Banking in Canada

Pythagorous

I'm hopefully moving to Canada for a year and I'm hoping I can continue using my current bank and credit cards (both N'wide) without having to switch to a local bank.

I understand N'wide currently don't charge anything extra and as long as I always pay in the local currency I won't get stung. Is this correct or would I be better off opening a local bank account?

Also does anyone know if the bank machines will generally charge for withdrawing cash as I've heard bank machine charges are a lot more common in US/Canada.

Thanks

richardmk

https://www.canadatrust.com I have used the main Canadian banks without a charge. In Canada they have independent machines everywhere as does the UK which possibly do charge

JoseChungsDoomsday

Im looking to do the same, how did you get your working hliday visa??

M_Thomson

Pythagorous wrote:

I'm hopefully moving to Canada for a year and I'm hoping I can continue using my current bank and credit cards (both N'wide) without having to switch to a local bank.

I understand N'wide currently don't charge anything extra and as long as I always pay in the local currency I won't get stung. Is this correct or would I be better off opening a local bank account?

Also does anyone know if the bank machines will generally charge for withdrawing cash as I've heard bank machine charges are a lot more common in US/Canada.

Thanks

How will your employer pay you if you don't have a local bank account in local currency?

chiefmissile

I opened a bank account in Canada 7 years ago, it was with the Bank of Montreal, no problems really quick, you just need an address in Canada.

If you are going to draw money from your UK bank, you will be charged a fee, unless you bank with First Direct or Halifax who do not charge, i think???

Best bet is to open an account when you get there.