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Complete Guide: Best Canada SIM Card For Tourists

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 30, 2024 | Canada , North America , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Canada soon? Learn how to purchase a Canada SIM card for your upcoming trip.

Unfortunately, Canada is one of those countries that don’t make it easy for tourists. You won’t be able to find a cheap SIM card in Canada in person.

In fact, most mobile data packages are ridiculously expensive!

But don’t worry – we found solutions for you and you’ll find them in this blog post!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Canada in person and online.

We’ll also talk about the best eSIM for Canada. eSIM is the easiest (and cheapest) option to get Internet in Canada.

Before you start reading this guide, you may be wondering if you actually need a SIM card in Canada.

If you don’t mind not having Internet at all times, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you wish to drive a car around, call an Uber, or translate something into French or English – you may want to get a prepaid Canadian SIM card for your travels in Canada.

Note that if you’re American, your mobile phone provider may be offering coverage in Canada.

If that’s the case, you won’t need a SIM card for Canada.

traveler with a phone in canada

📱 Best Canada SIM Cards

Canada is a huge country, and there are several mobile providers.

Unfortunately, finding an affordable Canadian SIM card that provides a lot of mobile data in the country isn’t that easy. 

The thing is that in Canada, most providers only offer contracts, and prepaid SIM cards for tourists aren’t really popular.

Finding a short-term travel SIM card in Canada is quite the challenge!

We recommend using a SIM card from Telus, T-Mobile, or Airalo.

I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!

traveler with a phone in canada

❓ How To Buy A Tourist SIM Card In Canada

You can buy a Canada prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, in mobile provider stores, in a convenience store, or on Amazon .

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a Canadian SIM card at the airport.

That said, only a few airports offer Canadian SIM cards, so it doesn’t mean you’ll find one on arrival.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store.

Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

You’ll need to specify you don’t want to have a contract. 

You can search for Telus, Rogers, Bell, or Koodo to purchase prepaid SIM cards.

Now, from my experience (even as a Canadian), the data packages are expensive and barely provide data. Think of something like 500 MB or 1 GB.

This is why I’d recommend using Airalo instead. (Skip to the eSIM card section to learn more about Airalo.)

traveler with a phone in canada

❓ How To Buy A Canada Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online on websites like Amazon .

For example, you could get a SIM card for North America, like the North America TravSIM from T-Mobile .

This SIM card offers 50 GB to use in the United States but also adds 5GB in Canada and Mexico. 

It costs around $45, and the card is valid for 30 days. In my opinion, this SIM card is only a good option if you’re traveling to both the United States and Canada. 

Although, If you’re traveling only in Canada, 5 GB isn’t a lot, really. If you think it’s enough, then it may be a good option for you.

Browse your options on Amazon

Now, you’ll find plenty of SIM cards from different mobile providers on Amazon, but they don’t always come with a prepaid package. 

To get data, you’ll need to register in person or online to buy a prepaid data package.

You can do this easily with Telus .

You could either order the Telus SIM card on Amazon and then pick a plan online, or order the SIM card directly from the Telus website .

Wondering how much is a SIM card in Canada? Here’s an overview of the prepaid plans available on Telus:

  • 500 MG, valid for 30 days for $30 – includes calls and SMS
  • 2.5 GB, valid for 30 days for $40 – includes calls and SMS
  • 4.5 GB, valid for 30 days for $45 – includes calls and SMS
  • 8 GB, valid for 30 days for $55 – includes calls and SMS

Browse your options on Telus

Alternatively, you could purchase a prepaid Canada SIM card on SimOptions .

They have a SIM card that works in Canada. You’ll get 10 GB, valid for 14 days, for $49.90.

Go to SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Canada.

❓ How To Buy A Canada eSIM Card

eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card in your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s the best option to get data in Canada.

Curious? Read our Airalo eSIM review .

Here are the top three eSIM providers in Canada:

Let’s take a look at their eSIM plans for Canada.

Airalo eSIM Canada

So far, I’ve used Airalo in Canada, Europe, and Asia.

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada.

To buy an eSIM, I usually use Airalo . This website offers lots of eSIM cards around the world, including in Canada.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Canada :

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $6
  • 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $11
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $15
  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18
  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $35

As you can see, these are the most affordable rates for SIM cards we’ve seen so far.

An eSIM card also means you’ll get data immediately on arrival, which is very convenient.

airalo esim canada tuque mobile

Go to Airalo

Holafly eSIM Canada

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly .

You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of the plans available in Canada:

  • Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $27
  • Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $34
  • Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
  • Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
  • Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54

canada holafly esim

Go to Holafly

Nomad eSIM Canada

Nomad is also a great eSIM provider, offering many affordable plans in Canada.

Here’s an overview of the plans available on Nomad:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $7
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $12
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $19
  • 10GB, valid for 30 days for $32
  • 12GB, valid for 60 days for $36

getnomad esim canada

Go to Nomad

BNESIM Canada

Finally, you can look at the plans available on BNESIM , another popular provider.

Here’s an overview of the plans available on BNESIM:

  • 1GB, no expiration for $14.07
  • 3GB, no expiration for $40.99
  • 5GB, no expiration for $66.17

You can also browse the options on BNESIM if you want a monthly subscription.

They also offer bigger plans without expiration, which could be useful if you need a lot of data.

Go to BNESIM

You can compare the best eSIM providers on esimroamers.com .

💭 Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Canada

I believe Canada has a lot to catch up on regarding SIM cards and data prepaid plans for travelers.

In many countries, you can get a SIM card at affordable rates easily and quickly – but Canada makes it more complicated for travelers and short-term tourists.

eSIM cards are usually the most convenient way to get mobile data in Canada.

If you’re still on the fence about eSIM, you can read our Airalo review .

Traveling to Canada soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

  • Best places to live in Canada
  • How many days in Vancouver
  • Romantic cabin getaways Ontario
  • Revolut Canada

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BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

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LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

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The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Canada in 2024

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Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

These days, it’s almost impossible to imagine visiting a foreign country without mobile connection. You may need to call a rideshare, find your hotel on maps, connect to the internet when away from Wi-Fi, or translate signs in a foreign language.

However, using international roaming with your home carrier to get data could cost hundreds of dollars. This is why prepaid eSIM cards are the fastest growing option for international tourists who own an eSIM-compatible device.

In this guide, you’ll find the 5 best prepaid SIM and eSIM options available for tourists in Canada in 2024, including their pricing and data plans. Let’s get going!

Airalo is our top choice to avoid expensive international roaming fees. Airalo offers eSIMs tailored to you, from 5 days up to months at a time, covering hundreds of countries, with both multi-country and various GB plans available.

The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Canada For Travel in 2024

  • 01. Where can I buy prepaid SIM cards in Canada? scroll down
  • 02. Do I need to register my prepaid SIM in Canada? scroll down
  • 03. Physical prepaid SIM cards in Canada scroll down
  • 04. Best prepaid eSIMs in Canada scroll down
  • 05. What are the largest mobile network operators in Canada? scroll down

Facts About Prepaid SIMs in Canada

Where to buy physical prepaid sim cards for canada.

Finding a prepaid SIM card in Canada might require a visit to a mobile carrier store or electronics retailer, as airport availability is limited. The market is not tourist-centric, with a focus on longer-term plans.

A man standing in an airport looking up at a flight schedule

1. Canadian Airports

At major Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, you'll find very expensive options for prepaid SIM cards. 5 GB of data valid for 14 days, with unlimited calling and SMS within Canada and international SMS, may cost $96 CAD, which is almost unheard of in other countries.

2. Network Provider Retail Stores in Canada

You can visit a Bell, Telus, or Rogers store to find prepaid SIM card options as a tourist in Canada, although we strongly recommend eSIMs in the case of Canada.

travel sim card toronto

You could also consider having a physical prepaid SIM card shipped to your house before you travel by shopping on online sites (like Amazon). You’ll often find small SIM card providers that partner with the large Canadian networks (like Rogers Wireless or Bell) to connect your phone to mobile data. You could even consider buying a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device.

Shopping online requires a little travel pre-planning but allows you to search around for better prices and data plans that meet your needs.

The easiest online option, and the one that we highly recommend, is to purchase an eSIM. These digital SIMs can be instantly activated straight from your smartphone from apps like Airalo and Holafly , which then give you seamless access to data in your travel destination.

Registration Process For Prepaid SIM Cards in Canada

In Canada, no registration is necessary, and you don't need to show your passport to the issuer. 

It's worth noting that an increasing number of countries are requiring registration from mobile phone users for security reasons, where purchasing a prepaid SIM card requires consumers to provide proof of identity.

For the countries that have these Know-Your-Customer (KYC) laws, registration will also apply to eSIMs. However, eSIMs do have the benefit of digital registration as opposed to the hassle of an in-person process. If your eSIM is data only (no local phone number), then you may be able to get connected without registering your info.

