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Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 - Travel (103) - Nairaland

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by cychristaa: 2:58pm On Apr 03, 2019
Hi guys, I opened a newcomers account with nbc from Nigeria. I have been given my account details and everything, though I still have to go to the bank personally when I arrive. I'm planning on doing a wire transfer from my nigerian account soon. I just want to know if anyone has done such. If so, are there any drawbacks?

Also, I should be able to do a wire transfer from my (naira) Nigerian bank to my Canadian bank (CAD) right?

Will really appreciate it if someone with such experience could help me out. If there are also better suggestions on how I can send/carry the money, please let me know. Thanks!

2 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by WoodcrestMayor(m): 3:32pm On Apr 03, 2019
Naija banks regard any currency other than GBP, uSD and Euro as 3rd currencies and usually don't do movements in those currencies. I'll suggest you ask you bank if they can move CAad without converting to UsD. If they cant, get back to Rbc and ask them to open you a high interest E-savings USD account.
cychristaa:
Hi guys, I opened a newcomers account with nbc from Nigeria. I have been given my account details and everything, though I still have to go to the bank personally when I arrive. I'm planning on doing a wire transfer from my nigerian account soon. I just want to know if anyone has done such. If so, are there any drawbacks?

Also, I should be able to do a wire transfer from my (naira) Nigerian bank to my Canadian bank (CAD) right?

Will really appreciate it if someone with such experience could help me out. If there are also better suggestions on how I can send/carry the money, please let me know. Thanks!

18 Likes 16 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Iyamefa: 3:54pm On Apr 03, 2019
WoodcrestMayor:
Naija banks regard any currency other than GBP, uSD and Euro as 3rd currencies and usually don't do movements in those currencies. I'll suggest you ask you bank if they can move CAad without converting to UsD. If they cant, get back to Rbc and ask them to open you a high interest E-savings USD account.

He/she is referring to nbc though which is National bank of Canada. @cychristaa as @woodcrestmayor said, Nigerian banks can do a wire transfer for you in USD so you would have to open a USD account with your Canadian bank so you can convert to CAD when you land (with same bank if you want). Drawbacks? Bank fees (from Nigeria)

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Iyamefa: 4:05pm On Apr 03, 2019
bLacKGoLd3:


Lol...valid one.

These sort of cards are meant for frequent travelers (in naija parlance, people wey sabi chop life grin).
From what I know about these sort of cards, the benefits far outweigh the annual fee. However, I doubt a $120 card will qualify as a premium card, perhaps in Canada...Lol. The ones I know, mostly from the US, cost $500 yearly, on the average.

Lol yeah in Canada, the $120 elite cards are premium cards with travel insurance benefits and some even come with complementary lounge key/priority passes to access vip lounges at the airport while traveling anywhere in the world.

It’s also important to know that even most basic no fee credit cards come with purchase protection and/or extended warranty. A lot of people don’t use services they have simply because they don’t know or care to read about them. For people who don’t like reading (please change your minds and learn to read), you can call up your bank or the insurance company they partner with to give you a detailed breakdown of any coverage your card has.

4 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Iyamefa: 4:10pm On Apr 03, 2019
purplerain:
Hello.

I want to invite my mum, and i would please like to know if i must notorize the letter of invitation.
Would appreciate your response



Are you already in Canada and settled? If yes,it’s not compulsory to notarize the letter of invitation. It’s not stated anywhere on the application that this letter should be notarized. I applied for my parents including this letter which I simply typed and attached and their applications have since been approved.

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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by 4Barr: 4:16pm On Apr 03, 2019
purplerain:
Hello.

I want to invite my mum, and i would please like to know if i must notorize the letter of invitation.
Would appreciate your response



Nope, you dont need to, just make sure that you attach your PR card (front & back) and in the letter's content you include the following;
- Your full name
- Your residential address (and include a copy of your lease agreement showing your name as tenant and also that your mum will be staying there with you with no recourse to public funds)
-Your employment details (where you work, if its full time state it also, if not you can be silent on that)
- Quote your mum's travel document number and the duration of her visit (ideally state that its for a month or two)
- Refer to the purpose of the trip and get your mum to also write a separate letter stating her purpose of visit too and make sure the travel dates matches on both letters
- State unequivocally that you'll be responsible for her expenses even if she's submitting her bank statements ( you can avoid this if you dont have a full-time job yet)
- State her DOB on the letter and her contact information
- Attach your employment documents, paystubs and bank statements (depending on your financial status)
- Also attach your mum's bank statements (depending on her financial status too)
- Finally include your detailed contact address, phone number and email address too.

