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The best prepaid sim card data plans for usa travel.

What you need to know about buying a prepaid data plan for visiting the USA.

phones and technology

travel to us from canada sim card

Having fast and reliable high-speed data for your phone is essentially a requirement when you travel to the USA but visitors are often surprised that prepaid SIM data plans aren’t as widely available or as affordable as in their home country.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a SIM Card in the US and how to buy the best US prepaid mobile data plans at the best price.

Important Note About Prepaid SIM Card Data Plans in the US

Getting a prepaid data plan in America is a frustrating experience—especially for international visitors. Mobile service is generally much more expensive in the US than in the rest of the world so tourists are often surprised when they arrive expecting easy access to cheap data.

Prepaid data plans aren’t common in the US because most Americans have year-long phone service contracts. To make things more complicated, many mobile carriers also require that you use a US credit card if you’re buying a month-to-month plan.

That’s why many tourists have issues when it comes to buying a data plan when they arrive in the US because they have to go out of their way to find prepaid service in the US.

Even major airports like New York’s JFK have very few options and the ones you’ll find are costly and not convenient.

I’ll cover all this more in-depth later in this article but I wanted to get this out of the way up front.

In short, I highly recommend buying a data plan before arriving in the US if you don’t want to deal with the hassle. Check out SimOptions (physical SIM cards and eSIM plans) or Holafly (eSIM only) for a few different options—I recommend buying an eSIM data plan if your phone is compatible.

How To Buy A Prepaid Data Plan For The US

travel to us from canada sim card

You have three main options when it comes to buying a data plan for the US:

Prepurchase an eSIM Data Plan (Easiest)

The easiest way to buy a data plan for the US is to buy an eSIM data plan because you can activate it instantly so you don’t have to pay for shipping. All you have to do is buy the service and then activate it once you’re in the US. As an added bonus, using an eSIM allows you to keep your original phone number active on your phone.

I’ve personally used both SimOptions and Holafly in the past to buy international data plans. You can also read my guide to the best prepaid USA eSIM data plans .

Not sure what an eSIM is? Here’s a quick video showing you how easy eSIMs are:

Not all phones are eSIM compatible (although most modern phones are compatible)—so keep that in mind.

Prepurchase a SIM Data Plan (Easy)

If you want to sort out your data plan prior to your trip, I recommend buying your SIM card before you leave so you’ll have data as soon as you arrive (i.e. no tracking down a SIM card once you arrive in the US).

The main downside is that you’ll have to wait for the SIM card to arrive and pay for shipping so it might not be a great option if you need your SIM Card right away.

Wait Until You’re In The US To Buy A SIM Card (Most Difficult)

The third option is to wait until you arrive in the US to buy your data plan. As I mentioned earlier, prepaid data plans aren’t very popular in the US so you’ll have to go out of your way to find them.

I’ll cover this in more depth further down in this article.

The Best Prepaid SIM Card and eSIM Data Plan You Can Buy Before Arriving In The US

Here’s a list of both prepaid eSIM data plans and physical SIM card data plans that will work in the US.

I’ve tried to list both pros and cons of each plan so spend a little time reading up on each because some have a few quirks.

Holafly US Data Plans (Unlimited Data eSIM)

travel to us from canada sim card

Holafly  is a new data-only eSIM startup that I’ve personally used on a recent trip and found worked surprisingly well (read my  Holafly eSIM Review  to learn more).

Unlike other companies, Holafly’s plans give you unlimited data (they will throttle your data if you use excessive data but this won’t be an issue for most users) and their plans run from 5 to 90 days. Holafly also connects to both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks—which are two of the largest mobile carriers in the US.

In short, if you don’t want to worry about monitoring your data usage while traveling then Holafly is your best option.

  • 5 Days: $19
  • 10 Days: $34
  • 15 Days: $47
  • 20 Days: $54
  • 30 Days: $64
  • 60 Days: $84
  • 90 Days: $99
  • Service Speed:  4G/LTE
  • Calls:  None
  • Texts/SMS:  None
  • Tethering:  No

Three 30-Day Pass (Digital eSIM Plan)

travel to us from canada sim card

Plan Specs:

  • PRICE:  $35
  • DATA:  20GB
  • INCLUDES TEXTS OR CALLS?: NO
  • CREDIT VALID FOR:  30 Days

If your phone is eSIM compatible, the Three 30-Day Pass is hard to beat for the price and data allowance. This data plan gives you 20GB of data for $35 and it’s valid for a month.

And since this is an eSIM, you get instant delivery via email and you don’t have to pay for shipping.

Smart Traveller eSIM (Digital eSIM Plan)

travel to us from canada sim card

  • PRICE:  $18
  • DATA:  6GB
  • CREDIT VALID FOR:  10 Days

The Smart Traveller eSIM is a good budget option for shorter trips since it’s only valid for 10 days. If you’re visiting for longer than 10 days, it makes sense to go with the Three 30-Day Pass for $35 or Holafly .

Orange Holiday World (Physical SIM Card)

travel to us from canada sim card

  • PRICE:  $50
  • DATA:  10GB
  • USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  Yes
  • CREDIT VALID FOR:  14 Days

The Orange Holiday World is a very popular choice for travelers for a few different reasons.

First, it’s run by Orange—the largest mobile carrier in Europe and they’ve partnered with major US mobile carriers so the service tends to be better than no-name SIM data plans.

Second, the Orange Holiday World plan includes 10GB of 4G/LTE data in the US. This plan also works in Canada and Mexico if those happen to be part of your trip.

Third, there is no registration needed—install the SIM and you’re ready to go.

The main downside is that the data plan only lasts for 14 days so it’s not ideal for longer trips but you can top up the card one time for €29 to get another 14 days of service with an additional 10GB of data.

Three PAYG MBB 12GB (Physical SIM Card)

travel to us from canada sim card

  • PRICE:  $60
  • DATA:  12GB
  • USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  NO
  • CREDIT VALID FOR:  1 Year

The Three UK PYAG MBB is another popular SIM data plan option thanks to its 12GB of data for $60. It doesn’t allow data tethering and you can use it with a pocket WIFI. This card is valid for a year after activation so it’s a nice option for longer visits to the US.

Three PAYG MBB 24GB (Physical SIM Card)

travel to us from canada sim card

  • PRICE:  $80
  • DATA:  24GB

The Three UK PAYG MBB 24GB data plan gives you 24GB of mobile data for $80 so this is a good option for heavy data users. If you have a pocket WIFI, this can also be a good option for groups traveling together so you can split data over multiple phones.

How To Buy A Prepaid Data Plan In The US

travel to us from canada sim card

Most prepaid data plans offered by US carriers are billed on a month-to-month basis so if you don’t cancel the plan you’ll be charged when the new month starts. Because of this, many mobile companies require that you have a US credit card.

Verizon Prepaid Data Plans

travel to us from canada sim card

Verizon of the largest mobile provider in the US and their prepaid plans start at $40/month for 5GB of data. Verizon is also the most expensive option. Visit the Verizon website to learn more.

Verizon also has a new budget service called Visible but you’ll need a US credit card and only certain phones work on their network (visit the Visible phone compatibility checker to see if your phone works).

T-Mobile Prepaid US Data Plans

travel to us from canada sim card

T-Mobile offers a monthly prepaid data plan that starts at $40/month (not including taxes and fees—a $10 SIM starter kit may be required). The $40/month plan gets you 10GB of data but the $50/month plan has unlimited data. Click here to visit the T-Mobile website to learn more.

AT&T Wireless Prepaid Data Plans

travel to us from canada sim card

AT&T Wireless has prepaid data plans that start at $30/month for 5BG of data. Visit the AT&T website to learn more.

Google Fi Prepaid Data Plans

travel to us from canada sim card

Google Fi has a monthly plan and a pay-as-you-go plan. The monthly plan has unlimited data for $50/month and the pay-as-you-go is $20+$10 for every 10GB of data. Visit the Google Fi website to learn more.

Straight Talk Wireless Prepaid

Straight Talk Wireless is a budget carrier that’s mainly sold at Walmart stores. The main problem is that Walmarts are generally located outside large cities so you’ll need a car to reach the store. You can also have the card shipped to a US address.

Get More Budget Travel Tips For The USA

travel to us from canada sim card

Here are a few articles to help you visit New York City:

  • The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To New York City
  • Best Hostels in NYC
  • The Best Things To Do In NYC
  • Best Cheap Restaurants In New York City
  • How Much To Budget For Visiting NYC
  • The Best Travel Shoes
  • The Best Travel Backpacks  and  The Best Travel Backpacks for Women

Traveling to Europe too? Check out my guide on  how to use your phone in Europe  and our guide to  the best SIM Cards and Data Plans for Europe . If you have a newer phone, check out our guide to  the best Prepaid eSIM Data Plans for Europe .

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TravelAsker

Which SIM card is suitable for Canada and the USA?

Travel Destinations

April 15, 2023

By Kristy Tolley

Introduction to SIM cards in Canada and USA

When travelling to Canada or the USA, it’s important to have a suitable SIM card for your mobile device in order to stay connected with your family and friends. A SIM card is a small chip that you insert into your phone or tablet, which allows you to connect to a cellular network and use its services. In this article, we will discuss the different types of SIM cards available, their coverage and network availability, data plans and internet speeds, roaming charges and international calling, compatibility with your device, and the best SIM cards for Canada and USA.

What is a SIM card and how does it work?

A SIM card, or Subscriber Identity Module, is a small chip that stores your mobile phone number, contacts, and other personal data. When you insert a SIM card into your device, it connects to the network of the cellular provider that issued the SIM card. The SIM card also contains a unique identifier that allows the network to recognize your device and provide you with the appropriate services.

Different types of SIM cards available

There are three types of SIM cards available: standard SIM, micro-SIM, and nano-SIM. The standard SIM card is the largest and is used in older devices, while the micro-SIM and nano-SIM cards are smaller and are used in newer devices. It’s important to check which type of SIM card your device uses before purchasing one.

Coverage and network availability in Canada and USA

When choosing a SIM card, it’s important to consider the coverage and network availability of the cellular provider. Canada and USA have several major carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Bell, Rogers, Telus, and others. Each carrier has its own coverage area and network quality, so it’s important to research which carrier has the best coverage in the areas you will be travelling to.

