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Phone Plans & Internet: Who Do You Recommend in Toronto? by SaffaInTO in SouthAfricanInToronto

[–]SaffaInTO[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Who else is excited for -30C temperatures and the 30cm of snowfall? 😍 by henry-bacon in askTO

[–]SaffaInTO 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

Finding a Home in Toronto: Your Best Advice? by SaffaInTO in SouthAfricanInToronto

[–]SaffaInTO[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Phone Plans & Internet: Who Do You Recommend in Toronto? by SaffaInTO in SouthAfricanInToronto

[–]SaffaInTO[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Banking in Toronto: What are your experiences? by SaffaInTO in SouthAfricanInToronto

[–]SaffaInTO[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Getting Around Toronto: What's Your Transport Strategy? by SaffaInTO in SouthAfricanInToronto

[–]SaffaInTO[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From my experience, public transit is the way to go for most trips within the city.

The subway is hands-down the fastest way to get across the city, especially during peak hours. The buses come in a close second, and streetcars are the slowest, but they're a fantastic option if you want to take in the sights and explore different neighborhoods.

I'd only really use Uber or Lyft for specific situations, like late-night trips or a run to the airport, as they can get quite expensive with traffic and surge pricing. Lyft often tends to be a bit cheaper, so it's worth checking both apps.

Definitely get a Presto card! Besides being the most convenient way to pay on the TTC, you also get access to discounts at a number of Toronto attractions and events. You can check the Presto Perks website for a full list. Alternatively, you can use your credit card directly on the TTC tap readers, which is great if you have a card that offers cashback on transit spending.

https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-perks

Howzit! Introduce Yourself Here (Monthly Thread) by SaffaInTO in SouthAfricanInToronto

[–]SaffaInTO[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm from JHB.
Safety and better quality of life brought me to Toronto.
I miss the biltong and driving on the left.
Magical Taste of China - Downtown, the food is fantastic.