Prepaid eSIM for Canada

Prepaid eSIM for Canada

Priya Kapoor, 08 Jan 2025

If you are going to Canada, check if your cell phone subscription covers the country. If that is not the case, you can pay a lot. For example, with your local operator, using your SIM card in Canada will cost you:

  • More than 1,18 € / minute for a call to Europe
  • More than 0,55 € / minute for a received call
  • More than 0.28 € per SMS sent (SMS received are always free)

At this rate, you could be indebted for life for viewing a YouTube video.

It is best to organize yourself to find a more economical alternative. E-sim cards are the most convenient method to stay connected when overseas. Stop exchanging physical SIM cards!

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How To Buy A SIM Card Before You Leave

You will have to buy a prepaid SIM card from a prestigious vendor before you leave for Canada. You will just need to insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone, and voilà: you will immediately get online without overpaying for roaming upon arrival. This is a great option for travelers who need both calls and SMS capabilities in addition to data.

Holafly eSIM for Canada

Stay connected effortlessly during your trip to Canada with the Holafly eSIM. Offering unlimited Internet and a hassle-free setup, it’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking reliable connectivity without the need for physical SIM cards.

Key Features

  • Unlimited Internet: Enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and online navigation across Canada, including cities like Quebec and Montreal.
  • Affordable Pricing Options: 5 days: €29 | 7 days: €34 | 10 days: €39
  • Data-Only Plan: Perfect for Internet use, but please note it does not include SMS or voice call capabilities.
  • Instant Activation: No waiting or visiting stores—activate your eSIM instantly by scanning a QR code.

Compatibility and Requirements

Ensure your phone supports eSIM technology before purchasing. The eSIM is compatible with the following devices:

  • iPhones: XR, XS, and newer models.
  • Google Pixel Phones: Pixel 3 and newer models.

If your device is not listed or doesn’t support eSIM, consider exploring other connectivity options, such as a physical prepaid SIM card.

Why Choose Holafly eSIM?

  • Convenience: No need for physical cards or in-store purchases—activate remotely with a QR code.
  • Unlimited Internet: Enjoy worry-free data usage throughout your trip.
  • Wide Coverage: Reliable connectivity in all major cities and regions of Canada.
  • Time-Saving: Skip the hassle of finding local SIM cards upon arrival.

Prepare ahead of your journey with the Holafly eSIM and focus on enjoying your Canadian adventure without connectivity concerns!

Where To Buy a Canada Sim Card?

When you arrive in Canada, getting a local SIM card is one of the first steps to staying connected. If you're landing at Montreal-Trudeau Airport, here are your top options.

1. ChatR (Rogers)

Location: Near Gate 26, Arrivals Level.

Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Costs and Plans:

  • SIM Card: 10 CAD.

Credit Options:

  • 25 CAD: 500 MB of Internet.
  • 35 CAD: 2 GB of Internet.
  • 50 CAD: 10 GB of Internet.

Additional Details:

  • Includes unlimited SMS and calls.
  • No unlimited Internet plans are available.

2. ICE Currency Exchange (Telus)

Location: Arrivals Level, at the ICE Currency Exchange office.

Operating Hours: Matches the currency exchange counter hours.

Costs and Plans:

  • SIM Card: 20 CAD (refunded as credit).

Plan Options:

  • 35 CAD: 1 GB of Internet.
  • 45 CAD: 3 GB of Internet.
  • 55 CAD: 4 GB of Internet.

Additional Details:

  • Offers limited calls and SMS.

Quick Tips

  • If you're arriving outside ChatR’s operating hours (before 10:00 am or after 10:00 pm), consider purchasing a SIM card from ICE Currency Exchange instead.
  • Choose based on your data needs. ChatR is ideal for heavy call and SMS users, while Telus offers slightly higher Internet limits.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Canadian networks before purchasing.
Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash

Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash

How to Buy an eSIM Card for Canada

An eSIM is a modern and convenient way to stay connected during your trip to Canada. Here’s everything you need to know to purchase and use an eSIM for seamless mobile connectivity. Which carriers offer eSIM in Canada? Here's what current Canada eSIM providers are offering for the best prepaid eSim Canada plans (closest to 2GB).

Best eSIM Providers in Canada

Bell

For prepaid sim card options, Bell Canada eSim Prepaid card charges the same rates as Virgin Mobile Canada. Both of them are somewhat less expensive than Telus prepaid sim cards. On its website, Bell Canada offers the most recent prepaid programs.

Prepaid Bell Canada sim cards cost a lot:

  • Bell - 4.5 GB data: 45 CAD (Unlimited Talk in Canada)
  • Bell - 8 GB data: 55 CAD (Unlimited Talk in Canada)

Regarding prepaid sim card deals, Bell Canada and Virgin Mobile Canada charge the same costs. Both are a little less expensive than Telus prepaid sim cards. On its website, Bell Canada offers up-to-date prepaid plans.

Virgin Mobile Canada

Virgin Mobile is operational on the Bell Canada network in Canada. They want CAD 10 to activate the eSIM. Additionally, they provide the following sim-only discounts and data packages:

  • Virgin Mobile Canada - 2.5 GB data: 40 CAD (Unlimited Talk in Canada)
  • Virgin Mobile Canada - 4.5 GB data: 45 CAD (Unlimited Talk in Canada)
  • Virgin Mobile Canada - 8 GB data: 55 CAD (Unlimited Talk in Canada)
  • Virgin Mobile Canada - 10 GB data: 75 CAD (Unlimited Talk in Canada)

The 30-day validity period applies to all Virgin Mobile Canada prepaid sim card packages. For more information, visit the Virgin Mobile Canada website to view the prepaid plans. If you are asking, "Which is the best eSIM in Canada?" we suggest you buy this operator.

Rogers Canada

We don't think discussing Rogers' prepaid sim cards is necessary. For instance, the largest mobile data package is 1 GB and already costs 65 CAD! If you're still interested, follow the Rogers Canada website's prepaid options link.

Rogers Canada sim cards cost:

Rogers - 2GB on the Talk, Text, and Internet. $80.75/month. $0.04/Mb

Buy a SIM card in the city

Can I get an eSIM in the Canadian city center? You can go to a store of one of the 3 main operators (Rogers, Bell, Telus) to request a prepaid SIM card. But the easiest and most economical way is to choose a PC Mobile SIM card.

You can buy one at a Maxi, Provigo, or Loblaws supermarket.

You will also have several offers available:

  • 30 CAD for 1 GB of Internet
  • 40 CAD for 3 GB of Internet
  • 50 CAD for 6 GB of Internet

With unlimited calls and SMS.

Here is an overview of the prepaid plans available from Telus:

  • 500 MG, valid for 30 days for $30 - includes calls and SMS
  • 2.5 GB, good for 30 days for $40 - includes calls and SMS
  • 4.5 GB, good for 30 days for $55 - includes calls and SMS
  • 8 GB, good for 30 days for $65 - includes calls and SMS

With an eSIM, you can enjoy seamless Internet and communication throughout Canada, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience