Banking

One of the first things you'll probably want to do is set up a bank account. Debit cards are a great way to pay, and are accepted almost everywhere.


Most of the banks will allow you to set up an account and deposit fees before you leave your country.

To set up a bank account, you just need two forms of identification (your passport and immigration papers should work). Although they don't need to be with you, it might be a good idea to go with the Host Family to the bank they use.

Whichever bank you choose, ask for a student account - they usually have little or no fees for use.

In Canada, the Big 5 banks are:

  • RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)
  • TD (Toronto Dominion)
  • Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia)
  • BMO (Bank of Montreal)
  • CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Make sure, whichever one you choose, that you know what is free, and what you must pay for.

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