The only document required from the US besides your passport is a letter from your bank, preferable addressed to the specific bank here you will be banking with, stating how long you have been a customer and that your account is in good standing. Scotia BAnk, for some reason, also requests that the bank includes in the letter, your profession in the states... but it's not necessary. Definitely check on the minimum balance and the number of checks allowed per month, and whether they offer bill pay and other online services. It varies from bank to bank. Other than that, it's pretty straight-forward. Just be prepared for pretty much any transaction, even a simple deposit, taking at least 15 minutes at the teller window!