62 Likes 79 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by cychristaa: 4:32pm On Apr 03, 2019
Thanks alot for your replies. From the information I was given about the account, I don't think it's a specific type of account yet (please see attached pic). So can I just send the money now and deal with the rest when I get there ?
Also, due to bank costs and the fact that I'm not sure if bank can transfer directly to CAD, I was thinking of using rave by flutterwave to transfer instead but I'm a little scared. I've used them for some small transactions but I've also seen some bad reviews about them. What are your thoughts please?


WoodcrestMayor:
Naija banks regard any currency other than GBP, uSD and Euro as 3rd currencies and usually don't do movements in those currencies. I'll suggest you ask you bank if they can move CAad without converting to UsD. If they cant, get back to Rbc and ask them to open you a high interest E-savings USD account.

Iyamefa:


He/she is referring to nbc though which is National bank of Canada. @cychristaa as @woodcrestmayor said, Nigerian banks can do a wire transfer for you in USD so you would have to open a USD account with your Canadian bank so you can convert to CAD when you land (with same bank if you want). Drawbacks? Bank fees (from Nigeria)

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Iyamefa: 5:06pm On Apr 03, 2019
cychristaa:
Thanks alot for your replies. From the information I was given about the account, I don't think it's a specific type of account yet (please see attached pic). So can I just send the money now and deal with the rest when I get there ?
Also, due to bank costs and the fact that I'm not sure if bank can transfer directly to CAD, I was thinking of using rave by flutterwave to transfer instead but I'm a little scared. I've used them for some small transactions but I've also seen some bad reviews about them. What are your thoughts please?

My guess is they opened a basic CAD chequing account for you but I would advise to contact your bank to confirm. In order to complete a wire transfer from Nigeria, it has to be sent to a USD account which you can also request for from NBC. Sorry, I have no direct experience with rave by flutterwave so can’t advice. All I know is that Wakanow seems to use them for payments in other currencies. I recently paid for a flight with my CAD card on Wakanow and rave by flutterwave was what showed up on my account, not wakanow. Don’t know if that helps but that’s all I know about them.

2 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by edababa007(m): 5:14pm On Apr 03, 2019
Condos for rent. Skyview, NE Calgary

28 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by joo2018: 5:16pm On Apr 03, 2019
Hi.

I think the bank should also provide instructions on how to wire funds.

cychristaa:
Thanks alot for your replies. From the information I was given about the account, I don't think it's a specific type of account yet (please see attached pic). So can I just send the money now and deal with the rest when I get there ?
Also, due to bank costs and the fact that I'm not sure if bank can transfer directly to CAD, I was thinking of using rave by flutterwave to transfer instead but I'm a little scared. I've used them for some small transactions but I've also seen some bad reviews about them. What are your thoughts please?





Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by salford: 5:16pm On Apr 03, 2019
Orange1234:

I would like to be certified as a Business Analyst and pursue a career there so I would like to ask if i should do the beginners ECAB certification OR wait for 5 years while working as a BA and then do the CBAP certification. I intend to do either of both and not the two so the question is crucial to me.

"I ask because i noticed that the job roles I have seen for BAs in Canada does not require certification so i'm leaning towards CBAP in the next 5 years but i require guidance from professionals."

Pls my humble self would accept any advice or additional advice you can give. Thanks.
I am not a BA, but in many industries in Canada, experience beats certifications. e.g I have seen so many job seekers with PMP, but with very little or few (less than 5 years) experience in project management. This leaves me wondering how they were able to get certification. My employer won't even look at certifications in BA, PM or IT if you do not have at least 5 to 7 years experience to back it up.

As long as regulations allows an employer to avoid certifications/paper qualifications, then they would go for the person with the most experience.

The reason your friends were advising you to go for a program that has an internship option is because some employers would retain after the training. Getting a foot in the door is very important here. It's the only breakthrough alot of people need to kickstart their career.

8 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Nobody: 5:22pm On Apr 03, 2019
Good day Canny family. Pls I need some advice and clarification here and your kind and candid advice will be highly appreciated.

With the look of things so far am planning on landing by August/sept. I have been thinking on so many things part of which are accommodation. My province is Saskatchewan and I will like to know average rent rate for a family of 3. All I saw on kijiji was value at USD and I don't even know how to begin my search. I will appreciate if we have Nairalanders who is in that province to help me out just to know how much I shud budget for.

Secondly am trying to fare for a ticket and the prices I saw was way to high especially Ethiopian airlines which I consider to be a bit cheap. Help me on which way to go abeg.

Thirdly I have a little girl of 3yrs old and been thinking of wears and shoes to buy for her considering the weather. Pls kindly assist in making a proper plan towards this journey. Thanks

1 Like

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by captainhoo: 6:00pm On Apr 03, 2019
Folafikemi:
Good day Canny family. Pls I need some advice and clarification here and your kind and candid advice will be highly appreciated.

With the look of things so far am planning on landing by August/sept. I have been thinking on so many things part of which are accommodation. My province is Saskatchewan and I will like to know average rent rate for a family of 3. All I saw on kijiji was value at USD and I don't even know how to begin my search. I will appreciate if we have Nairalanders who is in that province to help me out just to know how much I shud budget for.

Secondly am trying to fare for a ticket and the prices I saw was way to high especially Ethiopian airlines which I consider to be a bit cheap. Help me on which way to go abeg.

Thirdly I have a little girl of 3yrs old and been thinking of wears and shoes to buy for her considering the weather. Pls kindly assist in making a proper plan towards this journey. Thanks

I am still in naija but from my research:
go to rent faster.ca, search the city you want to reside and you will see the prices for different houses. factors that can affect price will include whether the bills are included in the rent, the area where the house is located among others. downtown houses may be cheap but they say downtown is not safe. so before you pick a cheap rent, read reviews about the area(try livingincanada.ca). use numbeo.com to review cost of living in the city.

skyscanner is a better site for flight prices, booking from the airline site directly was a bit cheaper ( i compared with jumia, travel start,expedia and wakanow using same date and time to compare prices. skyscanner was the best, other site inflated their prices).

go to youtube and search for winter wears et al. you will get a good knowledge of what to buy and how to dress your kid.

31 Likes 41 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by cychristaa: 6:04pm On Apr 03, 2019
I guess I'll first confirm from my bank first if they can send CAD directly. Otherwise I'll send an email to nbc or use rave. Thank you so much! You were very helpful

Iyamefa:


My guess is they opened a basic CAD chequing account for you but I would advise to contact your bank to confirm. In order to complete a wire transfer from Nigeria, it has to be sent to a USD account which you can also request for from NBC. Sorry, I have no direct experience with rave by flutterwave so can’t advice. All I know is that Wakanow seems to use them for payments in other currencies. I recently paid for a flight with my CAD card on Wakanow and rave by flutterwave was what showed up on my account, not wakanow. Don’t know if that helps but that’s all I know about them.






Thanks! I'll do just that.

joo2018:
Hi.

I think the bank should also provide instructions on how to wire funds.

2 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Nobody: 6:06pm On Apr 03, 2019
captainhoo:


I am still in naija but from my research:
go to rent faster.ca, search the city you want to reside and you will see the prices for different houses. factors that can affect price will include whether the bills are included in the rent, the area where the house is located among others. downtown houses may be cheap but they say downtown is not safe. so before you pick a cheap rent, read reviews about the area(try livingincanada.ca). use numbeo.com to review cost of living in the city.

skyscanner is a better site for flight prices, booking from the airline site directly was a bit cheaper ( i compared with jumia, travel start,expedia and wakanow using same date and time to compare prices. skyscanner was the best, other site inflated their prices).

go to youtube and search for winter wears et al. you will get a good knowledge of what to buy and how to dress your kid.



Thanks a lot brother for your prompt response. I really appreciate.

1 Like

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by AZeD1(m): 6:13pm On Apr 03, 2019
Folafikemi:

Secondly am trying to fare for a ticket and the prices I saw was way to high especially Ethiopian airlines which I consider to be a bit cheap. Help me on which way to go abeg.

Summer months are usually expensive flight wise.

4 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Orange1234: 6:16pm On Apr 03, 2019
Thank you for this much needed input.


salford:

I am not a BA, but in many industries in Canada, experience beats certifications. e.g I have seen so many job seekers with PMP, but with very little or few (less than 5 years) experience in project management. This leaves me wondering how they were able to get certification. My employer won't even look at certifications in BA, PM or IT if you do not have at least 5 to 7 years experience to back it up.

