Arriving in Canada is a major life event. Your first steps should be strategic. What should you do during your first 10 days in Calgary?
Day 1: Your Phone – Your First Ally
Arriving in Canada doesn't completely stop your orange and white Cameroonian SIM card from working. It simply goes into "survival" mode. Only Mobile Money transactions and receiving bulk SMS are still possible. Should you subscribe to roaming before traveling? Not necessarily. Save your last CFA francs! Mobile phone operators will welcome you to Canada with great deals for your Canadian SIM. Be enthusiastic… but strategically enthusiastic. The most popular operators are: Rogers Communications, Telus, and Freedom Mobile (Bring your passport and address… no prior purchase is necessary).
Tip: Make sure your phone meets Canadian standards upon arrival. Some very popular brands on the Cameroonian market may decide to "retire" here. Using your own phone guarantees you independence and freedom to negotiate. If you opt for the latest technology, the red carpet will be rolled out for you, but your bank account will applaud more subtly.
Day 2: The Bank – Where Your New Financial Reputation Begins
Open a checking account, a savings account… and above all, order a credit card. Yes, even if you're afraid of debt. Here, credit isn't a trap: it's a reputation. Institutions like RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, and TD Canada Trust offer facilities to newcomers. The required documents are: passport, proof of residence or work/study permit, address, and phone number. Some banks don't require any initial deposit. Yes, they exist. Relax!
Day 3: The SIN – Your Professional Key
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is confidential and valuable. And it's essential. Without it, there's no job. Go to a Service Canada office, also available at Toronto and Montreal airports during your layover. The service is free. Yes, free. Take advantage of it. Every family member should have their own. Even the baby doesn't negotiate.
Day 4: Health Card – Plan Ahead Before You Need It
Register for Health Services through the Alberta Health Services network. This gives you access to basic medical care.
Note: Dental care, vision care, medications, and some specialized services are generally not covered. In Canada, a healthy smile can sometimes be expensive. Some employers do offer supplemental coverage, though. That's extra motivation to land a good job.
Day 5: Housing – Choose Your Side Wisely
Popular sites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are most often used. When looking for permanent housing, community forums have proven quite useful so far. The Newcomer Settlement Program of CCAC needs no introduction.
Brief overview: The downtown area in the Southwest is the commercial hub and home to major schools, while the Northeast is prized for its affordable rents and established immigrant communities. Real estate auctions are similar in the Southeast, the industrial heartland, yet the Northwest stands out for its tranquility and numerous parks.
Golden rule: Never pay without a viewing and a signed lease. Even if the landlord calls you "bro" on the phone. And if possible, settle near a bus stop. Winter will appreciate your wisdom.
Day 6: Transportation – Surviving Without a Car (At First)
The City of Calgary manages the city's dense road network of cars, buses, and trains (Calgary Transit). Visit settlement agencies such as the PIA, CANAF, or Cité des Rocheuses to obtain a Fair Entry Letter. Based on this document, the City will... will issue a discounted transit pass. This is the most convenient way to get around. However, having a vehicle is certainly a necessity in this large city, which is also known for its unpredictable weather.
The Fair Entry Letter also gives you access to the Food Bank, where you can pick up food baskets regularly, depending on the size of your family.
Day 7: Employment – Between Dream and Strategy
Job opportunities abound. However, the challenge for immigrants is to rise to the occasion in order to secure a decent position. It is in your best interest to seek assistance from dedicated organizations such as the Centre for Newcomers or the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. These organizations offer free workshops on job searching.
While waiting for your dream job—a process that doesn't reward everyone—you can rely on placement agencies for quick employment. They most often recruit in construction, food service, cleaning, and manual labor. Starting small isn't a step backward; it's a way to gain momentum.
Day 8: English – Your New Superpower
Calgary is predominantly English-speaking. English isn't an option; it's an accelerator. Take your test at the Gateway Newcomer Welcome Centre. Depending on your level, you will be directed to subsidized courses. Good news: you won't be left to face Shakespeare alone.
Day 9: Socio-cultural Integration
It is recommended to join groups offered by the Cameroonian Canadian Association of Calgary (CCAC), the Bamileke Community of Calgary (BCC), the Paroisse Ste Famille (Catholic church), and many others. Participating, sharing, and getting involved accelerate your integration. Everything, of course, depends on your personal aspirations. Isolation is a luxury newcomers cannot afford. CCAC provides volunteers for airport assistance, housing searches, and various resources for newcomers.
Day 10: Credit – Your Future Ally or Your Future Regret?
Start using your credit card while building your credit score. The general rule is not to exceed 30% of your limit and to pay it off before the due date. A good score will open doors for you: car, house, loans… A bad score will remind you of every mistake for years to come.
For your first 10 days in Calgary, a budget of around $ 1,500 to $ 2,500 would be sufficient for a single person, compared to $ 3,000 to $ 4,000 for a family. This includes temporary accommodation plus the security deposit, transportation, and food. Remember, it would be detrimental to ignore casual work when you first arrive, prioritizing office jobs. Furthermore, it would be a mistake to spend your money assuming you'll earn more soon or to become isolated. These first 10 days won't make you a Canadian expert… but they can make you a methodical and resilient newcomer.