Joy Santos (@joy_santos)

Transport

TTC Toronto· Toronto

It gets me to work, but not always on time

I take the TTC subway and a bus every day to my work in North York. When it works, it is fine, and I like that I can tap my bank card or PRESTO card. But delays on Line 1 happen too often, and in winter buses can be late or full. Some stations have broken escalators or elevators for weeks, which is difficult with shopping bags. At night I sometimes feel unsafe on certain platforms. The monthly pass is expensive for my salary. I am happy there is a two-hour transfer window, which helps with errands.

Destination

Toronto· Toronto

Welcoming and diverse, but housing costs are painful

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and as a Filipina I never feel out of place. There are Filipino stores, churches and restaurants in Bathurst and Wilson, and people from every country on my bus. Healthcare through OHIP has been good for me. The problem is money. Rent takes more than a third of my salary and I only have a room. Groceries have become expensive too. Winter is long, but the city keeps working and I bought good boots. If you have a job that pays well, Toronto is a great place to build a life. If you are on a lower wage, be ready to share housing and to budget carefully.

Very diverse and welcoming

Strong community networks

Very expensive rent

High grocery prices

Joy Santos12 days ago3

Bank

TD Canada Trust

Helpful newcomer package and long opening hours

I opened my account at a TD branch in Toronto in my first week using my passport and work permit. The advisor explained the newcomer package, which waived monthly fees for the first year and gave me a credit card without a Canadian credit history. The branch is open on Saturdays, which is important for my work schedule. The app is simple to use. After the first year, the monthly fee started unless I kept a minimum balance, so I had to change account type. International transfers to the Philippines are expensive through the bank, so I use another service for those.

Newcomer package with fee waiver

Credit card without credit history

Monthly fees after the first year

Expensive international transfers

Joy Santos6 months ago5