Relocation services for British Columbia, Canada

Opening a bank account

Our preferred bank is TD Canada Trust as we have had excellent service from them from the very start. Their main branch in Vancouver, in particular, is used to dealing with new arrivals in Canada, whether permanent or temporary residents.

Opening a bank account can be done on a research trip to BC, in advance of you moving. Having a bank account open, is one less thing to do when you get here and you have a place to transfer your funds.

If you are coming to Vancouver, you may be able to create an account in advance, but due to Federal legislation this will not be activated until you arrive and identify yourself at the branch. If this is still of interest, then ask us for details.

We have had a meeting with senior banking managers at TD Canada Trust, at their main branch in 700 West Georgia Street, about smoothing the way for our clients to open a bank account and get set up in advance of moving.

In response to this, TD have designated a contacts to assist newcomers:

If you contact TD when you are ready to open a bank account and mention that you got their details from us, they will assist you with all you need to do to open a bank account.

You will just need some picture identification, such as your passport and a UK credit card to open your account. It is not necessary to have a letter from immigration or visa before you do so.

TD Canada Trust mentioned to us that the best way to transfer money from outside Canada is by electronic transfer, either directly from your own bank or from a FX broker. These days hardly anyone transfers money by bankers draft, as they are expensive and take a long time to clear. In common with all other financial institutions, banks are not fond of customers turning up with large amounts of cash - just shrieks money laundering.