What to Pack for Canada: A Guide for Indian Students

Canada hosted over 410,000 Indian students in 2024, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). With strong post-study work options, high-quality education, and a clear visa process, Canada remains a top choice for international education. But for a smooth transition, having the right packing list for Indian students going to Canada is essential.

Many students who study in Canada face issues at airports due to excess baggage, customs violations, or missing key items. Others end up overspending in Canada on basics they could’ve brought from home. 

This guide covers exactly what to pack, from documents and clothing to electronics, medicines, and currency, based on Canadian weather, airline rules, and day-to-day campus needs.

Packing List for Indian Students Going to Canada

Packing for Canada involves more than clothes and toiletries. Many Indian students either forget key items or carry things that aren’t useful abroad. Understanding what’s truly essential can help you save space, avoid airport issues, and settle in comfortably.

Here’s a quick overview of the main packing categories and key items in each:

Category	Key Items
Documents	Passport, visa, offer letter, medicals
Luggage & Baggage	Airline limits, TSA locks, weighing scale
Clothing	Thermals, jacket, casualwear, formalwear
Kitchen Essentials	Pressure cooker, masala box, basic utensils
Toiletries & Medicines	Toothpaste, soap, painkillers, prescriptions
Currency & Banking	Forex card, cash, GIC proof, debit/credit cards
Electronics	Laptop, adapter, charger, headphones
Miscellaneous	Bedsheet, umbrella, backpack, stationery

Each of the next sections explains these categories in detail to help you pack smart and avoid last-minute problems.

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What Documents to Carry to Canada from India?

Carrying the right documents is critical for smooth entry into Canada. You’ll need to present specific papers at immigration, and universities may also ask for originals during enrollment. It's best to keep both hard copies and digital backups.

Here’s a checklist of important documents Indian students should pack:

Essential Travel & Immigration Documents

• Valid passport with student visa stamp
• Canadian study permit (if pre-issued)
• Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
• Flight tickets and travel insurance
• Final admission/offer letter from the university

Academic & Personal Records

• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets (original + copies)
• Degree/diploma certificates (if applicable)
• Language test scores (IELTS / TOEFL)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Passport-size photographs (at least 10, white background)

Financial & Medical Documents

• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) proof
• Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)
• Bank statements/funding proof
• Medical test reports (if required by IRCC)
• Doctor-signed prescriptions for carried medicines

Remember: Store scans of all documents in Google Drive or a secure cloud folder and email a copy to yourself as backup.

Luggage Guidelines for Indian Students Flying to Canada

Before packing, it's important to understand the luggage rules followed by airlines and Canadian customs. Most international airlines flying from India to Canada allow a generous baggage allowance for student tickets, but the exact limits vary. Make sure to check your airline’s official policy a few days before departure.

Check-In Baggage

• Most airlines allow two check-in bags weighing 23 to 25 kg each. This is common for economy-class student fares.
• Bags must stay within the size limit, usually 158 cm (length + width + height).
• Use strong suitcases with TSA-approved locks, which are accepted in North America.
• Label each bag with your full name, phone number, and Canadian address (if known).

Cabin or Hand Baggage

• You are usually allowed one cabin bag (7 to 10 kg) and one personal item, such as a laptop bag or small backpack.
• Keep all important documents, medicines, electronics, and valuables in your hand luggage.
• Do not carry liquids over 100 ml or any sharp objects. These are restricted under Canadian air travel rules.

Items Restricted or Not Allowed

• You are not allowed to carry meat, dairy, or fresh fruits and vegetables. These are restricted by Canadian customs.
• Power banks and lithium batteries must be packed in your cabin bag and should meet airline safety standards.
• Avoid packing large quantities of homemade food, pickles, or spices, as they may be flagged during inspection.

Note: Always confirm the latest baggage allowance and rules from your airline’s official website. This helps avoid extra fees or trouble at the airport.

Clothing Checklist for Indian Students Going to Canada

Canada’s weather changes with the seasons, so it’s best to pack based on your month of arrival. This helps avoid overpacking and ensures you’re prepared for the climate right from day one.

Here’s a season-wise clothing guide to help you pack efficiently:

Month of Arrival	Season in Canada (°C)	What to Pack
January – March	Winter (-15°C to 5°C)	• Heavy winter jacket • 2–3 thermal sets • Woolen cap • Gloves • Warm socks • Snow boots (optional)
April – May	Spring (5°C to 15°C)	• Light jacket • Full-sleeve tops • Jeans • Hoodie • Umbrella
June – August	Summer (15°C to 30°C)	• T-shirts (6–8) • Light pants or shorts • Cap • Sunglasses • Light hoodie
September – October	Fall (5°C to 18°C)	• Medium jacket • 1–2 sweaters • Full sleeves • Jeans • Optional thermals
November – December	Early Winter (-5°C to 5°C)	• Insulated jacket • 2 thermal sets • Scarf • Gloves • Wool socks • Waterproof shoes

Packing for the right season helps you save space and stay comfortable as soon as you arrive in Canada. Choose wisely!

Kitchen Essentials Indian Students Should Carry to Canada

Worried about missing typical Indian home-cooked food after moving? You’re not alone. But the good news is, Canada has a wide range of Indian grocery stores and supermarkets that sell most of the spices and tools you use at home.

Studying in Toronto, Vancouver, and Brampton are known for their Indian stores that carry everything from masalas to pressure cookers.

