The Toronto Thread

onlineness

Hi guys,

Been here since May and really loving it, I think I was luckier than others as my boyfriend came over before me and had our accommodation set-up and I also had a job lined up.

I would really recommend the app "MeetUp" for any new people to the city, it's a really handy way to find people with similar interests and for going to some fun events.

astonaidan

Anyone know of anywhere showing the hurling final on the weekend

horse7

What are car rental companies like in Toronto? Do prices include all extras like waver damage, or do I need this, am going to hamilton, so I could hire a car in Toronto airport or get myself to Mississauga by taxi,thus avoiding the awesome road system and get a hire car in Mississauga. Don't mind driving in hamilton or Mississauga but Toronto is massive.

Hey folks, finally got around to booking my flights and insurance. Heading to Toronto in early May and can't wait

Just a few questions if you don't mind answering:

Who's the best bank to open an account with?
How's the weather in May time?
Anyone have any experience with HI hostel in downtown, thinking I will stay there for a few weeks to get started.
How much will a ticket to the Blue jays cost (if they're playing in May even:D)

Thanks in advance folks

westernlass

We booked our flights for June, very excited

stevie1122

Hey folks, finally got around to booking my flights and insurance. Heading to Toronto in early May and can't wait

Just a few questions if you don't mind answering:

Who's the best bank to open an account with? TD as far as I know but no matter what bank you go with be expected to paying many hidden charges it's not like Ireland you need to read the fine print on everything over here every chance they have to screw you and take more money from you they will things don't seem to be regulated over here certainly not to the same degree as they are in Ireland which is odd because I would have expected some of the stuff that goes on over here to happen in Eastern Europe and the likes not in a first world country like Canada.

How's the weather in May time? I wasn't here in May but August / September was very warm and sunny.


Anyone have any experience with HI hostel in downtown, thinking I will stay there for a few weeks to get started.

How much will a ticket to the Blue jays cost (if they're playing in May even:D)
Since they are now winning and popular I know recently tickets for the games before the playoffs were going for 2 - 300 dollars but will probably increase by next year.
Thanks in advance folks

Billy86

Banks are not a worry here. TD charge $15 a month but give the first six months free. The only hidden charge issue on banks I can think of is that if you use an ATM that is not from your own bank there is a $2-3 charge, which is a pain in the arse. TD also have (I believe I have heard) the most ATMs of any bank around, so that is good. Avoid BMO, only heard bad things about them.

By May it will be hot... and sticky. I spent time in Australia, and while Sydney gets hotter it is coastal. In Toronto there seems to be not so much as a tiny breeze for weeks on end in the summer, and it gets flat out oppressive. If you are moving into an apartment, make sure it has air conditioning, and if it does not - get one! Cannot stress this enough, for a few weeks solid the 'real feel' temp in Toronto did not go below 30 degrees (and in an apartment with no AC or breeze, that could feel like 40C... no joke, trust me I lived in it!).

HI are supposed to be good, but have a strict `no alcohol` rule in their premises apparently. Planet Traveller are extremely good, have a rooftop patio with free BBQ every Saturday, have organised events and encourage having a few beers too. There are some good ones and some bad ones... avoid College Backpackers which is next door to PT. HI is more downtown, but PT is around the Kensington area which is LOADS of fun, and the college areas too while only being a 15-20 minute walk from what I reckon is the exact middle of the city (Dundas square).

Jays tickets are cheap, about $12-20 for nosebleeds earlier in the season since there are so many games - booze etc at them costs $15+ though, which is where they make the money back! The Leafs are horrendous and tickets still cost $150+ so look out for the Marleys if you just want to go to a hockey game at low cost (got tickets for $15 back in January). Not sure about the Raptors.

el diablo

Tangerine are the bank to go with. NO FEES and they use the Scotiabank ABM network.

$15 per month is a rip-off.

Billy86

Didn't know that, $15 is too much but the first six months worked well - expired 2 months ago though, will look into them!

el diablo

Billy86 wrote: »

Didn't know that, $15 is too much but the first six months worked well - expired 2 months ago though, will look into them!

I switched over from RBC a while back and have had absolutely no problem. They have probably the best rates on savings accounts too.

And if you (or anyone else) use(s) my code (I'll PM it) to register with them you can receive a $50 bonus free (and so will I). :cool:

qo2cj1dsne8y4k

It started to snow already?!?