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Planning your move to Canada? One of the easiest ways to connect right away is with a SIM card for newcomers. Whether you want to buy a SIM card online before you arrive or pick one up after landing, knowing your options can save you time, money, and hassle. In this guide, you’ll discover how to get a new SIM card, how to activate it, and what to look for in an international SIM card that works for you.
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card connects your phone to a mobile network. It stores your mobile number and enables you to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data (internet) anywhere there’s coverage.
A local number is important for daily life in Canada. Employers, landlords, schools, and banks often require a Canadian phone number for communication or verification.
You can activate a SIM card online in minutes without the need to visit a store.
International roaming fees are costly. A SIM card allows you to connect to a local Canadian network right away, saving sky-high phone bills during your first weeks.
Many newcomers choose to buy a prepaid Canadian SIM card before they land. This allows them to activate it as soon as they arrive and avoid roaming altogether.
For many newcomers, it’s one less thing to worry about.
You don’t need to wait until you’re in Canada to get started. Many trusted providers offer prepaid Canadian SIM cards you can purchase online before your move.
If you prefer to explore options in person, you can easily buy a card once you’re in Canada.
| LOCATION | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Airports | Quick access but often higher prices |
| Mobile carrier stores | Rogers, Bell, Telus, Freedom, Fido, etc. |
| Electronics stores | Best Buy, Walmart, Staples |
| Convenience stores | 7-Eleven, Circle K, and gas stations offer prepaid SIMs |
When looking for a card, consider:
| FEATURE | BENEFIT |
|---|---|
| Prepaid or postpaid | Prepaid is best for newcomers, no credit check |
| Canadian phone number | Great for applying for jobs, opening a bank account, and registering for local services |
| Data allowance | Ensure enough data for maps, messages, and browsing |
| Network coverage | Ensure the provider offers nationwide coverage |
| Price | Some providers may offer free activation fees in the price. |
| PLAN TYPE | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Prepaid SIM card | $10 – $20 (SIM only) May be included free with activation |
| Prepaid plan | $15 – $50/month Included data, text, and minutes |
You can save money by buying online in advance and avoiding airport markups.
Before buying a card, ensure your phone is unlocked (not restricted to one carrier) and supports North American network bands.
Most phones are unlocked. However, if you insert a card and receive an error message, like “SIM not supported”, it means your phone is locked. You can contact your local mobile phone company to have it unlocked.
Getting a SIM card is just the first step; you’ll also need a mobile phone plan that fits your needs and budget in Canada. Mobile phone plans vary widely in price, coverage, and features, so it’s worth comparing a few before you commit.
Obtaining a Canadian SIM card, whether before or after your arrival, helps you start your new life with ease. You can stay in touch with loved ones, access essential services, and set up your Canadian bank account right from the start. With easy online activation, buying a SIM card before you arrive is one less thing for newcomers to think about!
Tip for newcomers: Start comparing prepaid SIM options now so you can land in Canada ready to connect!
Yes, newcomers can buy a Canadian SIM card online before arriving. Options include prepaid cards from providers like CanadianSIM.
A card typically costs $10–$20, but it’s often free with prepaid activation. Monthly prepaid plans range from $15 to $50, depending on data and coverage.
Buying before arrival ensures instant connectivity and avoids high roaming fees. Buying after arrival gives you more plan choices and in-person support.
Prepaid plans require payment upfront and are ideal for newcomers. Postpaid plans offer more data but may require identification, a credit check, or a long-term contract.
Yes, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with Canadian networks.
Mobile phone plans in Canada are often more expensive than in many other countries, especially in Europe, due to limited competition. However, prices have started to come down, and newcomers now have more options when it comes to finding an affordable plan. If you’re moving to Canada soon, consider buying a SIM Card before you arrive so you can stay connected as soon as you land. Having mobile service right away can make it easier to navigate your arrival, contact family, or access important information. Once you’re in Canada, take time to compare providers and plans to find the best deal for your needs and budget.
Choosing the right provider and plan will let you connect with friends and family abroad and in Canada! This overview highlights Canada’s main mobile phone providers, their “flanker brands” (or value discount brands), and plan options. You’ll also discover what to consider to select a plan that fits your needs whether you’re a data-hungry user, frequent traveller, or budget-conscious consumer.
Three major cell phone companies and national carriers want to compete for your mobile phone business: Bell, Rogers, and Telus. These “big three” tier one providers offer the largest networks, coverage, and a range of plans from basic talk and text packages to data-focused plans to meet unique needs.
