Your first week in Canada: the connected newcomer's checklist
Your first week sets the pace for your whole first year. With a working Canadian number in your pocket, here is the order that saves the most time.
Day 1–2: the essentials
- SIN (Social Insurance Number) — register online or at a Service Canada office. You'll need it before your first paycheque.
- Bank account — most banks verify you by texting a local number. Book the appointment before you land, walk in on day one.
Day 3–4: getting around
- Grab a transit card (Presto, Compass, Opus — depending on your city) and register it to your number so you can recover the balance if it's lost.
- Set up rideshare and food-delivery apps — both require an SMS code from a Canadian number.
Day 5–7: housing and work
- Landlords reply fastest to local numbers. Put yours on every viewing request.
- Update your resume and job profiles with your Canadian contact details.
Everything on this list assumes one thing: a phone that works the moment you land. Order your Get Canada Sim plan before you fly and start the checklist at the arrivals gate.