Moving abroad is exciting — but the logistics can be overwhelming, especially the first time. This checklist covers everything a Canadian needs to handle before, during, and after relocating to Thailand, Portugal, or Mexico. Bookmark this page and work through it at your own pace.

3–6 months before you leave

  • Research your visa options. Each country has different requirements. Start early — some visas require income proof, background checks, or apostilled documents that take weeks to process.
  • Talk to a cross-border tax professional. Canadian tax residency is based on ties to Canada, not just physical presence. A tax professional can advise on whether to formally “depart” Canada for tax purposes or maintain your residency. This decision affects OHIP, CPP, RRSP, TFSA, and more.
  • Get international health insurance. OHIP coverage ends 212 days after you leave Ontario (varies by province). Research expat insurance options — companies like SafetyWing, Cigna Global, and World Nomads are popular with Canadian expats.
  • Check your passport. Many countries require at least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date. Renew now if needed — Service Canada can take 10–20 business days.
  • Start your financial setup. Open a Wise account for international transfers. Consider a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, Brim Financial, or HSBC World Elite are popular choices).
  • Research neighbourhoods remotely. Read our city guides, join Facebook groups and Reddit communities for your target city, and shortlist 2–3 neighbourhoods to explore in person.
  • Declutter and decide what to keep. Shipping furniture internationally is rarely worth the cost. Most furnished rentals abroad come with everything you need. Store sentimental items with family or in a storage unit.

1–3 months before you leave

  • Book a short-term landing spot. Don’t sign a long-term lease sight unseen. Book 2–4 weeks in a serviced apartment, Airbnb, or hotel in your target city. This gives you time to find the right neighbourhood and negotiate in person.
  • Apply for your visa (if required before travel). Tourist entries to Thailand (30 days), Mexico (180 days), and Portugal (90 days Schengen) don’t require advance visas for Canadians.
  • Notify your Canadian bank. Tell them you’ll be abroad to avoid card freezes. Ask about international ATM fee reimbursement programs.
  • Set up mail forwarding. Canada Post offers mail forwarding services, or ask a trusted contact to handle important mail.
  • Cancel or pause subscriptions. Gym memberships, local phone plans, parking spots, newspaper subscriptions, etc.
  • Get your documents in order. Make digital copies of: passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate, marriage certificate, university degrees, employment contracts, bank statements, tax returns. Store in a secure cloud service.
  • Talk to your employer. If working remotely, confirm your employer is comfortable with you working from abroad. Some companies have policies about international remote work due to tax implications.

First week in your new city

  • Get a local SIM card. Thailand: AIS, True, DTAC (available at airports, ~$10 CAD/month for unlimited data). Mexico: Telcel, AT&T Mexico. Portugal: MEO, NOS, Vodafone.
  • Explore neighbourhoods on foot. Spend a few days walking around your shortlisted areas at different times of day. Check noise levels, walkability, proximity to supermarkets, and general vibe.
  • Start viewing apartments. Browse Move Abroad Rentals for verified listings, and also walk into buildings to ask about availability — many units are never listed online.
  • Open a local bank account (if staying long-term). Thailand: Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn Bank. Mexico: BBVA or Banorte. Portugal: ActivoBank or Millennium BCP. Requirements vary — some require a visa or local address.
  • Register with the Canadian embassy. Register on the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service at travel.gc.ca. This helps the embassy contact you in emergencies.

First month settled

  • Set up your routine. Find a coworking space, gym, favourite cafe, and supermarket. Routine reduces the culture shock and helps your new city feel like home faster.
  • Build your local network. Attend expat meetups, language exchanges, and community events. Facebook groups, Meetup.com, and Internations are good starting points.
  • Start learning the language. Even basic phrases go a long way. Consider iTalki for online tutoring or local language schools. Thailand: many language schools offer education visas.
  • File your Canadian taxes. If you departed Canada, file a departure return. If you’re maintaining Canadian residency, report worldwide income as usual. Use a cross-border tax service if unsure.
  • Review your insurance. After settling in, evaluate whether your initial travel insurance should be upgraded to a long-term expat health plan.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Signing a lease sight unseen. Always view the unit in person or via live video tour. Photos can be misleading, especially regarding noise, neighbourhood safety, and natural light.
  • Ignoring Canadian tax obligations. The CRA doesn’t forget about you because you left. Get proper tax advice early.
  • Over-packing. You don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe. Pack for 2 weeks and buy the rest locally — it’s cheaper and you’ll discover local styles.
  • Not having a financial buffer. Aim for 3–6 months of expenses saved before you leave. This covers security deposits, unexpected costs, and peace of mind while you settle in.
  • Comparing everything to Canada. The whole point is that things are different. Embrace the differences rather than constantly comparing. The slower pace, different bureaucracy, and cultural norms are part of the experience.

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