Cheap Physical Prepaid SIM Card Options For Canada Travel

Here are some of the most popular options for plastic SIM cards for tourists in Canada:

1. Rogers Wireless

Rogers prepaid SIMs, which are not 5G compatible, offer various data plans with unlimited calling within Canada.

Options include 2.5 GB of data for $40 CAD, 4.5 GB for $45 CAD, and 8 GB for $55 CAD.

Bell Canada's prepaid SIM cards also lack 5G connectivity.

Their pricing mirrors Rogers with 2.5 GB of data at $40 CAD, 4.5 GB for $45 CAD, and 8 GB for $55 CAD.

Best Digital Prepaid e-SIMs For Tourists in Canada

Want to ditch physical plastic SIM cards? You can conveniently download and active the following international eSIMs from your smartphone instead.

travel sim card toronto

Airalo is an excellent eSIM provider for international travel. For Canada, they offer eSIMs from 1GB for 7 days at $6 up to 20GB for 30 days at $35, and other plans in between. It was super easy for us to set up in the app and purchase instantly.

More info: Read our Airalo review or visit their website .

Holafly offers unlimited data volume packages for international travel. Holafly's data packages for Canada cost between $27 and $54 once off and are valid from 5 to 20 days, offering peace of mind that you'll never run out of data.

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Canada, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

More info: Read our Holafly review or visit their website .

Yesim, a Swiss-based eSIM service, offers flexible plans for 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB. The pricing of these eSIMs for Canada range from $15.40 to $49.50.

The 3GB plan is good for 7 days while the 5GB one is good for 15 days. The 15GB and 30GB plans both last for 30 days.

To make sure your phone can support eSIM cards, read our list of eSIM-compatible phones .

Largest Mobile Network Operators in Canada

eSIMs are great because they connect to the best network available wherever you are. Your phone might connect to Rogers Wireless or Bell, depending on your location, at no extra cost. In contrast, if you buy a SIM card directly from one Canadian telecom provider, then your phone will only access that provider's network.

In Canada, expect to see these names as you connect to data on your travels:

  • Telus: Good customer service and environmental sustainability efforts.
  • Bell: Known for its fast internet services and extensive rural coverage.
  • Rogers Wireless: Wide coverage and pioneering 5G network.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prepaid SIM Cards For Travel in Canada

Yes, it is wise to plan ahead, but you can also opt for an eSIM even 24 hours before your trip if you have an eSIM-compatible phone. The best part about eSIMs like Airalo and Holafly is that the plans won’t activate until you connect within the plan’s designated country. This means you won’t be on the clock until your trip finally starts.

We believe Airalo offers the best prepaid eSIMs in Canada and around the world in 2024, with options that are 5G compatible, starting from 1GB for 7 days at $6 up to 20GB for 30 days at $35.

Check our list to make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology.

travel sim card toronto

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Canadian Data Only Prepaid Travel SIM Card for Tourists

Canadian Data Only Prepaid Travel SIM Card for Tourists

Product advantages, device compatibility, activation & recharging, additional information, who can you call, stay connected, where you can use this sim card, customer reviews.

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  • Works in over 200 countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

travel sim card toronto

Find your SIM Card number on the back of the product package or if you no longer have the product package, you can also find the SIM Card phone number from the plastic card .

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Your Worry-Free Trip to Canada Starts With a TravelSim Prepaid SIM Card

Talk, text, data with canada prepaid sim card.

The Canada Prepaid SIM Card is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch.

Chat to your friends and family back home by easily connecting to a local Canadian Telus Mobility, Rogers Wireless or Telus network. Your SIM can also be used in over  205  countries  across  340 networks . Make a call as if you were back home, saving you up to 85% on roaming charges. Free incoming calls .

The one-size-fits-all Prepaid Canada SIM Card is suitable for use in any unlocked cell phone or wifi device. Simply add prepaid credit anytime online. We’ve got you covered across Canada + more.

Configure Your TravelSim

Universal SIM size — Mini, Macro & Nano Size

Choose credit for calls & texts

Unlimited USA calls voice package includes unlimited calls from USA to USA and European Union numbers. It does not include calls to voicemail and other TravelSim numbers. You can make unlimited calls from USA to following countries: USA, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech.Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Barthelemy / St. Martin Island, Sweden, United Kingdom.

  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo Democratic Republic
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Philippines
  • Russian Federation
  • South Korea
  • Cook Islands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Netherlands Antilles
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Bosnia And Herzegovina
  • Czech Republic
  • Faroe Islands
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Vatican City
  • Afghanistan
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Puerto Rico
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • El Salvador
  • Falkland Islands
  • French Guiana

Add the best data plan to SIM card

Find your zone, add extra number.

Your SIM card phone number starts with +372 by default. In addition to that, you can choose to purchase a UK phone number (+44) or a US phone number (+1).

If you purchase a US number, it will become your primary phone number for outgoing calls. Your default +372 number will still work for incoming calls. Data usage is not affected by phone numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min. Incoming SMS is free. US numbers can only receive calls, no SMS service available for US numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min

Here are all the countries you can travel to when you select this data plan:

Best Prepaid Sim Cards For Canada (Guide For Travelers)

Traveling to Canada and you want to buy a sim card to use during the trip? That’s the right way of thinking and you’ve come to the perfect place to find out all you need to know about prepaid Canada sim cards!

At A Glance: Our Favorite Prepaid Sim Cards for Canada

  • CHEAP TALK & TEXT PLANS Rogers
  • BEST TO BUY PHONE WITH PREPAID PLAN Telus
  • BEST FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS PhoneBox

Where to buy them, how much you can expect to pay for one, and the best prepaid sim options are all covered in this detailed guide. Whether you’re a tourist who needs a sim for a few days or an international student in need of a sim card for months, you’ll find a great option right here. So, keep reading to find the best prepaid sim for Canada that perfectly suits your travel needs! 

Why You Should Not Get A Prepaid SIM

It always sounds like the best idea to get a SIM when you land in Canada. That used to be the only option.

Yes, you could just Buy A SIM Before you go! I used to use SimOptions for getting one delivered to my house before my trip.

Nowadays, if you have a modern phone (iPhone X, Galaxy S20 or later) then you can use a Canada eSIM instead!

I only use eSIMs because they allow you to:

  • get a SIM before you leave
  • keep your normal SIM (phone number & texts)
  • get the best rates for data when you travel
  • get data for shorter periods 
  • get just the GB you need

Rogers has quite a few prepaid sim card plans, which include monthly and semi-annual plans. Their cheapest prepaid sim cards include only a phone number and no data, and they’re up to $25. If you want data on your prepaid sim card, you will pay anywhere from $30 to $225. These plans have Pay As You Go pricing for mobile data usage, and they’re not a good option for you if you tend to use a lot of mobile data monthly.

The $225 is a semi-annual plan, which is a good option for people who are staying in Canada for up to six months. This plan includes 30 GB of data, unlimited calls in Canada, and unlimited texts in Canada and the US.

Telus has a total of 7 prepaid plans for new and existing customers. You can also purchase a smartphone with a prepaid plan if you want, but only select smartphone devices are included in the prepaid offer.

The Telus Canada prepaid sim card plans are three Talk & Text plans and four Talk, Text & Data plans. The cheapest plan is $15, and it includes 100 minutes, as well as unlimited SMS/MMS for a month. The priciest plan without data is an annual $100 plan, with 400 free texts and 400 free minutes.

As for the Telus sim card plans that include data, they’re all monthly plans that cost from $30 to $55. The cheapest plan includes 500 MB while the most expensive plan includes 8 GB of data. All the plans also include unlimited calls and texts.

Bell has a total of six prepaid Cadana sim card plans, two of which don’t include any mobile data. They are two Talk & Text plans, and they retail for $15 and $25 per month. The latter is the better deal because it includes unlimited calls and texts.

There are four Talk, Text & Data plans, and they’re similar to what Talus offers. They include from 500 MB to 8 GB of data, for prices between $30 and $55. All these plans include unlimited calls and texts, plus you can get an extra 500 MB of data if you sign up for automatic top-ups.

Freedom Mobile

Freedom Mobile has four regular prepaid sim card plans, as well as one special promotion that they run every now and then. The promotion is by far the best value for money if you’re looking for a larger data allowance, mostly because it includes 15 GB of data for $35 per month. I must point out that it’s not specified whether that 15 GB allowance is for a month or an entire year.

The other plans from Freedom Mobile are two monthly plans and two yearly plans. Two of those plans are Talk & Text only, with the option of purchasing additional data. The plans that include data provide you with 1.5 GB of data per month for $24, or 12 GB of data for an entire year, for $179.

