SIM Card Guides

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in Canada in 2026

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 eSIM for international travel from Holafly.

In this article

How much is a prepaid SIM card in Canada?

Prepaid SIM cards in Canada typically start at $10 CAD and can reach $45 or more. 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. You can do so from third-party retailers such as Amazon or international partners of Canadian network providers.

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/Chatr

While Rogers no longer offers prepaid SIM cards in Canada, you can connect to their network via their own dedicated prepaid service, Chatr. Plans suitable for tourists range from $21 to $47/month, with data allowances from 0.5 GB to 40 GB. As a tourist, remember not to activate auto-pay, so you don’t get charged for the same plan the next month.

On top of data, all plans include unlimited call minutes within Canada, while some plans also get you unlimited texts within Canada and the US.

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/Lucky Mobile

Bell no longer offers prepaid SIM cards, but you can get one from Lucky Mobile, Bell’s own dedicated prepaid service. Lucky Mobile plans start at $19/month for 500 MB of data, plus unlimited calls and texts in Canada. The available data allowances range from 500 MB to 40 GB, with the 40 GB plan priced at $47/month.

You can get more data for your plans if you enable Automatic Top-Up, but if you’re just visiting as a tourist, you shouldn’t do so to avoid unexpected charges after your trip.

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 Plans 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.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of January 14, 2026, and is subject to change.

Hopping across the border into the US? Your Canada SIM card may not work. Discover more with our detailed guides for Canada’s neighbouring nations and cities:

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eSIM Canada

eSIM USA

Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

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!

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