15

hi Travelinstyle 46

Thanks for the advice about the credit and debit cards to use in Canada and the World Nomads recommendation. The only disadvantage of using World Nomads is the price, its £977 for 18 months, as opposed to the £220 that I have seen (the difference being £750+, at that price I could afford to return to the UK, buy another travel insurance policy and fly out somewhere again for the same price). Can I really not buy a valid travel insurance policy for 18 mths if I don't intend to return to the UK after 18 mths? The one that I saw for £220 even covered me for working abroad.

The other things that I wanted to ask you about Canada are:

-mobile/cell phone plans, I have checked and it seems that mobilicity is the cheapest for $25 per month, but do you know if the coverage is any good for Toronto

-looking at banks, it appears that Scotia bank is the best as there are no charges for a year for new immigrants, I think that whv backpackers also count for this? Also, I have seen that Presidents bank offers the same deal, do you know if they both good banks, e.g. got good customer service and has several atms around the country?

-do you know whether its easy to get a job in Toronto for non-Canadians who do not have any skills which are in demand in Canada, i.e. I am not a doctor/nurse/engineer, however I am well educated, bi-lingual in Cantonese and English, know basic French, Mandarin and German, have a degree and 6 years of financial services experience and 1 year experience in the tourism industry. My ideal job would be to work in project management support or financial services, but would happily work in a travel agency or hotel.

thanks for your help in advance

16

You cannot just compare price. First is coverage, what is and is not covered by a policy. To compare that you actually have to READ their policies in their entirity. Does the one for 220 pounds allow you to renew while abroad? Not many will do so. So you are limited by that factor for starters.

Then look at how claims are handled. Will they pay the doctor/hospital directly or must you pay out of your own pocket up front and claim when you return home? Big problem for a long term traveller obviously. No problem for someone on a 2 week vacation.

It's really up to you to find out if others will give you what WN does. What I do know is that WN will meet your needs. Price is irrelevant if the competion can't do that.

How many phone calls do you think you will make while in Canada, you have no family or friends there that are going to be calling you all the time. You talk with them using Skype, not a cellphone. Otherwise you will spend a lot of money on calls. In Canada you are charged whether you make or receive a call. I would just go for a Virgin Mobile pay as you go and get the free basic phone. All will have adequate coverage in the city.

President's Choice uses the CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada) ATMs so they are everywhere as is Scotia Bank, Toronto Dominion, Bank of Montreal. I'd use President's Choice if they welcome new immigrants. Any would do for day to day banking but I just think customer service is likely to be a bit better with PC as they are a new kid on the block.

It's not easy to get a job but it's not impossible either. It just depends on what kind of job and your qualifications, just like anywhere else. With your background I would say you have a reasonable chance of finding something. Get your CV polished up, a reference or two from former employers if you can and then contact some Temp Employment agencies in Toronto when you arrive. http://toronto.about.com/od/learningemployment/a/tempagencies.htm

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I'd have a look at Worldwide Insure and True Traveler as well. Both allow extensions and claims from abroad, and are quite a but cheaper then Nomads.....

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thanks for your help guys