As long as regulations allows an employer to avoid certifications/paper qualifications, then they would go for the person with the most experience.

The reason your friends were advising you to go for a program that has an internship option is because some employers would retain after the training. Getting a foot in the door is very important here. It's the only breakthrough alot of people need to kickstart their career.
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by salford: 6:18pm On Apr 03, 2019
Folafikemi:
Good day Canny family. Pls I need some advice and clarification here and your kind and candid advice will be highly appreciated.

With the look of things so far am planning on landing by August/sept. I have been thinking on so many things part of which are accommodation. My province is Saskatchewan and I will like to know average rent rate for a family of 3. All I saw on kijiji was value at USD and I don't even know how to begin my search. I will appreciate if we have Nairalanders who is in that province to help me out just to know how much I shud budget for.

Secondly am trying to fare for a ticket and the prices I saw was way to high especially Ethiopian airlines which I consider to be a bit cheap. Help me on which way to go abeg.

Thirdly I have a little girl of 3yrs old and been thinking of wears and shoes to buy for her considering the weather. Pls kindly assist in making a proper plan towards this journey. Thanks
The values on Kijiji are CAD and not USD.
In sask, average rent for a family of three could be anything between $650 to $2000.
Much depends on the type of rental apartment you are searching for e.g newer or older building, condo, townhomes, duplexes, attached or detached garage homes with yards, plus utilities or not etc. Much depends on your affordability.

To search, select a city and enter the kind of house you are searching for or the number of rooms you desire. It will give you results and contact details of landlords will be dsiplayed. The weather would still be fair in Aug/sep. You will find all sorts and types of footwear for your daughter at malls or stores.

7 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by AdetonaDami(m): 7:09pm On Apr 03, 2019
edababa007:
Condos for rent. Skyview, NE Calgary

How much and how many rooms tho ?
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Nobody: 7:43pm On Apr 03, 2019
AZeD1:


Summer months are usually expensive flight wise.


Oh I see, no wonder. I guess I will chill den

Thanks brother
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by Nobody: 7:46pm On Apr 03, 2019
salford:

The values on Kijiji are CAD and not USD.
In sask, average rent for a family of three could be anything between $650 to $2000.
Much depends on the type of rental apartment you are searching for e.g newer or older building, condo, townhomes, duplexes, attached or detached garage homes with yards, plus utilities or not etc. Much depends on your affordability.

To search, select a city and enter the kind of house you are searching for or the number of rooms you desire. It will give you results and contact details of landlords will be dsiplayed. The weather would still be fair in Aug/sep. You will find all sorts and types of footwear for your daughter at malls or stores.



Salford Baba much respect bro. I will follow suit on ur advice bro thanks a lot. Am getting more clarity now. Thanks again

2 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by 7stargeneralady: 8:43pm On Apr 03, 2019
Good evening, please I don't really understand how to dm you. Please can I have your email. I need to ask you something about my EE application. Thank you in advance quote author=Barryston post=75939213]DM me then[/quote]
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by WoodcrestMayor(m): 12:59am On Apr 04, 2019
Flutterwave is reputable but i suggest you do a rate comparison. CAD has been over recent months down against the dollar so you just might be better off sending in USD then convert cos USD>CAD. If you decide to go with wiring USD, get them to open you a basic USD account.
cychristaa:
Thanks alot for your replies. From the information I was given about the account, I don't think it's a specific type of account yet (please see attached pic). So can I just send the money now and deal with the rest when I get there ?
Also, due to bank costs and the fact that I'm not sure if bank can transfer directly to CAD, I was thinking of using rave by flutterwave to transfer instead but I'm a little scared. I've used them for some small transactions but I've also seen some bad reviews about them. What are your thoughts please?





Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by bigfido: 1:19am On Apr 04, 2019
Do you know how big NW is with this generalization you have just made? LOL. Do you even know how big the other quadrants are? SE, SW and NE? it all depends on where you are going. NW is a pretty decent place and it is closer to a lot of places than you think. If you are in doubt, try NE and SE. Try Sids barber shop. Ask for Jabari. he is Ethiopian. they will take care of you. Also, most barbershop here don't take card payment. so go with cash. it is $20 and it is not unusual for you tip. In fact, try to add a tip to it. As per the Calgary transit app, I think it is not as good as google maps because, with google maps, you can see where the bus or train you are waiting for is. As for uber. hmmm.. don't just hop on it as the city is big and price can climb pretty fast. Honest suggestion, Leave home 1 hr before your appointment time.