Each provider also has flanker brands that appeal to value-conscious customers. The tier two and three flanker brands offer more affordable plans and flexible options that result in large savings.
| TIER 1 MOBILE PHONE PROVIDERS | TIER 2 & 3 FLANKER BRANDS |
|---|---|
| Bell | Virgin (tier 2 mid-level) Lucky Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Rogers | Fido (tier 2 mid-level) Chatr Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Telus | Koodo (tier 2 mid-level) Public Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| MID-LEVEL PROVIDERS | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Virgin Plus (owned by Bell) | – 4G LTE network (does not offer 5G speeds) – All plans include five bonus hours of unlimited data each month – Data, talk, and text plans allow roaming in the U.S. and other select countries – Data overage protection automatically turns off your data rather than penalizing you with overage fees when you hit your data cap |
| Fido (owned by Rogers) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Call control is an optional postpaid plan feature to prevent robocalls and scammers before their calls reach your end – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or unlimited long distance. – Fido deals offer customers the latest iPhone and Androids (but don’t include financing) – Check the Fido website for the best mobile phone deals and biggest savings. |
| Koodo (owned by Telus) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Koodo offers a selection of Samsung, Apple, and Google phones with financing options for $10-20/month (but be sure to read the contract for any additional fees) – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or international long distance add-ons. |
| LOW-COST PROVIDERS (Network) | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Lucky Mobile (Bell) | – Operates on the Bell 4G network – Range of low-cost prepaid plans with generous data – Good fit for users who only need basic connectivity – Unlimited Canada-wide calling plan with unlimited talk and text and 4G data – Bonus data with Lucky Rewards – Bring your own phone (check for device compatibility) – No long-term commitments. |
| Chatr Mobile (Rogers) | – Operates on Rogers’s nationwide network – Bring your own phone plans avoid high monthly payments (check device compatibility) – Prepaid plans for people looking for basic connectivity – No credit checks or contracts for prepaid plans. – Check out the International Talk Saver Rates. |
| Public Mobile (Telus) | – Operates on 5G and 4G networks – Offers prepaid plans – Limited options outside of Quebec. |
Finding the best mobile phone deal in Canada depends on your unique needs and budget. This can include data usage, unlimited calling, high-speed connectivity, network coverage, extra features, or international calling. Compare deals, prices, and newcomer offers, as well as provider’s customer service reputation.
These tips will help you select the best mobile phone plan that meets your needs and budget:
Your usage will help you identify the plan that provides the right balance of data, minutes, and features.
Bell, Telus, and Rogers offer the most comprehensive coverage, but discount providers may have better options in specific regions. Research the coverage maps of different providers to ensure they provide reliable connectivity in the areas where you live, work, and travel. Network coverage can be sparse in remote or rural areas. But you’re likely settling in a city with good coverage.
If you enter a contract, know the duration and any fees or penalties for ending the contract early. While longer contracts may offer lower monthly rates, they also limit your ability to change providers or plans in the future.
Carefully review the monthly plan costs and additional fees for:
Look for providers that offer transparent pricing and avoid hidden charges. Find a plan that meets your needs and fits your budget to maximize value and avoid overspending.
If you own a mobile device, ensure that it is compatible with the provider’s network and that you can bring it when switching plans. BYO plans are the most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data.
Knowing different plans’ unique features and benefits will help you select the best mobile phone deal to meet your needs.
Prepaid plans require you to pay for your usage upfront, giving you more control over your spending. These plans are more flexible, with no long-term contracts or credit checks. They are often a good choice if you have a limited budget.
These are monthly subscription plans, where you receive a monthly bill for the services you have already used. Postpaid plans often include a wider range of features, such as unlimited talk and text and higher data allowances. They may also offer the option to finance a new device as part of the plan. Most providers request a Canadian credit check for a month contract subscription.
Many providers offer family plans that allow you to share a pool of minutes, text messages, and data across multiple lines. These plans can be more cost-effective for households with multiple users, as they often include discounts for additional lines.
Also known as “top-up” plans, these options allow you to pay for usage as you go, without a fixed monthly fee. You can purchase airtime and data credits as you need, making them suitable for infrequent or occasional users.
Suppose you consume large amounts of mobile data, such as heavy streamers or mobile hotspot users. In that case, data-focused plans offer higher data allowances, often with the option to add more data as needed. These plans may be more expensive, but can provide better value for data-heavy users.
If you frequently travel outside Canada, consider plans that offer affordable international roaming options, such as discounted rates or included roaming data. This can help you avoid costly overage fees when using your phone abroad.
The most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data are BYO plans. Often, this is the only option for newcomers. To purchase a new phone on a contract requires a credit check and a Canadian credit history.
By researching, comparing, and evaluating your options, you’ll make an informed decision and find the best mobile phone plan that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re a data-hungry user, a frequent traveller, or a budget-conscious user, there is a plan with the perfect balance of features and costs.
Canada leads the way globally as a preferred immigration destination. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hopeful people apply to immigrate to Canada. However, understanding Canada’s many immigration programs can be confusing. Many people rely on consultants for help to immigrate to Canada. However, it’s important to understand how to select an immigration consultant. Discover what to know and how to avoid immigration fraud.
