Welcome to my guide for newcomers in Toronto!
That’s it, you’re finally there! You’ve emptied 14 packs of tissus, you packed, unpacked and repacked your suitcase 26 and a half times, you checked 8 times if you had your passport and your plane ticket, you cried more than in your whole life (No it is not a girls thing, you do not judge anybody here, you can say you too that you cried leaving your football / gym / knitting buddies), you have checked 54 times that nobody has cleared your bank account in error. You have chosen your most comfortable outfit.
You are ready to experience the Canadian adventure in Toronto. Here is all I would have liked to know when I first arrived: my guide to the newcomer to Toronto (if you come like me from a small town of 5000 people without building or subway you could even call it the guide of the survivor).
Currently under update (2026)
Arrival at the airport
Visa (WHV):
In good PVTiste you read and re-read the articles of Pvtistes.net and you know that at the immigration you will be asked to show: passport (valid throughout the duration of your visa), insurance certificate (equivalent to the duration of your visa, if you wish to stay for 2 years think of taking a 2 year insurance), proof of funds (minimum of 2500CAD) and your introduction letter (the mail sent by Canadian immigration to confirm that you had the right to come to Canada).
So relax the people on immigration are super nice, they are not there to trap you, they are even funny sometimes, they do not want you no harm then do not stress. You give all the papers, the agent enters your info in the computer and 15 minutes after you have your visa in hand (stapled in your passport technically). Before leaving, check that the dates are good, that he did not make any mistakes because the error is human and it is easier to repair it right away than to fight later.
SIN number:
Once the visa is in your pocket the next administrative formality: the SIN number. What is the SIN number? Well this is the equivalent of our French social security number in 9 digits. Your identity in the eyes of the State. You will need to give the address where you plan to stay. This number is essential to open a bank account, open a telephone line and especially to work. If you arrive during the day you can do it immediately because the Service Canada office is next door (I have not been able to find what time they close, if you have the info I will add). If the office is closed you will need to find a Service Canada office (search link here) and get there later in Toronto (the first time I went directly to the City Hall).
Getting Around Toronto: Public Transit
To travel around the city, you will mainly use the TTC network (subway, streetcars, and buses), as well as the UP Express to connect Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes.
The essentials for your arrival:
- How to pay: No more paper passes! You can pay directly by tapping your credit or debit card (physical card, iPhone, or Apple Watch) or by using a Presto card (also available in your mobile wallet)
- Fares: $3.30 CAD per ride, which includes a free, unlimited 2-hour transfer window across the entire TTC network.
- Monthly Fare Capping: Once you pay for 47 eligible trips within the same calendar month, all your remaining rides for that month are completely free!
Subway lines, night buses, insider tricks to avoid getting double-charged, and a complete airport train guide: find everything you need to know in my Ultimate Guide to Toronto Public Transit!
Finding Accommodation in Toronto
Let’s be real: Toronto’s rental market moves fast and is highly competitive, but with the right preparation and strategy, you will successfully navigate it!
Types of housing in Toronto:
- Condos: Units in modern high-rises packed with building amenities (gyms, pools, concierge, rooftop terraces). A massive bonus during Canadian winters when you want to work out without stepping into the snow!
- Purpose-Built Rental Apartments: Units in buildings managed professionally by property management companies.
- Basement Apartments: Self-contained units located on the lower level of private houses. Pros: generally more budget-friendly and sometimes include backyard access. Cons: less natural sunlight and variable soundproofing.
Key takeaways to secure a place:
- Prepare your rental application in advance: Have your employment letter, recent pay stubs, photo ID, and references ready. As a newcomer without a Canadian credit score yet, showing solid bank proof of funds is essential.
- Upfront costs: Upon signing the official Ontario Standard Lease, you will need to provide first and last month’s rent.
- Work with a Realtor: In Ontario, hiring a real estate agent as a tenant is 100% free of charge (the landlord pays the commission fee). It’s one of the safest ways to access MLS listings and avoid scams.
Read my Ultimate Guide to Finding a Rental in Toronto.
The phone
This is the painful subject of this Guide for newcomers to Toronto for us Europeans used to paying a pittance for pretty decent service. In 2016 the average of a telephone bill was $62CA according to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Wireless Matrix.
- Here the main operators are Rogers, Telus and Bell..
- Low cost carriers (some owned by incumbents) are: Fido, Virgin Mobile, Freedom, Koodo, Mobilicity, Chatr.
To know:
- Some low-cost operators lease the lines of historical operators (As Free does in France with Orange), so their service is not always very good, that’s why they can offer lower rates.
- Some low-cost do not cover all parts of Canada, important info if you plan to move a lot.
- By using your own phone your plan will be cheaper.
- If you want to buy the phone you will be hired, you will pay your phone every month at the same time as your package. Contracts are usually 2 years.
- You can go in multi-operator shop to offer you the package / operator best suited to your needs. I have been to the Tbooth several times in the Eaton Center they are pretty good.
- You can get your SIM card from the moment you have your SIN number
I have tested Virgin Mobile and Fido. I have never had a worry, good network, reactive customer service, not always available in French. My advice: take advantage of the promotions and do not hesitate to change if you make a better offer, you are not committed and you keep your number. The first year I tried: Fido, then Virgin then again Fido. In 1 year yes.
Opening a Bank Account in Canada
Opening a Canadian bank account is one of the very first things you’ll need to check off your to-do list after landing. The banking system here works quite differently from overseas, especially when it comes to navigating debit vs. credit cards and building your all-important Canadian credit score.
- Newcomer Packages: Canada’s “Big Five” banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO) all offer dedicated newcomer programs with waived monthly fees for the first year and occasionally perks like welcome bonuses or tech gifts.
- ATM Fees: Always use your own bank’s ATMs to avoid extra transaction fees.
- Interac e-Transfers: This is the standard, lightning-fast way Canadians send money to friends, pay rent, or make peer-to-peer payments.
- Language Services: Major banks offer French-language options on ATMs and phone customer support upon request.
How to pick the best bank for your neighborhood, avoid transfer fees with Wise, secure your first credit card, and compare current promos: read my Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Bank in Canada!
Gearing Up for Your First Canadian Winter
A key part of moving to Toronto: your winter coat. Don’t think that just because you arrived in the summer, this purchase is a long way off, it’s actually often the best time to snap up great deals. Check out all my tips for finding the ideal coat for your winter in Canada, what technical features to look out for, and the best options for every budget.
Read the full guide: How to choose the right winter coat in Canada
Everyday life
- Here we use Canadian dollar, different from the US dollar (yes I was asked the question).
- The prices are always displayed without tax, think to add 13%.
- Here we leave tips when there is a service, do not leave tips is very frowned upon, the minimum is 10%.
- The tricolor lights are located opposite the road. Not on our side as in France, we must look in front.
- The pedestrian lights do not go green but the white. They announce the count before the light turns red, very convenient.
- Even if the fire is red the cars can turn right. Yes even if for you it is white, you are priority but be vigilant.
This is probably one of the longest posts I have written so far. I really hope this guide to newcomers in Toronto answers as many of your questions as possible. Feel free to add your comments or other questions in the comments!
And most of all welcome to Toronto !!
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