Prepaid vs postpaid SIM cards

There are two types of SIM cards available: prepaid and postpaid. Prepaid SIM cards require you to purchase a certain amount of credit before you can use the services, while postpaid SIM cards bill you for the services you use at the end of each month. Prepaid SIM cards are a good option for short-term travellers, while postpaid SIM cards are better for long-term travellers.

Data plans and internet speeds

When choosing a SIM card, it’s important to consider the data plans and internet speeds offered by the carrier. Canada and USA have some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, so it’s important to choose a carrier that offers fast and reliable internet. Some carriers also offer unlimited data plans, which can be a good option for travellers who use a lot of data.

Roaming charges and international calling

When travelling to Canada and USA, it’s important to consider the roaming charges and international calling rates of the carrier. Some carriers offer free roaming and international calling, while others charge high rates. It’s important to research the rates before choosing a carrier.

Compatibility with your device

Before purchasing a SIM card, it’s important to check if it’s compatible with your device. Some devices are locked to a specific carrier, while others are unlocked and can be used with any carrier. It’s important to check if your device is unlocked before purchasing a SIM card.

Best SIM cards for Canada and USA

The best SIM cards for Canada and USA depend on your needs and budget. Some popular options include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Bell, Rogers, Telus, and others. It’s important to research the coverage, data plans, internet speeds, roaming charges, and international calling rates of each carrier before choosing one.

How to buy a SIM card in Canada and USA

SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, cellular provider stores, or online. It’s important to bring your passport and proof of address when purchasing a SIM card in person. Some carriers also offer eSIMs, which can be downloaded onto your device without the need for a physical SIM card.

Activation and registration process

After purchasing a SIM card, you will need to activate and register it with the carrier. This process can be done online or in person at the carrier’s store. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and passport number, in order to activate and register the SIM card.

Conclusion: choosing the right SIM card for your needs

When travelling to Canada or the USA, it’s important to choose the right SIM card for your needs. Consider the coverage, data plans, internet speeds, roaming charges, and international calling rates of each carrier before making a decision. It’s also important to check if your device is compatible with the SIM card and to activate and register the SIM card with the carrier. With the right SIM card, you can stay connected with your loved ones while travelling in Canada or the USA.

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Kristy Tolley

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Best eSIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States

One of the most common questions that I get as I travel around the world is “How do you stay connected and online with your phone when traveling outside of Canada?”.

The answer is

1) I have an unlocked iPhone and

2) in most places that I travel I used to purchase a local SIM card so that I could stay connected wherever I was. However, now the days of searching for sim card dealers is over. Now instead with eSIMs, I can buy them online and download them to my phone before I even leave for my trip! Having a physical sim card and dealing with switching them in and out of your phone is no longer required.

3) Specifically when traveling to the US as a Canadian I have been using an eSIM by Canadian company aloSIM . (Previously I had used a US SIM card from Roam Mobility. As of June 30th, 2020 Roam Mobility has closed down due to the pandemic.)

This year I have traveled to Alaska, Prague , and I road tripped from Nova Scotia to Boston all while using aloSIM eSIMs. As long as you download the eSIM for the regions you are visiting ahead of time and have them ready to activate at the start of your trip you should have no problems. Using aloSIM for multiple eSIMs was quite seamless for me and I found the data to be fast and didn’t drain quickly.

Also great news you do not need to be Canadian to use aloSIM. Anyone who can download the aloSIM app from their app store can use this great eSIM company and be connected in over 170 countries around the world.

Cailin holds an iphone showing the website for alosim a Canadian esim company

Why Should you buy an eSIM for your phone to travel with?

Buying eSIMs to travel with to various countries is the BEST because the minute your plane lands or you cross that border you have a connection. Otherwise you are left arriving in a new destination with no data, internet or connection and are needing to search for a place to buy one or you might end up being charged a large roaming fee by your cellular provider. Having an eSIM definitely beats the old way of jumping from wifi to wifi, from hotel to McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc. It also keeps you from bugging friends to share their personal hot spot.

An important note however, if you need SMS/MMS texting and phone calling then you can use your regular SIM card and your carrier will bill pay-per-use rates for each call or text. (Make sure you aren’t enrolled in a carrier travel plan, which charges you a daily flat rate for data, calling, and texting.) If you use WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook calling, etc then you can most likely get around needing that local sim card and your eSIM will be more than enough with all of the data you need.

a screenshot of the aloSIM app of three esims that have been activated

Alternative Options to eSIMs

If you do not get an eSIM before you travel abroad talk to your cell phone service provider and they can arrange a talk, text and data roaming plan for your trip. Whether your cell phone is with Bell, Rogers, Virgin, Telus, Koodo, Fido, Lucky Penny or one of the other Canadian cell phone service providers, they all have phone plans that you can pay extra for to stay connected when traveling south of the border.

On average Canadian cell phone companies charge $13 – $16 a day to use your phone with talk, text and data while in the United States or abroad. Those costs can add up especially when you are using a lot of data like I tend to do. This fee is also extra on top of the cell phone plan you already pay for. After all of that though the amount of data and speeds you are given can be limited as well. Using an eSIM from a company like aloSIM can save you a LOT of money with their US eSIMs starting at $4.95USD for 1gb of data over 7 days.

A much more affordable option no matter where you are based or where you are traveling to is with aloSIM. A Canadian based eSIM company that offers great deals on eSIMs for Canadians and others traveling to the US and around the world. In fact anyone around the world can use aloSIM and have access to cheap and affordable eSIMs that work in over 170 different countries.

Without a doubt in my mind aloSIM is the best eSIM company for Canadians traveling to the United States.  AloSIM is also one of the best esim providers on the market right now offering the best eSIM plans.

**You do need to have your phone unlocked to use an eSIM**

a screenshot of alosim in the iphone app store download alosim in the iphone app store Best eSIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States

Where can you buy eSIM cards?

Once your phone is unlocked you can purchase an eSIM online. For aloSIM the best way to do it is to download their app from the app store or by visiting alosim.com .

How do aloSIM eSIM cards work?

Once you download the aloSIM app and signup for an aloSIM account, purchase the eSIM for the country or region that you require. Then select the amount of data that best suits you depending on the length of your trip, your typical data usage and needs. If you are unsure, do not worry as it is easy to always buy more data.

Next while on a strong internet connection install your eSIM. Once installed correctly you should see the eSIM now available in your phone settings under SIMs in the Cellular section. Do NOT activate your eSIM until right before your trip, or when you have already arrived on your trip. (Be sure to follow the instructions for  preparing your phone for international travel  to avoid roaming charges.) When activated the data only lasts for the time period in the package that was purchased and ends even if there is data left over.

For example if you buy 1GB for 7 days, the 7 days begins as soon as you activate the eSIM and runs out in the 7 days no matter if you have used all of the data or not. Once you buy an eSIM for a particular country or region you don’t need to buy or install it again to keep using it. You just need to top up the eSIM for that destination every time you travel there.

If you visit the aloSIM website at alosim.com/how-to-buy-esim-online they have a great step by step guide for installing and activating your eSIM.

a picture of two hands holding an iphone about to download an esim for the czech republic from alosim

How much are the eSIM plans with aloSIM?

The cost of buying eSIMs with aloSIM varies depending on your destination. AloSIM offers eSIMs for over 170 different countries around the world. On average the eSIMs cost about $4.50USD for 1gb of data for one week. Or you could pay up to $42.00USD for 20GB of data for 30 days. It really depends on where you are going and what your data usage is like. No matter what though it is extremely easy to buy more data directly in the app as needed. When you have less than 1GB left you will get a notification so that you top up again before you run out.

Using aloSIM you can’t go over on your usage either. You only use what you pay for which is nice so you don’t come home to a huge phone bill. If you run out of data you can just log on to their site or open the app while you have a connection and add more. You can also check the app at any time to see how much data you have remaining.

Where is there coverage for aloSIM?

You don’t need to worry about whether or not there will be cell coverage where you are traveling to in the US with aloSIM. Wherever  possible the aloSIM eSIMs use AT&T towers to give you the best connection. For elsewhere around the world aloSIM is also always working with the best cellular service providers to give you the best coverage possible.

If you have any questions or other suggestions about what is the best eSIM card for Canadians traveling to the United States please let me know!

Peggys Cove lighthouse - The Best SIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States

Thanks to aloSIM for sponsoring my data when I travel to the US and around the world. All opinions and views expressed are my own on the Best eSIM Card for Canadians traveling to the United States. 

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travel to us from canada sim card

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14 comments.

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Thanks. I’ll look into it.

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Had many options. Mrsimcard BLOWS over priced roam out of the water. What the website lacks in prettiness they make up with functionality!

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Good to know you had success with them! From what I can tell on their site they actually charge more than Roam though?

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Bill Madill

Worst cell phone experience of my life. there coverage shows it works sometimes in your car, sometimes if you are standing outside, sometimes in your house and sometimes in a commercial building. I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t work in any of these places in central Florida. Who sells a cell service that works sometime??? Roammobility, that’s who.

Sorry you had that experience Bill. I have used them quite often myself in the Orlando area and haven’t have problems. They do provide a coverage map that you can easily see on their website. If you are having problems with it working inside or outside of buildings that to me sounds more like an issue with your phone rather then the sim card itself.

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I also had coverage issue, taveled to Pougkeepsie area in NY. The coverage map shows dark green color, but it didn’t connect to anywhere around that area with roam mobility SIM, (in fact, even in middle of Central Park, Manhattan, I had hard time) although my Koodo SIM (with the same iPhone SE) picked up T-Mobile and AT&T randomly. I have a feeling that Roam Mobility changed something during last several years, it used to connect to AT&T and T-Mobile, never showed “Roam Mobility” on top of the screen. (Now, either out of service area or if I am lucky, get Roam mobility connection)

I find that no matter what sim I use in NYC it always works poorly possibly because there are so many people smushed into such a small area and the systems are overloaded all the time? Also often when I have issues in areas where it should work fine I fully turn the phone off and on again and it seems to work.

