Your first week in Canada: the connected newcomer's checklist

Your first week sets the pace for your whole first year. With a working Canadian number in your pocket, here is the order that saves the most time.

Day 1–2: the essentials

1. SIN (Social Insurance Number), register online or at a Service Canada office. You'll need it before your first paycheque.
2. Bank account, most banks verify you by texting a local number. Book the appointment before you land, walk in on day one.

Day 3–4: getting around

• Grab a transit card (Presto, Compass, Opus, depending on your city) and register it to your number so you can recover the balance if it's lost.
• Set up rideshare and food-delivery apps, both require an SMS code from a Canadian number.

Day 5–7: housing and work

• Landlords reply fastest to local numbers. Put yours on every viewing request.
• Update your resume and job profiles with your Canadian contact details.

Everything on this list assumes one thing: a phone that works the moment you land. Order your Get Canada Sim plan before you fly and start the checklist at the arrivals gate.