Hunnia said:
Dear,
I, with my husband, plan to land in Calgary by end of Aug 2012.
We are also expecting our first baby around end Nov and it makes us more nerves about coming to an entirely new place with minimum information about it.
Have so many questions like;
What kind of challenges we may have face with a 6 month permanent lady especially when winter is setting in?
What kind of housing/place is better for woman in this condition?
How to find a rented place to live and which area (crime free and with good access/transport/train system)?
Should we plan to buy a vehicle or we can survive without it there?
How much a good condition second hand pickup truck/car usually cost?
What on avg. monthly budget we should plan for a family of two + a baby?
Being Muslim I would also look for information about hilal food, Mosques and Muslim community etc
Huh...and so many more.......
PLEASE! Share your experiences advises and provide as much information as possible even beyond aforementioned questions
God bless you all
Thanks
Health Care:
I think since you are coming to Alberta, you are eligible for medical/ health service from the day you enter Canada. Some other states have some residency requirements. Very important: In any case please go to Alberta health services website and confirm for yourself. If you are not covered, medical services are very expensive. This is something you want to be sure.
Getting a family doctor is very difficult. Therefore, you end up going to different doctors every time you need medical attention. So as soon as you come here keep looking for/ ask about for doctors accepting new patients and get yourself registered with a doctor.
Regarding housing:
Like anywhere else in the world, goods areas – less crime, public services, middle class neighborhood etc. – cost more in rent, house prices etc. Most immigrants to Calgary tend to live in Calgary North East. May be 80% immigrants/ foreign born. The crime rates are a little more than other parts of the town. Like anywhere else in the world, do not keep gold and cash at home; do not show of your gold in parties, esp. among one’s own community. That is an often-repeated mistake immigrants commit- they come with gold and become a target of thief’s.
Do not be alarmed. It is much safer than many places in the world. Just wanted to remind that we must use common sense.
North East Calgary has all ethnic food stores etc.
Vehicle:
For someone looking for a job, a car is very helpful and in many cases a must. You can find a decent used car for 5000 CAD upwards. Remember car means insurance and that can be expensive for new comers.
Expenses:
Sort of very basic existence:
Rent 800 minimum for a basement suite (that is very basic), 500+ (decent food), 150 car insurance!, 150 utilities (heat, water, basic phone), and the rest.
Important:
Without knowing your situation, I am talking about many immigrants I see here. Jobs are the issue. Come with clear idea about what you can do. Esp any oil industry related skills. If you have time develop such skills. This can be a very touch place without the right skills.
God Bless you and your family
, i heard sometimes they can do in the next day or two for additional fee. 
