When you arrive in Canada, you can easily use your phone when you activate an eSIM. eSIM technology allows you to activate a cellular data plan like a traditional SIM card and save on mobile data costs. Discover what eSIM is and how to activate it, price, benefits, and more!
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What is eSIM?
Many phones today have an embedded SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. While eSIMs function like physical SIM cards, they have more benefits such as durability, space-saving on your phone, and enhanced security.
You can also activate and manage eSIMs remotely, and easily switch between different numbers and carriers without swapping out physical cards. Not only that but eSIMs support prepaid and postpaid mobile phone plans.
What is a SIM Card?
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card holds the information to connect you to a mobile network. A SIM card will allow your mobile device to receive calls, send SMS messages, and connect to a cellular network in Canada.
Why Do I Need eSIM and What Are the Benefits?
With eSIM, you can easily and quickly use your phone to connect to people and places. Some of the benefits include:
Cost Savings
- You’ll avoid high international roaming costs which can inflate your phone bill and hurt your finances when you’re new to Canada.
Convenience and Flexibility
With eSIM you don’t need a physical SIM card and you can:
- Activate eSIM digitally and use data plans of different providers
- Enable multiple service plans on a single device to separate work and personal lines or add international plans without affecting the main service
- Access your data needs and purchase a plan without visiting a store and buying from vendors.
Get a Local Number
- With a local Canadian phone number, it’s easier for people and employers to contact you. It’s common for Canadian employers to begin the interview process with a telephone interview.
Safety and Security
- eSIM allows you to avoid using public Wi-Fi at airports and cafes. This prevents hackers from stealing your personal information or monitoring online activities.
Network Coverage
- Using an eSIM ensures you get the best cellular network coverage.
Overall, getting a new eSIM card saves you money, offers greater convenience and safety, and helps you easily connect to friends, family, and employers when you land in Canada.
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Which Phones Have eSIM?
Most mobile phones support eSIM technology. If your phone is a 2018 model or newer, it most likely has eSIM. However, you can check your phone’s settings to make sure.
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How to Find the Best Mobile Phone Deal in Canada
Building Credit History in Canada as a Newcomer
Can I Buy eSIM Before I Arrive in Canada?
Yes, you can buy eSIM before arriving in Canada! Many newcomers choose this route because of its convenience.
Benefits of Buying Before You Arrive in Canada
There are many things to after landing in Canada. Getting eSIM before you arrive in Canada allows you to easily connect to people and places as soon as you land.
In addition, many services, such as opening a Canadian bank account, require a local number for verification or setup. Having a local number from the start can facilitate these processes and avoid future headaches.
Combining the convenience, a seamless transition, and access to local services, getting eSIM before you arrive is worth it!
How to Get eSIM After You Arrive in Canada
Getting an eSIM in Canada is easy with many places to get one in Canada!
Airport: You can buy an eSIM at the airport and connect immediately upon arrival. However, it will cost you more at the airport.
Mobile Carrier Stores: Mobile carrier stores are good places to get eSIM. Major mobile carriers in Canada, such as Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Freedom Mobile, all have stores and offer many options, plans, and prices.
Electronics Stores: Major electronics stores such as Best Buy, Staples and Walmart also sell eSIM cards. You can often find a good deal on smartphone prices too!
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations: Some convenience stores and gas stations also sometimes sell eSIMs These stores are a good option if you are looking to buy a quick prepaid eSIM.
Benefits of Buying After Arriving in Canada
When you buy an eSIM after you arrive, you can get personal service to learn about different mobile carriers and plans. This will help you choose the best option for your needs and budget. You can also get help from store representatives to activate and set up your network coverage, to ensure everything works correctly.
What is the eSIM Price in Canada?
The eSIM price in Canada depends on many factors. A big choice to make is between postpaid and prepaid mobile phone plans. Postpaid or monthly contract plans offer a set amount of calling minutes, texts, and data. Prepaid plans require you to buy calling minutes, texts, and data before using them.
