B(caps)eing an international student in Canada comes with
many challenges, from managing finances and transportation to staying
connected with loved ones. Thankfully, there are several apps that can make
life easier for foriegn students. Here is a curated list of the top must-have
apps for international students in Canada.
How We Chose This List?
There are hundreds of apps used by students, each catering to different needs and preferences. To create this list of must-have apps for international students, we took an overall approach. We gathered insights from several people who are either newcomers or current international students or have previously been international students, and are now either foreign workers or permanent residents of Canada.
What This List Does Not Include
We haven’t included apps that are directly related to studies for international students. Instead, this list focuses on general, everyday apps that help tackle common challenges. These apps are more about solving daily problems, rather than being specifically education-related.
Must-Have Apps for International Students
While the requirements for apps may vary from person to person, we've created a list to meet the most common needs. Most of these apps are free to download and use (except for finance-related apps) and are available on both popular operating systems: Android and iOS.
1.Banking App
The first and foremost app every international student must have is a Banking App. Canada heavily relies on online and contactless banking, so being able to pay on the go using either cards or mobile devices is a great convenience for every student. Moreover, these banking apps help you stay updated on your financial situation and alert you to any unfamiliar or unauthorized transactions, making them essential. Almost every bank in Canada provides an app to manage your finances. Some of the famous ones are:
- RBC Mobile - Official Website
- TD Canada Trust - Official Website
- Scotiabank Mobile - Official Website
2.Remitly
Another financial app that many international students tend to have is Remitly. It provides an easy way to send money from Canada to any country with which it has a partnership. Not only is it convenient, but it's also budget-friendly, costing just $1.99 per transfer (as of today). Additionally, there are no fees for transfers over 1,000 Canadian dollars.
(getCard) #type=(external) #title=(Remitly) #info=(Remitly is a fast and affordable money transfer service that allows users to send funds internationally. Get $15 when you make a transfer of $300) #pin=(Recommended Money Transfer App) #notice=(Affiliate Link) #photo=(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS836-1yA_un-5BMKIQ2CrRrmtFEpZ4x3sLYxnu-lUt6IWzpj2LYEQIYxk-2Bd7grkaBwV9ro1wlKkMpisb6lava_Ra7nFPve96MSt5iEVAd5KIxOmfoQ460Y642LpqolG55CZgJ7mijG0QlkwviTxLhiTXuWHBkj4dUGTCOdBkRkctVRnL7LnD5JoPg/s225/remitly.png) #button=(Download and Earn 15$)3.Google Maps
A common challenge for newcomer international students is finding their way
around Canada. Canadian residents are heavily dependent on Google Maps for
navigation. Whether it's visiting someone or locating an employment agency,
Google Maps is incredibly helpful. It also provides the most accurate arrival
times based on your chosen mode of transportation.
Official Website -
Google Maps
4.Transit
As an international student, most of your travel will likely be via buses,
subways, or trams. Public transportation in Canada is generally efficient,
though it may not be perfect in all areas. The Transit app can help you get
real-time and scheduled updates on public transport. Additionally, by using
the app, you can contribute to improving real-time updates, making it even
more useful for everyone.
Download Now -
Transit
5.PRESTO
Yet another app under the transportation category is PRESTO. PRESTO is an
electronic fare payment system in Canada that allows users to pay for public
transit without using cash. Instead, users can load money onto a Presto card
and use it to pay for their fares. With advancements in app development, you
can now recharge your PRESTO card directly from the app and even add the card
to your digital wallet, eliminating the need to carry a physical card. You can
simply use your phone as your PRESTO card.
Download Now -
Presto Card
6.Uber
Public transport in Canada is generally good, but at times it can be slow and
crowded. To overcome this, Uber can be a helpful solution. As a well-known
ride-sharing app, Uber offers a convenient and easy way to travel from one
point to another. It’s a must-have app, especially for time-sensitive tasks.
Download Now -
Uber
7.Kijiji
You might Have you heard of eBay, Kijiji is the Canadian version of it. From
accommodation to second-hand items, Kijiji allows people to buy and sell a
wide range of products. It is one of the largest classified ads apps in Canada
and is owned by eBay. While it’s easy to use and reliable, users should still
be cautious of potential fraudsters.
Download Now -
Kijiji
8.Facebook
In addition to helping you stay connected with loved ones back home, Facebook
can be incredibly useful in various other ways in Canada. Whether you're
looking for job fairs, events, a room for rent, second-hand items on
Marketplace, or even your first used car, Facebook can lead you to a wide
range of opportunities. However, much like Kijiji, it's important to be
cautious, as there may be some bad actors on the platform.
Official Website -
Facebook
9.Adobe Scan
Adobe Scan allows you to scan any document and save it as a PDF, which is
incredibly useful for keeping digital copies of important legal documents. It
also makes it easier to share them electronically.
Download Now -
Adobe Scan
10.Indeed
Finding a job in Canada can be challenging, especially with recent
developments. Indeed is a go-to website for job seekers in Canada, especially
if you're looking to work in a specific field.
Download Now -
Indeed
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Conclusion
To sum up, these are the top must-have apps for international students. While they may not be directly linked to academic progress, these apps can significantly simplify everyday life and make the transition to living in Canada much easier. Want to share any other app? leave a comment below.