Still, it’s smart to carry a few lightweight items from India that you’ll need in your first few weeks. It saves you time and money while you settle in.

Here is a list of kitchen essentials Indian students going to Canada should carry.

Cooking Tools and Utensils

• Small pressure cooker (check airline and customs rules)
• Non-stick frying pan or tawa (1)
• Serving spoon, ladle, spatula (1 each)
• Small knife with cover or wrap
• Peeler, grater, small tongs
• Rolling board and pin (if you cook chapatis)
• One lunchbox or food container

Spice and Ingredient Basics

• Masala box with daily-use spices (airtight)
• Small packets of turmeric, red chili, cumin, and garam masala (100–200g each)
• Tea or coffee packets (small quantity)
• Ready-to-eat snacks (dry only, no liquids)

Storage and Cleaning Items

• Zip-lock bags (various sizes)
• Plates, bowls, and cups (1–2 each, steel or plastic)
• Dishwashing bar and sponge
• One kitchen towel or cleaning cloth

Tip: Do not pack liquids, oils, or homemade food items like pickles. These are often restricted at Canadian airports and may be removed by customs officers.

Toiletries and Medicines Indian Students Need for Canada

It’s a good idea to pack a personal supply of toiletries and basic medicines when moving to Canada. While local stores carry most essentials, prices may be higher and availability can vary by brand. Having your items for the first few weeks helps you avoid unnecessary spending or urgent pharmacy visits.

Here is the list of basic toiletries and essential medicines to carry.

Toiletries to Carry

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap or body wash (travel-size)
• Shampoo and conditioner (small bottles)
• Hair oil, comb, shaving kit
• Nail cutter and basic grooming tools
• Bath towel and face towel
• Sanitary pads or tampons (1–2 packs)
• Laundry detergent strips or a small packet

Medicines to Carry

• Paracetamol or basic painkillers
• Cold and flu tablets
• Antacids or digestion tablets
• Anti-allergy tablets
• Cough syrup (if allowed by the airline)
• Prescribed medicines (with doctor’s note
• Band-aids, antiseptic cream, ORS sachets

Note: Keep all medicines in their original packaging and carry prescriptions in your hand luggage to avoid customs issues.

What Currency and Cards Should Indian Students Carry to Canada

You’ll need a mix of cash and digital payment options when you first arrive in Canada. From public transport to groceries, some places may not accept cards right away. Carrying the right currency and cards helps you manage expenses smoothly during your initial days.

Here is a list of money essentials to pack:

• Cash to carry: Bring around 500–700 CAD for local expenses like food, a SIM card, and transport. Also carry ₹2,000–₹5,000 INR for any needs at Indian airports
• International debit card: Make sure it's enabled for global use (e.g., Niyo Global, HDFC ForexPlus, SBI International)
• Forex card: Preloaded CAD cards are safe for early purchases and allow easy tracking
• Credit card (optional): Useful in emergencies, especially cards with zero forex markup
• Bank documents: Carry account details, recent statements, and a copy of your PAN card

Note: Inform your bank before you travel and compare exchange rates to get the best value before loading any card.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Canada

Must-Have Electronics for Indian Students Going to Canada

You’ll need a few basic electronics to manage your classes, stay in touch with family, and get through your daily routine. While you can buy most items in Canada, bringing the right ones from India saves time and money.

Here’s a list of important electronics to carry, along with details to keep in mind:

Item	Specification / Note
Laptop with charger	Make sure it supports 110–240V and meets your college’s tech requirements
Smartphone (unlocked)	Should work with Canadian SIM cards and support international mobile bands
Power bank	Keep it under 20,000 mAh and carry it in cabin luggage only
Universal adapter (Type A/B plug)	Canada uses Type A/B plugs, not Indian Type C/D
USB flash drive or external hard disk	Choose USB 3.0 or above for faster data backup and transfer
Headphones or earphones	Wired or wireless, both work, handy for online classes and calls

Note: Don’t pack electric items like irons or kettles from India. Canadian voltage (120V) is lower than India’s (220V) and may damage your device.

Miscellaneous Essentials for Student Life in Canada

Indian students moving to Canada often forget small but essential items that can make daily life on campus smoother. These practical extras don’t take up much space but can help with daily tasks, weather changes, or shared housing situations.

Here is a list of useful items Indian students should pack for Canada:

Personal Use and Campus Essentials

• Reusable water bottle (BPA-free)
• Padlock or number lock (for dorm lockers or storage)
• Foldable shopping bag (Canada charges for plastic bags)
• Stationery kit (notebooks, pens, highlighters)
• Passport-size photos (both hard and soft copies)
• Daily backpack (for classes and commuting)

Weather and Travel Essentials

• Small umbrella or raincoat
• Sunglasses and cap (especially for summer intake)
• Travel pouch or organizer for documents
• Compact sewing kit and a few safety pins

These small essentials support day-to-day student life in Canada which helps you stay organized, manage housing, and move around easily from day one.

Conclusion

Creating the right packing list for Indian students going to Canada can make your move smooth and stress-free. From important documents and seasonal clothing to basic electronics, medicines, and even small daily-use items, you now have a clear idea of what to pack. Carry just enough to get started, and remember that most things are available in Canada. With smart planning and this guide in hand, you’ll feel more prepared and confident as you begin your student life abroad.

Confused about what to pack or how to apply? Schedule a 1:1 consultation with upGrad and get expert help at every step.