PhoneBox Canada sim card plans are by far the best option for people who want a prepaid sim card with a generous data allowance. Unlike most other providers, you can get 7 GB of data for just $35 per month from PhoneBox.

Their prepaid plans include up to 55 GB of data, which is more than most other providers in Canada offer. Unfortunately, PhoneBox still doesn’t have an unlimited data plan. But, even without unlimited data options, this provider is by far the best option for international students and everyone else who wants a prepaid sim card with a large data allowance in Canada.

This provider has a total of 7 prepaid plans, all of which include unlimited calls in Canada and international texts. They differ in price and data allowance, and the best value for money are the $45 (25 GB) and $55 (35 GB) plans. They also have two promotional weekly plans that include 2 GB or 5 GB for just $10 or $19 per week. It’s worth noting that you can choose whether you prefer a physical local sim card or an eSim for every one of their prepaid Canada plans.

Petro Canada Mobility

Petro Canada has a variety of plans with and without mobile data. Their Talk & Text plans are cheaper than the plans with mobile data, and they also have a Pay Per Use plan that’s a decent option for people who don’t really use their cell phones that much.

To get a Petro Canada mobile plan you need to purchase a 3-in-1 sim card first for $10. That’s an extra charge you can’t get around because sim cards are not included in any of the provider’s data plans.

The Talk, Text & Data plans from this provider all include unlimited calls and texts, and they differ only in the data allowance. The cheapest ($35) plan includes 2.75 GB of data, while the most expensive plan ($55) gets you 9 GB of data for a month. Keep in mind that the cost of the sim card is not included in those prices.

Fido Canada has a total of 10 prepaid plans you can choose from. They offer monthly and semi-annual plans and you can choose between plans with and without mobile data. The talk & Text plans from this provider are very affordable and $25 will get you a sim card with unlimited phone calls and texts in Canada.

Talk, Text & Data plans are more expensive, starting at $30 for a data allowance of just 500 MB. The most expensive mobile data plan from Fido includes 10 GB of data for $75. That’s a very expensive plan, especially considering that you can get a 55 GB data allowance from Phone Box for the same price.

Fido’s semi-annual plans are from $150 to $225 ($30-37.5 per month) with data allowances from 6 GB to 30 GB for the entire period. The semi-annual plans are better value for money than their monthly prepaid plans but keep in mind that you would have to monitor your data usage so you don’t use it all within the first couple of months.

Is A Sim Card Essential When Traveling to Canada?

If you’re staying in Canada for more than 5 days, I’d say that a sim card is essential, especially if you want to have Internet access while you’re out and about. Sure, most bigger cities in Canada have decent free WiFi coverage, but you can’t always rely on that, especially because public networks are far from being perfectly secure.

If you’re considering a sim card just because you need Internet access, you should also consider an eSim to use in Canada . These are often a good value for money and slightly more convenient than physical sim cards. But if having a local phone number is also important to you, then yes, a sim card is essential when traveling to Canada.

Additionally, it is possible to purchase an international sim card / eSim, which will work in many worldwide countries. Surfroam is one of the providers that offer this, and it’s not a bad option if you’re planning to visit several destinations in the span of a few months or a year.

Things to Know Before Buying A Sim Card in Canada

Is your phone unlocked.

Your phone must be unlocked if you’re going to use a Canadian sim card. If you purchased a phone through a contract with a network operator, it’s most likely locked to one network and you won’t be able to use it with a Canadian sim card.

The easiest way to check whether your phone is locked to a network is to purchase the cheapest sim card you can find from any other network than the one you’re currently using. You can also just borrow a sim card from a friend or family member. If your smartphone works perfectly with the new sim card, then it’s not locked and you can easily use a Canadian sim card.

But if the phone refuses to connect to a different network, it means your device is locked to a provider and you won’t be able to use a foreign sim card in it.

Are You Using A GSM Phone?

There’s a difference between GSM and CDMA networks, and the simplest way to put it is that CDMA phones are locked to a specific network provider. If your phone is GSM, it will work without major issues with a Candian sim card, but that’s not the case with CDMA phones.

So, how can you know for sure if you’re using a GSM phone? It’s easy – just dial *#06#. This will bring up a list of unique serial numbers that identify your device. An IMEI number indicates that your phone is GSM; while a MEID / ESM number indicated that your phone is CDMA. If you see IMEI (MEID), it means your device supports both and you’ll be fine.

It’s worth noting that most newer phones are GSM, and if you purchased the device in the past few years, you most likely won’t have any issues using a foreign sim card.

How to Buy A Sim Card in Canada

Buying a sim card before traveling to canada.

You can try to purchase a sim card online before you travel to Canada, but this will often include pretty high shipping costs. It’s not necessary to buy a sim card before you arrive in Canada because they are widely available in the country.

Also, consider an eSim for Canada if your smartphone supports embedded sim technology. You can buy it online before you travel to the country and activate it after you arrive in Canada. Plus, since it’s a virtual sim card, you don’t have to pay any shipping.

Buying A Sim Card in Canada

You can buy a sim card in Canada in physical stores of all network operators, at certain international airports, and in most convenience stores. It’s worth noting that Canadian sim cards sold at airports are generally overpriced, so I would recommend waiting to settle in your hotel and then just heading to the nearest convenience store.

How Much Does A Sim Card in Canada Cost?

That depends on what’s included in the sim card, but you can generally expect to pay around $10 for a prepaid sim card for Canada, not including the cost of the plan. Mobile plans that include only minutes and texts are usually up to $25 but plans with a mobile data allowance are often $30-75 per month.

The larger the data allowance the more you’ll pay for a sim card, but it’s worth noting that the physical sim cards are generally much cheaper than eSims. There’s also the benefit of having a phone number, especially since most providers include quite a few free minutes and texts with their physical sim cards.

How to Activate & Top Up Your Canadian Sim Card

Activating our prepaid sim card should be fairly easy. Just insert it into your device and connect it to the network of the provider, and it should start working immediately. If you got one of the data-only sim cards, you will activate it when you first turn on mobile data and connect to the Internet.

Managing Your Mobile Data in Canada

Don’t worry too much about managing your mobile data while you’re in Canada – it’s super easy, and you can even set up a certain data usage threshold and be notified when you reach it. Most network providers will give you a number that you can call or send a text to, and you’ll be able to see just how much data you’ve used up to that point.

Some will also let you manage your data and check data usage in their app, provided that they have one. It’s also possible to check data usage statistics in your smartphone’s mobile network settings, plus you can set up your phone to send you a notification once you’ve used up a certain amount of data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest prepaid sim card in canada.

The cheapest you can get a sim card for is $10, but that will only get you a prepaid sim card. Canada network operators often separate the cost of sim cards and mobile plans, so there will be an additional charge for a mobile plan. The cheapest prepaid mobile plan in Canada is approximately $15 for a Talk & Text plan that doesn’t include any mobile data.

Can foreigners buy a sim card in Canada?

Yes, foreigners can absolutely buy a sim card in Canada. It’s worth noting that you can only buy a prepaid sim card, because postpaid subscriptions are reserved only for residents of Canada and require a Canadian ID.

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Operating from major hubs in Paris (France), Bangkok (Thailand), and Hong Kong, SimOptions is at the forefront of the international Prepaid SIM Card market. Our mission is to provide global travelers with a reliable solution to completely avoid roaming charges in Toronto through the use of Toronto Prepaid SIM Cards. We take pride in our diverse offerings that span continents, including Europe , Asia , Oceania , North America , and South America . When it comes to Prepaid SIM Cards for Toronto, SimOptions is your go-to provider. Wondering about the shipment? We collaborate with global couriers such as DHL, UPS, FEDEX, ARAMEX, Australia Post, among others, ensuring prompt delivery to your doorstep in over 100 countries. Connect with SimOptions today and keep in touch with your family and friends back home!

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Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Canada in 2024

travel sim card toronto

Are you planning your trip to Canada and looking for an e-sim card to stay connected? Don't waste money on high roaming charges when traveling to Canada. This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for traveling to Canada in 2024.

In this guide you can find a comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Canada with up to date prices as per April 2024, all the specifications per e-sim card, my recommendation and everything you need to know about using e-sim cards for traveling to Canada.

Also find out where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Canada on the internet.

Since 2012 Traveltomtom is traveling around the world as a full time nomadic travel blogger , I am getting to a country on a regular basis. In fact, pretty much every week I have to figure out how to stay connected. Looking for the best prepaid or e-sim card became part of life.

In 2022 I visited 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used over the last 2 years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards for staying connected when traveling abroad.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visit and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Canada in 2024 .

