Posted on: 12-03-05 01:02:06
Landed at last in Pearson airport on 17th Feb.2005 at 18: 30 hrs with my wife, one year old son.
Landing experience: After 16 hours of flight with a break of 3 hours at Munich we were literally tired. At the passport control we took a little time as we didn't fill up the customs form in the flight. Lady in the counter took just 2 minutes and told us where to proceed next. In the landed immigration counter we took another 10 minutes, we believed that we were lucky enough as there were no such rush at any counters at that time. We were just checking out of the customs, the lady who gave us the copy of the landing papers came rushing in to meet us since my client ID in the paper was wrongly written by her and it was needed for applying SIN number. I really admired her sincerity, though she was apologetic for the mistake I was quite captivated by her conviction.
In customs they just asked me how much in cash and draft we were carrying, the custom officer didn't bother to see the documents even. She also asked for good to follow list and I answered her negative. Only thing bothered me when she asked about the valuation of ornaments we were carrying, when we told her the approximate value she asked whether we are carrying any photographs of those items. We told that we didn't have. She paused for a while and let us pass. I think it is better for newcomers to bring atleast the photographs of the jewellary.
While exiting we got a package of forms and leaflets, catalogues for OHIP, SIN, Child Tax benefit, etc. etc. All are quite helpful. Those with kid of less than 20 kg must ask for a taxi with child seat otherwise nobody will take you as there is a hefty fine of 500$. I was lucky that at the exit gate the guy who is calling taxi called for that otherwise we could have stranded for several minutes in that chilly cold of -25 deg.C.
Accomodation: Thank you guys, thru' this forum I came accross with a nice gentleman who already arranged everything we need to start our life in Toronto in his basement apartment. though it was basement, it was quite airy and 3/4th above ground with windows and having central a/c. To start a new life till we settle down in new place, it is quite good. The location was quite nice too in a good neighbour hood. We were invited in the night by the house owner got a very good and hot home made meal to feed our starving stomach. We needed to get back to our strength, we had so many things to do next day.
SIN Application: Next day was friday, though we were really tired still we decided to apply for SIN or otherwise we would loose 2 days for weekends. We call TTC info service 416-393-INFO and ask them how to get to the address, the lady explained in details and it was pretty easy to find the address (for new comers: if you dial the TTC numbers they have lots of menus, instead you can dial '0' to reach an operator ). In the HRDC centre they just checked our passport and landing papers and gave us SIN application receipts. It was smooth process.
Internet & Furnitures: I brought with me a laptop from Dubai and here without computer is quite difficult to go ahead with life, from job application to directions, map, buying stuff with free delivery facilities etc. My standard chartered credit card issued from Dubai was not accepted for online purchase from futureshop.ca, Ikea.ca as they need US/Canada billing address. So during weekends we went to futureshop to buy a router and got a good deal for a few required furnitures in nearby shop. Router configuration was quite easy and we were so happy to be online with easy access.
We ordered a TV through internet using house owner's credit card and very next day we get the delivery free of charge. thank God we got such a good people as a house owner.
Telephone: Without proper identification we were turned down to have mobile with monthly plan except one shop. We subscribed to Fido with $25 monthly plan which is practically $44 approx. after tax etc. etc. In canada what I feel hidden cost is a factor of caution, nobody displays value + taxes as in other countries. Moreover in Fido even to see the number for in bound calls I need to pay, which is quite strange, anyway, different scheme different pricing I guess.
We got a parallel land line to use temporarily from the land lord (we are so lucky!) We used this phone for long distance call and local calls. For long distance call I used 20/20 card as my wife's friends are using this card to call at their country and getting good minutes. I used this card to call India (it is a $5 card but discounted to $4.50) and gave me 65 minutes and good communication too.
Bank account: We opened a bank account in CIBC, since my house owner gave the reference it was easier but it seems CIBC don't offer credit card (secured) so you need to have a job first to have their credit card. Though the personal banking lady who dealt with us told to go to TD canada trust as they are offering credit card to new comers. We dropped the idea for the time being as credit rating can be started to build up few months later.
Driving license: We met few good friends with whom we were already befriendly through Canadian Desi. They gave me some papers which would help us for the knowledge test. In signal test it was 20/20, in rules test it was 15/20, i failed for one point. Some rules are changed and were not updated in those old papers. We bought a Ontario driving rule book from canadian tire ($14.00 approx) and I would definitely recommend to all in similar situation. MTO did not acknowledge our driving licenses (I have four driving licenses from 4 different countries), they told to authicate from respective embassies, if I need a credit (definitely I need a credit otherwise I would have to wait for 8 months to exit from G1 test). Since all the consulates were in Ottawa and I have to send by post to them + $25 fee, I decided to go to Indian consulate in Toronto only. They took $16 and 3 days to give me the authentication letter (if you don't take this letter in person, they will charge another $7 extra for postage or give them a self addressed stamped envelope otherwise).
