Planning a move to a new country is no small task. Thankfully, digital tools can make the process smoother. Here’s a list of 7 mobile apps that newcomers can use to prepare for their move to Canada.
1. Accommodation and Housing
- Padmapper, Rentals.ca, Rentseeker.ca, Zumper: These apps help newcomers search for rental housing by filtering options based on location, cost, number of bedrooms, and other amenities. For an initial stay, platforms like AirBnB or VRBO are useful for short-term rentals before finding a long-term place.
- Realtor.ca, Zillow, HouseSigma: Primarily for buying and selling real estate, these apps also feature rental listings. They’re useful for those looking to purchase a home or as additional resources for rental searches. Temporary residents must meet certain conditions to buy property in Canada.
- Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace: Popular online classifieds in Canada, these platforms are great for finding accommodations and household furnishings at a fraction of the cost. Users can filter searches by price and distance, and it’s socially acceptable to haggle in these contexts.
2. Customs Declaration
- ArriveCAN: Although no longer required for entry, ArriveCAN can still save time by allowing newcomers to complete advanced customs declarations when flying into participating major Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Calgary among others.
3. Navigation and Transportation
- What3Words: What3Words this app helps save and communicate precise locations using a unique three-word string mapping to a three-meter square on the earth’s surface. It’s useful for sharing locations with friends or emergency services.
- Transit Apps: In addition to Google Maps, city-specific transit apps provide real-time updates and sometimes allow in-app fare payments. Examples include:
- Carsharing Apps: These provide an alternative to traditional car rentals with services like Communauto, Enterprise CarShare, Evo, Modo, and ZipCar. They offer hourly and daily rates and flexible return options within service areas.
Using these apps can simplify your move and help you settle into your new life in Canada more efficiently. For personalized assistance, consider scheduling a free Canadian citizenship consultation with Skynet Immigration.