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Is there any cost to Canadian friends calling or texting me on the new US number? I assume it’ll be long distance?

Yes you would be right. UNLESS you have an iphone and they have and iphone too. Then you can just imessage and that goes through data so it is free.

' src=

I also had problems a couple years ago. Service in Central Florida was poor, and in a lot of cases I could not understand the person on the call. Hope reception has improved

I think coverage has improved but it also varies on which cell towers your phone reaches out to.

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I came across your blog looking for a smart way to use my phone (as a phone and using mobile data) while traveling in Canada and the US. (I am traveling there from Europe.) Your descriptions sounds very good, but I did not understand if the Roam Mobility SIM can also be used for calling and the internet within Canadian borders. In other words: Would it be smart to used use a Roam Mobility SIM/plan instead of getting a Canadian SIM _and_ a US SIM?

Roam unfortunately doesn’t work in Canada. It’s only for the US.

I would get a T-Mobile plan once you land in the US? They have a “traveler” sim. Or Three UK works great in the US with roam like home. Then maybe you can pay a bit more for it to work in Canada too?

Sorry I’m not more help! Canadian cell providers kind of suck and aren’t cheap. Koodoo and Fido are the cheaper companies in Canada. So maybe check them out too?

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One problem you can have with Roam Mobility is their coverage. I went on a road trip last summer in Montana and Wyoming and only discovered on the way that none of the cities or areas I was traveling in had coverage except Jackson WY. Best to consult their coverage map (below) before traveling.

https://roammobility.com/coverage

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A Broken Backpack

Complete Guide: Best Canada SIM Card For Tourists

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 30, 2024 | Canada , North America , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Canada soon? Learn how to purchase a Canada SIM card for your upcoming trip.

Unfortunately, Canada is one of those countries that don’t make it easy for tourists. You won’t be able to find a cheap SIM card in Canada in person.

In fact, most mobile data packages are ridiculously expensive!

But don’t worry – we found solutions for you and you’ll find them in this blog post!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Canada in person and online.

We’ll also talk about the best eSIM for Canada. eSIM is the easiest (and cheapest) option to get Internet in Canada.

Before you start reading this guide, you may be wondering if you actually need a SIM card in Canada.

If you don’t mind not having Internet at all times, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you wish to drive a car around, call an Uber, or translate something into French or English – you may want to get a prepaid Canadian SIM card for your travels in Canada.

Note that if you’re American, your mobile phone provider may be offering coverage in Canada.

If that’s the case, you won’t need a SIM card for Canada.

traveler with a phone in canada

📱 Best Canada SIM Cards

Canada is a huge country, and there are several mobile providers.

Unfortunately, finding an affordable Canadian SIM card that provides a lot of mobile data in the country isn’t that easy. 

The thing is that in Canada, most providers only offer contracts, and prepaid SIM cards for tourists aren’t really popular.

Finding a short-term travel SIM card in Canada is quite the challenge!

We recommend using a SIM card from Telus, T-Mobile, or Airalo.

I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!

traveler with a phone in canada

❓ How To Buy A Tourist SIM Card In Canada

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Downloadable U.S. SIM card for Canadian travellers

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Travel & Tech Writer

Downloadable U.S. SIM card for Canadian travellers

The fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to get your hands on a U.S. SIM card for Canadian travellers is by downloading one directly onto your phone or tablet.

Then you’ll be able to connect to U.S. networks and give your device a steady data connection anywhere in the United States, which is perfect for Canadian snowbirds or vacationers.

What can you use a U.S. SIM card for?

When you’re a Canadian travelling to the U.S., it’s nice to have a U.S. SIM card (or virtual U.S. eSIM ) because it means you can connect to a local data network within the United States, just as if you were a local citizen. This makes it much, much cheaper to use mobile data for maps, email, messaging, apps, streaming, and anything else that needs an internet connection.

Do U.S. SIM card for Canadian travellers come with phone numbers?

A physical SIM card for the United States may include a temporary U.S. phone number you can use during your time in the United States, but not all do. The cheapest solution is to use a prepaid eSIM data package for the United States , and pair that with a short-term United States phone number from the Hushed app (also made by our team).

Top three U.S. SIM card options for Canadian travellers

1. downloadable sims.

A eSIM is basically an invisible SIM card. You download it to your device and use it to connect to a U.S. network for instant data. Here at aloSIM, our prepaid United States data packages proudly run on the trusted AT&T network.

How much it costs: Starts at $4.50 USD for a week’s worth of data

Benefits: You can connect to local networks in the U.S. without being an American resident. No need to visit a store, either. You can download your eSIM immediately after purchase, and activate your data package whenever you want to use it. You can add as much data as you want, and use it as quickly or slowly as you’d like. You’ll never pay roaming charges or be charged for anything you don’t want.

Downsides: You might not have a phone or tablet that supports a downloadable SIM. ( You can check here. )

2. Physical SIM cards

A physical SIM card must be added to your phone or tablet. This might mean taking out your “real” SIM card (that powers your mobile plan here in Canada) and risk losing or damaging it, or you might have a dual-SIM phone that can accept a second physical SIM card.

How much it costs: Usually $15 USD and up

Benefits: You can connect to local networks in the U.S. without being an American resident

Downsides: It’s almost impossible to buy a physical SIM card for the U.S. in any United States airport, so you might have to taxi to a local shopping mall to get your hands on one.

3. Roaming on your Canadian SIM card

If your phone or tablet doesn’t support eSIM and you don’t want to mess around with physical SIM cards, you can always roam in the United States using your Canadian SIM card. This means your mobile provider here in Canada will continue to provide a data connection for a higher cost, since you’ll be in another country.

How much it costs: Often $16-$20 a day , depending on your carrier

Benefits: Not much to do. You just tell your carrier you’ll be travelling to the U.S. so they can put you on a U.S. travel plan

Downsides: It’s very expensive. You pay a flat daily rate even if you barely use your phone that day. Your data usage is often capped at lower speeds because you’re considered a ‘guest’ and not a local. If you don’t correctly set up the plan with your carrier, you might end up paying high fees for each call, text, and MB of data used.

What if you go to the U.S. without data?

If you go to the U.S. without a data solution (like a downloadable SIM or a physical SIM card or a carrier plan), you should switch off Data Roaming for your primary SIM to avoid paying outrageous roaming charges. (Another option is to toggle off your primary SIM entirely, so you avoid the risk of having to pay for any data usage, calling, or texting.

How do I get a downloadable U.S. SIM card?

In less than five minutes, you can purchase a downloadable U.S. SIM card , install it on your phone or tablet, and use it to connect to a network in the United States to start using data.

Get started by downloading the free aloSIM app  and browsing the United States data packages, which start at $4.50 USD.

Questions about buying or using a U.S. SIM card, as a Canadian traveller? We’re located here in Canada (Ottawa, specifically) and we’d love to chat with you anytime via live chat or email ( [email protected] ).

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Home » Gear » Travel Sim's » best international sim cards

9 BEST International SIM Cards for Travel (Buyer’s Guide • 2024)

SIM cards are a royal pain in the butt when travelling. Every time you land somewhere new, you have to perform the same song and dance of going out of your way to get a new sim pretty much as soon as possible.

Usually what happens is that you land in the airport and then you either get ripped off buying a SIM card there or navigate to town without any connectivity. Once you’re in town, you have to navigate a foreign city sifting through local SIM providers, various plans, and also probably getting lost along the way. It’s not the ideal way to start a vacation and I cannot even count the hours I’ve lost shopping for sims in new countries.

That’s why buying one of the best international SIM cards is THE way to go.

An International SIM card is one which will work all over the world meaning that you never have to change it again – no more messing around at the O2 Kiosk in strange airports!

Now, to set the record straight, while there are cheaper travel SIM cards in existence, they still aren’t exactly cheap. Nine times out of ten, a local SIM card is always going to be the cheaper option for budget backpackers.

Maybe you’re a digital nomad who always needs to be connected, maybe you’re a high-flying businessperson with fancy business attire who makes busy business calls while on holiday or maybe (like me) you are just sick of having to change sims.

Either way, this is the list of the best international SIM cards on the market! I’ve done all the leg-work and the research to deliver an international SIM cards review in full. So let’s get ourselves connected.

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Compare The Best International SIM Cards

What is an international sim card, the best sim cards for international travellers, international data sim cards for digital nomads, social media addicts, and tinder aficionados, a quick review of each sim card, frequently asked questions about travel sim cards, should you buy an international sim card.

This isn’t the whole roundup but it is my personal pick of the best international SIM cards worth looking into, each one serving a different niche.

onesim card for travellers

  • > e-Sim and Traditional Sims available
  • > Wide and reliable coverage
  • > Low SIM-purchasing fees
  • > $9.95 – $39.95

Gigsky-branded

  • > Virtual sim – no plastic needed!
  • > Excellent range of packages
  • > Download before you leave home

Jetpac eSim

  • > Excellent value – starts at $1
  • > Range of packages available
  • > Great coverage
  • > $1 – $80

travel to us from canada sim card

KeepGo Lifetime World SIM Card

  • > Reliable connection
  • > Prone to cutting rates
  • > Coverage could be better

sim-local

  • > Simple rates – no bundle packs
  • > Huge coverage
  • > Requires a PRO account for maximum coverage
  • > $10 – $100

travel to us from canada sim card

Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card

  • > Extremely reliable in Europe
  • > Easily sufficient for a two-week holiday
  • > Excludes a number of countries in Europe

International SIMs, roaming SIMs, travel SIM Cards whatever: a rose by any name can still order you a pizza when you don’t want to leave the guesthouse after all right? That’s what an international SIM card is, a SIM card that will have you hooked up from “anywhere” .

Why did you put ‘anywhere’ in quotes?

Because it’s a highly variable anywhere. “Anywhere” really means from the countries that the international SIM covers. That said, some of these travel SIM providers cover over 200 countries.

That also said, there are only 195 countries in the world so I’m not sure how they mathed those numbers out. Still unsure, have a look at our guide to local vs international SIM cards .

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So, how does an international SIM card work?

