Canadian SIM card
Why a local SIM Card is the best option for your Canadian trip
I am visiting Canada only; do I need a SIM card?
Travelling to Canada is an exciting adventure, but one thing that can quickly become a hassle is staying connected especially when using your home country’s SIM card. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, a local Canadian SIM card can significantly make things much easier.
Some providers offer a “travel option” that lets you use your home plan in both Canada and the USA for an extra fee. However, if your provider doesn’t offer this option, roaming charges can add up fast. Fortunately, a Canadian SIM card can easily solve this problem.
PhoneBox is an excellent choice for travellers, as it offers 30 day prepaid SIM cards and free worldwide shipping, allowing you to get your SIM card before your trip.
Your key advantages with PhoneBox at a glance
- All plans available as eSIM
- Free unlimited calls within Canada
- Free unlimited text messages worldwide
- Free 1000 minutes for calls to 30 countries
- Free shipping anywhere in the world
- No Canadian address required
- No activation fees
- No credit checks
- Mobile hotspot possible
- Pay with a foreign credit card
- Activate on your desired date in the future
- Cancel at any time
Why PhoneBox and not a data SIM card from the Internet?
Popular travel eSIMs available online are typically data-only SIM cards, which means they don’t include calling options.
You’ve probably noticed that there are many of such eSIM card offers online. Take your time to compare them, and you’ll quickly see that even most data-only plans are often more expensive than the PhoneBox SIM card featured here.
Before making a purchase, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of the SIM card and the offered features. A Canadian SIM card that includes free calls within Canada is especially useful for calling hotels, campgrounds, or roadside assistance when needed.
But I have free Wi-Fi everywhere in Canada
It’s true that free Wi-Fi is accessible in many places across Canada. Whether you’re looking for a café, restaurant, or even a fast-food chain, you’ll find places like Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and McDonald’s on nearly every corner. Hotels, Airbnb’s, and even larger supermarkets also offer free networks. So, while you’re having a coffee or picking up groceries, you can easily send holiday greetings via WhatsApp or Messenger without any hassle.
As you can see, in larger cities, finding free Wi-Fi is quite convenient. However, things change when you’re on the road. If you need to look something up quickly, a Canadian SIM card is your best solution.
For example, imagine you suddenly come across a roadblock. There’s no café, hotel, or public Wi-Fi in sight. With mobile internet, you can immediately check if there’s an alternative route.
If the wait is longer than expected, having mobile internet means you can take action right away. You can re-route and adjust your travel plans. Remember, only the online version of Google Maps can help you plan detours, as it’s the only one that recognizes real-time road closures.
I am a student or temporary worker; do I need a Canadian SIM card in Canada?
Whether you’re moving to Canada for work, study, or to explore new opportunities, staying connected is a top priority.
Here are a few reasons why getting a Canadian SIM card is highly recommended:
- Job applications: Employers in Canada may be less likely to call back if your phone number is foreign.
- Banking: Canadian banks require a local phone number when opening an account.
- Security: Canadian two-factor authentication won’t work with foreign phone numbers.
- Navigation: A Canadian SIM card also makes it easier to use local navigation services, such as Google Maps or transit apps, that rely on real-time data for accurate directions.
Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans
Prepaid
Prepaid plans are ideal for travellers, as they allow you to pay in advance without the concern of a long-term commitment. Typically, these plans last for 30 days, and if you don’t extend them, they will simply expire, ensuring that you’re not tied to anything beyond the duration of your stay.
A great feature from PhoneBox: 90 day plans (90 days = $100 = 100 GB)
The great thing about this plan is that it gives you more freedom when using your data. This means that within the 90-day term, you can use the 100 GB whenever you want. Whether you use all your data in the first month or spread it out until the last day is completely up to you.
This plan also automatically ends after 90 days if you don’t want to extend it. No cancellation required.