Another choice you will have to make is between cell phone providers. Telus, Rogers, and Bell are the big three in Canada but tend to be a bit pricey if you buy as an individual. However, these carriers are great for family plans and bundles including home internet.
Some of the best mobile phone deals in Canada are with discount brands such as Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Virgin Mobile, and Fido, to name a few. All these providers offer new plans so it is a good idea to shop around to help you choose.
Global eSIM Services
Global eSIM services provide mobile data connectivity that you can use in many countries.
This can all be done without the need for physical SIM card changes.
One of the best global eSIM service providers is Saily. Saily’s services provide data coverage in over 150 countries with flexible travel data plans. Saily is the perfect choice if you need a data-only plan in Canada for a few days or weeks before choosing a cell phone provider. Saily is also a great travel companion if you travel outside Canada.
Getting access to Saily’s services is a quick and easy process. Download the app, choose one of Saily’s affordable plans, and enjoy reliable network coverage.
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With many choices, you can find a plan that suits your needs and an eSIM price that meets your budget. Knowing how to activate it before you arrive is a convenient way to connect to people and places as soon as you land!
With limited competition, Canada faces some of the highest mobile phone rates, especially compared to European countries. However, there is pressure on providers to reduce prices. This makes it easier to find the best mobile phone deal in Canada with prices falling. New technologies such as eSIM and 5G allow more options for users searching for deals. Like a regular SIM card, an eSIM allows using data plans from different providers.
Choosing the right provider and plan will let you connect with friends and family abroad and in Canada! This overview highlights Canada’s main mobile phone providers, their “flanker brands” (or value discount brands), and plan options. You’ll also discover what to consider to select a plan that fits your needs whether you’re a data-hungry user, frequent traveller, or budget-conscious consumer.
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Who are Canada’s “Big Three” Mobile Phone Providers?
Three major cell phone companies and national carriers want to compete for your mobile phone business: Bell, Rogers, and Telus. These “big three” tier one providers offer the largest networks, coverage, and a range of plans from basic talk and text packages to data-focused plans to meet unique needs.
Each provider also has flanker brands that appeal to value-conscious customers. The tier two and three flanker brands offer more affordable plans and flexible options that result in large savings.
Here are Some of the Best Mobile Phone Deals in Canada
| TIER 1 MOBILE PHONE PROVIDERS | TIER 2 & 3 FLANKER BRANDS |
|---|---|
| Bell | Virgin (tier 2 mid-level) Lucky Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Rogers | Fido (tier 2 mid-level) Chatr Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Telus | Koodo (tier 2 mid-level) Public Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
Tier 2 Mid-Level Mobile Phone Providers
| MID-LEVEL PROVIDERS | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Virgin Plus (owned by Bell) | – 4G LTE network (does not offer 5G speeds) – All plans include five bonus hours of unlimited data each month – Data, talk, and text plans allow roaming in the U.S. and other select countries – Data overage protection automatically turns off your data rather than penalizing you with overage fees when you hit your data cap |
| Fido (owned by Rogers) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Call control is an optional postpaid plan feature to prevent robocalls and scammers before their calls reach your end – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or unlimited long distance. – Fido deals offer customers the latest iPhone and Androids (but don’t include financing) – Check the Fido website for the best mobile phone deals and biggest savings. |
| Koodo (owned by Telus) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Koodo offers a selection of Samsung, Apple, and Google phones with financing options for $10-20/month (but be sure to read the contract for any additional fees) – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or international long distance add-ons. |
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Tier 3 Low-Cost Mobile Phone Providers
| LOW-COST PROVIDERS (Network) | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Lucky Mobile (Bell) | – Operates on the Bell 4G network – Range of low-cost prepaid plans with generous data – Good fit for users who only need basic connectivity – Unlimited Canada-wide calling plan with unlimited talk and text and 4G data – Bonus data with Lucky Rewards – Bring your own phone (check for device compatibility) – No long-term commitments. |
| Chatr Mobile (Rogers) | – Operates on Rogers’s nationwide network – Bring your own phone plans avoid high monthly payments (check device compatibility) – Prepaid plans for people looking for basic connectivity – No credit checks or contracts for prepaid plans. – Check out the International Talk Saver Rates. |
| Public Mobile (Telus) | – Operates on 5G and 4G networks – Offers prepaid plans – Limited options outside of Quebec. |
Finding the best mobile phone deal in Canada depends on your unique needs and budget. This can include data usage, unlimited calling, high-speed connectivity, network coverage, extra features, or international calling. Compare deals, prices, and newcomer offers, as well as provider’s customer service reputation.