The primary way for skilled immigrants to live permanently in Canada is through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry program. There are three immigration programs under Express Entry, and each has different requirements.
You can visit the Government of Canada site to see if you are eligible for Express Entry. It takes about 10 – 15 minutes to find out if you are eligible and answer questions about your:
After you respond to the questions, you will:
When you complete the steps, you will receive a confirmation that your profile is complete.
The Canadian government determines how many Express Entry applicants will be admitted to Canada each month.
You can also hire an Immigration Consultant to help you apply to immigrate to Canada. An experienced consultant knows about the many streams and programs available for people looking to immigrate to Canada. With more than 100 Canadian immigration programs, they can help you select the right program.
Related Post:
Does New Government Mean New Immigration Rules in Canada?
The Government of Canada has important tips if you decide to hire a representative to help you with your immigration process:
Immigration consultants must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Review these helpful tips to ensure you select a qualified representative.
2. Ask the representative about their training and experience.
3. Find out how long they have been in business and ask for references.
4. Discuss the services they provide and their fee.
5. Get a written contract and read it carefully before you sign it. Ensure the contract lists all the services they will give you and clearly states the fee you discussed.
Also, if you use a representative who works in Canada, you can contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can tell you if they have received complaints about a citizenship or immigration consultant, lawyer, or other representative.
Join us for an eye-opening session on how to build your financial future in Canada with confidence. This free webinar is hosted in partnership with Scotiabank, a trusted leader in newcomer banking. Together, we’ll guide you through how the Canadian banking system works and share free tools and strategies to help you plan, save, and invest wisely as a newcomer.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARImmigration fraud can have devastating consequences from delays to deportation. Here are some tips to avoid the risks:
Learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud.
If you’re having problems with your representative, see:
Source: Government of Canada
It’s smart to make a checklist of the important documents to carry when you move to Canada. Whether you are immigrating permanently, studying, or working in Canada, these documents will help you to enter Canada, open a bank account, drive, rent a house, and even access healthcare. This comprehensive list of documents outlines what you will require and why you need them. Ensuring you have the right documents for permanent residence (PR) can minimize delays and avoid complications as you settle in Canada. Without the right documents, you may face challenges finding a job, enrolling your children in school, or even renting a place to live.
It’s important to keep all your documents safe and keep digital copies.
You will require specific documents to complete the immigration process and PR in Canada. The PR documents you require vary based on the immigration program you’re applying for. However, here are some of the essential documents you will need.
Passports show your biographical information for you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children. Passport photos must comply with Canadian passport photo specifications.
You’ll need a birth certificate or an equivalent document from your birth country for yourself and each family member travelling with you. Birth certificates serve as proof of your date and place of birth. If you do not have a foreign birth certificate, the date of birth indicated on your foreign passport or travel documents will establish your date of birth. You will need a birth certificate to get a Social Insurance Number, enroll your children in school, or apply for government services.
If you identify a dependent child as “adopted” you will require a certificate from a national authority to show that the adoption is legal and approved.
If you declare yourself married, you will need a valid marriage certificate issued by a government authority under the law of the country where you were married.
A divorce certificate and legal separation agreement are necessary if you declare your marital status divorced.
Carry your educational certificates and official transcripts. These documents prove your education qualifications and you may require them to attend Canadian schools or for employment. And, don’t forget any school records you have for your children!
You may need an education evaluation or credential recognition from an evaluation service, academic institution, or professional association. Such evaluations can help you to find work more easily. You may also require them if you plan to work in a regulated occupation or attend post-secondary schools in Canada.
Many professional associations, universities, colleges, and assessment agencies require the school you attended to send your academic records directly to them. They may not accept the original or a copy of academic documents. You may have to get your documents translated into English or French, depending on the language requirements of the province you are moving to. It’s a good idea to find out what documents the professional association, academic institution, or credential assessment agency requires before you come to Canada. This will also save you time and money and avoid costly delays.
It is helpful to bring samples of your professional work to showcase when you attend job interviews in Canada. Bring your resumé or curriculum vitae. However, you may have to use your existing resume as the foundation to write a Canadian-style resume.
Canadian employers often request references from former employers before they offer you a job. So, it’s helpful to bring reference letters with contact information. An official reference must be a printed letter on company letterhead and include:
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you have young children who are immigrating to Canada with you, consider carrying their education documents as well. Your children may have to complete a math and English language skills assessment when you enroll them in school. The assessment results will identify what grade level your child is at and what support they may need to achieve success in school. It’s helpful if you can provide your child’s previous report card or other documents to help place them into the right grade.
Continuing to care for your health when you move to Canada is vital. Health-related documents such as medical records, vaccination records, prescriptions, etc, are helpful when you seek a medical doctor or apply for health insurance.