After 3 days we reappeared in the test and passed and both of us got credit and can appear G2 or G test as we decide. we decided to go for the G test after taking 4-5 days road acclimatization through private instructor ( they charge around $25 / hour and for the drive test $60 - 100).
Jobs: This part is the most difficult one waht I feel. My wife got a few interview call but they asked to come with SIN no. which we don't have though 3 weeks past. Ironically we received our PR card within 3 weeks time. So I called HRDC and they told that still our numbers are not yet processed and expected to be dispatched within 5 days. So we wait...
OHIP: We did have 3 identification as required, Temporary G1 License, Passport and PR card. The gentleman behind the counter cautioned us not to lose the landing paper copy till we apply for CPP at the time of retirement as it is the only document which indicates our proof of landing and T no. as PR card will be expired after 5 years and Canadian passport after being citizen would not have that number and the date of landing in Canada, I don't know, may be a point to ponder!
So guys that's all for this time, I will go back to Dubai on 17th March'05 for 3-4 months and in this 3 weeks in Canada I experienced mixed feelings in canada (marijuana grow up, cops killings, child molestor, heavy snow falls and GoJet bankruptcy) but in a nutshell wherever I went, people are friendly and cooperative, overall accepting society and courteous. As I mentioned in my earlier post that my son had a existing medical problem and that is being well taken care of by a community centre clinic, all scanning and blood tests, referals are free of charge. I am quite amazed. Though I bought a temporary insurance for them, the community clinic even don't like to see it. This country is too cold, I guess global warming will help us in future 
Though community clinics are quite good and do attend free of charge still I recommend newcomers must have temporary med. insurance, I saw people are breaking hands and legs from black ice in one day 60 such cases are reported in a small community clinic 
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New Guy
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We can always do better!
Congratulations
Welcome
Quote:
Orginally posted by New Guy
So during weekends we went to futureshop to buy a router and got a good deal for a few required furnitures in nearby shop. Router configuration was quite easy and we were so happy to be online with easy access.
Did you not have to sign up with an ISP or the cable company? And aren't the routers supplied by the ISP itself(rent or buy)? Are there cheaper routers available without compatibility problems.
Quote:
Orginally posted by New Guy
In canada what I feel hidden cost is a factor of caution, nobody displays value + taxes as in other countries.
That is an understatement. Not cause of"caution", it is a cause of "worry".
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Diogenes
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The Cynic
DtC --
Quote:
Orginally posted by DiogenestheCynic
Did you not have to sign up with an ISP or the sable company? And aren't the routers supplied by the ISP itself(rent or buy)?
You shouldn't have to buy the router service through the ISP.
You *can* and they will be more than happy to provide you that "service" (sic!)
But it is unnecessary.
You can buy your own router at a fraction of the cost, and control your own Internet access.
Quote:Should be - most of the regular brands like Linksys, NetGear, DLink, etc, provide the same level of protection and are cheaper in the long run.
Are there cheaper routers available without compatibility problems.
A router that you buy today can serve your protection needs for many years to come - assuming you keep installing firmware updates as and when the company releases them.
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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."
-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"
I think you need to purchase the router only if you want to share the internet connection. If you want it just for one computer you can use the modem supplied by the ISP.
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Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.
pratickm
Quote:
Orginally posted by pratickm
You shouldn't have to buy the router service through the ISP.
Sorry, but I thought router as only a piece of hardware. The "service" is provided by the ISP, either your cable company or one of the many telecom companies. Isn't that correct? The router can be purchased/rented by the customer from the ISP. ALternatively, it can also be purchased elsewhere, but I have heard that the ones bought elsewhere have sometimes caused issues.
Quote:
Orginally posted by pratickm
You *can* and they will be more than happy to provide you that "service" (sic!)
Who is "they"?
Quote:
Orginally posted by pratickm
You can buy your own router at a fraction of the cost, and control your own Internet access.
Not clear again. How can I "control" my internet access any different because of where I buy my router?
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Diogenes
====================
The Cynic
Quote:
Orginally posted by dfwrp
I think you need to purchase the router only if you want to share the internet connection. If you want it just for one computer you can use the modem supplied by the ISP.
That's right. Or when you need to have voIP and internet access on the same line.
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Diogenes
====================
The Cynic