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Recently Traveltomtom also started writing specific guides for buying e-sim cards: USA , Turkey , Italy , France , Germany , Spain , Greece ,  Thailand , Singapore , Hong Kong , China , Thailand , Vietnam ,  Asia , Australia ,  Europe , international e-sim cards and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

Let me first give you my e-sim card recommendation and a comparison of all the e-sim card plans for Canada, while later I will explain more about how e-sim cards work, the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, some FAQ about e-sim cards, the difference between e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards and everything else you need to know.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom rates the following two e-sim cards as the best e-sim cards for traveling to Canada in 2024:

1. 30-day pass Three HK with 20 GB data - $34.90 USD

travel sim card toronto

Via SimOptions you can order an international e-sim card from Three Hong Kong with 20 GB data for 30 days for $34.90 USD valid in Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

  • Valid for 30 days
  • $1.75 USD per Gigabyte

This e-sim card comes with a phone number from Hong Kong (+852). Outgoing calls/sms are not supported, but incoming calls and sms are supported.

This is also the best sim card for visiting USA and Canada on the same trip.

2. Tuque Mobile e-sim card for Canada

travel sim card toronto

Through Airalo you can order a Tuque Canada e-sim card. They have many different e-sim card plans starting from $6 USD for 1 GB data and 10 GB data for $35 USD.

  • valid for 30 days
  • $3.5 USD per Gigabyte

The Airalo e-sim cards are more expensive than the above international e-sim card for Canada from SimOptions, but the big advantage about the Tuque Mobile e-sim cards is that they support 5G. In fact, it is the only 5G e-sim card for Canada and therefore recommended by Traveltomtom.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Canada or in general before using an e-sim card. 

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in your device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: e-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly.

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Canada.

However, you can still order a sim card for Canada on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a sim card for Canada in 2024  or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Comparison of the best e-sim cards for Canada

There are multiple website on the internet that sell e-sim cards for Canada. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Canada from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators.

These are the 3 most reliable e-sim providers and they sell great e-sim card plans for traveling to Canada:

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Canada . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Canada and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Canada.

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Canada. 

SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Canada e-sim card.

SimOptions has an e-sim card plan that is only valid in Canada:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $9.90 USD

This data-only e-sim card with 1 GB data is provided by SimOptions and is only valid in Canada. Unfortunately SimOptions does not specify which mobile network operator in Canada they use, it is not 5G ready, so the max data speed on this Canada e-sim cards from SimOptions is 4G/LTE.

This e-sim card for Canada does NOT come with a phone number and it does not support incoming/outgoing calls or sms. The validity of this e-sim card is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Canada.

This 1 GB e-sim card plan from SimOptions is not so interesting compared to the international e-sim cards for Canada.

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  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
  • 6 GB data for 15 days] = $39.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international e-sim card for Canada via SimOptions .

The Three Hong Kong international e-sim cards are valid in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Hong Kong. In Canada they operate on the Rogers 4G/LTE network. The Three HK e-sim cards come with a phone number from Hong Kong starting with +852.

They do not support outgoing calls/sms but they can receive phone calls and sms on the Hong Kong number.

Traveltomtom readers have recently reported that on the Three HK e-sim card they had problems login in to TikTok. Because this Three HK is a Hong Kong based e-sim and TikTok is blocked in Hong Kong.

The AIS e-sim card is valid in 141 countries and comes with a phone number from Thailand starting with +66. They do not support outgoing calls/sms but they can receive phone calls and sms on the Thai number.

These international e-sim cards for Canada are valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the e-sim card connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the e-sim card even when you are not in Europe yet. For more info check the SimOptions website . 

travel sim card toronto

Airalo is another very reliable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your e-sim card for Canada through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using Airalo e-sim cards for traveling to Canada? Airalo is the only e-sim provider that sells 5G ready e-sim cards for Canada. All other e-sim cards you can order on the internet only offer 4G/LTE.

Also, especially for those travelers that only use a little bit of data and need just 1 or 2 Gigabyte to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check their email and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great e-sim card for traveling in Canada, as it is the cheapest.

Here are Canada e-sim card plans for 2024 from Airalo:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $11 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Canada from Airalo .

Definitely check out Airalo as they always have ongoing promotions and lately they offered 50% off their Canada e-sim card plans.

The Airalo e-sim cards for Canada operate on the 4G/LTE network of Rogers and the 5G networks of Bell and Telus in Canada. Which means that the Airalo e-sim cards for Canada are 5G ready.

The Tuque Mobile are data-only e-sim card without a phone number, so any call/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website . 

travel sim card toronto

Traveltomtom has used Nomad e-sim cards in more than 10 countries. Nomad has often amazing e-sim card plans with very competitive prices when comparing them with Airalo and SimOptions.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Canada in 2024:

  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Canada from Nomad .

However, Traveltomtom first recommendation for ordering a Canada e-sim card is not a Nomad e-sim. Traveltomtom has lately faced some errors using Nomad e-sim cards. Nomad has to work on the reliability if it wants to be named best e-sim card for traveling to Canada.

The Nomad e-sim cards for Canada operate on the Bell and Telus 4G/LTE network, 5G is NOT supported. All the Nomad e-sim cards do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported.

nomad canada esim card specifications

The Nomad Canada e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Canada. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website .

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of e-sim cards? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly which means I use about 40 to 50 different sim cards per year. No better sim card specialist than Traveltomtom.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to visit every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go, but no rush.

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Canada?

cheapest esim card for canada 2024

The cheapest e-sim card for Canada is an Airalo e-sim card plan with 1 GB data for 7 days for just $6 USD . It is only valid in Canada and it does not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Canada

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Canada in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Canada without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants, bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply stay in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Canada with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Canada, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Canada so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge up to $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 25 MB * $3 USD = $50 USD! Not kidding… this is still very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. There are already Canada e-sim cards that operate on the 5G network of Canada.

Uncountable times travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Canada.

Where to buy an e-sim card for Canada?

You can only buy an e-sim card for Canada on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Canada. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to Canada in 2024:  SimOptions ,  Airalo ,  Nomad . 

On arrival in Canada

When you arrive in Canada and you want to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to you hotel? Use Google Maps. Not all providers in Canada offer e-sim cards for tourists. Most tourist sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card. 

For the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Canada in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Canada, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email.

When you order an e-sim card plan for Canada you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Canada e-sim card.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your Canada e-sim card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed. Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

When to order an e-sim card for Canada?

You can order an e-sim card for Canada pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Canada. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Canada e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Canada. All international airports in Canada have free public WiFi.

Looking to buy a sim card on arrival in Canada then check out my guide for buying a sim card at Toronto Airport .

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Canada

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Canada e-sim cards, but are important things to know before buying an e-sim card in general. 

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Canada. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Canada or bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Canada and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones support e-sim cards.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Canada recommended above SimOptions ,  Airalo ,  Nomad  are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Canada.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for many consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Canada e-sim cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use e-sim cards for traveling to Canada.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Canada e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Canada. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Canada e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with a Canada e-sim card?

Unfortunately none of the by Traveltomtom recommended Canada e-sim cards support outgoing calls and sms. 

There are few e-sim card providers on the internet that offer e-sim cards for Canada including calling and texting. Traveltomtom has never tried these specific e-sim cards.

If making phone calls is important for you then you will have to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in a phone store in Canada or at the airport on arrival.

Much more expensive but these prepaid sim cards for tourists often including unlimited calling and texting within Canada. More hassle and more expensive. Check out my guide for buying a prepaid tourist sim card for Canada in 2024 . 

Does a Canada e-sim card come with a phone number?

This depends on the type of e-sim card that you buy. There are e-sims that come with a phone number and they support incoming calls and sms. 

All the e-sim cards from Nomad and Airalo are data-only and do NOT come with a phone number.

However, the e-sim cards for Canada from SimOptions come with a phone number from either Hong Kong (+852) or Thailand (+66) and therefore these e-sims can receive incoming phone calls and sms.

In the above Canada e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on a Canada e-sim card?

Yes, you can use 5G on a Canada e-sim card, but only the e-sim cards from Airalo are 5G ready. The e-sim cards from SimOptions and and Nomad only support 4G/LTE max data speed.

Are there e-sim cards for Canada with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended Canada e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

There are e-sim card providers that offer e-sim cards for Canada with unlimited data but always make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed. I can tell you already that is pretty much never the case, the data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes in total or per day.

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). 

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Canada e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Canada in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are e-sim cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Canada?

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Canada, but are e-sims also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Canada? 

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Canada:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards for you to make understand what is your preferred way to stay connected.

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are in general a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than e-sim cards.

However, this is not the case in Canada. Prepaid sim cards with data are extremely expensive. Honestly, not worth it, but if you really want then you can buy a local prepaid sim cards on arrival in a store in Canada.

More info about the best Canada sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Canada in 2024. However, the simple conclusion of my research is that e-sim cards for Canada are the best buy and they give you much more value for money than local prepaid sim cards.

