Opening bank account from outside of Canada? Scotiabank convenient?

[Jeltsin25]

I will start classes next may, and I need a bank account to deposit all the money I will use when arriving there. I have seen there is an account offered by Scotiabank so foreigners can open it from their home countries and put thei savings there, but one friend told me that account gives you a GIC so the money won't be 100% available, but you will only have the right to withdraw a portion of it each month instead. I need to put most of my savings in one account there in Canada so I need it available for my college payment and so, and for that I would like you to give me any advice on whether I should open an account in Scotia, or if there are any other banks allowing me to open an account from abroad and allowing me to fully manage my money without any restrictions. Thanks a lot in advance

 

[ElenaEagleEye]

I will start classes next may, and I need a bank account to deposit all the money I will use when arriving there. I have seen there is an account offered by Scotiabank so foreigners can open it from their home countries and put thei savings there, but one friend told me that account gives you a GIC so the money won't be 100% available, but you will only have the right to withdraw a portion of it each month instead. I need to put most of my savings in one account there in Canada so I need it available for my college payment and so, and for that I would like you to give me any advice on whether I should open an account in Scotia, or if there are any other banks allowing me to open an account from abroad and allowing me to fully manage my money without any restrictions. Thanks a lot in advance

Why don't you open it once you arrive in Canada?
Open the account here (preferably with RBC) and transfer all your money electronically.
If the bank account is not in your name you can authorize someone in your home country to transfer the money.
I wouldn't open an account from abroad. Too risky!