Flying to overseas countries is always a pleasant experience. The zeal to land in a new country with different people and cultures is always thrilling. Before travelling, one is always keen to have a little information of their destination country. When travelling to Canada for either business or leisure, there are things one may miss out during the preparation.
Travel Documents
Travel documents are always the first things to be taken care of. While it is common knowledge that you need a visa to travel, emphasis is put on the ETA. Without a successful ETA application you will be welcome in any Canadian airport. Apply in advance and pay the required amount on time. Whichever your country of origin is, the ETA is a must for all visa free nationals. Only Americans are exempted from this. Use the same passport you used when applying for your ETA, unless your passport expires before the ETA expiration.
Weather
Traveling during the winter is not as exciting as it gets extremely cold. Ensure you’re always covered when going out, as it could get colder through the day. Summer is great, but in Canada thunderstorms in the prairies can occur during the summer. The temperatures could also get low at night around the mountains. Carry your toque and gloves to avoid circumstances where you feel numb. Make sure you have a decent place to stay in, especially if you want to stay long-term; check out this cool guide from Precondo on how to rent in Toronto.
Currency
The Canadian Dollar is the official currency used in the country. It is found in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes, and $1 and $2 coins. The $1 coins are sometimes referred to as “Loonies” and the $2 coins are known as “Toonies”. Even as you go with your payments, it is critical to know that exchange rates keep fluctuating.
Bears
Be sure to encounter bears as you go hiking, camping or fishing. Ask the authorities and locals about which areas have a huge number of bears, or what time they are most likely to wander around. The bears may not harm you as you go on with your usual activities, but keep in mind that they are wild animals, and may not always be friendly.
Travel Insurance
While traveling, we are prone to accidents. A travel Insurance will be of great help in case you injure yourself while traversing the country, and need medical treatment. Being treated in Canadian hospitals as foreigner may be expensive, and this is where your travel insurance comes in. Make sure that your Travel Insurance covers costs of injuries that may happen while engaging in the activities you wish to do; i.e. if your travel insurance doesn’t cover skiing and you unfortunately get injured while doing that, be prepared to cover the costs of your treatment.
Emergency Information
The toll free number for any emergency situation in Canada is 911. If you’re trapped in any dangerous situation, be sure to contact the police, medics or firefighters through that number. Get the address of your home country consulate, as you don’t know when you may need their services. Observe and ask the hospitals around, if you by any chance you feel unwell and there is no immediate help coming your way.
Understand what is required by clicking this link before you board the plane, for a lovely experience. Enjoy your stay by being friendly, as the people in Canada are full of hospitality. Don’t engage in any illegal activities which may land you in trouble.