On Traveltomtom you can also find a guide for buying a sim card at Toronto Airport . They only sell physical prepaid sim cards at Toronto Airport, no e-sim cards for tourists. 

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get unlimited local calls & sms included and the fastest data speed. However, local prepaid sim cards for tourists in Canada are still NOT all 5G ready and are extremely expensive if you use a lot of data. Most operator only allow prepaid sim card users to use the 4G/LTE network.

orange holiday world international prepaid sim card for canada

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad. Some of these international prepaid travel sim cards are great for using in Canada and you can easily order them online.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Canada directly online .

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting. E-sim cards are mostly data-only sim cards and do not support outgoing calls and sms.

There are two different e-sim cards:

  • E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party e-sim provider
  • E-sim cards that you buy in Canada in a mobile internet provider store

The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the local internet operators in Canada: Bell, Telus Rogers and Virgin Mobile can only be purchased in one of their official phone stores on arrival in Canada.

However, it is totally not recommended. Prepaid sim cards in Canada are very disappointing and when reading through my article about buying a sim card for tourists in Canada in 2024  you will see that it looks like Canada is a 3rd world country when it comes to tourists sim cards.

Trust me, buy your e-sim card for Canada on the internet and go with my recommendation of a SimOptions or an Airalo e-sim card.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Ordering an e-sim card online is the easiest and cheapest way to stay connected when traveling to Canada, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Canada. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Canada e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Canada Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact e-sim cards for Canada are much cheaper. They already start from just $6 USD for 1 GB data and 20 GB data costs just $34.90 USD.

The best local prepaid sim card you can buy in Canada is from Telus and 20 GB + unlimited calls/sms in Canada = $52 USD. That is $18 USD more expensive than an e-sim card.

On top of that after a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. 

Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Canada. Faster, easier, cheaper and less stress!

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card you buy directly from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to Canada were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card right away.

If you still have any questions about e-sim cards for Canada then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Canada!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Canada are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

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A map of Toronto airport arrivals, sketched by me

Where to find a SIM card at Toronto airport, and why downtown has better deals

Chris

To help anyone arriving at Toronto airport I put together this guide on where to buy a SIM card, which one to get, and whether to should buy it at the airport or downtown. After hours of research I put together this guide to help anyone who like me, found it confusing to figure out where the SIM cards were at Toronto Airport.

There are two shops at Toronto airport which sell prepaid SIM cards:

In the Terminal 3 international arrivals area, prepaid SIM cards are available from the brand Chatr. The shop Relay may also sell SIM cards, but I have not been able to confirm this.

In the Terminal 1 international arrivals area, prepaid SIM cards are available at 7-Eleven. 7-Eleven stocks the SpeakOut brand of SIM cards. I have been told not to buy SpeakOut SIM cards unless you are desperate. Apparently there’s a minimum top-up which means you can spend $60 CAD on even the most basic plans 1 .

In my opinion, Chatr offers the best plans at Toronto airport for someone like me: Data hungry and keen to make affordable local calls. Chatr plans start from $35 CAD (including 1GB of data and unlimited calls Canada-wide). Chatr has no activation fee and a SIM card fee of $10 CAD. 2

I found the better deals are available downtown however, with providers such as Freedom Mobile . Toronto’s airport and airport train include free Wi-Fi to stay connected while travelling there.

Which SIM cards are available at Toronto Airport?

I took a look at which of the SIM cards available at Toronto airport are good for:

  • Calling back home

As the selection is limited, I’m likely to buy a SIM card in Toronto itself rather than at the airport (see further below for the downtown options I looked at).

Overall, I found Chatr to be the best option out of those available at the airport. Plans start from $35 CAD (including 1GB of data and unlimited calls Canada-wide). Chatr has no activation fee and a SIM card fee of $10 CAD.

Better for coverage: Chatr, starting from $35 CAD

Chatr appears to offer the best coverage out of the SIM cards available at Toronto Airport.

After checking the coverage map, Chatr seems to have wide coverage available in southern Ontario, and all the way to Ottawa and Montreal. Heading north, Chatr appears to offer coverage in highways and towns that is not matched by SpeakOut. Coverage becomes increasingly sparse further north into Ontario.

Checking the coverage of popular places to visit around Toronto:

  • Niagara Falls , Chatr provides full coverage around Niagara falls and the roads leading there from Toronto; SpeakOut doesn’t appear to cover the falls themselves, but provides coverage to nearby areas.
  • Muskoka or the Kawarthas , both Chatr and SpeakOut appear to provide coverage.
  • United States , neither Chatr nor SpeakOut offer great roaming plans to the States. Pick up a SIM card elsewhere.

I’m not planning to leave cities and towns while I’m in Canada. If I were going further north in Ontario, or to any of the less populated areas of any province, I’d probably look at Telus or Bell. Or take a satellite phone for emergency use.

Better for data: Chatr, from $40 CAD

Chatr has the better value per gigabyte because of a current bonus promotion ($40 CAD for 4GB). Without promotion, Chatr is normally $40 CAD for 2GB. Even without promotion, Chatr is better than SpeakOut overall due to the top-up disparity I mentioned earlier.

Chatr $40 CAD plan:

  • 4GB of data (normally 2GB)
  • Unlimited calls to Canada

Chatr $50 CAD plan:

  • 8GB of data (normally 6GB)

Chatr has a SIM card fee of $10 CAD; there is no additional activation fee.

Better for calls: Chatr again

For local calls to Canadian phone numbers, both Chatr and SpeakOut include unlimited calls.

For international calls , Chatr has an option some people can activate (I can’t figure out who is eligible for this) that reduces the call rates to many countries. Notably, calls to the US don’t appear to be discounted.

Example call rates for Chatr:

  • Mexico, 5 cents per minute
  • United Kingdom, 5 cents per minute
  • United States, 40 cents per minute

Is it better to buy a SIM card in Toronto downtown or at the airport?

Buying a SIM card downtown (or anywhere else outside the airport) gives many better options .

There are the three big networks (Telus, Rogers, and Bell) and then dozens of smaller companies that re-sell these networks.

I’ve tried to pick the best ones for an international traveller arriving in Toronto who needs something quick and good value.

Which SIM cards are better value if bought downtown?

I took a look for better value options that might be available in downtown Toronto rather than at the airport. The options I looked at were based on:

  • International calls

I found little difference between prepaid SIM card options for short trips (<1 week) or longer trips (>1 month).

For better value data, still Chatr

The best value data I found was still with Chatr, if their $50 CAD 8GB of data bonus is available. This is usually 6GB of data (so still good value) without the special. Lucky Mobile has a similar plan that is also available as a special only.

Chatr is limited to 3G speeds. I don’t know if this is an LTE network restricted to 3G speeds (I can live with this), or if it’s a 3G network running at 3G speeds (I don’t think this is good).

The best 4G plan I found was with Freedom Mobile . For $24 CAD 3 :

  • 1GB 4G data
  • Unlimited calls
  • Additional 4G data at $15 CAD per 1GB

Freedom Mobile has a $10 CAD SIM card fee; there is no additional activation fee.

This means Freedom Mobile can offer 2GB of 4G data for $49 ($24+$15+$10) in theory - the best deal I’ve found for prepaid 4G data. I also like their roaming add-ons for short trips to the States.

The downside to Freedom Mobile is that their 4G coverage is limited to some of the larger cities only, Toronto included.

Where to buy Freedom Mobile

Freedom Mobile has stores, kiosks and resellers all over the downtown area of Toronto, such as:

  • Richmond-Adelaide Centre, near Osgoode subway station
  • Spadina Avenue in Chinatown
  • Corner of Front Street East and Lower Jarvis Street

There are not many stores near the airport. Store locations can be found here .

For better value international calls, Lucky Mobile

If staying more than a few months in Canada, Lucky Mobile has some monthly billed options for calling other countries that can offer good value. These include 6 hours of calls to China/HK or 3 hours of calls to India, Pakistan, and some other countries both for $5 CAD per month.

I found it appears difficult to get set up with Lucky Mobile if only staying in Canada for a short time. Freedom Mobile I found to be much more accessible even though it’s more expensive for calls ($5 CAD per month to access very cheap call rates). Freedom Mobile has many stores across Toronto, a few examples are listed above. Lucky Mobile has a couple of stores in the downtown Toronto area.

Lucky Mobile seems to have a $10 CAD activation fee and a SIM card fee depending on where the SIM is purchased.

