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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.
Staying connected is essential when you’re navigating a new country, searching for jobs, or managing paperwork for permanent residency. CanadianSIM makes this easy with affordable postpaid and data SIM card options tailored for new arrivals and PR holders.
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