Postpaid
If you plan to stay in Canada for a longer period, such as with a Working Holiday work permit, postpaid plans are often the better option. These plans typically offer more data and better value overall. However, the major downside of a postpaid plan is that you’re locked in for the duration of the contract (often for 2 years).
Additionally, keep in mind that postpaid plans usually require a credit check, which can be another hurdle for some travellers.
However, PhoneBox is different, with a more flexible approach. Unlike traditional providers, there are no contracts with PhoneBox and you can cancel at any time, even with postpaid plans.
In addition, PhoneBox does not do credit checks, whether for prepaid or postpaid plans, making it a hassle-free option for everyone.
What other Canadian SIM card providers are there?
In Canada, the three main mobile networks are Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Among them, Bell and Telus are considered the most reliable. However, their plans tend to be expensive, which is why many people use third-party providers for cheaper alternatives. These providers use the same network infrastructure as the main carriers but offer lower rates.
It’s important to note that coverage in Canada can be sparse, especially outside major cities. Rural areas might have little to no signal, so check coverage maps before choosing a provider.
Mobile phone plans in Canada can be much more expensive than in other countries. Even the most basic plans start at around $30 per month. Prices vary depending on the data, talk, and text options you choose.
If you’re looking for flexibility, check the “Bring Your Own Phone” (BYOP) plans. These month-to-month plans don’t lock you into a contract, so you can cancel anytime.
Lastly, keep in mind that plans and deals change often, so visit the provider’s homepage regularly to stay updated.
Rogers Network
- FIDO
- Chatr
- SpeakOut
- Petro Canada Mobile
Bell Network
- Virgin Mobile
- PC Mobile
- Lucky Mobile
TELUS network
- PhoneBox
- Koodo
- Public Mobile
Does a Canadian SIM card work everywhere in Canada?
A Canadian SIM card will work anywhere in Canada where the carrier has coverage. However, keep in mind that Canada is vast, and coverage can be very limited in remote areas. For instance, in the Yukon, you’ll only get reception near populated areas. If there’s no cell tower nearby, there will be no signal, and this applies to all Canadian SIM card providers.
Can I call home from Canada? For example my family in Europe?
Many Canadian carriers do not include international calling in their plans, and if they do, it typically comes with an additional monthly fee. However, with PhoneBox, international calls to 30 countries are included at no extra cost as part of your plan.
If you’re from a country not listed, you can still make international calls using apps like Messenger or WhatsApp, as long as both you and the person you’re calling have the app installed.
However, if you need to call a landline or another cell phone internationally, you’ll need to download a Wi-Fi calling app. These calls are made using your SIM card’s data, so you’ll need an internet connection to place them.
Another great feature from PhoneBox: free international calls to over 30 countries
Where can I buy a Canadian SIM card?
Online
Ordering online can help you save money by avoiding the activation fee, which can be as high as $70 with some providers. Additionally, many of the major carriers offer SIM cards that can be purchased directly from their websites and shipped to a Canadian address.
However, even if you’re still in your home country, you can easily order your PhoneBox SIM card online and have it shipped to your foreign home address. PhoneBox is the only SIM card provider offering worldwide free shipping, which is a major convenience for international travellers. That’s just another benefit of choosing PhoneBox!
In Canada (physical stores)
Carrier Stores: You can buy SIM cards directly at the retail locations of major carriers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Koodo, and Virgin Mobile. These stores are located in shopping malls, city centers, and airports across Canada.
Electronics Stores: Retailers like Best Buy and The Source often sell SIM cards from various Canadian providers.
Convenience Stores & Gas Stations: Some smaller stores, such as convenience stores or gas stations, may also carry SIM cards, though selection can be more limited.
Mobile retailers and resellers
Walmart: Walmart locations often carry SIM cards from various carriers, including prepaid options.
- Real Canadian Superstore (The Mobile Shop at the entrance). They carry a variety of options from major Canadian mobile carriers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, and third-party providers.