Greystone College Arrival Guide & Orientation

Prepare For Your Adventure in Canada

• Before you leave home

  
  

  
  

• What to pack for your trip to Canada File

  Get tips and advice on what to pack...and what not to pack!
  

• More info on what you can bring to Canada URL

  Would you like more information on things you can and cannot bring in to Canada?
  

• Find out about medical insurance URL

  Restricted Not available unless any of:

  • Your City/town is Vancouver
  • Your City/town is Toronto

  If you are staying for more than six months, MSP is recommended for all eligible residents and their dependents. There is a three month wait period before medical benefit coverage begins, so in the meanwhile you should have an international health insurance. You can apply for MSP immediately after arriving in British Columbia
  

• Learn about homestay or accommodation through Greystone College URL
• Important Information About Canada

• Voltage & Power Plugs

  In Canada, the voltage is 120V 60Hz. Power points and plugs look like this.

  Check your electronic devices to see what voltage they run on. You may need:

  • A plug adapter
    
  • A voltage converter.
    

  

  Mobile Phones & SIM Cards

  The cheapest option is to bring your mobile phone and buy a SIM card and pre-paid phone plan.  

  These are available at all Canadian airports; however, if you look around you may find better deals. 

  Some Canadian providers are: 

  • PhoneBox (Ontario)
  • WIND Mobile (Ontario, British Columbia)
    
  • Fido (Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec)
    
  • Telus (Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec)
  • Videotron (Quebec)

  
  

  Water

  Greystone College has water coolers with filtered water. Bring your own water bottle so you can refill it at the College. It is safe to drink water from a faucet in Canada.
  

  
  

  WiFi

  

  Greystone College offers free WiFi throughout the college. There are also free WiFi hot spots throughout many coffee shops, restaurants and subway stations.
  

  The college WiFi login details are displayed on posters around the campus. 

  
  

  Climate

  Canada's climate is hot and humid in summer, and relatively cold in winter:

  • June to August is the Summer season, temperatures are usually between 20°C to 35°C. 
    
  • September to November is the Fall season, temperatures are usually between 0°C to 15°C.
  • December to February is the Winter season temperatures are usually between -22°C to 15°C (occasional snow fall).
    
  • March to May is the Spring season, temperatures are usually between -10°C to 15°C. 

  
  

  Tipping & Taxes

  In Canada, between 10% to 20% tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, taxi's, hotels or other service industries. 

  15% is recommended.

  Most goods in Canada are subject to a 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). In Québec, most goods are subject to a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and 9.975% Québec Sales Tax (QST). Prices listed do not include tax; therefore, you will need to pay more than the advertised price. 

  
  

  Currency