Tips & Strategies to Find the Best Mobile Phone Deals in Canada
These tips will help you select the best mobile phone plan that meets your needs and budget:
Consider Your Usage Patterns
Your usage will help you identify the plan that provides the right balance of data, minutes, and features.
- Do you consume a lot of data for streaming, browsing, or social media?
- Do you make frequent calls, or rely on messaging and other communication methods?
Check out Discount Providers
Bell, Telus, and Rogers offer the most comprehensive coverage, but discount providers may have better options in specific regions. Research the coverage maps of different providers to ensure they provide reliable connectivity in the areas where you live, work, and travel. Network coverage can be sparse in remote or rural areas. But, you’re likely settling in a city with good coverage.
Understand Contract Penalties
If you enter a contract, know the duration and any fees or penalties for ending the contract early. While longer contracts may offer lower monthly rates, they also limit your ability to change providers or plans in the future.
Avoid Hidden Charges and Fees
Carefully review the monthly plan costs, and additional fees for:
- Features
- Roaming
- Overages
- International calling
- Device financing.
Look for providers that offer transparent pricing and avoid hidden charges. Find a plan that meets your needs and fits your budget to maximize value and avoid overspending.
Ensure Device Compatibility for Bring Your Own (BYO) Device Plans
If you own a mobile device, ensure that it is compatible with the provider’s network and that you can bring it when switching plans. BYO plans are the most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data.
Types of Mobile Phone Plans in Canada
Knowing different plans’ unique features and benefits will help you select the best mobile phone deal to meet your needs.
Prepaid Plans
Prepaid plans require you to pay for your usage upfront, giving you more control over your spending. These plans are more flexible, with no long-term contracts or credit checks. They are often a good choice if you have a limited budget.
Postpaid Plans
These are monthly subscription plans, where you receive a monthly bills for the services you already used. Postpaid plans often include a wider range of features, such as unlimited talk and text and higher data allowances. They may also offer the option to finance a new device as part of the plan. Most providers request a Canadian credit check for a month contract subscription.
Family Plans
Many providers offer family plans that allow you to share a pool of minutes, text messages, and data across multiple lines. These plans can be more cost-effective for households with multiple users, as they often include discounts for additional lines.
Pay-as-you-go Plans
Also known as “top-up” plans, these options allow you to pay for usage as you go, without a fixed monthly fee. You can purchase airtime and data credits as you need, making them suitable for infrequent or occasional users.
Data-focused Plans
Suppose you consume large amounts of mobile data, such as heavy streamers or mobile hotspot users. In that case, data-focused plans offer higher data allowances, often with the option to add more data as needed. These plans may be more expensive but can provide better value for data-heavy users.
International Roaming Plans
If you frequently travel outside Canada, consider plans that offer affordable international roaming options, such as discounted rates or included roaming data. This can help you avoid costly overage fees when using your phone abroad.
Bring Your Own (BYO) Plans
BYO plans are the most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data. Often, this is the only option for newcomers. To purchase a new phone on a contract requires a credit check and without building a Canadian credit history, this is difficult.
By taking the time to research, evaluate, and compare your options, you can make an informed decision and find the best mobile phone plan that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re a data-hungry user, a frequent traveller, or a budget-conscious user, consumer, there is a plan to for the perfect balance of features and costs.
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