Without getting too technical, an international SIM card isn’t programmed to one specific network. It’s programmed to operate on a number of networks in a number of different geographical locations – specifically, networks using the GSM (Global Systems of Management Communications) framework.

That’s why to use your cell phone internationally with a travel SIM card it needs to be:

  • GSM-compatible (many phones are).
  • Unlocked, i.e. not tied to a provider.

Do be sure about that unlocked phone bit before you go ahead and buy a new one.

Hacker googling

Basically, global SIM cards will plug into a local network from the country you’re travelling to… Consensually, of course.

That’s why coverage so strongly varies among the many international SIMs. Some SIM cards are for worldwide use and programmed accordingly. Some SIM cards are for international roaming in certain regions like Asia, the USA, or Europe (usually, omitting a third of Europe in their coverage).

For example, you’ll need a different sim card for Canada and the USA in most cases, but in Europe you’ll more than likely be able to use the same one.

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Who benefits from buying an international SIM card?

Well, like I said, not so much the longterm backpacker types . A local SIM card is pretty much always cheaper and much more practical (and reliable) for long stays in any country. Unfortunately, actual cheap international sim cards don’t exist yet.

Country-hoppers , on the other hand, may want to consider buying some sort of prepaid international SIM card. Buying local sim cards in Europe for only 1-2 weeks of use eight times in a trip is nobody’s idea of fun, especially if you care about data usage and double especially if you care about plastic ending up in the ocean.

Businessman talking on the phone with a internationally roaming

People living the digital nomad lifestyle may also benefit from a travel SIM. Though a local SIM is much more equipped for longterm stays in a country, sometimes the options or service is crap and sometimes you’ll spend long stretches in transit which is a perfect time to crunch out a few hours. Besides, there is no rule that says you can’t have two SIMs. A prepaid international sim card might be the best option here (more about that later).

Lastly, business people or people that take frequent short trips will benefit from a SIM card for international travel. I might be stereotyping here but I kinda feel that these folk are less concerned with the costs associated. Plus, most SIM cards for overseas use tend to have 1-year validity for purchased credit, so it’s totally viable to park your SIM after a trip and then pop it back in for the next one.

Beginning the list are the top international SIM cards for travelling that do everything a SIM card should do: call, texts, and mobile data . These SIMs have some pretty major coverage globally and for most travellers in the world, are more than sufficient.

Of course, there has to be a best-of-the-best in this international sim card comparison. So first up–the best travel SIM card!

#1 The Best International Physical SIM Card – OneSim

OneSim

Ok, so what makes OneSim the best travel SIM card? It’s a fine difference between the first few candidates but OneSim edges out on top for a combination of versatility, pricing, and reliability.

First up, they offer multiple different SIM cards each catering to different travelling needs INCLUDING (but not limited to) 2 awesome e-Sim options :

  • OneSimCard e-Sim World (From $9.95) – Coverage of 150 countries with free incoming calls on EU numbers.
  • OneSimCard e-Sim Asiana (From $9.95) – Specially designed for Asia and Oceania. Data packages available.

If your phone is not yet e-Sim ready, then worry not because OneSim also offer some excellent deals on plastic sims:

  • OneSimCard Universal ($29.95) – Coverage of over 200 countries but with a more limited data service (50+) countries.
  • OneSimCard Expedition ($34.95) – Offers much the same coverage as the OneSim Universal travel SIM but with way more data coverage. It’s the choice for the explorers.

OneSim

How OneSim Works

You’ll get a $10 bonus credit with any OneSIM roaming SIM card purchase, but once that’s gone, you’ll have to continue buying data plans. Rates vary wildly by both the choice of travel SIM card you are using and the country you’re in so you’ll need to check these rates to see if they suit you.

You’ll receive two numbers: a European (Estonian) number and a choice of one from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada. Incoming calls on the primary European number is free in a large coverage of countries or starting from $0.25/min otherwise. Outgoing calls also start from $0.25/min (dependent on locations) and receiving texts are free.

Casual data rates start at rather hefty $0.20/MB . However, what makes this such a good prepaid international SIM card is that there is a lot of choices to lower your costs. You can buy data bundles ranging from one/two weeks to a month divided by zone or region. There are also discount plans and bundles available for call rates. This makes the OneSIM one of the best international SIM cards for data as well.

So, is it worth it?

Although not strictly the cheapest international SIM card on the market, the wealth of choices means that you can tailor your SIM card to your world travel needs and minimize costs. The added bonus is that OneSim has been kicking around for a while so they know the market well.

They provide a reliable service, as well as a bunch of neat extras, to keep their clients happy chappies. If you’re looking for the best sim card for international travel, OneSIM is definitely one you should consider getting.

#2 Best Global eSim Provider – GigSky

Gigsky-branded

If you have a modern phone (iPhone 11 , Samsung Galaxy S21, etc or above) it will probably be eSim compatible. This means that you don’t actually need a plastic SIM card but can simply download an eSim via GigSky the same way you would download an app.

When I first heard of eSim about one year ago, it was something of a niche product simply because most travellers were using phones and devices that were not eSim compatible. However that is changing fast and by 2024, an estimated 80% of travellers will use eSim. The eSim marketplace is a very exciting one and the providers are contently innovating to come up with some new, better, cheaper packages – according to our research, GigSk are currently leading the pack.

How GigSky Works

I had the pleasure of reviewing Gigsky and It’s really very simple. You either download the GigSky App (which we do recommend) or else go to their website and check out their “Global Plans”. You buy the package you want (in the 5GB World Plan) and download it not your phone BEFORE you fly, using either a link or a QR code.

The joy of eSim is that you can install it before you leave and then activate as soon as the plane touches down meaning you are rocking and rolling all over the world before you even get your luggage.

GigSky offer 1 Global Package only – 5GB over 30 days for $69.99. I can be topped up (if you somehow burn through all 5GB) but it cannot be extended past the 30 days.

So, Is It Worth It?

Well, $69.99 is a lot for a 30 day package but International Sim Packages do not come cheap. GigSky also have a wide range of global carrier partners meaning their offer better connectively than most platers in this space.

Overall though, in terms of sheer convenience yes GigSky is worth it – you you can browse for and install an eSim from the comfort your device and get it ready to use before you even leave home which saves a whole lotta hassle. However, the package does NOT include an actual phone number which is a bit of a bummer.

#3 Great Global eSim Package – Sim Local

sim-local-logo

Sim Local is recognized as a global leader in the travel SIM card and eSIM retail market. The company specializes in serving global travellers, enabling them to stay connected while avoiding expensive roaming charges. During my review of Sim Local , I was impressed to see they provide local SIM cards and eSIM profiles directly to customers through a variety of channels, including retail stores, kiosks, vending machines, a mobile app, and an eShop.

Their services are aimed at offering significant savings on data, calls, and texts compared to traditional roaming options, and they also offer a range of mobile handsets and accessories tailored to the needs of travellers.

How Sim Local Works

First up, note that Sim Local are an eSim-only provider so if you’re phone is not eSim ready…go elsewhere. Providing it is, you simply hop over to their site or get the app and check out their global packages. At the time of writing the site offers their own brand one for just $10 for 3 days, or an Orange one that costs $28.00 for 14 days.

I’ll be frank, eSims are still often more expensive than buying physical sims but they are a lot easier to install and to operate and best of all, you can install them before you even leave home. In my view, $28.00 for 10GB of data over 14 days is good value for an international sim but bear in mind it don’t come with a local numero.

#4 A Worldwide SIM Card – WorldSIM

WorldSIM

WorldSIM gets a mention on this list because it’s another puller in the market with some comparatively awesome rates. It’s also got some really weirdly expensive outlying rates. As such, we certainly don’t feel like it’s a fit for the best SIM card for international roaming.

How WorldSim Works

The WorldSIM international SIM card has no purchasing fee- woo! Now, before you get too excited, it does require a top-up of credit at purchase.

That means that you’re paying a minimum of $33.75 plus shipping . For $67.50 of credit, shipping is free.

The casual rates for outgoing calls, texts, and data usage are the cheapest I’ve found so far with data coverage extending to countries missed out on by OneSim. Except, a lot of the rates in various countries for incoming calls are shockingly high.

As for the data bundles? No idea. Their website isn’t working for that page and is just stuck in an infinitely loading loop.

Our gut says no. But, you do you. You shouldn’t base your decisions on buying an international SIM card on the gut instincts of a stranger online. All the same though, our gut says no.

Between the mildly bait-and-switch-y “$0” SIM purchasing fee, the janky and unwieldy website, and the weird incoming call rates that could potentially trap an unwitting consumer, WorldSIM in review doesn’t feel like an international SIM card worth purchasing, especially in comparison to other choices on the market.

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These are the best international  data SIM cards for those of us that scoot by without the extras.

#1 Best Data Only eSIM Card for International Travel – Jetpac

Jetpac eSim

Jetpac is a Singapore based eSIM company who offer packages, designed primarily for travellers and Digital Nomads. They offer various data plans that can be used across many countries, and the service includes features like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.

Jetpac eSIMs are compatible with a range of devices, including many models from Apple, Samsung, and Google. To activate a Jetpac eSIM, users need to sign up on the Jetpac website or app, choose a plan that fits their travel needs, and then scan a QR code to install the eSIM on their device.

We love Jetpac for its ease of setup and reliable connectivity. JetPac makes it a handy tool for international travel, ensuring continuous access to mobile data across multiple destinations. While they don’t offer local numbers, we love that most of their packs last for 30 days by default so you can just concentrate on how much data you need.

Wanna know more: Check out our detailed Jetpac eSim card review here.

How it Works

The Jetpac worldwide eSIM card comes in a variety of different data packages. Data can be topped up with a number of plans ranging from 100 MB up to a slammin’ 25 GB ! The prices of data top-ups are:

  • 1 GB – $1
  • 3 GB – $10
  • 5 GB – $25
  • 10 GB – $30
  • 25 GB – $38

Absolutely. I mean, come on it starts at one-freaking-dollar and works all over the world. All in all we’d consider this one of the best pre paid international data only sim cards on the market.

#2 A Simple Data SIM Card for Worldwide Travel – Surfroam

Surfroam

Yay! No prepaid data packages, no contractual mumbo-jumbo, no running out of data right when you settle in for a long Netflix and poop session: Surfroam keeps it Pura Vida!

