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eSIMs: The Best Option for Mobile Data When Traveling to Canada

Stay connected as soon as you arrive in Canada, whether you’re exploring the country’s beauty or settling in during your first days. eSIMs offer a seamless and cost-effective solution for mobile data. 


Are you coming to Canada? as a newcomer or tourist?

Whether you’re planning a trip or starting a new life in Canada, choose an option to begin your journey:

luggage and phone with esim

I'm traveling to Canada

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I'm immigrating to Canada

Find the best prepaid eSIM data plans

Find the perfect prepaid eSIM data plan for your trip to Canada. Use our simple tool to choose a plan based on how long you’ll be staying and how much data you need. Compare different options from various providers to stay connected throughout your trip.
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How to activate an eSIM card

Connect to Wi-Fi

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

Settings > Network & Mobile settings

Go to your network & mobile settings from your phone settings and follow the prompts to add a new data plan or network to your device.

Add a new plan or network

iPhone

Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan

Android

Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan

Scan the QR code

Scan the QR code provided by your carrier to complete the process.

To reassign eSIMs to a new device without getting a QR code from their carrier, iPhone users can use the eSIM Quick Transfer feature to reassign eSIMs to a new device following roughly the same steps.
Not all carriers support eSIM Quick Transfer, and you need to be using iOS 16 or later for it to work.

FAQs About Travel in Canada with eSIMs

What does eSIM stand for?​

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without using a physical SIM card. It works by downloading a carrier profile directly onto your device, enabling you to connect to mobile networks seamlessly.

Activation is easy. After purchasing an eSIM plan from a provider, you will receive a QR code. Scan this code with your device’s camera, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and activate the eSIM profile

Using an eSIM has a negligible impact on battery life. Modern devices are optimized to manage multiple SIM profiles efficiently, ensuring your battery performance remains strong.

Yes, you need to unlock your phone to use an international eSIM or a physical SIM card from another country. Unlocking your phone allows you to use it with different carriers and networks, which you’ll need to do if you travel abroad.

Using an eSIM provides several benefits, such as the convenience of activating a plan instantly, avoiding the hassle of changing physical SIM cards, and often more competitive pricing for mobile data.

 

Yes, most eSIM-compatible devices support dual SIM functionality. This allows you to use your regular SIM card and an eSIM simultaneously, giving you the flexibility to manage personal and travel data plans.

If you run out of data, you can easily top up your plan or purchase an additional eSIM plan through your provider’s app or website. Many providers offer flexible options to ensure you stay connected.

Our widget helps you find the best prepaid eSIM data plans tailored to your travel needs. Filter by duration, data capacity, and provider to select the ideal plan for your trip.

Yes, you can keep your local phone number active on your primary SIM card while using an eSIM for data in Canada. This way, you stay reachable on your regular number while benefiting from a local data plan.

Using an eSIM has a negligible impact on battery life. Modern devices are optimized to manage multiple SIM profiles efficiently, ensuring your battery performance remains strong.

eSIMs Guides