Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze The following information is provided by the government publication Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze. Introduction Before You Go What Documents Do You Need? Practical and Financial Issues Personal Issues and Concerns Working Abroad Returning to Canada Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze Practical and Financial Issues

Money Matters

Before you leave Canada, make sure that you will have enough money with you to get properly settled. Although some companies may provide a settlement allowance, keep in mind that it may be several weeks before you receive your first pay cheque. Consult a bank or a foreign currency agent to find out the most appropriate currency to take with you. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques in Canadian dollars are not always accepted. Traveler's cheques in U.S. dollars are often the safest and most convenient option.

Be aware that your bank machine card or credit card may not necessarily be usable or honoured in another country.

Planning Your Finances

Before leaving Canada, make sure that you have settled all your financial obligations or make arrangements to do so while you are working abroad. This may involve setting up automatic payments from your Canadian bank account to cover outstanding or ongoing commitments. You should advise your bank that you will be working overseas and supply your new address. Most banks can provide a variety of services to assist you in managing your finances from outside Canada.

It is always a good idea to take at least one credit card with you. Although you may choose not to use it, it will definitely provide you with some peace of mind. Keep it in a safe place for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Taxes

If you are living abroad but maintain residential ties in Canada, you are usually considered a factual resident of Canada for taxation purposes. However, there may be other factors involved, so you should review your situation with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) before you leave in order to avoid surprises. The CCRA publication Canadian Residents Abroad provides excellent information for individuals.

The CCRA's International Tax Services Office processes income tax returns for non-residents and deemed residents of Canada, including Canadians working overseas. It also provides general assistance by telephone, correspondence and counter service, and looks after all non-resident tax withholding accounts.

You may also wish to consult a private financial planner, who can provide advice and guidance on such matters as contributing to Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) while you are abroad.

Mail

If you are overseas for an extended period, you can arrange to have your mail sent to a post office box or, where possible, to the nearest Canadian government office abroad. In the latter case, the office will hold on to letter-size mail (not parcels) for you to pick up in person. This mail cannot be forwarded to another address.

Shipping Your Belongings

Shipping your goods and household effects to another country can be costly. Find out what you need to take and ship only what you will not find locally. Ask if your employer will partially or fully cover the costs of moving your belongings or provide you with essential items when you arrive.

As well, find out ahead of time what you are allowed to take with you. Most countries have very stringent import controls.

Canada Customs and Border Services

Before going abroad with valuable items, you can take advantage of a free identification procedure at any Canadian customs office. This service is available for items that have serial numbers or other unique markings. Alternatively, if you request it, customs officers can apply a sticker to any item and give it a serial number.

Jewellery often has significant value and can be difficult to identify. To make it easier to re-enter Canada with jewellery, contact your nearest customs office to find out the steps you should take to identify items of jewellery prior to your departure.

Please choose from the following sections:

Introduction

Before You Go

What Documents Do You Need?

Practical and Financial Issues

Personal Issues and Concerns

Working Abroad

Returning to Canada

Canuck Abroad takes no responsibility for the information or accuracy contained in this section and suggest you go to http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/working_abroad-en.asp for the latest information.

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