It’s data-only with coverage of 200+ countries – even Afghanistan and Yemen are covered! So, what’s the go?

Essentially, you pay €45 for the physical SIM card (which includes €25 credit) and then top-up as you go with pack options starting at €25 . You’re charged a pay-as-you-go rate per megabyte starting as low as €0.01/MB . So that’s way cheaper than the KeepGo data roaming sim card, right? Not quite…

Rates vary substantially by country so while this going to be a cheaper option across, say, Europe, it may not necessarily pan out that way in other places. That said, prices are still pretty cheap for most places and tend to beat out KeepGo.

As a final note, there is an eSIM (€30) available with the same data rates.

Ok, so ‘simple’ might be stretching it upon reflection, however, once you’re away, its streams ablaze! If you’re jet-setting and changing countries a lot, you will need to stay keyed in as to the rates .

Otherwise, the coverage significantly beats out KeepGo, and in many cases, Surfroam will end up being the cheapest international data SIM card you can purchase. It’s the simplest choice for staying connected pretty much anywhere in the world.

#3 The Best International SIM Card for Europe – Orange Holiday Europe

Orange Holiday Zen/Europe

Are you just doing a little banger holiday in Europe and need a physical SIM card for your travels? Orange has got you covered. Specifically:

  • Orange Holiday Europe SIM Card
  • Orange Holiday Zen SIM Card

The Orange Holiday Zen is for light usage or a short trip. It’s a straight prepaid SIM card for travellers in Europe and it couldn’t be simpler.

For $27.29 , you get 8 GB of data, 30 minutes of calls worldwide, 200 texts, all lasting for 14 days before it expires. The Holiday Zen covers 30 countries in Europe including all the heavy-hitters, if you need a sim in Italy , Greece or Spain it’s perfect but it certainly doesn’t cover all of Europe (my boy Serbia – forever underrepresented). Still, this makes it one of the best European SIM Cards for travellers.

The Orange Holiday Europe takes all of that and just upgrades it: 20 GB in data, 120 minutes, and 1000 texts for $44 . The same coverage of countries applies and it’s a 14-day expiry again.

Orange also partners with a bunch of networks around the world- even offering an Israeli sim card called partner. If you take a look around their website, you can find more far-flung networks than you expected!

Both cards are able to be topped up online for more credit.

Yeah, so I wouldn’t call ‘30 countries in Europe’ an internationally roaming SIM card, but it is a super simple choice for anyone just travelling to Europe for a holiday. It’ll keep you safe in an emergency thanks to that fact that it’s not a data only service. Plus: you’ll have a SIM ready from the moment you land!

Orange is a pretty major sim provider in France so you’ll have a consistent connection. There’s no constant checking of rates calculators either. It’s just a perfectly simple prepaid SIM card for any travellers heading to Europe.

Y’all want more? Another option to look at is getting an Airalo eSim instead.

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Some commonly asked questions about the world’s best travel SIM cards…

How do I activate my international SIM card?

Each international SIM comes with detailed instructions on how to set up and load your SIM. It’s always a good idea to get things set up before you leave home to avoid any mishaps.

What does international SIM mean?

An international SIM is a type of SIM card that will allow you to use your phone internationally by connecting to global carriers. Some of these SIMs will allow you to make calls as you normally would, while others only offer data plans.

What is the best SIM card for international travel?

Some of the best SIMs for international travel include OneSim , Nomad , KeepGo , and TravelSim .

Do international SIM cards expire?

Most of the SIMs on this list require you to recharge at least once a year, but in doing so all your data will remain usable.

will hatton working with a business partner

That depends on how you travel. If you’re adept at buying prepaid SIM cards locally when you hit the ground, then I wouldn’t worry.

However, for the people that an international SIM card suits the travelling style and needs of, then yes, definitely. I think if you’re that person, then you probably already know that you’re that person.

People looking for the all-round ol’ reliable, OneSim is the go-to choice of travel SIM cards. For those who want the best data SIM card they can use overseas, that choice is KeepGo .

Skip the lines and skip the painful errand days in a foreign city. Buy one of the best international SIM cards you can and have yourself connected before you even touchdown on the landing.

Want another kind of sim card? Check out the revolutionary new Nomad e-sim , an app-based sim card covering over 100 countries that can be organised before you leave home! If that’s not enough, there’s another new service from HolaFly which offers similar coverage and deals so check them both out and see which fits your needs best.

Maxwell Smart calls Agent 99 with a roaming SIM card installed in his shoe

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photo of a person holding a smartphone with Holafly logo

I think eSIMS are the future gamechanger here. You can download a digital SIM to your phone which has eSIM support.

I use a second phone to provide data to my main phone via bluetooth internet sharing. Wifi sharing can be used as well but bluetooth uses less power. On my main phone I leave the mobile data turned off and use the paired second phone for data. This allows me to use my main phone for Whatsapp, iMessage, email, etc.

10/10 review – exactly the type of info I was after. Plus, I liked your no BS style of writing. Thanks.

Thanks! Very useful! My main concern is regarding how long do the sim cards remain active if you are not buying credit regularly. I usually travel at least once or twice to congresses per year, but I wonder if some of these cards would stop working after a long time inactive. Is that information available for the cards discussed here? Cheers!

Heya, absolutely you can find that info! It’ll be in the terms and conditions/fine print for individual cards/plans. I’d like to say most last at least a year (which always seemed standard for SIM cards in general), but defs check that before you go buying any SIMs. Good question though!

You guys should definitely include DENT, a block chain based international E-Sim card, that offers flexibel data exchange. You can sell your unused data and always find the cheapest offer worldwide and cross boarder operational. Can’t be missed from this list!

Dude – hectic! I’m defs not about to go and update this article, but I looked and DENT seems pretty legit and totally worth the investigation. Anyone reading these comments, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not scoping them out at least! 😀

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Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

Make sure you, and your phone, stay connected at all times.

At a glance

Best overall, best for short stays, best budget, best non-mvno, best prepaid data plan, best data-only plan, how to choose.

SIM cards

At a glance 1. Best overall 2. Best for short stays 3. Best budget 4. Best non-MVNO 5. Best prepaid data plan 6. Best data-only plan How to choose

Whether you're going on a quick vacation or moving for good, it's never a bad idea to get one of the best prepaid SIM cards so you can stay in touch with loved ones back home. Unfortunately, finding the right SIM card provider for all your needs can be a bit overwhelming. Fear not, good people: we've simplified the process by gathering all the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists into one simple guide.

As long as your Android phone is unlocked for international usage and compatible with local networks such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, ordering a SIM card online or through a nearby retailer should be a fairly simple affair. 

Keep reading for all the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists alike. If you want to go even deeper, you can also check out our guide to the best MVNO carriers or save some cash with the best MVNO deals of the month.

Patrick is an experienced deal hunter with a particular interest in helping people save money on their phone bills. Whether you're switching to an affordable MVNO or upgrading to one of the Big Three, utilizing Patrick's years of experience in the eCommerce space can help you cut through the noise and find the carrier that works for you. 

mint mobile logo 400x500

From $15/mo. at Mint Mobile

Now owned by T-Mobile, a Mint Mobile SIM is a perfect choice if you're staying in the U.S. for three months or longer, offering unlimited talk/text, a mobile hotspot, and much more. 

Read more below.

ultra mobile logo 400x500

From $19/mo. at Ultra Mobile

The Ultra Mobile 3GB plan gives you a month of unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide on T-Mobile, up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and free Wi-Fi calling too.

Read more below.  

lycamobile logo 400x500

From $15/mo. at Lycamobile

If the ability to call abroad is your main focus, all of Lycamobile's plans come with unlimited talk and text to over 100 countries and a wide variety of data options.

at&t logo 400x500

From $30/mo. at AT&T

Best non-MVNO 

With AT&T Prepaid's plan you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data with 5G access and the ability to text over 230 countries. Unused data gets rolled over to the next month. 

t-mobile logo 400x500

From $40/mo. at T-Mobile

Although T-Mobile's prepaid plan is a bit pricey, you get 10GB of data, free mobile hotspot usage, and full access to the world's largest 5G network. 

cricket wireless logo 400x500

From $35/mo. at Cricket Wireless

If you just need data for your travels, Cricket's data-only plan offers a minimum of 20GB of high-speed data, as well as free usage in Mexico and Canada.

Mint Mobile homepage on Google Pixel 6 screen

1. Mint Mobile

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Mint Mobile is among the best MVNO carriers available today and uses T-Mobile's (its parent company) 4G LTE and 5G network infrastructure, and that makes it a solid prepaid SIM card to get if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. As we found in our Mint Mobile review , the carrier's 5G connectivity is strong, and its phone compatibility is one of the best in the country.

With Mint Mobile, you need to purchase at least three months of service in advance. After that, the best deals are available when you sign up for either six or 12 months. For three months on the unlimited plan as a new customer, you'll pay $90 and enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Calling to other international locations is available at a per-minute rate but if you use an app (e.g., WhatsApp, Line) to call your friends, you'll only need data.

Joining Mint Mobile is easy, and you can even sign up for a trial online to get a free Mint Mobile SIM card . It's even simpler if your phone is compatible with an eSIM as you can then activate the eSIM straight from your phone, and then later continue the service if you like it. You can also purchase a Mint Mobile SIM card from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

Note: As part of a limited-time promotion, you can get any one of Mint Mobile's plans at a reduced price of $15 per month, provided you buy three months of service in advance.

Ultra Mobile SIM card

2. Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Our Ultra Mobile review showed strong coverage and speeds. Although the carrier offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for a month or less. That said, if you avail the service for a longer duration, you can get some good discounts.

With the 3GB plan, you get a more regular SIM and after 30 days, the plan's validity will end, thus making it great for users who just want simple talk and text to a wide range of destinations and don't need a lot of data during their travels. For a monthly cost of $19 (before taxes and fees) with the SIM kit included, you'll get unlimited talk and text to more than 90 countries worldwide, plus free Wi-Fi calling and up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, so you should have no issue staying connected with friends and family back home. The plan also comes with $1.50 of international calling credit and a one-time $5 international roaming credit.

