VANCOUVER GROUP

[Gandasia]

Hi there,

To those who are planning to land or already landed in Vancouver please share your thoughts and experiencs here. thank you.

Can you share where can we get the cheapest flight to vancouver, best place to stay, all about aparments and job hunting.

[Gandasia]

hi guys, I'm still waiting for my PPR but already tried to look for affordable flights. For those planning to land in Feb or March, St Raphael has the lowest rate so far. For PAL -$667 promo rate same as child rate tax included, via Cathay pacific $690 w/ tax. This is from Manila to Vancouver flights.

If you find lower rate, please share here.

I've also searched for apartments in Vancouver and I got interested in the West End Area, as from what I have read this place is not that far from downtown but not that noisy and busy as compared to Downtown Area......feedback on this place will be highly appreciated. The apartment rent ranges from $ 1000 to $ 1500 with basic appliances like ref, washing machines, gas stove, etc. in a 600sqm. Do you think this is fair enough?

[steaky]

One bedroom in Westend Area of Vancouver is in that range.  If you don't mind having roommates for a two bedroom, sharing kitchen, living room, washer/dryer, you can find shared accomodation, you may find better deals.

[Gandasia]

Are you in vancouver now? Do you think West End is a good place to stay?

[steaky]

Yes, it's okay.  Yaletown is more trendy though.

[Gandasia]

Thanks steaky... Yaletown sounds good but I might not be able to afford the apartments there 

By the way, are these particular aparments already have phone lines or are we the one who are going to apply for it?

[steaky]

If you are renting, it depends whether or not the landlord include phone-line in the rent.   Mostly they do.  The rent in some buildings in Yaletown for a 1 bedroom condo is about $1300 to 1500 per month, still within your budget.  I think it is affordable for you.

[1111TOCanada]

Hi,

We are planning to go there in the end of January or early February. We were thinking about renting rather a big room instead of a whole apartment. The benefits of renting a room are the following:
1. can rent it for short term. (I don't prefer long term as I don't know how much money I can count on monthly as regular income + later I may move nearer to my future workplace)
2. you get a flat that is fully furnished and equipped, so you may feel yourself more comfortable from the first moment
3. you may get good flat mate(s) who can be your first friends there you can rely on each other
4. fee usually contains all bills except mobile phone, so you don't have to be worried about further costs and you have access to internet from your first day
5. it is cheaper taking all together

Of course there are disadvantages of sharing a flat with others.

Please give your opinion about it. I would be more than happy to read.

[Gandasia]

You have a good point here since we don't know yet where we can get a job. I've attended some seminars about Canada and consultants encouraged us to look for a place a bit away from downtown because it cheaper. But for me and my family we might try to explore the city first.

Have you tried searching and find a good place for you.