For better coverage: Public Mobile (from $35 CAD)

Public Mobile (Telus) seems to offer the best deals for a network with slightly better coverage than Chatr (Rogers). In reality, Rogers and Telus have comparable coverage, but I put include this as an alternative to Chatr. I looked at plans from many of the smaller companies, and Public Mobile seemed to strike the right balance of:

  • Convenient to buy
  • A useable amount of data and calls
  • Not too expensive

For $35 CAD with Public Mobile, the plan includes 4 :

  • 1GB of data
  • Unlimited calls to Canadian numbers

For $60 CAD, Public Mobile includes US roaming:

  • 8GB of data
  • 2GB of US roaming data

All plans listed above have their data restricted to 3G speeds. I can’t tell if this is using 3G networks, or if it’s using a 4G network slowed down to 3G speeds. If the second option, I would find this acceptable.

Where to buy Public Mobile

I found dozens of shops in the downtown area of Toronto that sell Public Mobile, such as:

  • Dynasmart Wireless , and IQ Mobile (resellers) on Spadina Avenue in Chinatown
  • Koodo shops (another Telus brand), including York Street near Union Station.

If not heading downtown, I see a lot of malls that usually have a cell phone store inside selling Public Mobile SIMs.

Is Wi-Fi available at Toronto Airport?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at Toronto Airport. Connect to Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi and accept the terms and conditions on the landing page. I haven’t found any reports of limits or problems with the Wi-Fi, it seems to be a good overall service.

Do I need ID to buy a SIM card at Toronto Airport?

It is likely identification will be needed when buying a SIM card. Identification is required to purchase a SIM card anywhere in Canada, though my research tells me that occasionally this can be as simple as providing a name for registration (and not having to show the actual ID). As a foreigner, it seems only a passport is acceptable identification.

How to get from the airport to the city, while connected

Wi-Fi, or a local SIM card, allow my phone to update when I get off the plane. If there are good Wi-Fi options available, I can update my phone at the airport and buy better value SIM cards downtown.

When arriving in Toronto, I can update my messages using the airport Wi-Fi, and keep in touch using the train Wi-Fi while I travel downtown.

Catching the train (free Wi-Fi)

Trains with free Wi-Fi run between Toronto Airport and Union Station. This means it’s possible to stay connected from Toronto Airport to the downtown area.

Connecting long distance trains (provided by VIA rail) advertise Wi-Fi, but apparently it doesn’t work very well. I imagine this is because it’s using the cell phone network to provide the service, and long distance train lines can be tricky to provide cell coverage to.

GO trains, another rail operator offering connections to the airport train, may also provide free Wi-Fi.

Public transit buses

Wi-Fi may be available on GO buses only. Other buses that serve the airport will not have Wi-Fi.

Uber, Lyft and ride-share, using the airport Wi-Fi to book

Uber and Lyft are available at Toronto Airport. As far as I can tell, it should be possible to book the ride-share using the airport Wi-Fi, and then get into the car when it arrives at the terminal area - each company has different options for doors , it should be indicated on the app.

I assume Wi-Fi is not available once in the car.

Some taxis in Toronto have free Wi-Fi. These include taxis run by GTA Cab and Co-op Cab. I couldn’t find any information about the quality of the Wi-Fi with either of these companies.

Can I roam with my Canadian SIM card to another country

Overall I didn’t find any of the Canadian prepaid SIM cards to offer good roaming value if spending more than a couple of days in the other country. For trips longer than 2 days, it’s probably better value buying a local SIM card in that country.

United States

Freedom Mobile offers roaming to the States with various options for data and calls starting at $5 CAD per day. I find these to be the best value, taking the example of 1GB of data with 5 days validity for $25 CAD.

Public Mobile also offers roaming add-ons for use in the States. A reasonable add-on starts at $10 CAD per 10 days.

Chatr does not appear to have any roaming package meaning poor value per megabyte and per call rates for roaming.

Lucky mobile does not allow roaming.

Freedom Mobile again has the best deal I’ve found for roaming in Mexico and nearby parts of the Caribbean . Starting at $6 CAD per day or $48 CAD for 1GB of data with 8 days validity, the amounts aren’t great but it can be convenient. For Mexico at least, I’d probably look at a local prepaid SIM.

None of the other providers I looked at seemed to offer good value roaming for prepaid plans.

UK and Europe

While still not great value, at least Freedom Mobile offers prepaid roaming to UK and Europe. Add-ons start at $10 CAD per day or $80 CAD for 1GB of data with 8 days validity.

I would get a local SIM card for UK/Europe, I don’t find this worth paying for.

Freedom Mobile

Public Mobile

Tags: sim-card toronto canada

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Chris

Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.

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  • eSIM Data Plans

Best eSIM for Toronto: which one to buy?

We compare the best eSIM cards to have Internet in Toronto without paying roaming, according to the amount of data, price, and days of stay.

Leoneska Ruiz

Leoneska Ruiz

July 27, 2023

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Is Toronto your next travel destination? Don’t forget to find a way to remain connected to the internet while you’re there. Modern travelers need a reliable internet connection – but how can you connect without paying a fortune for international roaming? Data roaming through your current provider could cost you hundreds, so  we recommend buying an  eSIM for Toronto .  It offers a stable internet connection for one upfront price –  so you won’t have any surprise bills .

Through this article, we’ll explain what an International eSIM is and how you can buy one. That way, you can enjoy excellent internet connectivity during your trip, and you can share your best Toronto moments with your family and friends.

eSIM for Toronto

>>Virtual SIM cards are here to stay, and with Holafly’s eSIM for Canada to visit Toronto, you can enjoy unlimited data for your trip << Get 5% OFF. Code: MYESIMNOW5

Why buy an eSIM card for Toronto?

eSIM for Toronto

Nowadays, having internet connectivity while traveling is a must. Because if you are traveling, you will need to have internet to look for directions, order a cab, or just keep in touch with your family and friends back home. That’s why eSIM is one of the best options, and here’s why.

The eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card that offers internet and calls. Currently, few phones are compatible with eSIM technology, but it is becoming very famous among travelers. You can also learn more about what an eSIM is with us.

You must be wondering how does the eSIM work? Well, it is entirely digital , so all you have to do is scan a QR code, activate your data plan, and you’ll be connected to the internet. Purchasing this type of service is very simple since you can do it from the comfort of your home without the need to sign any contract.

Once you buy your eSIM for Toronto, it will arrive in your emails in seconds – so you can connect no matter where you are. This makes it more convenient than a traditional SIM because there’s no waiting around for your card to be delivered. The whole process can be completed in minutes.

This makes connecting to the internet abroad more accessible than ever! Just  check that your phone is compatible  with this type of technology.

What is the best eSIM for traveling to Toronto?

Let’s compare the providers that offer eSIMs to Holafly.

Which eSIM for Toronto is the cheapest?

Holafly is clearly the cheapest option, being almost half the price of KnowRoaming and Flexiroam. That’s why we recommend Holafly as the best choice for an eSIM when you travel to Toronto.

Which eSIM for Toronto offers the most data?

Flexiroam has a 10 GB card for 15 days. However, at $40.00 it’s probably too expensive – especially when you can buy a much cheaper card from Holafly, which also offers unlimited data on all available plans.

Which eSIM for Toronto is easiest to use?

Holafly’s eSIM for Toronto is very simple to use. No need to install APPs, just scan the QR code you receive after the purchase process . When you arrive in Toronto, you will automatically be connected to the internet as soon as you land. Holafly also offers 24-hour customer support in case you have any problems.

Which virtual SIM card for Toronto allows you to extend your plan?

Holafly has the advantage in this aspect by allowing you to buy top-ups for the same destination and extend the days of use of your eSIM. It will be activated automatically without installing a new eSIM on your phone.

Advantages of the eSIM card vs the conventional physical SIM

Now we know what an eSIM is, let’s find out why it’s better than prepaid Toronto SIM card :

  • Easy purchase and activation process:  you can buy your eSIM from an online store, and it will arrive in your emails in seconds. You just need to scan a QR code and there’s no long contract to fill out or fiddly installation process. You’ll have internet access in minutes.
  • Receive it to your email in seconds:  as a virtual card, you receive your eSIM in seconds, no matter where you are. So, there’s no waiting around for parcels or couriers.
  • Eco-friendly:  it’s simple. As a virtual product, the eSIM helps reduce waste. Do your bit to help the environment.
  • No chance of loss or damage:  unlike a physical card, an eSIM cannot be lost, stolen or damaged. As long as you don’t delete your QR code, you’ll always be able to access the internet.

Cell phone providers and manufacturers are adopting the eSIM at a fast rate. Don’t get left behind – join the eSIM revolution now!

Which networks support eSIM in Toronto?

A number of Canadian networks offer eSIM technology – here’s a full list:

  • Lucky Mobile
  • Telus and Koodo
  • Virgin Mobile

Each eSIM will connect to one of those networks, ensuring strong coverage throughout the city. In the case of Holafly’s eSIM, you will be connected to the Rogers network, one of the best supported in the city.