Lyca Mobile App On Zenfone

3. Lycamobile

Lycamobile is unique because it's a global MVNO, and in the U.S., it's an MVNO using T-Mobile's network. To check whether your phone is compatible, the easiest thing to do is type in your IMEI number on Lycamobile's website, but most GSM unlocked devices should work without any issues.

Lycamobile offers several plans to pick from and primarily caters to those who need unlimited nationwide talk and text, as well as international calling and texting to over 100 countries. Each plan includes these features at no additional charge, making this the perfect plan if you want to be able to call abroad whenever you want.

When it comes to data, you have multiple options starting at just 500MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest 500MB plan costs $15 per month, while the unlimited plan with 60GB of data can be availed at an effective price of $39 per month if you pay for three months. Each plan includes slightly different bonus features, so you'll have to pick what makes the most sense for you.

Fortunately, Lycamobile SIM cards are pretty easy to get a hold of. They're sold online on Lycamobile's website and Amazon, but you can also find Lycamobile's SIM cards at several retailers like 7-Eleven, pharmacies, and local convenience stores. If you have any doubts, you can also use the online store locator to find the nearest retailer near you.

AT&T store sign

4. AT&T Prepaid

Known for its amazing coverage, AT&T is also an excellent carrier to consider getting a SIM card from when visiting the U.S. and as such, it offers one of the best prepaid phone plans . It tends to have better coverage in rural areas than other carriers, so it's also a great option if you plan to be on the road a lot. For $30 a month (taxes and fees extra), AT&T Prepaid will get you 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps after you've utilized the data allotment. As always, you should check your device's compatibility with AT&T online before signing up for the plan.

On this plan, you're able to use your mobile hotspot, and you can text to more than 230 countries around the world. You can also talk, text, and use data in Mexico and Canada, although data speeds may be slower. And if you think you'll need more than 5GB of data, you can always upgrade to the 15GB prepaid plan for just $40 a month, which is a great deal and definitely worth considering. With both plans, your unused data gets rolled over to the next month.

5G connected on Zenfone 8 with Android 12

5. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid service that will suit the needs of most travelers and tourists needs when visiting the U.S. As T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network offers some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay in the country.

There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans to pick from, but the most ideal plan for most visitors will be T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan that costs $40 per month, before taxes and fees. It includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a nifty 'Music Unlimited' feature which means that any music you stream won't eat up your data. If you want to add international calling, it can be done for an extra $15 per month, or if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada for a few days, you can add talk, text, and 5GB of data to use over there for an extra $5 per month.

Cricket Coverage Map S20+

6. Cricket Wireless

If you don't think you'll need minutes during your stay in the U.S. and really just want data, you could consider a data-only plan from Cricket Wireless , which is an MVNO that uses (and is owned by) AT&T. For $35, you'll be getting 20GB of data to use for a full month, while spending $55 will give you 100GB of data for a month.

Again, this plan doesn't come with any talk time minutes, so you'll have to make sure you're fine using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype to connect with family or friends back home. It does include text and picture messages across the U.S., as well as usage in Mexico and Canada if you plan on visiting those countries as well. It's the perfect plan for anyone who'll be spending a lot of time on the road and wants to be able to stream, download, and do some high-speed browsing.

You can get a Cricket Wireless SIM card by just walking into a Cricket Wireless retailer store, which you can locate with the carrier's online store locator tool. Other popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart also sell Universal SIM card activation kits for Cricket Wireless. The good news is that if you do end up wanting minutes, you can always switch to another one of the carrier's plans with the same SIM card.

Back to the top^

Which prepaid SIM card is best for you?

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You really can't go wrong with a prepaid SIM card using the network infrastructure of either AT&T or T-Mobile when visiting the U.S., and the right fit for you will depend on the length of your stay and whether you need features like being able to call back home. If you're traveling for only three weeks or less, Ultra Mobile's 3GB plan is the best choice and offers just enough talk, text, and data to stay connected.

On the other hand, if you'll be in the U.S. for a few months, Mint Mobile will give you the best multiple-month value. And if you're somewhere in between, a prepaid plan from either T-Mobile or AT&T will be easy, reliable, and guaranteed to give you great coverage.

Should you use your current carrier's add-ons?

Many carriers have partnerships with international carriers to offer better service to their own customers. Luckily, this often goes both ways, so there may be a plan add-on that can give you plenty of data without needing to set up and activate a new SIM. While these travel add-ons can be quite pricey, the simplicity of this option will make it worth it to many people. It also gives you the chance to have a connection if you're waiting for a connecting flight in another country.

What about eSIM apps?

Another emerging option is eSIM apps. These apps can use your phone's built-in eSIM functionality to quickly activate and pay for a phone plan without needing to remove your old SIM or worry about shipping a physical SIM in the first place. Airalo , for example, allows customers to buy as little as 1GB for a week. If you just need enough data to get around in a new city, this is a good option. It works with Google Pay, credit cards, PayPal, and even Alipay.

If you have an iPhone, there's even an official T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app that accepts credit card payments from a number of countries. Regrettably, this app isn't available on Android though there are still other eSIM providers on the platform.

Just be sure to confirm compatibility before taking off. Still, there are other apps available on Android that offer solid deals on data without contacts or physical SIMs necessary.

  • MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost Mobile | Tello | Cricket Wireless

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After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

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5 Best International SIM Cards for Travel in 2024

Home | Travel | 5 Best International SIM Cards for Travel in 2024

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . You can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

International SIM cards let you use mobile data abroad and, in some cases, make and receive calls while traveling without accruing hefty roaming fees.

I never travel without getting one of them first, because if you use your usual phone plan outside your country, you will have to pay for roaming, and that will drastically increase your phone bill. For this reason, it is better to use a global travel SIM when traveling.

For all our adventures abroad, we use the  Holafly eSIM cards , which offer unlimited data in many countries at a fairly reasonable price. While these SIM cards don’t include calls in most countries, they often have unlimited data so that you can make voice and video calls with apps like Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp. If that sounds good to you, and you want to get a SIM card for your next trip, don’t forget to get a discount on Holafly .

Holafly logo

5% OFF your international eSIM card

While we’re super satisfied with the international eSIMs from Holafly, I’ll share a few more options in this guide, including physical SIM cards for international travel . I also recommend reading our guide on how to travel cheaply and taking advantage of all the travel discounts available . After all, your phone bill is just one of the things you can save on while exploring the world!

International SIM cards, the best way to avoid roaming

There are several worldwide SIM cards that let you have Internet while traveling . In this guide, I’ll explain the different options and share other tips to help you find the perfect fit:

  • International SIM card prices

Best international SIM cards

How much data should an international sim card have, is there a global sim card that works in every country, finding a global sim that’s compatible with your device.

  • How to install a SIM card for international travel

Global data SIM cards are great for leisurely trips, but if you’re traveling for work or school and need to have your laptop or tablet connected to the internet, you’re better off getting a portable Wi-Fi device . We use the Solis router from Skyroam , and it really comes in handy !

Global SIM card prices

We’ve been using the international prepaid SIMs from Holafly for years, but there are other options like SimOptions , Airalo , KeepGo , and Knowroaming . If you need help deciding which one to get, check out the table below to compare global SIM card prices :

To sum up, Holafly is the only international SIM with unlimited data in almost every destination, so it’s a super convenient option. That said, depending on where you’re going, it may not be the cheapest choice. Another thing to consider is that Holafly only has eSIM cards, so if your phone isn’t compatible with digital cards, you’ll need to get a physical card, such as the one from SimOptions .

To help you choose the best international SIM card for your needs, I’m sharing the details for each of the top options below.

1. Holafly , an international SIM with unlimited data

First, Holafly is the best international data SIM card , offering unlimited data plans for most countries at a pretty affordable price. This allows you to browse the Internet, post on social media, use Google Maps, and stay in touch with loved ones via messaging apps like Skype, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

Something you should keep in mind is that Holafly’s plans are data-only, so you can’t make or receive calls abroad (the only exception is the international SIM cards for Europe ). However, this isn’t an issue since you can use apps like Skype and Telegram to make voice and video calls.

Holafly, international prepaid sim card

Moreover, Holafly’s cards are totally digital , so you don’t have to worry about removing your usual SIM and inserting a new one into your device. All you have to do is scan the QR code in your email and follow the installation instructions . It helps to print out the QR code or download it to another device so you can scan it on your mobile phone. Also, make sure your device is compatible with the global SIM card by checking here .

Most destinations have international SIM plans for five days or more, so it’s easy to find one that suits your trip. This year, we’ve traveled around the world and visited more than 10 countries, and Holafly has always given us great service . You can read more about our experience in our Holafly review .

Of course, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t tell you about the disadvantages of using Holafly. The main drawback is that you can’t share data with other devices , so each traveler must buy their own international SIM card . Despite this, I still think Holafly is the best option for most travellers.

Also, don’t forget that you can get a discount on your Holafly eSIM!

2. SimOptions , the best physical international SIM card for travelers

If your phone isn’t compatible with eSIM technology, then the physical international SIM card from SimOptions is the best alternative. That said, it’s worth noting that SimOptions offers both conventional SIM cards and digital international SIM cards .

In addition, the company has a wide variety of country cards with different validity durations and amounts of data. SimOptions also allows data sharing, but the cards have limited data, so it’ll be much easier to run out of GBs.

SimOptions, international roaming sim card

To buy an international SIM from SimOptions, just order through this link . Physical cards take about three business days to arrive, and I recommend ordering in advance so you can install it and sort out any potential issues. Installation is super simple since all you have to do is insert the SIM into your device’s card slot and follow the on-screen instructions.

While SimOptions is a great choice, it’s not my favorite. I prefer to have an international SIM card with unlimited data , like the one from Holafly . With SimOptions, the cards typically include 10 GB or 30 GB of data, which is enough for about a two-week trip if you limit your videocalls and social media usage.

3. Airalo , another popular international SIM to avoid roaming fees

Airalo is another way to avoid roaming with an international SIM . Like Holafly, all the cards from Airalo are virtual, so you must be sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology. The installation process for this global SIM is similar to Holafly in that you must scan a QR code that gets sent to your email. Just follow the activation instructions, and you’re ready to go.

