APARTMENTS

The cost of housing in Canada varies in each city and region. Rents and home prices are generally higher in Vancouver and Toronto than in other cities. Housing costs also depend on your location within the city.

Apartment postings can be found in a number of places, especially if you are wanting to share an apartment. A good place to search for apartments is the local newspaper. Other places to look is Universities, Libraries, and SWAP office. In some cities such as Toronto, there are special apartment magazines than solely rent apartments, houses, and condos. Also ask friends or colleagues who might be able to help you.

The internet can be a great help when looking for an apartment. You can find a few sites like RentNet, that have online renting, or online searches, to find an apartment closest to you. You can also use the internet to check up on your rights as a tenant, and thus be prepared for any hidden print.

One of the simplest ways to find an apartment, is simply go on a walk. Choose an area you'd like to live in. Most houses and apartment buildings have signs out side saying 'for rent', or similar. If you like the place knock on the door and ask if you can view the apartment. Have a list of questions, you'd like to ask the land lord, don't miss anything out.

CHOOSING AN APARTMENT

There are some things that you need to keep in mind while choosing an apartment:

• Decide how much you can pay, how many rooms you need and where you want to live.
• Landlord and tenant laws vary from province to province, so always check up, and know your rights before you sign anything.
• Most apartments are leased by the year, although some are rented monthly. If you are only going to be in the country for a short period, or intend on moving on, then it may be worth while getting a shared apartment.
• You may have to pay the first and last month's rent in advance. Rents are normally paid by check on the first of each month.
• You may also be asked for a damage deposit. This will normally be returned to you when you move out. It is a form of insurance for landlords in case a tenant causes unreasonable damage.
• A bachelor apartment is a small apartment designed for one person (two at the most).
• Some apartments are larger than others. Ask the person you are renting from how many people can live in it.
• A furnished apartment should contain at least bed(s), table(s), chairs, lamps, curtains and basic kitchen equipment.
• Furnished apartments cost more than unfurnished ones.
• You can buy a telephone or rent one from the telephone company. You may have to pay a deposit on your rented telephone. However your phone will not work until you are connected by the telephone company.

Your apartment will be equipped with basic utilities and features, including:

• water from taps that is safe to drink.
• sewage disposal that pipes waste from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
• electricity.
• a heating system powered by natural gas, oil or electricity.
• a lockable front door opening to the street or a common hallway.
• a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower or bath.
• closets for storing clothes.
• a kitchen or kitchen area with a sink, counter, shelves or cupboards, and appliances such as a refrigerator and a stove with oven.

FOOD

Food and cooking in Canada may be different from what you were used to in your native country. Like everyone who moves to a new country, you will probably have to make changes in some of the ways you buy, store and cook food.

Most Canadians shop for food at large stores called supermarkets. You can also purchase food at smaller grocery stores and specialty shops. In larger cities with well-established immigrant communities, you may find specialty food stores that sell food from your home country. However, some of your traditional foods may not be available in Canada or may be very expensive.

Other neighborhood stores, known as convenience stores, sell basic items like milk and bread. Convenience stores usually stay open longer than supermarkets and specialty stores but they can be more expensive.

Many Canadian cities have open-air markets. These are much like markets in other countries. They usually sell fresh fruits, vegetables and other produce that is grown nearby.

You will find listing for restaurants and take-out joints in your local Yellow Pages.

Canada also has the famous food outlets:

• McDonald's
• Burger King
• Wendy's
• Pizza Hut
• Dominos
• Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Taco Bell
• Subway

For a comprehensive list and guide to restaurants in Canada, click here.

FOR VEGETARIANS

Being vegetarian in Canada is not easy. To make it a little easier, keep these things in mind:

• Remember that meat is eaten more often, and vegetarian food is not that common.
• Ask the people at the restaurant for vegetarian dishes. If they don't have any, order something and tell them you want it without meat, and without eggs if you don't eat eggs.
• Be careful with the salads because all salads are not vegetarian.
• If you have a doubt About Canada something, don't hesitate to ask.

PHONE CALLS

Public telephones, commonly called pay phones, are easy to use with fairly clear instructions printed on them and can be used make local, long-distance (trunk) and sometimes even international calls directly. You can find them all over the cities, airports, shopping areas and gas stations (petrol pumps). Note the following:

• When making a local call, don't dial the area code; just dial the last seven digits.
• To make a direct international call, dial the international access code (011), followed by the country code, the city code and the number. If you need assistance in finding out the correct codes and/or making the call, call the operator (dial 0).
• If you want someone to return your call at a pay phone, note the number printed on the phone, but make sure that the pay phone can receive calls, because some can't.
• To find the phone number of a person all you need to know are the person's last name and the city where he or she lives, and its area code and you have to tell the directory information service these particulars.

You can make calls in two ways: you can either pay for them yourself, or you can make a 'collect call', which means that the person who you are calling up has to pay for the call.

