Phone Plans in Canada

Compare 4 mobile plans from 4 carriers

3
Tourist SIM Cards
2
Prepaid Plans
0
eSIM Options
+1
Country Code

Mobile Network Overview in Canada

Major Carriers

  • Rogers5G/4G/3G • 99% urban coverage
  • Bell Canada5G/4G/3G • 99% urban coverage
  • Telus5G/4G/3G • 99% urban coverage
  • Freedom Mobile5G/4G/3G • 95% urban coverage

Network Information

  • ✓ 4G/LTE coverage in major cities
  • ✓ 5G available with select carriers
  • ✓ Good coverage in tourist areas
  • ✓ Free WiFi widely available

Compare All Phone Plans

Plan NameCarrierDataMinutesPriceTourist Friendly
Infinite Essential
postpaid
Rogers
100GB
per month
Local: Unlimited
Int'l: None
CA$85.00
per month
Lucky Mobile Prepaid
prepaid
Bell
20GB
per month
Local: Unlimited
Int'l: None
CA$45.00
per month
Easy Roam Tourist
tourist
Telus
25GB
per month
Local: Unlimited
Int'l: 100
CA$75.00
per month
Big Gig Unlimited
prepaid
Freedom Mobile
50GB
per month
Local: Unlimited
Int'l: None
CA$50.00
per month

Best Tourist SIM Cards

Lucky Mobile Prepaid

Bell

CA$45.00
per month
20GB Data
Unlimited local mins
No contract required
  • • No overage fees
  • • Data rollover
  • • Bell network

Easy Roam Tourist

Telus

CA$75.00
per month
25GB Data
Unlimited local mins
No contract required
  • • Use in USA/Mexico
  • • 5G network
  • • No activation fee

Big Gig Unlimited

Freedom Mobile

CA$50.00
per month
50GB Data
Unlimited local mins
No contract required
  • • Nationwide coverage
  • • US roaming included
  • • 5G ready

Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which is Right for You?

Prepaid Plans

  • No credit check required
  • Perfect for tourists and short stays
  • No contracts or commitments
  • Control your spending

Best for: Tourists, students, temporary residents, budget-conscious users

Postpaid Plans

  • Better data rates and allowances
  • International roaming options
  • Device financing available
  • Requires credit check and ID

Best for: Long-term residents, business users, heavy data users

Where to Buy SIM Cards in Canada

Airport Kiosks

Most convenient option for tourists. Available immediately upon arrival.

  • ✓ Open 24/7 at major airports
  • ✓ English-speaking staff
  • ✓ Tourist plans available
  • ✗ Slightly higher prices

Carrier Stores

Best selection and support. Located in shopping centers and city centers.

  • ✓ Full range of plans
  • ✓ Professional setup help
  • ✓ Device options available
  • ✗ May require queuing

Convenience Stores

Quick and easy for prepaid SIMs. Found everywhere in Canada.

  • ✓ No waiting times
  • ✓ Basic prepaid options
  • ✓ Extended hours
  • ✗ Limited plan selection

Airport SIM Card Availability

Major International Airports

SIM cards are readily available at Canada's main international airports. Look for carrier kiosks in the arrivals hall after clearing customs.

  • Multiple carrier options available
  • Tourist-specific packages
  • Instant activation service

What You'll Need

  • 1.Passport for registration
  • 2.Unlocked phone (check before travel)
  • 3.Cash or credit card
  • 4.Address in Canada (hotel is fine)

SIM Card Activation Guide

Step-by-Step Activation

  1. 1
    Purchase Your SIM
    Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget
  2. 2
    Register Your Details
    Provide passport and local address for registration
  3. 3
    Insert the SIM Card
    Power off your phone, insert SIM, then restart
  4. 4
    Configure Settings
    Follow carrier instructions for APN settings if needed

Troubleshooting Tips

Phone Shows "No Service"?
Restart your phone and ensure airplane mode is off. Check if your phone is unlocked.
Can't Access Mobile Data?
Go to Settings → Mobile Data → APN and enter carrier's APN settings.
Registration Failed?
Ensure your passport details match exactly. Some carriers require online registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my phone number when visiting Canada?

You cannot transfer your home country number to a Canada SIM card. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp, which are linked to your original number, over data. Consider using call forwarding to a VoIP service if you need to receive calls on your regular number.

Do I need to unlock my phone before traveling?

Yes, your phone must be unlocked to use a Canada SIM card. Contact your home carrier before traveling to unlock your device. Most carriers will unlock phones that are fully paid off. You can test if your phone is unlocked by trying a different carrier's SIM card.

How long does SIM card registration take?

Registration typically takes 5-15 minutes at the point of purchase. Some carriers activate instantly, while others may take up to 2 hours. Tourist SIMs at airports are usually activated immediately to ensure you have service right away.

Can I top up my prepaid SIM online?

Yes, most Canada carriers offer online top-up services through their websites or mobile apps. You can also top up at convenience stores, carrier shops, or through ATMs. International credit cards are usually accepted for online top-ups.

What's the difference between tourist SIMs and regular prepaid SIMs?

Tourist SIMs are designed for short-term visitors with simplified registration, more data, shorter validity periods (7-30 days), and sometimes include international calling minutes. Regular prepaid SIMs require more documentation, have longer validity, and are better for extended stays.

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