Introduction

In 2024, Canada welcomed over 471,000 new permanent residents, with British Columbia being one of the top destinations^[1]. If you're reading this, you're likely one of the thousands who have just landed in Vancouver, suitcase in hand, feeling that mix of excitement and "what do I do now?" I was there in 2020, and I remember the overwhelm. The first week is critical for setting up your new life, but it doesn't have to be stressful.

This guide is the checklist I wish I had. We'll move past the generic advice and get into the specific, actionable steps you need to take, in the right order. We'll also tackle the practical reality that you need to eat, get around, and start feeling at home while you're handling official paperwork. Vancouver is a city built by newcomers, and its systems, while sometimes slow, are designed to help you get settled.

Think of this as your roadmap. We'll cover the non-negotiable admin (SIN, bank account, health care) and pair it with the immediate life needs (phone, transit, groceries). By the end of your first seven days, you'll have the foundational pieces in place to start building your Canadian life with confidence.

Quick Answer

What to Do in Your First Week in Canada

Your first week in Canada should focus on securing essential identification, financial access, and local mobility, starting at the airport and moving through government services, banking, and transit.

Immediately at Vancouver Airport (YVR), pick up a local SIM card from providers like Rogers, Bell, or Telus at their kiosks. Your first full day should be dedicated to visiting a Service Canada Centre to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your key to working and accessing benefits. Next, book an appointment with a major bank like TD, RBC, or Scotiabank for their newcomer account package, which often includes no fees for the first year and a credit card to start building your history. Apply for BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) online as soon as you have your SIN and local address.

Also, get a Compass Card from a SkyTrain station or London Drugs to use buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. For food, your local Save-On-Foods or Safeway is a good start, while T&T Supermarket is a fantastic resource for familiar Asian ingredients. Don't try to do everything at once, tackle one major task per day.

Your Day-by-Day First Week Canada Checklist

This day-by-day plan is a suggested flow. Some steps, like getting a SIM card, are best done immediately. Others, like your SIN, require you to be in the country. Adjust based on your energy and appointment availability, but try to complete the core items within your first 7-10 days.

Day 1 &

2: Secure Communication and Your Legal Right to Work

Your first 48 hours are about establishing a local presence. You can't do much without a Canadian phone number and your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Get a Canadian Phone Number You have options right at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Kiosks for the major carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus) are in the arrivals hall. They offer prepaid plans you can sign up for on the spot. This is convenient but can be pricey for short-term use. A more cost-effective alternative is to visit a Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs store once you leave the airport. They sell SIM cards for flanker brands (brands owned by the big companies) like Public Mobile (Telus), Koodo (Telus), or Virgin Plus (Bell).

For example, a Public Mobile prepaid plan can start around $34/month for basic talk, text, and data. Having a local number is essential for setting up all other accounts.

Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) This is your top priority. Your SIN is a 9-digit number you need to work, get paid, open certain bank accounts, and access government programs. You must apply in person or online through Service Canada. I recommend going in person if you can. Find your nearest Service Canada Centre on their website. You'll need your primary immigration document (e.g. Confirmation of Permanent Residence, work permit, study permit) and your passport. The process is usually quick, and they will give you a paper confirmation on the spot.

Guard this number carefully, only provide it to employers and government agencies.

Find Your First Meal You'll be tired. Don't complicate food. If you're downtown, Breka Bakery & Café (multiple locations, open 24/7) is a Vancouver institution for affordable sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. For a simple, hearty sit-down meal, The Templeton (1087 Granville St) serves classic diner food. If you're craving familiar Asian flavours, Hawkers Delight (4127 Main St) offers excellent and cheap Malaysian/Singaporean hawker-style plates.

Summary: Your first two days should establish your basic ability to communicate and work. Get a local SIM card, either at YVR or a drugstore, for under $

40. Then, visit a Service Canada Centre with your passport and immigration papers to get your SIN issued immediately. With a phone and SIN in hand, you’ve unlocked the core tools needed for the next steps.

Day

3: Establish Your Financial Foundation

With your SIN in hand, you can now open a proper Canadian bank account. This is more than just a place to put money, it's your gateway to building a Canadian credit history, which affects everything from renting an apartment to getting a cell phone plan.

