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If you're planning a trip to Canada and want the best coverage without any hassle, consider using a travel eSIM. These virtual SIM cards enable you to connect to local networks without changing your physical SIM card.
In the following guide, I'll go over what travel eSIMs are, how they function, and the benefits of using an eSIM card during your visit to Canada.
Additionally, I'll give you my top recommendations on the best eSIM for Canada. I'll also cover the best plans for Canada travel, along with some common FAQs. Let's delve in!
Airalo
Best overall travel eSIM
Airalo is a popular international SIM card provider with an impressive customer count of five million users. Their plans are affordable and straightforward, and they leverage the fastest networks in Canada.
Airalo offers Tuque Mobile for its Canadian phone service. Validity periods range between 7 and 30 days; you can choose anywhere from 1GB to 10GB per purchase.
As with any phone plan, Airalo has its own advantages and disadvantages. Drawing on my industry expertise, I've sorted out the Airalo pros and cons for you.
Pros
- Flexibility - data only or data/voice/SMS
- Extensive 5G & 4G LTE coverage in Canada
- Mobile hotspot usage
- Connects you to the fastest local network
Cons
- Voice minutes only available on global plans
- Customer service only accessible by message
Airalo eSIMs are widely used, easy to install and manage, and available for a slew of destinations worldwide, making it one of the best eSIMs for Canada.
GlobaleSIM
GlobaleSIM collaborates with more than 400 networks to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity during your travels. This service provider stands out as one of the few options providing customizable plans for travelers requiring data and calling services abroad.
Choose from several data buckets between 1GB and 20GB, with validity periods running between 7 and 30 days. Customize your plan with 100 or 200 added voice minutes, and you'll get a phone number to use on your trip.
That said, let's analyze the pros and cons of GlobaleSIM so that you can make a well-informed choice.
Pros
- Flexible data and voice plans
- Access to multiple Canadian networks
- User-friendly website with plenty of self-help resources
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- No support for inbound SMS
- Customer service only by email
GlobaleSIM provides a wide range of options at competitive prices to accommodate the needs of most travelers, whether visiting Canada for business or pleasure.
Eskimo
Given that Canada is in close proximity to the United States, many people travel back and forth over the border several times per year. If that's you, Eskimo could be the ideal solution for your travel eSIM needs because its validity periods are exceedingly generous, with the North America plan sitting at 365 days.
How does this help you? Well, for one thing, you won't have any wasted data at the end of a jaunt to the Great White North. Even better, you won't have to go through the same download or top-up process every time you travel. Your data will be ready and waiting for your next adventure.
As always, there are a few factors to take into account when considering the pros and cons of Eskimo.
Pros
- Longer validity periods
- Mobile hotspot allowed
- Data sharing with anyone
- No limitations on daily usage
Cons
- No voice minute option
- Pricing on the higher side
Although Eskimo eSIM prices aren't the cheapest available, this provider has created a specialized product that could be the best eSIM for Canada if you're a regular visitor.
Comparison of the best eSIM plans for Canada
Our main goal at MoneySavingPro is to help you reduce your phone plan expenses. However, we also place great importance on providing you with all the necessary information.
Now, we'll take a brief look at the average plan available from each provider. These plans are intended to provide a general estimate of the eSIM requirements for a typical traveler in Canada.
Airalo Canada eSIM
- 5GB data
- Networks: Rogers, Bell, Telus
- Valid for 30 days
- Cost: $18
GlobaleSIM Canada eSIM
- 3GB data
- 100 voice minutes (free incoming calls & free calls between GlobaleSIM users)
- Networks: Rogers, Bell, Telus
- Valid for 14 days
- Cost: $22
Eskimo Canada eSIM
- 10GB data
- Network: Rogers
- Valid for 365 days
- Cost: $33
All of these providers have a range of larger and smaller plans available. Typically, the prices decrease as you purchase more data and increase when you opt for less data or a shorter validity period.
What is a travel eSIM?
A travel eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that enables users to access data and make phone calls while traveling in various countries. This convenient solution eliminates the need to buy local SIM cards.
Many international providers have region-specific plans to serve your needs while visiting Canada. If you want to benefit from this convenient option, ensuring that your device is compatible with eSIM and unlocked by your carrier is essential.
How travel eSIMs work
Using an eSIM is typically incredibly easy. The activation process can be done quickly and effortlessly by scanning a QR code, ensuring that it's ready to go as soon as you arrive in Canada.
Once activated, the eSIM will connect to local networks, providing you with a dependable internet connection and phone service without the need to waste time searching for a local prepaid SIM card.
Advantages of using an eSIM for travel
As a cell phone user, you're probably well aware of the inconvenience associated with handling physical SIM card trays, even in the best of circumstances. This inconvenience is amplified when in an unfamiliar location.
This is where embedded SIM technology has changed the game, providing travelers with a fast and simple mobile data solution.
In addition, eSIMs provide a range of other advantages:
- Effortless activation: Sign up online; no need to physically go to a store for a local SIM card.
- Convenient management: Many providers offer apps, that allow you to directly manage your plan from your smartphone.
- Access to multiple SIMs: Easily switch between your home and travel plans with a simple tap on the screen.
- Cost-effective: Travel eSIMs are generally much cheaper than international roaming options, preventing any unexpected costs when you return home.
- Versatile communication: Most international eSIMs are compatible with popular apps such as WhatsApp, ensuring you can stay connected without purchasing voice minutes.
What to consider when choosing the best eSIM for Canada
There are several great options in the running for the best eSIM for Canada, each with different strengths. Here are some things to think about before making your choice:
- Travel plans: Will you explore different countries during your trip or stay in Canada?
- Data usage: Digital nomads should consider plans with higher mobile data allowances for internet access on the move. Light users who only need data for basic tasks like using Google Maps or checking emails can opt for smaller data plans.
- Calls & text messages: International data plans may not include calling and SMS services. To ensure voice minutes, choose a plan with those features or as an add-on option. Alternatively, you can use a Wi-Fi-based application to make calls and send messages.
- Validity period: Service providers offer different validity periods, from a few days to several months. Estimate how much data you'll need daily to ensure you have enough data without overdoing it on your budget.
Thankfully, there are a variety of travel eSIM providers available to meet all your specific needs. Below, you'll find your guide to our favorites.
Best eSIM for Canada FAQs
This depends on your preferences as well as your regular home country phone carrier's offerings. It's a good idea to check and see whether free data roaming in Canada is included in your plan.
No. You'll need to make an unlock request if your device isn't already unlocked. This is because your phone will need to access a different network while you're in Canada.
As long as your phone supports dual SIM use, you'll be able to switch between them. Some devices, like the iPhone 14, are dual eSIM/dual standby, which means you can have two SIM cards active simultaneously.
Recap - What are the best travel eSIMs for Canada?
There is a wide range of choices available to ensure you stay connected while visiting Canada. Whether your priority is unlimited data, a lengthy validity period, or the most affordable option, rest assured you'll be able to find the best eSIM for Canada for your specific situation.
Are you prepping for other exciting trips to destinations around the world? Get our top recommendations on the best eSIM for international travel.