Best eSIM for Toronto: which card should I buy?

eSIM for Canada

Having considered all the options, we recommend Holafly’s eSIM for Canada to visit Toronto. It is the cheapest option and offers several deals depending on the length of your trip. Unlimited data is easy enough to cover common internet usage, so you can’t go wrong with Holafly.

What else makes Holafly the best option?

  • Instant delivery  – no waiting around. Just scan the QR code sent to your email, and you’ll be able to connect.
  • Keep your WhatsApp number  – you’ll have access to all your current contacts and conversations even with a new SIM card
  • Top-up options – If you need more days of use, you can simply buy another package and continue to enjoy.
  • Easy to use  – it’s simple to set up a Holafly eSIM, but if you experience any problems, just contact their 24-hour customer support team.

FAQs about the eSIM for Toronto

You can purchase any of the plans with unlimited data and five, seven, ten, fifteen or twenty days of use for Toronto.

Currently, you cannot share data with an unlimited data plan. However, with Holafly, there is no limit to the number of eSIMs you can purchase. If you need internet on more than one device, this may help you.

Holafly offers 24h customer service in your language for any questions. Enjoy your trip without complications. eSIMs work smoothly most of the time, and the setup process is easy. But if you encounter any problems, contact Holafly’s 24-hour support team.

Holafly’s eSIM for Toronto connects to the Canadian operator Rogers one of the best eSIM providers in the country.

Discover Toronto with your eSIM card! Share your adventure on social media with fast, secure internet connection. There are no delivery costs and no surprise bills – just one upfront fee. Get started with  your Holafly eSIM for Toronto .

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travel sim card toronto

Travel Sim Cards

  • Last Updated:
  • Feb 11th, 2024 3:06 pm
  • Search this thread

Jan 25th, 2024 2:01 am

  • Reply with quote

User avatar

Jan 25th, 2024 9:11 am

Jan 25th, 2024 11:52 am

User avatar

Jan 25th, 2024 11:59 am

gogogo wrote: ↑ Thanks. I am going to do research for these sim cards. It looks like I have to buy the sim cards one for Korea and one for Japan. I assumed my iphone 13 will work on these sim cards.

Jan 25th, 2024 12:51 pm

Jan 25th, 2024 1:05 pm

emptywallet1963 wrote: ↑ I also have the same question. Planning on going to Japan in May for 15 days and looking for best way to get my sim card. I have IPhone 11 so no eSIM. Is there any SIM card that I can buy before heading to Japan? There are some available on Amazon….are they any good? And there is one that I can buy now from JR for about $50…anyone tried it? Any other suggestions?

Jan 26th, 2024 9:51 am

Jan 26th, 2024 11:11 am

Jan 26th, 2024 11:12 am

TongC52572 wrote: ↑ Why iphone 11 no eSIM?

Jan 26th, 2024 2:43 pm

Jan 28th, 2024 3:05 am

gogogo wrote: ↑ It looks like I have to buy the sim cards one for Korea and one for Japan.

User avatar

Jan 28th, 2024 8:51 pm

User avatar

Feb 7th, 2024 12:11 pm

Feb 7th, 2024 1:01 pm

kc1 wrote: ↑ Airalo has a Japan 10GB 30 day esim is on sale for $9USD. For an additional $3 off, you can PM me for a referral code. (I'll also receive a $3 credit. I'm not sure if it's allowed for me to post the code here.) Tip: If you need multiple esims, you can purchase the first one and then use your referral code to purchase the subsequent esims. https://www.airalo.com/japan-esim

Feb 10th, 2024 10:27 am

Feb 11th, 2024 1:25 am

gr8dlr wrote: ↑ With Airalo, I've seen some videos say just buy global eSim. Is there a reason to buy local over Global?

Feb 11th, 2024 8:51 am

phuviano wrote: ↑ Depends on where you are going to. The Airalo global esim’s supports most countries, but not all. I went on a cruise about a month ago. I couldn’t use a global esim. However, i was able to get a regional esim for the Caribbean. Even that didn’t support the Dominican Republic, so i had to buy a separate esim for DR. The other two countries I visited were supported on the Carribean esim. In the case for the OP. While the global esim is supported. It cost $17 USD, and its 2gb. While the Asia regional esim is $13 USD for 3gb. The global esim’s could save you money, but like i said, it depends on where you’re travelling to. In the OP’s case, its cheaper to buy the Asia regional esim as opposed to the global one.

Feb 11th, 2024 10:25 am

Feb 11th, 2024 12:21 pm

gr8dlr wrote: ↑ $13USD for 3gb is bit expensive IMO. I'm looking at Eskimo eSim perhaps. https://eskimo.travel/ I like that you can transfer data to ppl (vs hotspot) and 2 yr expiry.

Feb 11th, 2024 12:29 pm

PointsHubby wrote: ↑ Interesting … Curious what SIM you used for your Cruise that worked in multiple Caribbean Countries

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travel sim card toronto

Buy Travel SIM Cards for Italy in Canada

Buy your Italy Sim Cards from SimCorner and stay connected without worrying about hefty international roaming fees. Best value Italian Travel Sim Card with data before you fly! Perfect for Canadian Tourists.

Over 12,000+ Reviews across

Italy Travel Sim Card (12GB)

12GB of Data

3000 Minutes  within Italy

3000 SMS within Italy

30 days service from activation.

Italy Travel Sim Card 200GB | SimCorner

Not included

30 days of service from activation

[eSIM] Italy eSim Card (30GB)

  • Unlimited Minutes  to standard Italy landlines and mobiles and other EU countries

Not Included

Related Blog

travel sim card toronto

Article: 5 Romantic Holiday Destinations

Whether you’re busy planning a date for Valentines day, or are on the receiving end waiting on that date, you might just need some inspiration for romantic holiday destinations to top it off. We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 romantic holiday destinations, now you just need to take your partner ...

travel sim card toronto

Article: Your next european getaway destinations

Where better to get escape the monotony of adult life than Europe? From fantastical urban cities to the allure of the countryside, Europe offers a smorgasbord of getaway destinations which are perfect for your weekend hiatus. Here are 5 of our favourites. 1. Ajaccio - Corsica You already know ho...

Prepaid Europe SIM Cards for Tourists

Europe is known for its fascinating history, stunning architecture and diverse cultures and languages. It is perhaps the world’s most visited region, drawing tourists from across the globe to experience everything from Italian cuisine to Spanish flamenco. With so many fantastic countries on our doorstep, it would be a shame to not make the most of them whilst on your european holiday. Two of the biggest problems tourists face when visiting Europe are crippling roaming charges and poor network coverage, which can often leave a bitter taste in the mouths of previously enthusiastic holiday-goers. We at SimCorner are therefore proud to offer a solution - our range of UK and Europe travel SIM cards.

How do Europe SIM cards work?

Our European SIM Cards work like any other SIM card, and are available in standard, micro and nano versions. Our Europe Phone SIM cards can only be used in mobile phones, whilst our Europe Data Only SIMs can be used in a number of devices, including mobile phones, tablets and dongles. Simply place the SIM card into the device and the SIM will already be ready to work. Your plan will begin from the arrival date you provide, so ensure that this date is as close to your trip as possible. Our Europe travel SIM cards also work in the UK.

How to buy Europe SIM cards in Canada?

If you’re looking for the best Europe prepaid SIM cards in Canada, you’ll find them at SIMCorner! SIM cards can be bought from other various providers, both online or in-store. However,  these SIM cards are often more than retail price or what we charge for the same bundle or require the payee to sign at least a year-long contract,  which is not ideal for people looking to stay only for 30 days or few months. There are also various pay-as-you-go options, but the cost of these can quickly add up.

If you plan to only use a moderate amount of 4G data, texts and minutes while you’re away, why not look at our 10GB Data SIM Card  or 12GB Data SIM Card , which comes with Unlimited minutes and SMS within the EU and UK. You’ll be able to take in Paris or Rome in all its beauty and share any photos you may have while you’re away with friends and family back home.

Alternatively, if you have a eSIM compatible phone like the newer iPhones and you’re always stuck to your phone and need a plan that caters to your digital needs, take a look at our  200GB Data Europe eSIM options. With a big 200GB data limit, you’ll be able to catch up with friends and search the web to find the best deals, restaurants and routes the site while on the go.

Get the Right Europe SIM Card for you

All of our options for Europe travel SIM cards allow you the opportunity to stay connected with family and friends on holiday. They come in three sizes to fit any phone—from the basic brick to the smartest of iPhones. It always pays to check any specifications before deciding what SIM is right for you, and we hope this has helped. If you like more information use the contact us link above to get in touch with us, and get your travel SIM today!

Shop By Popular Destinations in Italy

What networks do these SIM cards run on in Italy?

There are 4 different mobile networks in Italy. They include TIM, Vodafone, 3, and Wind. The 12GB sim card is able to work on 3 and Wind. Whereas the 20GB option is able to work on TIM, Vodafone & Wind network. It’s always best to do some research on which one offers the best coverage.

