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What is eSIM and How to Get it in Canada?

Written By

Zain Usmani

Aug 28, 2024

Utilities

A man is walking in airport and using his smartphone that he has activated using eSIM technology.

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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Discover how to activate eSIM before you arrive in Canada. The bright yellow eSIM logo appears on a smartphone.
Newer Smartphones have eSIM technology.

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.

Many physical SIM cards on a world map..

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

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.
eSIM prevents hackers from stealing your personal information and monitoring online activities. A person is holding a locked mobile phone.

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

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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!

A young male customer is choosing a smartphone in a mobile carrier store.

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.

The phone bill balance owing appears on an invoice from a mobile phone company. The eSIM price in Canada depends on many factors.

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!

WRITTEN BY

Zain Usmani

Writer, Prepare for Canada

My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.

© Prepare for Canada 2025

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