Telus tourist SIM: Best SIM and eSIM options for tourists in Canada
Know your Telus tourist SIM and eSIM options for your Canada trip, including plans and pricing, where to buy a Telus prepaid plan, and how to activate.
If you’re considering using a Telus tourist SIM or eSIM for your trip to Canada, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we discuss Telus tourist SIM and eSIM plans, including pricing, where to buy, activation instructions, and tips on how to save data.
We also talk about Holafly as an unlimited data eSIM alternative in case you’re looking for a more flexible, data-only option.
If you’re a Telus Canada customer looking for a way to stay connected while traveling abroad, consider Telus roaming or Telus travel eSIM.

What is a Telus tourist SIM card?
The Telus tourist SIM card is a prepaid plan designed for tourists visiting Canada. Telus prepaid SIM cards can include data, calls, and texts. Telus also offers prepaid eSIMs if you prefer an eSIM to a physical SIM.
Telus tourist SIM/eSIM: Plans and pricing
Plans for both Telus tourist SIM and eSIM start for as low as $15 and do not require any credit checks or term contracts. These plans include mobile data, caller ID, local and international messaging, voicemail, conference calling, and call waiting.
You can choose between monthly or long-term plans, and then decide whether you want talk, text, and data, or just talk and text, depending on your needs.
Plan name | Data allowance | Calls | Texts | Duration | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 35 | 1 GB | Unlimited nationwide minutes | Unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS/MMS | 30 days | $35 |
Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 45 | 5 GB | Unlimited nationwide minutes | Unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS/MMS | 30 days | $45 |
Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 55 | 10 GB | Unlimited nationwide minutes | Unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS/MMS | 30 days | $55 |
Nationwide Talk & Text 19 | – | Unlimited nationwide minutes | Unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS/MMS | 30 days | $19 |
Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 90 | 3 GB | Unlimited nationwide minutes with Long Distance Saver* | Unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS/MMS | 90 days | $90 |
Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 150 | 3 GB | Unlimited nationwide minutes with Long Distance Saver | Unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS/MMS | 180 days | $159 |
Talk & Text 100 | – | 400 incoming and outgoing local minutes | 400 incoming and outgoing SMS/MMS | 365 days | $100 |
*Long Distance Saver allows you to save up to 95% on calls from Canada to 220+ countries.
For any of these plans, if you exceed your allotted minutes, texts, or data, you’ll be charged $0.15 per minute, $0.50 per message, or $0.15 per MB. To add more data or call allowance, Telus also offers the following prepaid add-ons.
Add-on name | Inclusions | Duration | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Data 10 | 100 MB of data | 30 days | $10 |
Data 20 | 500 MB of data | 30 days | $20 |
Data 30 | 1 GB of data | 30 days | $30 |
100 Nationwide Minutes | 100 nationwide minutes | 30 days | $10 |
Nationwide Evenings & Weekends | Unlimited nationwide minutes on early evenings and weekends | 30 days | $10 |
Unlimited One Number | Unlimited calls to one number | 30 days | $7 |
Voicemail 10 | 10 voicemail messages | 30 days | $7 |
Keep in mind that Telus does not offer any unlimited data plans, so consider using an eSIM alternative like Holafly, which offers unlimited data for Canada.
Where to buy a Telus tourist SIM and eSIM for Canada
You can get a Telus tourist SIM and eSIM from the locations below.
Airport
You can find shops and kiosks that sell Telus tourist SIMs and eSIMs in airports across Canada, including Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Calgary International Airport.
Retail partners
Check out Telus’ retail partners, such as Apple Stores, Best Buy, and Walmart, for SIM or activation inquiries.
Official stores
Find a Telus store near you with Telus’ store locator. With this tool, you can check stores’ complete addresses, operating hours, and contact numbers.
Online
For the most accessible option, you can visit the Telus website to obtain a Telus SIM card or eSIM.
How to activate a Telus tourist SIM/eSIM
You will need to activate your eSIM or SIM after purchase for it to start working. You can do so in a few simple steps:
Telus tourist SIM card activation guide
Get the number printed on the large card that Telus gave you. The number is also printed on the small SIM card. Then, follow the steps below:
- Insert the SIM card into your phone.
- Go to the Telus Prepaid Activation page.
- Enter the required details, including the number from your card.
- Follow the prompts to activate your SIM and connect to the Telus network.
Telus tourist eSIM activation guide
Before anything else, make sure your phone is eSIM compatible. To activate your Telus tourist eSIM, follow the steps below:
- Get your QR code: Check your email or the card Telus provided for your eSIM QR code.
- Open settings: On your phone, go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code: Use your phone’s camera to scan the Telus eSIM QR code.
- Confirm activation: Follow the prompts to finish setup and connect to the Telus network.
To manage your plan and check your data usage after activation, log in to your My TELUS account or use the My TELUS app.
How to avoid running out of Telus tourist SIM data
Your Telus tourist SIM or eSIM plan is considered a pay-as-you-go plan, so you technically won’t run out of data. But if you’re not careful, you may be spending more than you planned. To manage your data usage wisely:
- Track your data usage: Check data in your phone settings or in the My Telus app.
- Use Wi-Fi when possible: Connect to Wi-Fi for streaming, video calls, or downloads.
- Limit background data: Turn off auto-updates and background app refresh in your settings.
- Use offline tools: Download offline maps or music to save data on the go.
- Buy add-ons if needed: Buy extra data or minutes through the My Telus app, Telus website, or in-store.
Keep in mind that it’s best to estimate your data consumption before buying a plan. If you think you’ll be using a lot of data, it might be best for you to get an unlimited data eSIM, such as Holafly.
Enjoy unlimited data with the Holafly eSIM for Canada
You can enjoy unlimited data with Holafly’s eSIM for Canada. With no roaming charges, adjustable usage periods from 1 to 90 days, and 24/7 live chat customer support, it’s a flexible option for travelers in Canada.
You can also check out Holafly’s regional plans, such as Holafly’s eSIM for North America, if you plan to travel to nearby countries like the US and Mexico. This makes it easy to stay connected across multiple countries without needing to swap SIMs or pay extra roaming fees.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of September 3, 2025, and is subject to change.