Choose a Bank and Open an Account All major Canadian banks offer "Newcomer to Canada" packages. These typically include a no-fee chequing account for 6-12 months, a free safety deposit box for a year, and most importantly, a chance to get a credit card with a small limit ($1,000-$2,000) without requiring a Canadian credit history. This card is your tool to start building credit immediately.

• TD Canada Trust and RBC Royal Bank have strong newcomer programs and many branches. Scotiabank also has strong offerings and a partnership with T&T Supermarket, which can be a perk.
• How to do it: Book an appointment online or by phone. Walk-ins are possible but you may wait. Bring your passport, immigration documents, SIN, and proof of address (even a temporary one like your Airbnb confirmation or a letter from your employer/university). The banker will help you set everything up.

Understand Your Banking Options Here’s a quick comparison of what to look for:

Start Tracking Your Finances Once your account is open, get familiar with online banking. Start tracking your initial expenses. Our website has a free rent affordability calculator you can use later when you start your housing search, and an income tax calculator to estimate your take-home pay once you have a job offer.

Summary: On day three, book an appointment with a major bank like TD or RBC to open a newcomer account package, which provides fee-free banking and a starter credit card important for building Canadian credit. Bring your passport, SIN, and proof of address. Starting your financial history this early will make renting and getting loans easier in 6-12 months.

Day 4 &

5: Access Healthcare and Navigate the City

Now that you can work and bank, it's time to ensure you're covered for health and can move around Vancouver independently.

Apply for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) BC's public health insurance is called MSP. There is a waiting period of up to three months from the date you arrive in BC^[2]. You must apply now for coverage to start after the waiting period. If you don't, your coverage will be delayed. Apply online through the BC Government website. You'll need your personal details, immigration document info, and SIN. You will receive a CareCard number by mail. Later, you will combine this with the BC Services Card (a photo ID) at an ICBC driver licensing office.

MSP does not cover dental, vision, or prescriptions, so many employers offer extended health benefits.

Get Your Compass Card for Transit Vancouver's public transit system (buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus) is run by TransLink. The reusable payment card is called a Compass Card. You can buy one at:

• SkyTrain Station Ticket Vending Machines (like at Airport, Waterfront, Broadway-City Hall).
• London Drugs or Shoppers Drug Mart stores.
• The Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station customer service centre. You load stored value (pay per trip) or a monthly pass onto the card. Tapping in and out is required. A one-zone fare is about $3.

15. If you're going to be using transit daily, a monthly pass is more economical. The card itself costs a $6 refundable deposit.

Take Your First Exploratory Trip Use your new Compass Card to take a short trip. Ride the Canada Line SkyTrain from downtown to Richmond-Brighouse Station to visit the Richmond Public Market or a T&T Supermarket for groceries. Or, take the bus to Metrotown in Burnaby, one of the largest shopping malls in BC, which has everything from banks to a massive Superstore for affordable household goods. For a food-focused adventure, check out our Beginner's Guide to Dim Sum: What to Order in Vancouver and take the SkyTrain to Richmond for an authentic experience.

Summary: Apply for MSP online immediately to start the mandatory waiting period for public health coverage. Then, purchase a Compass Card at any SkyTrain station to access all public transit. Mastering these two systems, healthcare and transportation, within your first five days grants you security and the freedom to explore your new city without relying on expensive taxis.

Day 6 &

7: Settle Into Daily Life and Look Ahead

The final stretch of your first week is about shifting from pure administration to beginning your daily routine. This is when you start to feel like a resident, not just a visitor.

Stock Your Kitchen Find the nearest grocery stores to your temporary accommodation. Vancouver has several chains:

• Save-On-Foods: A Western Canadian chain with good selection, often with hot food counters. Great for basics.
• Safeway: Similar to Save-On-Foods, often located in neighbourhoods.
• T&T Supermarket: The largest Asian grocery chain in Canada. In Vancouver, you'll find massive locations at Metrotown (Burnaby) and next to Lansdowne Centre (Richmond). This is where you'll find familiar ingredients, fresh produce, and prepared foods. It's a lifeline for many newcomers.
• No Frills / Superstore: The most budget-friendly options for stocking up on pantry staples and household items.

