Step 9. My luggage

Clothing

Standards : What works in Canada

Checklist

Clothing

We recommend that you bring some warm clothes that won't let you shivering when the first cold days arrive. If you do not already have warm clothes, you should purchase clothing suited to the Canadian winter once you get to Montréal.

Do not miss our workshop entitled "How to survive winter in Montréal", which is given by the International Student Affairs office in October to help answer all your questions about winter, how to enjoy it and how to be equipped for it.

Standards: what works in Canada

Electrical standards
In North America, the voltage used is 110 V, 60 Hz. If you plan to use European devices (220 V , 50 Hz), make sure to bring along the necessary adapters and converters.

Most portable computers and mobile phones work with any voltage and do not require a converter; in such cases, a simple adapter will suffice.

Heating devices
Devices that consume a lot of energy, like those using heating resistors (blow dryer, curling iron, clothes iron, toaster, etc.) not intended for use with 110 V will not work. You are better off purchasing these devices once you get to Montréal.

Mobile phones
You can use your mobile phone to subscribe to a Canadian mobile phone service if your phone is a tri-band GSM phone that has been unlock, i.e. it accepts all service providers. Contact your local service provider before you leave and ask to unlock your phone.

Audiovisuel standards
In North America, NTSC is the audiovisuel standard, which operates at a frequency of 60 Hz. In Europe, PAL is used (50 Hz). Video devices (such as televisions, DVD players, game consoles and so on) that do not support NTSC will not work in Canada. Games that you bring with you will only work in a country that is part of your home zone. For instance, North America is Zone 1, whereas Europe is Zone 2.

Checklist

Here's a litle checklist to help you remember everything you need to do and bring

Before you leave

• I have received my Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) (if required)
• I have received my study permit retrieval letter (if required)
• I have my temporary resident visa (if required)
• I have my proof of exemption from HEC Montréal's health insurance or I have the funds needed to pay the application premiums (credit card or traveller's cheques)
• I have my transit vsa (if required)
• I have registered for my courses
• I have signed up for the HEChange orientation activities
• I have reserved my temporary accommodation

When you leave

I keep with me at all times:

• My passport
• My letter of admission from HEC Montréal
• My Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) (if required)
• The letter to retrieve my study permit when I arrive at Canadian immigration (if required)
• My temporary resident visa (if required)
• My proof of exemption from HEC Montréal's health insurance, or the funds to pay the applicable premiums
• My means of payment (credit cards, cash, traveller's cheques, etc.)
• My medication

Baggage lost and delays are very common. Consequently, you should always keep important items with you.

Remember that you will need to present all your documents to a Canadian immigration officer when you get off the plane. If you don't, you could be sent back to your home country. You will not have access to your luggage at that point, so make sure that you keep your papers on you.

If one of your pieces of luggage is delayed and you don't know what delivery address to provide because you don't have your permanent accommodation yet, you can give the address of the International Student Affairs office : 

5255, av. Decelles
5^e étage, bureau 5.260
Montréal (Québec) H3T 2B1