FAQs

Question

Is there an app to speed up customs at the Toronto Airports?

Answer

Yes! It's called ArriveCan and it does work (last checked Wednesday, March 19th, 2025)! You can use it on iOS, Android, or in your browser: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan/account.html

Question

Can you suggest an eSIM?

Answer

Please make sure your phone supports eSIM before buying one. Not all phones do. If you're shopping for an eSIM, please be aware that most eSIMs are data-only (i.e. they don't include a phone number and can't send/receive calls/SMS messages). If you have a Google Voice or similar VoiP service, it will work. If you don't and you're looking to make calls, a data-only eSIM plan will not work. PhoneBox has a plan for $12 CAD for one week with unlimited Canada-wide Calling & Messaging (it also includes data): https://esim.gophonebox.com/?bn=4433&i_rep=&planid=1728 Note that if this will be your first eSIM, you'll want to make sure that you enable roaming/data roaming for your phone + eSIM once you've activated it.

Question

Can you suggest a Taxi company?

Answer

Beck Taxi +1-416-751-5555 https://becktaxi.com/ https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/beck-taxi/id512292008 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beck.android.becktaxi&hl=en_CA&gl=US&pli=1 Any other taxi from a taxi stand will also be fine. There are taxi stands at both airports.

Question

How do I pay for public transit in Toronto?

Answer

You can pay for TTC (Toronto Transit Commission - for buses, streetcars and subways in Toronto) using a credit card: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Pay-your-fare-with-your-debit-or-credit-card If you would like to purchase a transit card, the transit card is called the PRESTO card. It works on regional rail (GO) and TTC: https://prestocard.ca/ You can buy a Presto Card at YYZ (Toronto Pearson Airport) at the UPX (Union-Pearson Express) station near Terminal 1. https://www.upexpress.com/en/up-express-stations/pearson-station You can also buy a card at any Shoppers Drug Mart or a TTC station. https://www.prestocard.ca/en/find-an-outlet/customer-service-outlets Rides with TTC include 2 hours of free transfers.

Question

Will the Subway work on the weekend?

Answer

The downtown portion of the subway (where we are) should work fine. There is a planned subway closure for the northern part of Line 1. Subway service on Line 1 between Finch and St Clair stations will be replaced by shuttle buses on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, for planned track work. North York Centre and Lawrence stations will be closed. All other subway stations will remain open for customers to purchase PRESTO fares, tickets and connect to surface routes. https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/subway-service/Line-1-Finch-to-St-Clair-Full-weekend-closure-Mar-22-and-23-2025

Question

Please tell me about the venue

Answer

The first First Narayever Congregation is a traditional egalitarian synagogue. https://www.narayever.ca/

Question

If you use Google Maps

Answer

You should set up offline maps before you travel to avoid downloading maps while roaming or using WiFi. https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

Question

Do I need to bring Canadian currency?

Answer

Most places take credit cards (which will manage currency exchange). Payment is mostly by tap. Do try to avoid using Debit cards. Use a credit card. If you have a credit card without foreign transaction fees, that's probably the card to use (e.g. Capital One and Discover). Discover isn't universally accepted, but many places take it. While the US uses "Chip+Signature", Canada tends to use "Chip+PIN" -- you should ask your credit card issuer what your PIN is. Note that some places will happily exchange USD to CAD at 1:1, but that's a lousy rate, so we don't recommend this.

Question

Can I wear strong scents?

Answer

Please don't. The Narayever says: "Please refrain from wearing perfume or after-shave at the shul at any time." And Josh is sensitive to scented products.