Using your mobile phone for internet and calls in Canada

Using your mobile phone for internet and calls in Canada

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Want to stay connected during your trip to Canada without high costs? With a Canadian SIM card or eSIM, you’ll be online immediately after arrival and benefit from local rates. This way, you can easily use Google Maps in Vancouver, WhatsApp in Toronto or stream your photos from Niagara Falls – without sky-high roaming charges. In this article, you will learn how to easily arrange a SIM card or eSIM, what the best options are for mobile internet and calling in Canada, and how you can arrange everything in advance from home or at Schiphol Airport.

Making calls with eSIM in Toronto

Using your phone in Canada

Are you travelling to Canada soon and want to stay connected? Good news: your mobile phone will work in Canada, but beware: calling, texting and using mobile internet in Canada with your own SIM card is expensive.

The solution is a local SIM card for Canada or eSIM Canada. This allows you to use the Canadian network at local rates and avoid sky-high roaming charges. The SIM cards and eSIMs are ready to use. This means you can get online immediately after arriving in Canada and:

  • Call in Canada at local rates
  • Use fast mobile internet in Canada for WhatsApp, Google Maps, email, Instagram and more.
  • Receive free calls within Canada

The right bundle for every trip: Are you going to discover bustling cities such as Toronto or Vancouver, or would you rather immerse yourself in the unique landscapes of Banff National Park or Niagara Falls? For a short trip, such as a city break to Montreal or a business trip to Calgary, choose the 10GB Canada bundle. This way, you can stay connected and easily send a selfie from the CN Tower or a WhatsApp message from the historic centre of Quebec City. For longer stays, such as touring Jasper National Park or a trip to Whistler Mountain, choose the Unlimited Canada bundle. This way, you can easily send photos of the Rocky Mountains or whale watching on Vancouver Island.

Staying online in Banff National Park

Choice of SIM card or eSIM in Canada

Mobile calling in Canada is affordable with a Canadian SIM card or eSIM in your phone: local rates, no roaming. You avoid high mobile data costs in Canada. Ideal for travelling to Canada, especially if you are travelling between different areas such as Ontario and Quebec. You benefit from the reliable 4G and 5G networks of Canada’s largest telecom providers, such as Bell, Telus and Rogers. Works directly on your phone, no hassle upon arrival. You can easily continue calling from Canada with accompanying 10GB or Unlimited bundles. Even if you are travelling through areas such as British Columbia or Newfoundland. Please note that coverage on your phone may be reduced in remote natural areas, such as between the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the waterfalls of Yoho National Park, or from the wild beaches and ancient forests of the Pacific Rim. Coverage is always good in cities. From historic Quebec to the boulevards of Montreal, and from the skyscrapers of Toronto to the river in Ottawa, your phone will work perfectly everywhere.

Will my phone work in Canada?

All modern phones are suitable for use in Canada. In the past, SIM cards and eSIMs from the American provider AT&T were often used for Canada. This was difficult because AT&T has many requirements for Android phones. This has now been resolved and there are plenty of Canadian SIM cards and eSIMs that can be used in all phones. It is still a good idea to check whether your device is SIM-free, but SIM locks are almost unheard of in Europe. If you order a SIM card or eSIM from Airport Telecom, you don’t have to worry about compatibility if you’re wondering, ‘Can I use my phone in Canada?’ We select the right Canadian provider so that you get a SIM card or eSIM for Canada that is guaranteed to work in your phone.

Mobile coverage at Niagara Falls

Options for mobile internet and calling

There are three options for making calls and using mobile internet in Canada: roaming with your own SIM card, a local Canadian SIM card, or a prepaid eSIM for Canada. Roaming is usually expensive. Due to roaming charges outside Europe, travellers are faced with high bills for using their current subscription in Canada. It is mainly the data costs that add up. Simple activities such as WhatsApp, navigation and surfing the internet become unexpectedly expensive. To avoid this, choose a local solution so you can make cheap calls and use the internet in Canada. eSIM is ideal for modern smartphones: activation is via a QR code that you receive by email and no physical card is required. There are several data bundles available, tailored to your usage and travel duration. Furthermore, many bundles include hotspot and tethering, so you can also use mobile WiFi in Canada.

How to arrange it online in advance or at Schiphol

Order your SIM card or eSIM online. You will receive the eSIM Canada by email as a QR code. The physical prepaid SIM card Canada will be delivered to your home free of charge. You can also pick it up at the shop at Schiphol, where you will receive expert help with installation. That way, everything is arranged before you leave for Canada and there is no stress upon arrival.

There are various bundles with an ideal solution for all types of travellers. For example, as a business traveller, choose the Unlimited Canada bundle. This is also advantageous for families, as the unlimited data on the SIM card or eSIM can easily be shared with others via hotspot or MiFi during your trip in Canada.

Reach during northern lights in Canada

Frequently asked questions

Will my phone work in Canada?

Your phone will work in Canada. Just keep in mind that if you use your own SIM card in Canada, you will incur high costs for internet and calls. The solution is to get a local Canadian prepaid SIM card or eSIM for your phone, which will allow you to make cheap calls and use the internet throughout Canada via the Rogers Wireless, Bell and Telus networks.

Which is better: SIM card or eSIM for Canada?

A SIM card and eSIM for Canada do the same thing. The difference is that you physically insert the SIM card into your phone, while you install an eSIM by scanning a QR code. You will receive the QR code by email, so it doesn't matter where you are. Please note, however, that not all phones are compatible with eSIM, so check this first.

How much data will I need during my trip?

How much mobile data you need in Canada depends on what you use it for and how long you are staying in Canada. WhatsApp, navigation and email do not use much data. Watching Netflix and YouTube in Canada does. The 10GB and Unlimited bundles for Canada are convenient.

How can I make cheap calls from Canada?

The best way to make cheap mobile calls from Canada is via WhatsApp. To do this, use WiFi in your hotel in Canada or the data on the prepaid SIM card or eSIM you purchased for your trip to Canada. Calling with WhatsApp costs you nothing extra.

Can I extend or change my bundle in Canada?

You can always top up and extend the bundle on your prepaid SIM card or eSIM Canada. If you need more data on your phone while travelling in Canada, the bundle can be adjusted.
Joost van Ommen

Joost van Ommen

Joost van Ommen is founder and owner of Airport Telecom. He is an enthusiastic traveller and he is busy every day finding new solutions for calling and internet while travelling

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