Welcome home

hayor2014:
People coming to Calgary.....

1) DO NOT book an AIRBNB in the NW ....it's the end of the world... In my opinion

2) Ensure to write your address in your pocket, should your phone die, that paper can save your life, especially during winter/cold.

3) Before leaving home during winter, charge your phone properly, the cold drains battery.

3) Uber fees are crazy here, please learn and perfect the use of Google map from Naija.... You will need the CALGARY TRANSIT APP.....

4) DON use the Calgary Transit app with small kids when you never Sabi use am oooo, if you lost, do it on your own, don't torture the little kids..nah you come Sabi

5) A Nigerian needs to come open a barbershop in this Calgary... Around downtown oooo.... Don't carry us to the bush....

7 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by amdman: 1:22am On Apr 04, 2019
ceemac:


My people, while you go through the system, allow the system go through you also. Take out time, go to safe places even when it is for no reason. Try some restaurants and fast foods here and there and visit some places to immerse yourself in the culture out here. Attend festivals, most importantly as summer is fast approaching, explore the beaches relax and do you as much as possible. Let life and activities give you the needed experience you should have. You sure cannot do all the shifts and overtime, ara ni o ma fabo si..

The good thing is that Canada is a melting pot for different races and nationalities, you don't necessarily have to travel to India to learn more about them in Canada and that also holds for some other nationalities.

Travelling they say is part of Education, relocation in itself is Naturalization.

#TuesdayThoughts

True words... LOL at bolded.

Here are pics from my group's 20km hike last week. Looking forward to this weekend's hike.

28 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by amdman: 1:23am On Apr 04, 2019
Ontario... yours to discover

22 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by amdman: 1:25am On Apr 04, 2019
Na so Mungo Park explore sotay dem say e discover River Niger... wetin we dey find for bush? tongue

18 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by dfanz: 1:54am On Apr 04, 2019
You will want to get your account details for an incoming wire from NBC. Wires can indeed be applied to your account in CAD even if sent as USD but at prevailing rate for the day, cad has not been doing great against usd for some time now. Also know that most banks have charges applied to incoming wires.

You will want to this this into consideration before making a decision. Every penny of the POF matters.

cychristaa:
I guess I'll first confirm from my bank first if they can send CAD directly. Otherwise I'll send an email to nbc or use rave. Thank you so much! You were very helpful




Thanks! I'll do just that.

2 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by purplerain(f): 2:16am On Apr 04, 2019
Thank you so much for this!!!!

Cheers


4Barr:


Nope, you dont need to, just make sure that you attach your PR card (front & back) and in the letter's content you include the following;
- Your full name
- Your residential address (and include a copy of your lease agreement showing your name as tenant and also that your mum will be staying there with you with no recourse to public funds)
-Your employment details (where you work, if its full time state it also, if not you can be silent on that)
- Quote your mum's travel document number and the duration of her visit (ideally state that its for a month or two)
- Refer to the purpose of the trip and get your mum to also write a separate letter stating her purpose of visit too and make sure the travel dates matches on both letters
- State unequivocally that you'll be responsible for her expenses even if she's submitting her bank statements ( you can avoid this if you dont have a full-time job yet)
- State her DOB on the letter and her contact information
- Attach your employment documents, paystubs and bank statements (depending on your financial status)
- Also attach your mum's bank statements (depending on her financial status too)
- Finally include your detailed contact address, phone number and email address too.
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by purplerain(f): 2:19am On Apr 04, 2019
Yup, living and settled in Canada. Thanks for the response!


Iyamefa:


Are you already in Canada and settled? If yes,it’s not compulsory to notarize the letter of invitation. It’s not stated anywhere on the application that this letter should be notarized. I applied for my parents including this letter which I simply typed and attached and their applications have since been approved.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by olajide21: 3:28am On Apr 04, 2019
Bush meat wey get right under the law.

26 Likes

Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by olajide21: 3:29am On Apr 04, 2019
You can use one of these to move around when in Downtown Calgary. Starting from just 1$

14 Likes

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