The main benefit of Airalo is that it offers international SIMs for several countries , so if you’re visiting multiple destinations during your trip, you can get by on just one SIM card.

Airalo, international prepaid sim cards

All of Airalo’s plans include limited data and, depending on the destination, validity for 7, 15, or 30 days. If you plan to share your data with other travelers or devices, be aware that you’ll run out of data pretty quickly.

Weighing the pros and cons of Airalo global plans, I think the price per GB is quite high. It could be better to buy a international SIM card  from Holafly for each country you visit.

4. KeepGo , another global SIM card for your trip overseas

KeepGo offers prepaid international SIM cards , but it works a little differently than the others that I mentioned. In this case, you pay for a set amount of data, and the card is valid for one year within a given geographic area.

KeepGo, international sim prepaid

Also, KeepGo only has virtual international SIM cards , so you should check your device’s compatibility before buying one.

This company isn’t my first choice since the price per GB is more expensive compared to other companies. You can see the prices and data amounts in the chart below:

5. KnowRoaming , another international SIM card for foreign travel

The last company I’ll talk about is KnowRoaming , which has digital international SIM cards . You’ll receive your card via email immediately after purchasing, and all you have to do is scan the QR code to install it on your device. Of course, your phone must be compatible with eSIM technology to use the cards from this company.

KnowRoaming, international sim unlimited data

While KnowRoaming’s customer support is available 24 hours a day, the company has some drawbacks that you should know about. First, the price per GB is quite high compared to other options. Secondly, all of its cards have limited data, so it may not be a great deal depending on how much data you consume.

Finally, KnowRoaming doesn’t have global SIMs in as many countries as Holafly and SimOptions . You can buy their SIM card with worldwide coverage , if necessary, but this also has limited data, so it may end up costing you more money.

One of the most common questions when looking for an international mobile SIM card is how much data it should have. To give you a rough idea, I created a comparison chart showing common apps and phone uses and how much data each one consumes, taking into account my average consumption while traveling:

As you can see, voice and video calls consume the most mobile data. If you only use your global SIM card for things like Google Maps and search, or to post on social media, a prepaid international SIM with limited data could be fine. Of course, keep in mind that if you plan on sharing data with a travel companion, you’ll end up using up your data twice as fast, so a limited data plan could fall short.

If you want to make calls with family and friends while traveling, an international SIM with unlimited data , like one from Holafly , is your best bet. You could also try setting a daily limit on your data consumption, turning off your device’s data when not in use, and, when possible, using the Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and other public places.

What is the best international SIM card for travel?

After comparing the best global SIM cards on the market, I think the cards from Holafly come out on top. Most of Holafly’s plans offer unlimited data, so you can use your favorite apps and make calls without worrying about running out of GBs.

SIM card on phone, sim cards for overseas travel

Just remember that Holafly only has virtual cards, so if your device isn’t compatible with eSIM technology, you can’t use them. The next best option is SimOptions , which offers physical and digital international SIM cards . For most countries, the lowest data plan includes 10 GB for 14 days.

Both Holafly and SimOptions have 24/7 customer support, so you can contact them if you run into any issues.

International eSIMs vs. physical international SIM cards

Whether it’s an international eSIM or a convenient international SIM card , it will have the same function. So, in that sense, one option isn’t better than the other. It’s the format of the card that you must consider since virtual international SIM cards use a newer technology that’s not compatible with all devices.

Holafly eSIM, global sim unlimited data

As long as your phone is compatible, eSIMs are much more convenient and practical since you don’t have to remove your usual SIM card to use them. In addition, you can buy an eSIM anytime, even if you’re already traveling, since it arrives via email. As a result, eSIM cards reduce plastic use and transportation, making them more environmentally friendly. This is why I believe that in the future, all international SIM cards will be digital .

If your phone isn’t compatible with eSIM technology, the best option is to get a physical international global SIM like the ones from SimOptions .

Only Airalo and KnowRoaming have international SIM cards that work for all countries (or almost every country). Holafly also has some multi-country cards that include several countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia, North America, and the Caribbean. So, if you’re going to visit several countries, it may be worth considering this type of global SIM card .

Holafly’s multi-country SIM, a global eSIM that works in many countries

Holafly offers several multi-country cards, which are perfect if you plan on visiting several countries back to back. It’s a virtual international SIM card , so all you have to do is scan the QR code in your email to connect to the mobile network automatically.

Below, you can see the different global SIMs you can get through Holafly:

Airalo global SIM, an international SIM card you can use anywhere

Airalo also offers an international prepaid SIM that works in almost every country. Once you install the card, you’ll automatically connect to the best mobile network in that country.

However, unlike Holafly , Airalo’s worldwide SIM cards have very limited data, so it’s easy to run out, even if you only use basic applications. I recommend checking Airalo’s data limits to determine if it’s enough mobile data for your trip and phone use. It may be worth buying different international SIMs from Holafly for shorter durations as you visit each country.

KnowRoaming global SIM, another worldwide SIM card

KnowRoaming is another company that has SIM cards with coverage in several countries . However, with this card, you would have the same problem as with Airalo: very limited data. Depending on what you’re going to use your worldwide SIM for, it may not have enough data, so it may be better to buy several Holafly cards of shorter duration.

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SIM cards for Mexico

The best SIM cards for Mexico

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SIM cards for Egypt

Best SIM cards for Egypt

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SIM cards for Japan

Best SIM cards for Japan

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SIM cards for Andorra

Best SIM cards for Andorra

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SIM cards for Indonesia

Best SIM cards for Indonesia

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SIM cards for Thailand

Best SIM cards for Thailand

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SIM cards for Switzerland

Best SIM cards for Switzerland

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SIM cards for Europe

Best SIM cards for Europe

Pros and cons of using an international SIM card for travel

Using a SIM card for international travel has its benefits and drawbacks, although I think the pros outweigh the cons:

Buying a global SIM card may add an extra cost to your trip, but it’s worth it, especially when you factor in how expensive roaming is. Personally, I wouldn’t travel abroad without an international SIM that lets me connect to the Internet and stay in touch with loved ones. I’ve been using the global SIM from Holafly for years now, and if you decide to get one of your own, use the 5% discount.

How to choose an international SIM card

Before you get a new SIM card for international travel , it’s important to check its compatibility with your phone and the amount of data it offers .

In the case of international eSIMs , they’re not compatible with all phones. Holafly, Airalo, KeepGo, and KnowRoaming only offer global eSIMs , while SimOptions has both digital and physical international SIM cards .

Bangkok, Thailand, global international sim card

As for data, the amount offered by each card varies. Some international SIM cards have unlimited data , while others have limited data that wouldn’t even be enough for regular phone use. Holafly is the only company that offers unlimited data, with just a few exceptions, making it the most convenient option in this regard.

Another thing to consider when getting an international SIM card for travel is customer support. Holafly and SimOptions offer 24/7 customer service via chat, so you can get help from them no matter where you are in the world. KeepGo and KnowRoaming have limited customer support hours, while Airalo doesn’t offer this service at all.

Taking all these factors into account, I highly recommend Holafly as the best international SIM overall, although SimOptions is the best in terms of compatibility .

It’s crucial that you check your phone’s compatibility before buying a global SIM card . You should also make sure that your phone is unlocked . Otherwise, you won’t be able to use any kind of international SIM card .

When it comes to compatibility, be aware that all new phones accept virtual international SIM cards , but older models may only be compatible with physical SIMs. You can check here to see a complete list of phone models that are compatible with virtual data cards.

Again, physical SIMs are usually compatible with all devices. However, if your phone doesn’t have a dual SIM slot, you’ll have to remove your usual SIM so you can insert the international SIM card . In the case of SimOptions, they offer three SIM card formats: Standard, Micro, and Nano, so you’re sure to find one that works for you .

How to activate a SIM card for international travel

If you have a physical SIM, you must first remove your usual SIM card so you can insert the new one. Of course, if your device has a dual SIM slot, you can have both SIM cards inserted at the same time. Once you insert the global SIM card , you’re ready to use it.

If you have an international eSIM , scan the QR code on the device on which you want to have mobile data. I recommend printing out the QR code or downloading it to another device with a screen.

Here is how to activate an international SIM card on an Android device:

  • Go to Settings > Connections >  SIM Manager > Add SIM .
  • Scan the QR code , which you should have printed or downloaded to another device.
  • Follow the instructions and steps that will appear on the screen.
  • Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
  • In preferred SIM, click on Mobile data and select the eSIM to install .
  • Go to Connections and enter Mobile networks to activate Data Roaming and for the eSIM to be fully activated.

For those with an iOS device, here are the activation instructions:

  • Go to Settings > Mobile network > Add data plan .
  • Open Settings > Configuration > Mobile network
  • Select the eSIM to install and activate Data Roaming .

In just a few simple steps, you can install your global SIM card and start using it to access the Internet. It’s a good idea to do this before your trip so you can contact the company’s customer support team if you run into any issues.

FAQs – International SIM cards for travel

Just in case you have any other doubts, here are the answers to the most common questions about international SIM cards :

What is an international SIM card?

An international SIM card is a SIM card that allows you to access the Internet abroad without roaming. Some of these cards also include limited minutes for incoming or outgoing calls.

Do I need a SIM card for international travel?

You’ll need a global travel SIM to avoid roaming if you travel to a country not included by your phone provider.

Do international SIM cards work in any country?

No. Typically, an international SIM card only works in one country unless you have a multi-country or global SIM card .

Is my mobile device compatible with a global SIM card?

A physical global SIM card is usually compatible with all types of devices (just make sure it’s unlocked). On the other hand, a global eSIM is only compatible with certain devices. Before making a purchase, I recommend checking your phone’s compatibility here .

What is the best international SIM card?

The best option is the international SIM with unlimited data from Holafly .

Can I share data with an international SIM card?

Normally, if an international travel SIM has limited data, you can share it with other devices. However, Holafly eSIM cards have unlimited data and don’t allow sharing.

Can I keep my phone number with a global international SIM card?

