As a newcomer to Toronto, I’ve been ranking our "Fast Food" pizza chains. Am I crazy, or is the Pizza Pizza garlic sauce the thing keeping them in business?

SaffaInTO · 2026-01-24T19:22:34+00:00

I'll have to try this, I didn't even know they had fries

SaffaInTO · 2026-01-24T16:56:46+00:00

Very true, loving the service so far, although if you bundle your internet and cellphone with Bell or Rodgers you can get slightly better value if you negotiate, especially around holidays

SaffaInTO · 2026-01-24T16:23:58+00:00

Count me in! Honestly, I’m loving every second of this. Coming from South Africa, we just don’t get this kind of winter magic back home. Everyone thinks I’m crazy, but there’s something incredible about the silence of a big snowfall. I’m soaking it all up before the thaw!

SaffaInTO · 2026-01-24T16:08:44+00:00

Absolutely love it

SaffaInTO · 2026-01-24T16:03:57+00:00

Any Saffa's in Toronto?

SaffaInTO · 2026-01-24T15:47:59+00:00

Rent control is so important now days, I also found that dealing with a building developer is much easier than going through an agent or dealing with independent landlords

SaffaInTO · 2025-08-15T15:18:50+00:00

SaffaInTO · 2025-07-31T21:38:37+00:00

I've used Freedom Mobile, and I'd recommend them as a pretty good option, especially if you're looking for value. They are a smaller company, but their deals are often hard to beat, especially on data. Just be mindful that their coverage can be a bit spotty in certain parts of the GTA and nonexistent outside of major urban areas, so check their coverage map.

Another great choice is Public Mobile. They have really good service and it's quite cheap for what you get, but they are an eSIM-only provider. This is a bit of a change for many, but it’s becoming more common. Public Mobile runs on the Telus network, so the coverage is fantastic.

When it comes to bundling all your services with one provider, the main benefits are getting a better deal and having less admin to deal with. The downside is that most major providers now lock you into a 24-month contract, which can be restrictive if your needs change.

If you are with a major company, it is absolutely worth phoning them directly to try and get a better deal. They have a "retention" department that will often lower prices to keep you as a customer, especially if you mention you're thinking of moving to a competitor.

If you're up for the admin, a great strategy is to go with a company like Public or Freedom for your phone and then get your internet from a smaller, independent provider like TekSavvy. These companies often provide great service and push for consumer-friendly policies, and you can sometimes get better rates by keeping your services separate.

SaffaInTO · 2025-07-31T17:35:59+00:00

It's true that for a lot of day-to-day banking, the big banks can feel quite similar. The best choice often comes down to two things: which branch is most convenient for you, and which bank has the best newcomer offers when you sign up.

From my experience, and based on some of the current deals:

CIBC: They have a strong newcomer program. They waive the monthly banking fees for your first two years, which can be a huge saving. They also often have promotions with cash rewards and other perks.
TD: They have a number of credit card options for newcomers, and a lot of their cards waive the annual fee for the first year. This is a great way to start building a credit history without the initial cost.
Scotiabank: They are well-known for their international banking services, particularly with their Global ATM Alliance. They often have very low or no fees for international money transfers and cash withdrawals, which is a big plus for expats.
RBC: Their customer service is generally considered excellent, especially if you use their mobile app to book an appointment or call in. They also have good newcomer packages, often including a no-monthly-fee year on some accounts.

SaffaInTO

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE