Buying a tourist SIM card in Canada can be very costly as Canadian carriers have some of the most expensive data plans worldwide. In this blog post, we will discuss all options that enable you to surf the internet, make calls, or text while traveling to Canada without spending a fortune.
When traveling to Canada, you will soon realize that buying a local SIM card without being a resident is nearly impossible.
Every local carrier has specific terms and conditions, catering to residents in certain states only. For example, Public Mobile only offers specific plans to Quebec residents. The same applies to offers from Chatr Mobile, another popular Canadian carrier.
If your phone supports only physical SIM card, then your best option is to use public WiFi networks in coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels. The internet connection in Canada is decent enough to make calls, chat with friends, or stream movies.
Relying on public WiFi networks can be a limiting factor, especially if you need data on the go.
Additionally, public WiFi networks often expose your devices to external threats such as cyber-attacks. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from browsing data-sensitive websites, such as online banking portals.
Prepaid SIM Card For Tourist In Canada
According to Simpackers.com, a website that compares SIM and eSIM data plans worldwide, only one SIM card provider offers data-only physical prepaid SIM cards for tourists in Canada.
The prepaid SIM card for Canada is valid for 14 days and comes with 10GB of data. The SIM card is part of the Holiday World offer from Orange and costs $49.90 without the option to make calls or text.
Users who opt-in for this prepaid SIM card can use the data to make calls or send texts via internet-based apps such as Messenger or WhatsApp.
The benefit of a prepaid SIM card is that you can use it on the go. This is useful when navigating through cities or looking for the best bagels in town.
The downside of a prepaid SIM card for tourists in Canada is that you have to order it before your trip.
eSIM For Tourists In Canada
If you have purchased your phone in the past two years, it likely supports the eSIM technology. ESIMs are digital SIM cards that can be downloaded and activated within a few minutes.
Most eSIMs are data-only digital SIM cards, meaning that you won’t be able to make calls or texts through local networks.
You can, however, use apps such as Messenger, Skype, or WhatsApp to communicate with your friends and family.
With Simpackers.com, you can find the cheapest eSIM for Canada in just a few seconds. This website compares all eSIM data plans for Canada and many other countries.
You can filter the results based on the duration of your trip and the data you need. You can also sort the results based on the best value, meaning the cheapest price per GB.
After you find the best eSIM plan for Canada, purchase it from one of the recommended eSIM providers, scan the QR code in your inbox, and activate your eSIM.
The benefit of an eSIM for Canada is that it’s cheap and can be activated anytime within just a few minutes. The cheapest eSIM plan for seven days starts at $5.20, making it the most affordable option for tourists in Canada.
A 30-day eSIM with 10GB of data is only $28, meaning you will have plenty of budget left to indulge yourself in Beaver Tails and Poutins.
Buying a SIM card for tourists in Canada isn’t as easy as in other countries, so eSIMs have quickly become the best option for anyone eager to visit Canada.