COLLECT CALLS

• Pick up the phone and press '0' to call the operator.
• Tell the operator that you want to make a collect call, and give her the phone number you want to call. Leave the rest to her.
• The operator will ask the person at the other end whether he/she would like to receive a collect call from you. If that person agrees, you are through.

COIN CALLS

• Local calls (within the area code) usually cost a quarter (25 cents) but remember that they don't accept pennies, and change is not returned.
• Always listen for the dial tone and insert the coin(s) before dialing a number. You will hear the sound of the call going through and then the ring at the other end. If the line is busy (engaged) or no one answers the call, just put the receiver back on the hook and you'll get your money back.
• Long distance calls (equivalent to India's STD service) cost more. To make a long distance call, dial 1 + area code + the phone number.

PHONE CARDS

Pre-paid phone cards are available for long-distance and international calls. You can get them at stores, though you have to be careful as they can cheat you. Phone cards are usually cheaper than regular phone calls you might make. They have a fixed time limit, and a rate. They come for different times and rates, at different stores or companies. Usually, the little convenience stores have them, and you can get special phone cards for calling India from your closest Indian store.

You may also find the following sites to be useful:

• http://www.whitepages.com
• http://www.411.com
• http://people.yahoo.com/
• http://www.1800ussearch.com/

TRAVELING

Most cities have excellent public transportation systems. Large cities such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver have several different systems, such as buses, streetcars, subways and trains. In smaller communities, buses and taxis are more common.

TRAINS

Subways (underground trains) and other forms of rapid transit are usually designed to take people to and from the city center. They travel along central routes to serve large areas of the city. Subways usually stop at all stations. Passengers buy tokens or tickets in the subway station.

Monthly passes for both buses and subways may be bought at convenience stores, bus stations and other locations. Special rates may be available to students and seniors

For long distance, traveling by train can be very cost efficient, and you get to see the country at your leisure. Most passenger trains across the country are operated by VIA Rail.

VIA CanRail passes are the best option, when traveling through Canada.

BUSES

Buses and streetcars travel throughout larger cities on regular routes. Stops are located every few blocks along these routes. They are usually located near street corners, and are marked by signposts that show the numbers of the buses that stop there. Drivers will stop there when they see someone waiting. You pay the driver when you get on the bus. If you pay with money you need the right amount (the driver cannot give change). You can also pay with tickets or a pass you buy in advance.

For long distance travel, Greyhound operates from Ottawa, Ontario westwards across the country. Greyhound's Canada Travel Passes allow for unlimited travel. For other companies, look in your Yellow Pages.

TAXIS

Most towns and cities also have taxis (private cars for hire). You can call for a taxi by telephone or approach one directly at a taxi stand. Taxi stands are often located outside shopping malls, large office buildings, hotels, airports, train stations and bus stations. In some cities you may also get a taxi on the street by raising your hand to show the driver you need a ride. Taxis charge for time and distance traveled and can be quite expensive.

DRIVING

Driving in Canada is very different from driving in India. Firstly, they drive on the right side of the road, and also the regulations are something that you should follow very strictly.

When you apply for a license, you have to do a written test and then a driving test. If you don't understand any of the instructions or questions in the tests, don't hesitate to ask. You may not be familiar with some terms used in the tests such as jay-walking and sidewalk.

For information on drivers' licenses and regulations, call your provincial ministry of transportation. The number will be listed under Provincial Governments in your telephone book.

Renting a Car

Hiring a car is very easy to do in Canada, however there are certain restrictions that do apply, such as you age, and driving license. Most companies require a minimum of 21 years old, and some 25.

Most of the international cars companies are well represented such as Hertz, Avis, and many others. A cheap hire company that can be found is Rent-a-reck These can be found in the local Yellow Pages.

AIR TRAVEL

Flying can sometimes be the cheapest and more convenient option, when traveling around Canada. The two main airlines are Air Canada offers a variety of price ranges depending on advance bookings and season. Other airlines are Delta Airlines. For smaller distance, a number of smaller carriers offer great prices. For numbers and other airlines look up the Yellow Pages.

SHIPS AND FERRIES

Surprisingly ferries and ships in Canada are widely used. Then again if you think About Canada it, the country is covered with lakes, channels and Bays; and surrounded by Oceans, you'll see for yourself especially on the West and East coast. The ferries are very well priced and the journeys are impressive. If you have the choice and the time to take a ferry, then do it, don't wait, you will love it.

You can find listings in your Yellow Pages, and here are a few companies:

• Bay Ferries
• BC Ferries
• Victoria Harbour Ferry Co. Ltd

MONEY MATTERS

The Canadian dollar is divided into 100 cents. The coins available are the penny (1 cent), Nickel (5 cents), Dime (10 cents), Quarter (25 cents), Loony (1 dollar), and Twoony (2 dollars). The bills or notes come in dominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $1000.

Exchange Rates

• You won't be able to change your rupees in Canada. Even if you do find a place that will change your rupees, you probably won't get a good rate.
• Foreign currencies except dollar, deutsch mark, pound sterling, yen etc., are hard to change.
• If you are carrying large dollar amounts, it would be best if you carry them in the form of Traveller's Checks which are accepted in most places.

