Nowadays, having an eSIM to travel to Canada is one of the alternatives that travelers prefer, better than having to go around looking for a store to buy a local SIM card. In addition, with this chip, we can avoid paying expensive roaming fees, and we get the possibility of converting our cell phone to a dual SIM phone.
So, if you’re planning to go up north of the USA, you need an eSIM, not just any eSIM though, because we know that you’re only looking for the best eSIM for your device.
With this in mind, take a look at this review of the best eSIMs for Canada. We will give you extra information on other ways you can connect to the internet during your stay in this country.
Also read: The Best eSIM to Get When Travelling to Turkey in 2023
The eSIM is a new way to connect to the internet without sacrificing the design or functionality of your cellphone. This virtual SIM card is fully integrated into your device. This allows you to connect to the web, use all your favorite apps, check the online map, and many more functions. All the previously mentioned through a cellular data plan from the provider. Moreover, the carrier has agreements with different cellular operators to use their network, so you won’t have any extra charges.
The main reason why an eSIM is necessary to travel to Canada is that it eliminates the need to search for physical SIM cards in airports or stores. But if that’s not enough, here are other reasons:
In Canada, you’ll likely have a hard time connecting to the internet. Depending on where you go, you might encounter a language barrier (English or French). But you solve this by buying an eSIM to travel to Canada before leaving your home.
Since 2018, all iPhone devices are compatible with eSIM. Some of them are:
Samsung has:
Huawei cell phones compatible with the virtual eSIM are:
As for Google Pixel, the following models are compatible:
As for the Oppo brand, the only compatible models are:
If you have a Motorola device, for now, the compatible models are:
Other brands compatible with the eSIM card:
Ever since eSIM cards for traveling to Canada entered the market, several companies have begun implementing then as well in this country. However, not all of them offer the best services for travelers, so here we are going to detail some of the best: Holafly, Rogers, Telus, and Bell.
Holafly is a store specializing in international travel eSIM cards. For Canada, it offers two prepaid data plans with 10 and 20 GB to use for 30 days.
Certainly, this company stands out for letting travelers handle online purchasing, with a quick installation and activation process. After paying for the Canada eSIM, you receive a QR code that allows you to install the eSIM profile on your cellphone. Then, you can start browsing the internet in seconds!
Rogers is one of the main telecommunications companies in Canada. This Canadian company has enabled its eSIM card for the public and can be bought by going directly to its official stores or by calling.
Telus is one of the main providers in Canada, after Bell. This Canadian operator offers eSIM in postpaid and prepaid plans. It can be bought online from their website for $11 CAD. However, that’s the price of the eSIM without balance.
Bell is a major Canadian telecommunications company. They offer eSIM with prepaid and postpaid plans. To get the Bell eSIM, you need to go to their physical stores during Canadian business hours. The price is similar to Telus eSIM on prepaid plans and free in postpaid plans.
Following is the step-by-step for activating eSIM on iPhone and Android cellphones.
To activate the Holafly eSIM, do the following >> Settings >> Cellular/Mobile data >> Add a new plan >> scan the QR code >> select the cellular data plan >> activate Data roaming and that’s it.
Telus allows you to activate the eSIM as follows: enter Settings >> Cellular >> Add cellular plan >> scan the QR code >> wait for the system notification >> add a name >> select as default line for data.
With Holafly, follow these steps: go to Settings >> Networks and Internet >> Connections >> SIM card manager >> Add cellular/mobile plan >> you have to choose the eSIM as default for cellular data >> activate Roaming and that’s it.
With Rogers, the eSIM is activated by visiting an official store or by calling customer service and requesting it. The eSIM code is sent to you by mail, along with the instructions to complete the installation.
Below, you can see a comparison of the eSIM for Canada and other alternatives to connect to the internet in this destination.
An eSIM can be installed on any compatible cellular device without needing a physical slot. Is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices.
A SIM card is removable and is inserted into a cellphone to find it on the network, allowing it to be used with the service provider’s signal. They can only be used on cell phones.
An eSIM is a SIM card embedded in the device. It’s a virtual chip that stores all the information of your cellular data plan and can be used to connect to a local network abroad, thanks to an international provider. The eSIM only comes with data included.
Data roaming, on the other hand, is the service offered by your domestic cellular operator so that you can continue using your phone outside your home country. When you’re abroad, you may pay a high cost for data roaming, however, this allows your phone to support calls and SMS.
eSIM is a chip that can be virtually inserted into a device to enable cellular data service without the need for a physical card. It’s often used in smartwatches, cellphones, and other wearable devices.
A Pocket WiFi is a portable wireless router that supplies internet access to different devices through WiFi access points. It’s typically used when traveling to places with poor connectivity.
As for the cellular data you need to travel to Canada, you should know that this is something that depends largely on your regular data consumption.
If you are one of those who use social media most of the time, make video calls and check maps a few times a day, 10 GB may be enough for 30 days of travel.
Cellular carriers that support eSIM in Canada are:
In Canada, most cellphone companies offer data plans at high prices compared to other countries. For example, the amount of data they offer for $55 CAD is 8 GB.
Also read: Best eSIM For Travelling to Europe in 2023
Yes. In Canada, there’s a significant deployment of 5G networks and companies allow you to enjoy this technology in SIM and eSIM cards.
