Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 2
WORKING HOLIDAY VISA AND CANADA 101 - Why should you apply for a WHP?
Chapter 3
One WHP, many ways to live the experience
Chapter 4
The WHP experience with a disability
Chapter 5
Where should I go?
Chapter 6
Going off the beaten track—a few testimonies
Chapter 7
An overview of Canadian provinces and territories
Chapter 8
Applying for a WHP
Chapter 9
The first steps to prepare for the adventure
Chapter 10
How can I find the best health insurance policy?
Chapter 11
Step-by-step pre-trip prep
Chapter 12
Last steps before leaving the country
Chapter 13
O, CANADA, HERE I AM! - Landing in Canada
Chapter 14
Applying for a Social Insurance Number
Chapter 15
Registering with your local embassy or consulate
Chapter 16
Opening a bank account and transferring your money
Chapter 17
Choosing your Internet and cellphone provider
Chapter 18
Becoming a “Canadian customer”—grocery shopping and more
Chapter 19
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CANADIAN ADVENTURE - Improving your French or English skills
Chapter 20
Finding long-term accommodation
Chapter 21
Growing a network and creating a Canadian-style resume
Chapter 22
Looking for job offers and going through the hiring process
Chapter 23
Volunteering with WWOOF, HelpX and Workaway
Chapter 24
Buying a car or van
Chapter 25
Canadian culture 101
Chapter 26
Dealing with health issues
Chapter 27
Dealing with homesickness, anxiety and financial issues
Chapter 28
EXPLORING CANADA - Getting around in North America
Chapter 29
The best adventures in Canada
Chapter 30
The best destinations across Canada - The best destinations across Canada
Chapter 31
Road trip 101
Chapter 32
Tips for crossing the US border without hassle
Chapter 33
THE ADVENTURE IS OVER… NOW WHAT? - Dealing with mixed feelings and the reverse culture shock
Chapter 34
Going back to Canada… or travelling elsewhere!
12Last steps before leaving the country

Last steps before leaving the country

Find out your legal responsibilities

Find out your responsibilities and duties as a citizen who will be away from the country for a year or two. For long absences, you may have to notify healthcare services, employment services (especially if you get benefits), tax services, etc. that you will be abroad for an extended period of time. These steps are the best way to ensure a smooth return after your WHP adventure.

Decide what to do with your car, your place and your stuff

Most tenants end their tenancy—make sure you give enough notice! You can also sublet your place if you’d rather keep your furniture, your place and most of your belongings. Make sure to follow the rules around subletting. You may need the landlord’s approval.

If you packed your personal belongings, you can ask relatives or friends to store it for you. Otherwise, you can rent a self-storage unit but this is usually an expensive solution.

You can sell your car or rent it during your stay in Canada. Several companies, like Drivy in Europe, facilitate peer-to-peer car rental services.

Cancel services and subscriptions

If you’re not under contract with your cellphone, Internet, cable, etc. provider, cancelling services should be straightforward. Make sure to do it the right way—send your letter by registered mail and don’t forget to mention your contract number.

You may be able to put your cellphone plan on hold for a fee if you explain you’ll be abroad for a long period of time. This way, you’ll get to keep your number and you won’t have monthly fees but a lower “service suspended” charge. Note that the contract will resume as soon as the service is no longer on hold—if you had eight months left on your contract before going to Canada, you’ll have eight months left when you come back from Canada.

Cancelling ongoing contracts is generally a hassle. You may have to pay early termination fees. Some providers argue that going abroad isn’t a legitimate reason to break your contract before it’s up and you may have to back up your request with documentation. Plane tickets or your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction may not be considered sufficient proof, providers may ask for a copy of your lease abroad or your work contract (which, of course, you can’t offer at this stage).

Go see your doctor for a checkup

Your health insurance will only cover emergencies or illnesses. For all routine checkups and non-urgent follow-ups, you’re on your own.

Make sure to leave for Canada as healthy as you can be. Go see your GP, dentist, gynecologist, eye doctor, etc. and renew prescriptions if needed.

Find the best way to carry money and access your funds

The government of Canada requires that you have at least $2,500 to cover your initial living expenses in Canada.

Try to estimate your initial expenses—a taxi from the airport, your first few nights in a hostel, some food, first and last month for a rental… You’ll spend quite a bit of money at first. How will you access your money after you arrive, when you don’t have a Canadian bank account yet?

Cash

Carrying cash is the cheapest option (no fees to access your money!) but it’s also a risky one because cash can be lost or stolen.

If you do carry cash, stash it in an inside pocket or in a hidden pocket and keep it with you at all times.

To get Canadian dollars before your trip, go to a bank or use a foreign exchange service. Check applicable rates and fees carefully.
ATM card
Your bank card is a practical, flexible option when you’re not sure how much you will need for the first few days and it’s safer than carrying cash. However, keep your weekly/daily withdrawal limits in mind and inform your financial institution you’ll be using your card abroad (otherwise, it may be blocked because of “suspicious transactions”).

When you withdraw money in Canada with a foreign card, the Canadian financial institution may charge fees. Your own bank can also charge you two fees: a fixed “foreign transaction” fee and a transaction fee, i.e. a percentage based on the amount withdrawn (usually around 2-3% of the amount). Review those fees before you use your card. When the fixed fee is high, it’s better to withdraw a weekly lump sum than to hit the ATM every time you need cash.

Note that ATMs operated by one of the five big Canadian banks—Bank of Montreal (BMO), the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)—are always cheaper than safer than out-of-network ATMs typically found in convenience stores and bars. A few banks have special offers or partnerships with Canadian banks and a portion of the fees may be waived when you use these ATMs.

After opening your Canadian bank account, you can initiate a transfer from your home bank account to your new bank account in Canada.

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Julie

Cofondatrice de pvtistes.net, j'ai fait 2 PVT, au Canada et en Australie. Deux expériences incroyables ! Je vous retrouve régulièrement sur nos comptes Insta et Tiktok @pvtistes avec plein d'infos utiles !
Cofounder of pvtistes.net. I went to Canada and Australia on Working Holiday aventures. It was amazing!

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