Personal checklist copy. Suggested dates are editable planning prompts, not legal, tax or immigration deadlines. Confirm requirements with the responsible authority.
☐ Decide what to bring, ship, buy or leave
List the things you actually use. Compare carrying, shipping, local replacement and storage costs. Mark the items you need immediately and leave unknown quotes blank until confirmed.
☐ Get a complete shipping quote
Ask about collection, insurance, packing, customs handling, delivery and storage charges. Put items sharing one shipment into the same group so its quote is counted once.
Philippine Bureau of Customs: https://customs.gov.ph/travel/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Close or transfer your home contracts
List your lease or home arrangements, utilities, subscriptions and insurance policies. Record notice dates, final readings and confirmation numbers. Check what should remain active while you are away.
☐ Check restrictions before packing
Review current import restrictions for the items on your packing list, including food, plants and regulated goods. Ask Customs about uncertainty before packing or shipping.
Philippine Bureau of Customs: https://customs.gov.ph/travel/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check chargers, voltage and luggage rules
Read the voltage label on each device and check plugs, airline battery restrictions and baggage limits with the relevant provider. An adapter does not change the voltage.
☐ Choose an arrival mobile data option
Compare a travel eSIM with buying a local SIM after landing. Check device compatibility, coverage, validity, voice/SMS needs and activation instructions before buying.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/internet
☐ Plan the trip from the airport
Confirm your arrival terminal, accommodation address, check-in instructions and a transport option. Keep an offline copy and a backup plan for delays.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/transportation
☐ Make an offline emergency contact sheet
Save your accommodation, emergency contacts, insurer assistance details and consular contact. Confirm local emergency numbers from official sources and keep a paper copy.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/healthcare
☐ Check and complete the official arrival registration
Use the official eTravel website to check whether registration applies to you and its current submission window. Keep the confirmation accessible. This planning date is a prompt, not a statement of eligibility.
Philippine eTravel: https://etravel.gov.ph/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Pack your first 72 hours separately
Keep essential documents, permitted medicines, chargers, a change of clothes and arrival information within reach. Mark these items as essentials in your belongings list.
☐ Reconfirm the first night and flight
Check schedule changes, baggage, check-in, accommodation arrival access and the contact for any delayed arrival. Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
☐ Review your CRA departure situation
If you may have Canadian tax obligations
Ask the CRA or an adviser how your residential ties and plans affect tax residency and your departure return. Do not assume that leaving automatically makes you non-resident.
CRA · leaving Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/leaving-canada-emigrants.html · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check Canadian registered accounts and tax follow-up
If you hold Canadian accounts, assets or benefits
Ask about the accounts, property and benefits you actually hold, including any contribution or reporting implications if your tax status changes. Record the advice and follow-up dates.
CRA · leaving Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/leaving-canada-emigrants.html · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Confirm provincial or territorial health arrangements
If you have provincial or territorial health coverage
Contact your own health plan about your absence and return. Get its eligibility and notification instructions, and arrange suitable coverage for any gap.
Health Canada · provincial and territorial coverage: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/canada-health-care-system-medicare/canada-health-act/how-publicly-funded-coverage-works.html · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check Canadian pensions and benefits abroad
If you receive or expect Canadian pensions or benefits
Ask Service Canada about each payment, reporting obligations and the effect of your proposed stay. Check CPP and OAS separately; rules depend on the benefit and your circumstances.
Service Canada · pensions abroad: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-international.html · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Arrange Canada Post forwarding
If you receive mail at a Canadian address
Check international forwarding options, excluded items, identity requirements and the start date. Update important senders directly and keep the confirmation.
Canada Post · mail forwarding: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/personal/mail-forwarding.page · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Confirm your Canadian bank’s overseas policy
If you will keep Canadian financial accounts
Ask about a foreign address, your tax status, account availability and verification. Confirm how to replace a card and reach support from the Philippines.
Government of Canada · moving abroad: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/living-abroad · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Review consular registration and contacts
Registration is for Canadian citizens
If you are a Canadian citizen, consider Registration of Canadians Abroad and save the appropriate consular contact. Other travelers should check their own nationality’s service.
Government of Canada · moving abroad: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/living-abroad · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Arrange help with matters remaining in Canada
If you retain affairs that may need local attention
Consider who can manage urgent matters if you are unavailable. If legal authority is needed, ask an adviser which documents work in the relevant jurisdictions.
Government of Canada · moving abroad: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/living-abroad · source checked 2026-09-09