Bank of Montreal
www.bmo.com

Currency converter
www.oanda.com

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

When searching for a place to live, some important factors to consider are safety, location preference and individual needs. Depending on your preferences, you may want to find a place close to work, school, shops, medical facilities and most importantly an area that is secure and safe. Choosing the right place to live is essential to having a pleasant and safe stay in Toronto.

Below are some helpful factors to keep in mind when looking for a place to live:

Price - Toronto's numerous neighborhoods offer a wide variety of price ranges
Neighborhood - some expats prefer a more country setting, whereas others may prefer to be at the heart of the excitement
Housing type - house, townhouse, condominium, apartment, duplex or multiplex
Housing condition - older dwellings look more historic, but may require more renovations than newer dwellings
Size of family - this may affect housing type and location
Distance to work - will you drive, walk or use public transportation to get to work.....
Distance to schools - if applicable, will the children walk to school or is transportation provided for them....
Proximity of services - public transportation, fitness centers, shopping centers, etc....

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

The DOWNTOWN TORONTO AREA consists of the following neighborhoods: Alexander Park, Cabbagetown, Downtown Toronto, and Harbourfront. Residents come from different backgrounds and span the entire spectrum of the socioeconomic scale. Housing ranges from cooperative housing to luxury lakefront condominium apartments. Fashionable townhouses, semi-detached houses and bungalows are also prevalent in the Downtown Toronto Area.

The CENTRAL TORONTO AREA consists of the most prestigious and fashionable neighborhoods which include: The Annex, Casa Loma, Davenport, Forest Hill, Rosedale, South Hill, Summerhill and Yorkville. Some neighborhoods are surrounded by tree-lined streets, ravines, parkland and glamorous storybook homes with high-end price tags. Houses date back as early as 1880. Condominiums and townhouses were built within the last 20 years.

The NORTH TORONTO AREA neighborhoods include: Chaplin Estates, Davisville Village, and Lawrence Park. Housing stock includes bungalows, duplexes, apartments, semi-detached and fully detached houses. Chaplin Estates and Lawrence Park have always been two of Toronto's most exclusive addresses. Davisville Village is popular with singles, young couples and families as it is centrally located.

The EAST TORONTO AREA consists of the following neighborhoods: Danforth Village, Playter Estates, Riverdale and The Beach. Housing accommodates first-time home buyers and singles as the semis and detached houses are more affordable. In the summertime, thousands of Torontonians and tourists flock to The Beach. Danforth Village reflects the multicultural flavor of the Greek community and the residents who live in this neighborhood.

The WEST TORONTO AREA consists of neighborhoods such as Bloor West Village, Carleton Village, High Park, Swansea Village and Wallace Emerson. These popular neighborhoods are perfectly suited for working families. Schools and shops are within walking distance. In addition, High Park, which is the largest and best known park in Toronto, adds rolling hills, winding streets and towering oak trees. Swansea is also the only Toronto neighborhood to have a lake, a river and a pond for its natural boundaries.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Expats normally rent their homes if their stays are short in duration. However, some plan to stay longer and may decide to purchase their homes.

Some companies prefer that a transferee rents a property, if only for the first year, to ensure the family will feel comfortable in the selected area.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

You will be expected to pay first and last month's rent up front. Beyond that, your lease will clearly state the cost of rent per month, along with whether or not this includes your utilities. The lease also states the length of the occupancy in the property (generally one year), how payment is to be made each month, which appliances are included (if any) and (if applicable) whether or not parking is included.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

That depends. When renting a home, utilities are not typically included in your tenant contract. However, in condominiums and apartments, some utilities are included in your leasing contract.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

Even though Toronto is Canada's largest city, it is sixth in the level of violent crime, with a lower crime rate than both of Canada's other large cities — Vancouver and Montreal. Toronto is a remarkably safe and clean city in a remarkably safe and clean country. In fact, Toronto was rated North America’s safest city according to a study in Fortune magazine.

Most homes come equipped with efficient security features such as door locks, bolts and security alarm services. Many areas also have neighborhood watch programs that allow neighbors to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current in Canada is 120/240 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 60.

Below are examples of the types of plugs that are used in Canada:

Type A - Flat blade attachment plug

Note: In the U.S. & Canada, two-blade plugs are often polarized, with one blade larger than the other.� Most outlets are designed to handle these. The larger blade is the neutral side of the current.� This is a safety feature intended so the plug can be inserted one way only to reduce the chance of accidental shock.� If you try to plug a modern plug into an old-style receptacle for equal size blades, it won't go in unless you file down the larger blade to the older plug size.� Outside the US, many countries with Type A use the old style plug, and a newer US plug with unequal pins might pose a problem.� This can be bypassed using an adaptor (found in many travel kits) which converts the newer Type A plug to the older model with equal-sized blades.� Be aware, though, that you might also be bypassing the protection that polarization provides.

Type B - Flat blades with round grounding pin

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

If you are interested in a particular property, you will be required to complete a preliminary application. At that time, you may be asked to include a letter of employment from your current place of employment on company letterhead. This should indicate your salary, job status and length of employment. In addition, you may also be required to provide a letter of reference from a former landlord stating something to the effect that you paid your rent on time and were a good tenant. You may also be required to provide your Social Insurance Number for credit reference, along with personal reference numbers.

Useful Links

A listing of hotels in the Toronto area
www.toronto-hotels-1.com/

Furnished accommodation for short-term stays
www.44com.com

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Toronto residents are fortunate to have access to some of the best learning institutions in the country. Whatever level of education you seek - from junior kindergarten to university preparatory or adult learning courses - Toronto public and private schools offer excellent programs to suit the needs of most students.

Toronto does not, however, have an education system developed for international schools. There are several language schools that offer language immersion courses. However, the majority of expat children are sent to private schools and to public schools. Parents in Ontario have the option of sending their children to the nondenominational public school system, Roman Catholic separate school system or a private school of their choice. The first two are covered by taxpayer dollars and the latter by the parents themselves per admission.

What are some examples of these schools?

Toronto District School Board has 451 elementary schools and 102 secondary schools.

Toronto Catholic School Board has 169 elementary schools and 34 secondary schools.

Some private schools include: Branksome Hall, Bayview Glen School, Cedar Grove School, Fern Hill School and Somerset Academy.

Contact your ward/community council to locate public, private and separate schools in and around your neighborhood. Also, contact Crown Toronto for assistance with selecting and applying to schools.

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Public schools are completely funded by the government through tax revenue. Therefore, there is no competition for spots in local public schools. A predetermined grid of Toronto depicts the ward you live in and the area in which your child may attend school. In contrast, private schools often require you to fill out an enrollment application. Some schools may also require a school interview with parent, child and school head accompanied by the child’s portfolio for enrollment.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Private and public elementary schools offer junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten for children ages 4 to 5.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

School bus (funded by the government through tax revenue)
Public transportation (bus, streetcar, subway)
Walking (for students in walking distance of the school)
Parents (some parents choose to drive their children on the way to work)

When does the typical school year start and end?

Children are usually in school between 8:30 or 9:00 am to 3:30 or 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday - from September to the middle of June.

Schools are closed on all national holidays. In addition, all schools are closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day and for one week in March.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Please contact Crown Toronto with any questions or to arrange school search assistance.

Useful Links

Toronto District School Board
www.tdsb.on.ca

Toronto Catholic School Board
www.tcdsb.org