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How to buy a prepaid SIM card in Canada: Cheapest options
Traveling to Canada? Learn where to buy a prepaid Canada SIM card and which are the best options for tourists.
To make the most of your trip to Canada, you must have a stable internet connection to find the best maple syrup in town (or the nearest Tim Hortons). This article shows you where and how to buy a Canada SIM card. We also cover the best and cheapest prepaid SIM cards for Canada, so you can get a reliable connection for less.
Plus, keep your eyes peeled for an even easier alternative – an unlimited data travel eSIM from Holafly.
Say goodbye to plastic SIMs
Our eSIMs can't be damaged, broken, or lost – they're the future for every type of traveler.
Why buy a Canada SIM card for tourists?
By getting a local prepaid SIM card in Canada, you can get online as soon as you enter the country. Whether navigating from the airport, taking freeway directions, or simply calling and scrolling, your phone will work in Canada as usual with a SIM card.
While it may seem like an added travel expense, you can actually save money by avoiding expensive roaming charges, especially if your current monthly plan does not include roaming in Canada.
How much is a prepaid SIM card in Canada?
Prepaid SIM cards in Canada typically start at $10 CAD and can reach $45. There’s a large variety to choose from, including local Canadian mobile providers like Rogers, Telus, and Bell, and prices change depending on data allowances and plan durations.
Where to buy a prepaid SIM card for Canada
There are multiple options to get a Canada SIM card, whether you prefer to order in advance or pick one up when you arrive. Each option has its advantages.
Online
You can order a SIM card for Canada online before you travel to your home address, or as soon as you arrive at your accommodation.
- Third-party retailers: SimCorner (offers two options for a travel SIM card for Canada: a 5 GB data-only plan for $52 CAD and a 5 GB data, text, and call plan for $67)
- International partners: Canadian SIM (prices for plans range from $35 CAD to $50)
Top tip: Physical SIM cards can take at least 24 hours to arrive, so consider this if your trip is coming soon.
Airports
Major Canadian Airports, like Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, offer kiosks with prepaid Canada SIM cards from providers like Bell, Telus, and Rogers.
While airport kiosks are convenient, prices are often higher than in local stores, which isn’t ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Local shops and provider stores
You’ll find cheaper prepaid SIM cards for Canada in local shops and provider stores than in airports.
- Retailers: Best Buy
- Local convenience stores: 7-Eleven
- Official provider stores: Rogers, Bell, and Telus (carry a broader range of plans and can assist with activation)
Best Canada SIM card for tourists
When visiting Canada, getting a local SIM card from one of the major Canadian providers can ensure strong coverage and reliable service during your stay.
Here are the top Canadian SIM cards for tourists, along with plans and prices:
Rogers
Rogers offers nationwide coverage at 5G internet speeds. Multiple prepaid plans cater to different data and talk needs. Here are some popular options, all including unlimited Canada/US talk:
- 10 GB of data for $29 CAD (~$21 USD) per month
- 50 GB of data for $34 CAD (~$24 USD) per month
- 75 GB of data for $40 CAD (~$29 USD) per month
- 100 GB of data for $50 CAD (~$36 USD) per month
Telus
Telus is a telecommunications company with extensive network coverage and fast internet speeds across Canada. Prepaid SIM packages are available for 30-day use and include unlimited calls and SMS.
Here are some of their monthly plans, which include unlimited nationwide calls and SMS :
- 1 GB of data for 30 days at $35 CAD (~$25 USD)
- 5 GB of data for 30 days at $45 CAD (~$32 USD)
- 10 GB of data for 30 days at $55 CAD (~$39 USD)
Bell
Bell offers a range of prepaid data plans, each with unlimited nationwide calls and texts.
If you use up your monthly data, you can still browse, though at a higher cost per use. All prepaid plans are for 30-day periods and come with an auto-renewal option.
Some of Bell’s most popular plans include:
- 5 GB of data for 30 days at $30 CAD (~$21 USD)
- 25 GB of data for 30 days at $40 CAD (~$28 USD)
- 50 GB of data for 30 days at $50 CAD (~$36 USD)
- 75 GB of data for 30 days at $60 CAD (~$43 USD)
Top tip: Remember that you can only order a Bell SIM card plan online with a Canadian ID; otherwise, you’ll need to pick one up after you arrive in the country.
Canada SIM card requirements: How to get one as a tourist
Before you can start using a prepaid SIM card for Canada, there are a few requirements to remember.
Here’s what you’ll need when purchasing a Canada SIM card:
- Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked and not restricted to your home carrier to accept a Canada SIM card.
- Valid identification: Passports or any form of ID are typically required for account setup or SIM registration.
- Payment methods: To purchase or top up your prepaid SIM card for Canada, you’ll need a credit card, debit card, or cash.
- In-store visit: You may have to visit a provider store to get set up for a prepaid SIM.
If you prefer a digital option, eSIMs offer a quick and convenient alternative to physical SIM cards. They can be purchased anytime, from anywhere, allowing you to activate your plan quickly without the wait.
Consider Holafly’s Canada eSIM as your SIM card alternative
Some of the best prepaid SIM cards for Canada are Rogers, Telus, and Bell, available at their retail locations, local stores, and airports. Alternatively, you can choose a digital option, like the Holafly eSIM for Canada, to stay connected without the need for physical installation.
Simply buy online, receive a QR code via email, and connect within minutes. Here are some possibilities of a trip to Canada with Holafly:
- 8-day trip to Canada: $52 CAD ($41.90 USD) for unlimited data
- 12-day trip to Canada: $61 CAD ($49.90 USD) for unlimited data
- 17-day trip to Canada: $74 CAD ($58.90 USD) for unlimited data
Holafly’s eSIM plans offer unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and the flexibility of matching your plan to your vacation. No more worrying about spending on what you won’t use or limited data allowances.
If you’re looking to stay connected for a longer time, Holafly Connect is exactly what you need. This monthly eSIM subscription provides coverage in 170+ destinations with three different plans to choose from.
Ready to stay connected on your Canadian adventure? Get your eSIM today and explore Canada without limits.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
