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Will my phone work in Canada? [USA guide]
Your US phone will work in Canada. See the easiest ways to use your cell phone in Canada, and important steps to check before you arrive.
Yes, your US phone will likely work in Canada. This said, you’ll need to double check a few things to ensure your phone is ready to use.
You’ll also need a data plan to use your cell phone in Canada. An unlimited data travel eSIM from Holafly is one option, but there are alternative ways to use your cell phone in Canada.
Get connected quicker
Buy, set up, and activate a Holafly eSIM for Canada in no more than a few of minutes.
Can I use my US phone in Canada?
Yes, US phones can be used on Canadian networks under three conditions; they are carrier-unlocked, they work on the correct frequency bands, and you have an international data solution.
1. See if your phone is carrier-locked
Some US cell phones are carrier locked. This means they can’t be used on other networks that aren’t directly, or indirectly, linked to your home plan.
While data roaming in Canada won’t be affected – due to partnerships between US and Canadian carriers – a locked phone won’t work with an international SIM or eSIM.
2. Check the frequency bands
Cellular frequency bands are ranges of frequencies that connect your cell phone to local networks. If your cell doesn’t support the local bands, you won’t be able to use it.
Contact your carrier to check your phone model or Google online tools like Kimovil to see if your device’s bands will work in Canada:
| Tech | Bands |
|---|---|
| 5G bands | n1 (2100), n12 (700), n28a (700), n28b (700), n38 (2600), n41 (2500), n66 (1700), n71 (600), n77 (3700), n78 (3500) |
| 4G bands | B2 (1900), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B5 (850), B7 (2600), B12 (700), B13 (700), B17 (700), B66 (1700/2100) |
| 3G bands | B2 (1900), B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F), B5 (850) |
3. Get an international plan
Once you know your phone will work in Canada, you can begin the search for an international data plan. Without one, you’ll be subject to high roaming charges.
Aside from international roaming in Canada, options to use your cell phone for mobile internet in Canada include:
- eSIMs for Canada
- Prepaid SIM cards for Canada
- Pocket WiFi for Canada
How to use your cell phone in Canada
Your phone will only work in Canada if you have an international plan. Here are the options and how they work:
International roaming
Data roaming is the simplest way to use your phone in Canada. Just make sure data roaming is turned on, airplane mode is off, and you’re all set.
US carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all work in Canada, and each offer their own set of international roaming solutions.
It’s best to check your monthly plan before traveling, as many US carriers include Canada roaming within their plans.
If your plan isn’t eligible, explore the daily passes and roaming packages on offer. Without any type of plan, pass, or package, you’ll be subject to pay-per-use rates, which can reach up to $2.05 per MB, $0.50 per text or $1/minute for calls.
Looking for more details? Check out our AT&T roaming in Canada, Verizon roaming, and T-Mobile roaming blogs.
eSIM
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card. If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, the tech is already built in, so all you need to do is find and activate the right plan.
Many eSIM providers focus on data-limited plans over pre-defined periods, meaning you need to keep an eye on your data usage. Holafly offers a stress-free alternative.
With Holafly’s eSIM for Canada, you get unlimited data for as long as you want. The eSIM keeps you connected to the fastest local networks with high speed data at up to 5G speeds, meaning you can use your phone in Canada whenever, and wherever, you want.
A five-minute activation process and 24/7 customer support give added peace of mind when using your cell phone in Canada.
Physical SIM
Physical SIM cards offer an alternative if your cell isn’t eSIM-compatible or you’re looking for a bargain with a local provider.
Online travel SIM providers, like Simify, offer pre-travel delivery at an additional cost. Otherwise, you can pick up a local Canadian SIM card at airport kiosks, official stores, or even chains like 7-eleven.
Pocket WiFi
Pocket WiFi’s are used to create a portable mobile hotspot that keeps multiple devices connected at once.
They have been popular with groups of travelers or those on work trips needing a strong connection. However, you’ll need to consider expensive delivery, insurance, and data fees if choosing a pocket WiFi device for Canada.
In 2025, there are more ways to keep connected alongside your family, friends, or colleagues. Holafly Connect is an eSIM subscription that comes with up to unlimited data and unlimited hotspot. Canada is included in the global coverage, so you can use the service as soon as you land.
For $64.90/month, you can give yourself limitless access to the internet, as well as ensuring your laptop, iPad, and even the devices belonging to friends and family also work in Canada.
Will your phone work in Canada? The verdict
Still wondering “Will my phone work in Canada?” Yes, it will; just remember to check if your phone is unlocked if you are buying an international data plan.
Holafly’s eSIM for Canada starts at $7.90, with plans reaching as low as $3.53/day – the price of a Tim Horton’s coffee!
- 3 days of unlimited data: $7.63/day
- 7 days of unlimited data: $5.84/day
- 15 days of unlimited data: $3.73/day
Choose Holafly to use your US cell phone with peace of mind in Canada.
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Born and raised in the UK, I discovered content creation as a journalist while studying at the University of Manchester. I've since covered a range of roles, both editorial and SEO, across the travel, hospitality, and professional services industries. I spend my weeks ensuring Holafly's content is relevant, insightful, and helpful, and my weekends exploring new destinations to satisfy my ever-growing travel bug.
