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Overnight on-street parking is prohibited in Kingston during the winter months.
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One of the first things a newcomer to Kingston should do is open an account at a bank, credit union or other financial institution. It's important to have a safe place to deposit, store and receive money. You don't need a job, permanent address or money to open an account but you will need to provide identification such as your passport, proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Resident Card, a valid driver's licence or other identification.
Banks and other financial institutions provide a wide range of services to the public. In addition to providing a secure place for your money, they exchange different currencies and provide loans and mortgages, bill-paying services, advice on sending and managing money, and safety deposit boxes where you can keep important documents and valuables.
Many workers receive their paycheque through a system called direct deposit, in which their earnings are transferred electronically into an account.
Staff at financial institutions will help you decide what type of account you need. Most banks also have automated banking machines (ABMs), or automated teller machines (ATMs), through which funds can be deposited or withdrawn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Be aware that there are generally added costs and fees to use ABMs from a different bank or financial network than your own (the institution where you have an account).
It's the policy of most financial institutions to provide services in more than one language both on the phone and in person, but you may have to ask first. Some also have packages of information available in different languages specifically for newcomers, students, seniors, etc. Some ABMs are also available in multiple languages.
For More Information
A guide to banks and other financial institutions, opening an account, using banking machines, direct deposit, sending money, applying for credit, telemarketing and other information.
An online tool that can be used to calculate conversions of many different foreign currencies to and from Canadian dollars using the latest rates.
What do you have to do to open an account, types of identification needed, your rights and what to do if the bank refuses to open an account.
Information about Canadian currency, sales tax, banks and financial institutions, opening a bank account, credit services, accessing your money, budgeting and sending money outside of Canada.
How to bring money into Canada, what to tell Canadian customs officials, the importance of setting up an account to transfer funds and arranging to transfer money from your home country.
Information on deposit insurance and how it protects Canadians’ savings in case a financial institution fails.
Everything you need to know about opening a bank account: types of personal bank accounts (chequing, savings, low-cost and joint), debit cards, how to open an account, and the types of identification needed. Also includes sections with various tips and information on your rights; a tool section with online interactive tools on banking accounts and packages, budgets and financial basics; and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page with information including what to do if the bank refuses to open an account.
Information on saving and investing for the individual. Includes details on common types of investments, government saving and investing plans, setting saving and investing goals, costs and fees, working with a financial advisor or planner and protecting yourself from fraud. Also includes a set of tools and links to publications on Tax-free Saving Accounts (TFSAs) and saving for your child’s education with a Registered Education Saving Plan (RESP).
A comprehensive resource for personal and business banking consumers, with information and tools for informing yourself about all aspects of banking and bank accounts in Canada.
