pouyakiaei

Facebook group Tbilisi Expats Flat Rental is the best source

Found my apartment in Vera through the Tbilisi Expats Flat Rental Facebook group. 2-bed furnished for $500/month, landlord was flexible and used Wise. Much better than local real estate websites which are outdated.

BBVA Mexico is the easiest bank to open as a foreigner

Opened a BBVA Mexico account with my passport and CURP. Took 30 minutes at the Insurgentes branch. Free debit card. Use the BBVA app to pay for everything — SPEI transfers are instant and free.

Get your SIN (Social Insurance Number) within days of arriving

Applied for my SIN at a Service Canada office in North York on day 3. Took 20 minutes with passport and landing papers. You need SIN to work legally and open most bank accounts. Free to get.

OV-chipkaart for all public transport in Amsterdam

Bought an OV-chipkaart at Centraal Station for €7.50. Load credit and tap in/out on every tram, metro, and bus. Monthly NS Dal Vrij subscription for €84/month if you commute daily off-peak.

Millennium BCP opens accounts for non-residents with NIF

Opened a Millennium BCP account with my passport and NIF — no proof of address needed initially. Free account with Visa debit. Wise is better for international transfers but you need local account for rent.

Pingo Doce and Continente for groceries — Mercadona for budget

Pingo Doce has the best ready meals and is open late. Continente has better selection. Mercadona is cheapest. Avoid tourist-area minimarkets — massively overpriced.