The conversions given below are subject to change. For latest rates click here.

1 C$ = 30.6591 Rs

BANKS

When you open your bank account, you will be asked for personal information. This is true no matter which bank you use or which account you choose. Being unemployed does not prevent you from getting an account. A minimum deposit is not required to open an account.

Identification is needed to meet federal regulations and it helps protect you and your bank from possible losses due to fraud. You need at least two current pieces of identification which have your signature on them. You will also be asked for your Social Insurance Number. If you are working, you will have to provide the name, address and telephone number of your employer.

Banks offer three basic types of accounts:

• savings account
• checking account
• combination account

Each bank has different names for these accounts. But whatever name is used, each type of account will have most of the same features. Look at these features and your personal needs to decide which suits you best. Then, look at the service charges.

Savings Account

If you want to save some money for your short term needs, think About Canada opening a savings account. This type of account is a good choice if you don't need to use your money right away or you don't intend on having much account activity in a month. The bank will pay you interest. The amount of interest will vary, depending on the type of account you choose and interest rates in general. You may take your money out any time.

Checking Account

If you want to keep some money handy for paying bills or personal expenses, you should think About Canada opening a checking account. This type of account is good for money you expect to need from day to day. You may take your money out at any time in person, at a bank machine, by writing a check or by direct payment. Checking accounts usually have lower service fees than savings accounts. Some checking accounts do not pay interest and some do (a checking account usually pays a lower rate of interest than a savings account). Ask your bank for more information.

Combination Account

If you want to save some money but you also want to keep some handy to cover expenses and manage your day-to-day finances, you should consider opening a combination account. This type of account is part savings and part checking. You may take your money out any time in person, at a bank machine, by writing a check or by direct payment. Interest is usually paid on these accounts on amounts above a set level.

Credit Cards
It's hard to live without a Credit Card in Canada. There are even some places that don't accept cash, and it is a convenient method of payment. So, it would be a good idea to apply for a credit card the moment you get to the US. For information on major credit cards:

• Visa
• Master Card
• American Express

If you are in touch with your Canadian employer, ask them whether they will help you acquiring your first credit card.

• Your company can provide you with an introduction to a bank, which will help you get your first credit card without many problems.
• Your company can even guarantee your debts for some time.
• If your company is small and unable to help you, make sure that you apply carefully.
• If you are rejected for a credit card, it could spoil your chances when you apply again, even if it is at some other bank.
• Do not apply again and again if you have been rejected once.

Automated Banking Machines

Most banks today offer self-service banking through ABMs. You can find ABMs in banks, shopping malls, gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, airports, train stations, etc. In most cases, ABMs can be used 24- hours a day, seven days a week.

Full service ABMs can be used to:

• withdraw cash
• deposit cash or checks
• pay bills
• transfer money from one account to another
• get your account balance
• some allow you to update your passbook or obtain an account statement
• machines with an Interac logo allow you to access your account from another financial institution's ABM

The cost of using an ABM depends on your bank. Most banks charge a transaction fee which is deducted from the account. To save on these service charges, you can sign up for a monthly service plan which allows you to conduct a certain number of transactions for a set fee. Plans vary according to your financial institution.

Interac®Direct Payment

When you have a banking card, you can also use it to pay for purchases in a store. This is called Interac Direct Payment (IDP). This way of paying for things has become very popular over the past few years. Many stores, gas stations, supermarkets and movie theaters have a small machine called a point-of-sale terminal. When you swipe your card through this machine and key in your PIN, money is automatically transferred from your account to the store's account. You have now paid. This is a safe and convenient way of shopping because no longer do you need to carry large amounts of cash or a check book.

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER

Before working in Canada, you should have to obtain SIN (Social Insurance Number). SIN means you can work in Canada legally. It takes About Canada 1 month until you get the SIN. You can apply for it at the Canada Employment Center where you live.

TAXES

There will be certain taxes that will be imposed on you in Canada. This will either be deducted at source, or you will have to pay it. You should ask your company About Canada the taxation policies and also About Canada all the other commodities that may be taxed. For more information on Sales and Local Taxes, click here.

INSURANCE

It would be wise of you take out insurance from home. That way, you will be covered for some time, before you can inquire with your company About Canada their insurance policies for employees. Otherwise, if you want to take out insurance in Canada, it would be best to ask your company for advice and help.

BUSINESS HOURS

Most stores are open from 9:30 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, and noon to 5 pm Sunday. Some may be closed on Sunday or after 6 pm Monday to Wednesday.

Banks are generally open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

HOLIDAYS

January 1 - New Year's Day
February 2 - Groundhog Day
February 15 - Flag Day
March - Second Monday - Commonwealth Day
April - Good Friday
May 24 - Victoria Day
July 1 - Canada Day
September - First Monday - Labour Day
October - Second Monday - Thanksgiving
October 31 - Halloween
November 1 All Saints' Day
November 11 - Remembrance Day
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day
December 31 - New Year's Eve