How easy is SIM card activation?

The whole process is extremely straightforward. Simply place it in your device and it’s ready to use immediately.

What if I have trouble activating my SIM card?

If you have any trouble with the SIM, then in contact us using the contact us page. Please include any other information that you think may assist in determining the issue.

What parts of Italy will I experience coverage issues?

Italy is one of the many European countries that use 5G. So, overall you should receive significant coverage. However, this cannot be guaranteed when travelling to remote locations.

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IMAGES

  1. Buying a Sim Card at Toronto Airport in 2024

    travel sim card toronto

  2. Buying a Sim Card at Toronto Airport in 2023

    travel sim card toronto

  3. Buying a Sim Card at Toronto Airport in 2023

    travel sim card toronto

  4. Buying a Sim Card at Toronto Airport in 2023

    travel sim card toronto

  5. Best Travel Sim Card

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  6. 9 BEST International SIM Cards (2020 Roundup)

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VIDEO

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  3. Japan Travel SIM & Brastel Card (ENGLISH)

  4. All Mobile Sim Information.All Mobile sim card information.wait for watching 😳

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  6. Best Sim Card For Travel? How To Use Your Phone Abroad & Cheapest Sim Card (Travel Sim Card Europe)

COMMENTS

  1. Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Canada in 2024

    Airalo. Airalo is a reliable e-sim card provider which Traveltomtom has used in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the following Airalo e-sim card plans for Canada for 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD. 2 GB data for 15 days = $11 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD.

  2. Complete Guide: Best Canada SIM Card For Tourists

    Nomad eSIM Canada. Nomad is also a great eSIM provider, offering many affordable plans in Canada. Here's an overview of the plans available on Nomad: 1GB, valid for 7 days for $7. 3GB, valid for 30 days for $12. 5GB, valid for 30 days for $19. 10GB, valid for 30 days for $32. 12GB, valid for 60 days for $36.

  3. Buying a Sim Card at Toronto Airport in 2024

    Airalo. Airalo is a reliable e-sim card provider which Traveltomtom has used in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the following Airalo e-sim card plans for Canada for 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD. 2 GB data for 15 days = $11 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD.

  4. SIM Cards in Canada: The Best Prepaid Plans

    You can get a Canadian SIM card for 10 CAD (7.30 USD) from Rogers, Telus, Bell, Freedom Mobile, Chatr Mobile, Fido, PC Mobile, Public Mobile, Petro-Canada Mobility & Virgin Plus (formerly Mobile), or 20 CAD (14.55 USD) from Koodo and Lucky Mobile. SIM cards are also sold at airports, including Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).

  5. The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Canada in 2024

    Here are some of the most popular options for plastic SIM cards for tourists in Canada: 1. Rogers Wireless. Rogers prepaid SIMs, which are not 5G compatible, offer various data plans with unlimited calling within Canada. Options include 2.5 GB of data for $40 CAD, 4.5 GB for $45 CAD, and 8 GB for $55 CAD. 2.

  6. SimCorner®

    SimCorner is Canada's favourite one-stop shop for all your international SIM card needs. At Sim Corner we sell Travel SIM cards & eSIM cards for the hottest destinations such as USA SIMs, Japan, Europe UK, New Zealand and Asia at unbeatable prices! Get your prepaid sims direct to your door or office in Toronto, Montreal, and throughout Canada.

  7. Canadian Data Only Prepaid Travel SIM Card for Tourists

    10 Days14 Days21 Days30 Days. 5 GB data in Canada to browse the web and use popular messaging apps. Get the best Canadian prepaid data only travel SIM cards for international tourists visiting Canada. Canadian travel data SIM cards work in all Canadian cities & towns including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.

  8. Prepaid International SIM Cards For Canada

    The Canada Prepaid SIM Card is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch. Chat to your friends and family back home by easily connecting to a local Canadian Telus Mobility, Rogers Wireless or Telus network. Your SIM can also be used in over 205 countries across 340 networks. Make a call as if you were back home, saving ...

  9. Best Prepaid Sim Cards For Canada (Guide For Travelers)

    The Telus Canada prepaid sim card plans are three Talk & Text plans and four Talk, Text & Data plans. The cheapest plan is $15, and it includes 100 minutes, as well as unlimited SMS/MMS for a month. The priciest plan without data is an annual $100 plan, with 400 free texts and 400 free minutes. As for the Telus sim card plans that include data ...

  10. The 4 Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Canada in 2023

    But let's see the most popular option provided by Bell Canda and decide if this is the best travel sim for Canada: All prices below have been converted from CAD to USD at the exchange rate of the 06.05.2019. Carte Multi-SIM Card. The SIM Price is ≈$7.40 USD, additionally, you need to choose and activate any of the following Internet prepaid ...

  11. Toronto SIM Cards for Canadian Travelers

    Vancouver (Richmond) Whitehorse. Winnipeg. St. John's. Discover the best Sim cards for Toronto. Choose SimCorner for prepaid travel SIM cards for Toronto and international sim cards. Stay connected and travel without worrying about hefty international roaming fees. Best Prepaid Travel SIM cards with Data for Apr-2024.

  12. Buying a SIM Card at Toronto Airport (Pearson) 2024: Travelers Guide

    The price of a Canada SIM card at Toronto airport is generally more expensive than the similar sold in the city center. Depending the network carrier, the plan, SIM cards' price can vary. It cost from $25 CAD to $5- CAD for 1GB to 8GB of data plus with call and text in Canada. Note: The price is updated at the time of writing this guide.

  13. Prepaid SIM Card Toronto

    The best Prepaid SIM Card to travel in Toronto. Choose the best SIM Card for your needs. HomePrepaid SIM Card Toronto . Best SIM Card Operators. Best Market Prices. Pay As You Go. 24/7 Customer Service. Compare and buy the best SimCard for Toronto. Holiday World. Orange $ 59.90 $ 49.90. 87 customer reviews. Data: 10GB; Calls & SMS: No;

  14. Toronto SIM Cards for US Travellers

    You can now get your SIM card delivered directly to your door or office in New York, Los Angeles, and throughout United States of America. Discover the best Sim cards for Toronto. Choose SimCorner for prepaid travel SIM cards for Toronto and international sim cards. Stay connected and travel without worrying about hefty international roaming fees.

  15. SIM Cards: Nano, Prepaid, Micro & more for Cell Phones

    Jethro Mobile USA Travel SIM Card 30 Day - 2 Pack Unlimited Talk, Text, 5GB Data, International Calling to Canada (1 Review) $70. $70.00. Marketplace seller. USA/Canada Prepaid DATA Roaming SIM Card 15 Days Unlimited Data (2GB at 4GLTE high Speed, Unlimited 128kbps afterward) (0 Reviews) $20.

  16. Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Canada in 2024

    This is also the best sim card for visiting USA and Canada on the same trip. 2. Tuque Mobile e-sim card for Canada. Through Airalo you can order a Tuque Canada e-sim card. They have many different e-sim card plans starting from $6 USD for 1 GB data and 10 GB data for $35 USD. 10 GB data.

  17. Where to find a SIM card at Toronto airport, and why downtown has

    In my opinion, Chatr offers the best plans at Toronto airport for someone like me: Data hungry and keen to make affordable local calls. Chatr plans start from $35 CAD (including 1GB of data and unlimited calls Canada-wide). Chatr has no activation fee and a SIM card fee of $10 CAD. 2.

  18. Best eSIM for Toronto: which one to buy?

    Which virtual SIM card for Toronto allows you to extend your plan? Holafly has the advantage in this aspect by allowing you to buy top-ups for the same destination and extend the days of use of your eSIM. It will be activated automatically without installing a new eSIM on your phone. Advantages of the eSIM card vs the conventional physical SIM

  19. Travel Sim Cards

    Travel Sim Cards. My family and I are planning to go to Korea and Japan for 2 weeks (1 week for each country) in May this year. Can someone recommend which sim card that I should purchase? I believe data plan for internet should be good enough because I can make phone calls using whatsapp as well. ... Toronto/Mississauga . Jan 25th, 2024 1:05 ...

  20. Buy Travel SIM Cards for USA in Canada

    T-Mobile Unlimited Data USA SIM Card -. SimCorner has been selling this USA SIM card plan for over 8 years, and it is frequently recommended by customers. This is a great all-rounder option for Canadian travellers who want Unlimited data at a great value.

  21. Buy Travel SIM Cards for Italy in Canada

    There are 4 different mobile networks in Italy. They include TIM, Vodafone, 3, and Wind. The 12GB sim card is able to work on 3 and Wind. Whereas the 20GB option is able to work on TIM, Vodafone & Wind network. It's always best to do some research on which one offers the best coverage.