If you need to complete an International Medical Exam (IME) it’s helpful if you can bring any medical reports or test results for any previous or existing medical conditions.
Most people seeking permanent residence in Canada will require an IME. If you do not have adequate immunization records, you may have to start an immunization schedule based on your age and risk factors. This applies to adults and children. Immunizations are not mandatory in Canada. However, children and adolescents who attend school in Ontario and New Brunswick must have proof of immunization.
For the IME, it is not mandatory to show proof of vaccination. However, proof of previous vaccination is helpful, including vaccination against illnesses such as tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, COVID-19, and others.
While you can apply for public health insurance when you arrive in Canada, some provinces have a waiting period before you can receive provincial health care coverage. Buying private health insurance to cover expenses in case of a medical emergency during your first few months in Canada is a smart idea. Without medical health insurance, you could face a large bill for medical treatment or emergency surgery. Having to pay a hefty medical expense is not how you want to begin your new life in Canada. It’s much better to purchase insurance for peace of mind.
Proof of funds show you have enough money to support yourself for at least the first three months in Canada. It can take three to six months to find a job in Canada, and you will need to have money for living expenses until you have a stable income.
You’ll need a list of effects when you land at the airport. It’s also helpful to have certificates of valuation and authenticity (including photos) for jewelry, valuables, and belongings you carry.
Foreign income is taxable in Canada.
When you land at the airport in Canada, you will meet with an immigration officer from the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA). The officer will check that you enter Canada on or before the expiry date on your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR); this date cannot be extended. If there are no problems, the officer will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
When landing at the airport, you require your:
While the immigration officer may not ask you for proof of funds, it’s helpful to have.
The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your Canada permanent resident card will be mailed to the address you provide. You can notify IRCC if you change your address before you receive your PR card using this online address notification service. The time to process your PR card can vary. However, you can check the IRCC website for current processing times.
If you plan to drive in Canada, you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. Permanent residents can use the IDP for a defined period (usually 60 – 90 days depending on the province). Be sure to check the specific IDP requirements of the province you are moving to. Some provinces in Canada may allow you to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Canadian driver’s license, while others may require you to take a driving test.
If you have a good driving record in your country of origin, you may be able to get a better auto insurance rate in Canada. Bring a copy of your international automobile insurance to show your driving record.
With this comprehensive list of documents for PR in Canada, you can begin to gather and organize them for your convenience. Having these documents before you move will minimize potential delays and help you settle when you arrive.
When I immigrated to Canada I was unprepared and unaware of helpful tips. Even with all of my research and planning, I still found some surprises along the way. Here are five tips that I think all newcomers should know before moving to Canada.
Many newcomers to Canada are unaware of free pre-arrival services and available programs. If I had known about them before my move to Canada, I would have jumped at the chance to participate. Yes! They are free and funded by the Canadian government so you know they are legitimate. In addition, these government-funded training programs are well respected by major employers in Canada.
Settlement services can help you with many decisions before moving to Canada.
One of the biggest mistakes would-be immigrants make is immigrating to Canada unprepared. They leave behind critical documents that can help them settle in Canada faster. They may forget to purchase travel and medical insurance to cover them while they travel. Or they choose to leave so much behind and then face large when they arrive.
The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. These pre-arrival checklists will guide and organize you as you pack up.
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This step would have made bringing my savings to Canada much easier. By opening a bank account before you move to Canada, you can transfer your money directly into your bank account. This is also safer when you don’t need to carry a large amount of cash with you when you travel.
Opening a bank account is useful when you show proof of funds to an immigration officer when you land in Canada.
Join our free webinar to learn how to arrive in Canada financially prepared!
Finding your ideal job in Canada can take time, so you should prepare to start small and work your way up to your dream job. The trick is to stay positive and keep working towards your goal. Research how to adapt your job search strategies for the Canadian job market to give yourself the best chance of finding a great job in Canada.
It’s best if you arrange short-term housing a few weeks before you immigrate to Canada. After you arrive, you can begin your search for a longer-term, or permanent rental. You can search for something that will best suit your needs in terms of location, cost, and even the type of housing that you need.
Our Rentals for Newcomers site is a practical and easy-to-navigate site to help you find housing and make an easier transition to life in Canada! And you can even determine the average cost of rentals in each city. This is helpful since rental prices change often. You’ll also find great articles about housing in Canada.
For more helpful information about living and working in Canada, be sure to check out our free webinars!
As a landed immigrant, you are entitled to bring with you, free of duty and taxes, any personal and household items that you owned before your arrival in Canada.
These may include any of the following. But think about whether it is cheaper to ship or to buy new items once in Canada.
There are many activities to prepare to move, and here are the top 8 things you need to know before you go to Canada.
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