Find Your Local Amenities Walk around your neighbourhood. Locate the nearest pharmacy (like Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs), a library (Vancouver Public Library branches offer free internet, books, and often newcomer resources), a community centre, and a few coffee shops or casual eateries. This makes the city start to feel familiar.

Plan Your Housing Search If you're in temporary housing (hotel, Airbnb), now is the time to start researching the rental market. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Zumper are common. Be aware of scams (never wire money without seeing a place). You will typically need proof of income, references, and a credit check. This is where that new bank account and credit card start to become important. Use our free rent affordability calculator to budget realistically.

Celebrate Making It Through Week One You've accomplished a lot. Treat yourself to a meal that feels like a celebration. For a classic Vancouver experience, get fish and chips at Go Fish (1505 W 1st Ave) by the False Creek marina. Or, if you're already planning a future office gathering or need a large meal order, you can explore options like those discussed in our guide to What Vancouver Catering Companies Handle Large Office Orders. For a simple, delicious delivery option on a tired night, services like The Storm Cafe offer reliable meal delivery in Vancouver.

Summary: Use your last two days to establish daily life routines. Find your local grocery stores, with T&T Supermarket being key for Asian ingredients, and map out neighbourhood amenities like pharmacies and libraries. Begin your housing search using online platforms, and always budget with our tools. Completing this checklist means you’ve successfully laid all the groundwork for your new life in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my foreign driver's license in BC when I first arrive?

Yes, you can use a valid foreign driver's license for up to 90 days if you are a visitor. If you become a resident (like a permanent resident or work permit holder), you must get a BC Driver's License within that 90-day period. You will need to go to an ICBC driver licensing office, take a knowledge test, and possibly a road test. Start the process early, as appointments can be booked up.

What is the best way to send money from my home country to my new Canadian bank account?

Avoid wire transfers through traditional banks, as fees are high. Use specialized international money transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Remitly. They offer much better exchange rates and lower, more transparent fees. Some Canadian bank newcomer packages, like TD's, include a few free international transfers, which can be helpful for your initial large transfer.

I don't have a permanent address yet. Can I still apply for things like a SIN or bank account?

Yes, for your SIN, you can use your temporary address (like a friend's place, Airbnb, or hotel). Service Canada will mail the confirmation there. For a bank account, most banks will accept a temporary address to open the account, but they will require you to update it once you have a permanent residence. A signed lease agreement or a utility bill in your name is standard proof of permanent address.

Is food expensive in Vancouver? Where can I eat cheaply?

Groceries and eating out can be expensive, but there are affordable options. For groceries, shop at No Frills, Superstore, or T&T for better prices. For cheap eats, look for food courts in Asian malls like Richmond Public Market or Crystal Mall in Burnaby. Donair shops, pho restaurants, and sushi combos for lunch are also relatively affordable meal options.

When should I apply for the BC Services Card?

You should apply for the BC Services Card after you have received your MSP CareCard number in the mail and have a permanent BC address. You do this at any ICBC driver licensing office. It combines your healthcare coverage with a government-issued photo ID, which is useful as you may not have a BC driver's license yet.

What is a good neighbourhood for newcomers to live in Vancouver?

It depends on your budget and lifestyle. Burnaby (Metrotown area) is central, more affordable than downtown, and has great transit access. Richmond is fantastic for access to Asian food and amenities, and is connected by the Canada Line SkyTrain. East Vancouver (like Commercial Drive area) is vibrant and slightly more affordable. New Westminster is another up-and-coming, relatively affordable city with SkyTrain access.

How do I get a family doctor in BC?

This is one of the biggest challenges. There is a shortage of family doctors accepting new patients. Once your MSP is active, you can use the HealthLink BC website to search for doctors, or call 8-1-1 for assistance. You can also register with a Walk-In Clinic as a regular patient at some locations. Be prepared to be on a waitlist or to use walk-in clinics for immediate needs.

References

[1] Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, "Choosing a Bank Account," 2025. Guide to opening and comparing Canadian bank accounts. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/banking/opening-bank-account.html

[2] Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, "Your First Few Days in Canada," 2025. Official settlement checklist for new permanent residents. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/pre-arrival-services.html

[3] Daily Hive Vancouver, "Food Section," 2026. Local news coverage of Vancouver restaurant openings, closures, and food trends. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/food