Few tips for newcomers to Canada.
Bank account - It is generally helpful to open a bank account if you bring reference letter from banker in your country. It is specially helpful if you open an account with the same bank in Canada. For example, if you had account with HSBC, USA. Get a letter from HSBC, USA stating that your account is in good standing. That will help you open a bank account with HSBC, Canada. Most of these global banks are actually very local. Don’t assume that HSBC, Canada will be able to call HSBC, USA to get recommendation. You will have to request this letter. Call your bank in advance to arrange for this letter.
Auto Insurance - There are 2 piece of information that might help you get better rate on auto insurance if you had clean driving history. (A) Letters from your insurance companies showing no claims history. So call your insurance companies requesting this letter. Try to show as much history as you can. (B) Your driver’s abstract showing clean driving record (IE no citations, arrests etc). Contact your department of motor vehicle and get this information. Again, try to go as far back as you can.
Credit card - It is very difficult to get a credit card without any credit history in Canada. However, your credit card company in home country might give you a credit card in Canada, if they have Canadian credit card. So for example, if you had a credit card with American Express, USA. You might be able to get a credit card from American Express, Canada. That way you can start building credit history in Canada.
