What I prioritized after arriving in Canada

My order for the first days

These steps are not strict legal dependencies. They are the practical sequence I used to make each next errand easier.

1. 1. Apply for a SIN

   A Social Insurance Number is required to work in Canada and to access government benefits. I handled this first. Service Canada accepts applications online and at Service Canada Centres, depending on your situation.

   Keep this number private. A SIN is not everyday identification, and Service Canada no longer issues plastic cards.

   Apply for or update a SIN on Canada.ca

2. 2. Get a Canadian phone number

   Cell phone plans in Canada are very expensive for what you get, especially compared to other countries like Brazil. I do not use that much mobile data, so I currently use Public Mobile. It has been reliable for my daily needs with no complaints so far.

   Having a local number early on makes opening bank accounts, finding rentals, and dealing with employers much smoother.

   The Public Mobile link above includes my referral code (9497QX).

3. 3. Open a bank account (and move to better options)

   When you first arrive, opening an account with one of the traditional Big Five banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) is usually the easiest route because they have physical branches where you can show your original documents.

   I originally opened my accounts with CIBC, but ran into security issues after some time. Someone tried to access my online banking within the first three months. While no money was taken, I felt their security measures were insufficient, so I closed all my accounts with them.

   Once you have a local photo ID and an established account, you can move your everyday banking to digital banks. They generally offer lower fees, better interest rates, and much better apps:

   • Wealthsimple (Recommended): I am a pragmatic person, and Wealthsimple simplifies my money management while providing strong security. I now do 100% of my primary banking and investing here. Use my invite link to get started: wealthsimple.com/invite/CBV8-W (Code: CBV8-W).
   • Tangerine: A great digital bank backed by Scotiabank, which I keep as my backup account. When signing up, you can use my Orange Key referral code: 68986804S1 (Visit Tangerine).
   • Other digital options: EQ Bank and Simplii Financial are also popular online alternatives worth comparing.
   • Traditional Big Five: RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC for branch-based newcomer packages.

   The links for Public Mobile, Wealthsimple, and Tangerine include my personal referral codes.

   Read the official Canadian banking and ID rules

4. 4. Get BC photo ID

   A local photo ID makes later applications and digital bank verifications straightforward. In British Columbia, a photo BC Services Card serves as official identification and grants access to public healthcare for eligible residents. If you do not drive, ICBC also issues the BCID card.

   Compare BC Services Card types See how to apply for a BCID

5. 5. Get a Compass Card

   The Compass Card is Metro Vancouver’s reloadable transit card for buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. TransLink also supports contactless credit and debit taps for occasional trips, so check what makes sense for your commute.

   Check current Compass Card options