Yes, you can keep your regular phone number with an international SIM card .

Where can I buy an international SIM card?

You can buy a global SIM card through Holafly , SimOptions , Airalo , KeepGo , and KnowRoaming .

What should I do with my usual SIM when using a global SIM card?

If you’re getting a physical global SIM card , and your device doesn’t have a dual SIM slot, you must remove your usual SIM card. Keep it in a safe place so you don’t lose it while traveling. If your device has a dual SIM slot, just insert the international SIM into the second slot.

What should I do if I have issues with my international SIM card while overseas?

If you have problems with your prepaid international SIM , contact the company’s customer support team. In the case of Holafly and SimOptions, their customer service team is available via chat 24/7.

How much data should a global SIM card have?

The amount of data for an international SIM depends on what you’re going to use the Internet for. To give you an example, for a 7-day trip, you’ll need about 5-10 GB per person to use Google Maps, search the Internet, access social networks, and use WhatsApp to send messages and make calls.

That’s everything you should know about SIM cards for foreign travel , where to buy them, and how much data you’ll need. If you have any other questions or want to share your experience with using a global SIM card , leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

Stay safe, and enjoy your trip!

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How To Buy a Prepaid Sim Card for Canada in 2024

travel to us from canada sim card

Planning a trip to Canada and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? Don't waste money on high roaming charges or get frustrated by slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Canada.

Find out where to buy a prepaid sim card for Canada, the best eSIM cards for Canada, up to date prices as per August 2024, the best 4G/5G network in Canada, my recommendation, information about international sim cards and more.

Heads up! Buying a prepaid sim card in Canada is expensive and the cheapest plan you can find is a $30 CAD ($22 USD) sim card that gives you 5 GB data.

It is much cheaper to order a travel sim card or an eSIM card for Canada on the internet before your trip. Have a look at my article with the best International sim cards in 2024  or even better my guide with the best eSIM cards for traveling to Canada in 2024  including everything you need to know about eSIMs.

Prices for prepaid sim cards in Canada have been ridiculously expensive over the last years and you were always much better off ordering a Canada sim card online! Keep reading and you will understand...

However, as per August 2024 Bell and Virgin Mobile updated their prepaid sim card plans drastically and these are now worth considering.

The first thing I do in a new country is either buying a local prepaid sim card or getting an eSIM card to stay connected. In total I wrote more than 200 local prepaid sim card guides from all over the world: Asia ,  Europe , Guatemala , Brazil ,  Istanbul , Nairobi , Cairo , Cape Town , Lisbon , Oslo , Amsterdam , Hong Kong , Vietnam , New York , Bogota , Dominican Republic  and many more!

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM card advice for your next destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money.

When arriving in Toronto I also looked for buying a sim card at Toronto Airport , but damn those prices were insane and value for money was terrible! What's up with your prepaid sim cards for tourists Canada!?

Some links in this article about the best sim cards for traveling to Canada are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Bell prepaid sim card for Canada, simply because they give you good value for money and they have an ok 4G/LTE mobile data network. For $50 CAD ($36 USD) you get 50 GB data, that is $1 CAD per Gigabyte.

As you can see buying a prepaid sim card in Canada is very expensive and therefore it is wise to look at other ways to stay connected when traveling to Canada.

Buying a tourist sim card for Canada on the internet is much cheaper.

travel to us from canada sim card

One of the best ways to stay connected when traveling to Canada is an eSIM card for Canada with 20 GB data for 30 days for $34.90 USD , also available as physical prepaid sim card.

Click on the link to directly order one or check out my guide with everything you need to know about Canada eSIM cards including a comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Canada in 2024.

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Best eSIM for Traveling to Canada in 2024

There are also international physical prepaid sim cards and these are also cheaper than buying a sim card for tourists on arrival in Canada.

Traveltomtom also recommends global sim cards if you are visiting multiple countries. Check out Traveltomtom's  comparison of the best world travel sim cards in 2024 . There are some pretty good deals for world travel sim cards with coverage in Canada. Also, most of the Mexico and USA prepaid sim cards are valid in Canada. Check my article about the Best Prepaid USA Sim Cards in 2024  or the best Mexico sim cards in 2024  for those with free roaming in Canada.

Make sure your phone is unlocked otherwise a sim card for Canada won't work in your phone. This also counts for international prepaid sim cards and eSIM cards.

Best eSIM cards for Canada

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Canada in 2024 are eSIM cards. No more swapping physical sim cards or visiting a phone store.

You order an eSIM card for Canada on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Canada eSIM card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Canada your eSIM automatically connects to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much whenever the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM card for Canada.

Below you can find my favorite eSIM providers Airalo and SimOptions, but Traveltomtom also wrote an extensive guide with everything you need to know before buying an eSIM card for Canada in 2024  including a comparison of other eSIMs like Holafly, Jetpac, Nomad and others.

travel to us from canada sim card

Airalo is a reliable eSIM card provider which Traveltomtom has used in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the following Airalo eSIM card plans for Canada for 2024:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $11 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD

Click here to  order an eSIM cards for Canada directly via Airalo .

Airalo always has ongoing promotions and lately they had their Canada eSIM card plans on sale and offered a 50% discount.

The above data-only eSIM cards for Canada are from Tuque Mobile and data is only valid in Canada. Tuque Mobile operates on the Rogers 4G/LTE, Bell 5G and Telus 5G network. So yes, these eSIM cards for Canada are 5G ready.

travel to us from canada sim card

SimOptions has several eSIM cards for Canada, so called international eSIM cards. In fact, these SimOptions eSIMs are the best sim card deals for Canada in 2024, much cheaper than buying a local prepaid sim card in Canada.

The international eSIM cards are valid in up to 141 countries, including Canada:

  • 1 GB data (5G ready) for 7 days = $6 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
  • 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD

Click here to order an international eSIM card for Canada via SimOptions .

In my opinion the Three HK eSIM cards from SimOptions are the best buy eSIM card for traveling to Canada. However, if you want a 5G ready eSIM for Canada then go for an Airalo Canada eSIM plan.

Traveltomtom readers have reported that TikTok is not working in Canada without a VPN. this is due to the fact that these eSIM cards from Three are based in Hong Kong and because of regulations in Hong Kong TikTok is blocked.

Before ordering an eSIM card for Canada make sure your your mobile phone is eSIM card compatible otherwise an eSIM card is not going to work. How to find out? Simply type it in on Google and find your answer instantly... 'is my X phone sim card compatible?'.

Find more info check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with  everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for Canada in 2024  and a comparison of other eSIM brands like Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad including more info about eSIMs for Canada with unlimited data.

Need a physical prepaid sim card for Canada then click here to see all the  international prepaid sim card deals for Canada from SimOptions .

Why buying a sim card for Canada

A local prepaid sim card is the cheapest way to stay connected and it is easy, reliable and gives you the fastest data speed connection! Therefore Traveltomtom normally always recommends buying a sim card on arrival in a new country.

Most hotels, bars, malls and restaurants offer free pubic WiFi in Canada, yet I still recommend you to buy a sim card in Canada. Having a working data connection can save you a lot of hassle and traveling gets simply more convenient. Canada is a HUGE country and staying connected while on long straight boring roads keeps you entertained, but what about getting directions from Google Maps, finding a nearby restaurant or ordering an Uber to get back to your hotel. Many reasons I can come up with to buy a sim card for your trip to Canada.

Keep in mind that surfing the web on free public WiFi is through an unsecured network. The use of a VPN is recommended!

Where to buy a sim card for Canada

International airport on arrival.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Canada on arrival at the airport sounds like a great idea. In fact it would be one of the most convenient places to buy a sim card for Canada of course. Unfortunately the reality is that it is almost impossible to find a good prepaid sim card for tourists on an international airport in Canada.

For more info check out my guide for buying a sim card at Toronto Airport , but I can already tell you that it is not going to make you smile. The conclusion is the same as in this article: buy your sim card for traveling in Canada online! At the airports of Quebec, Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa it is all the same story.

Phone stores in city center

If you want the best prepaid sim card deals in Canada you will have to drive to a mall and walk into one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators. On top of that you can also get prepaid sim cards for Canada in bigger gas stations and convenience stores like 7Eleven, Dollarama and even in some grocery stores.

However, Traveltomtom does not recommend buying a sim card in these places as there is pretty much no service. Meaning, the staff has zero knowledge of the prepaid sim cards they are selling and you will have to do the activation yourself through the internet. All too complicated and not even cheaper than buying a sim card for Canada online.

TIP: When buying a Canada prepaid sim card bring your passport! You need it to register you prepaid sim card.

As I have mentioned several times above, Traveltomtom actually recommends you to buy a sim card for traveling to Canada on the internet. Whether you want a physical prepaid sim card or an eSIM card. Both options are cheaper than buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Canada.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for Canada via SimOptions or Airalo, but there is also Nomad, Jetpac,Holafly and other eSIM providers. Physical prepaid sim cards for Canada are only offered by SimOptions . For more info check out my  comparison of the best eSIM cards for Canada in 2024 .

Mobile internet operators in Canada

Canada is a damn huge country, but it is not much populated. Surprisingly there are a lot of mobile internet providers in Canada. But are they offering prepaid  sim cards for tourists?

These are the 4 main mobile internet providers and they all offer Canada pay as you go sim cards:

Telus Mobility

  • Virgin Mobile

Bell Canada

On top of that there are a handful local mobile internet providers like Freedom Mobile, Chatr, Videotron Mobile, WIND Mobile, etc. These providers do NOT operate Canada wide, but they have regional sim cards. They could be a good fit if you do a city trip to Canada. But to find the best prepaid sim card for tourists they are left out of this comparison.

Prices prepaid sim cards in Canada

These Canada prepaid sim card prices and plans as updated as per August 2024. You can only buy these sim card deals in Canada in a phone store. Unfortunately there are still no eSIMs for tourists available, just physical prepaid sim cards.

At the moment: $1 CAD = $0.72 USD and $1 USD = $1.38 CAD.

telus canada prepaid sim card plans

They offer 3 different Canada prepaid sim card plans for tourists valid for 30 days:

  • 1 GB data + unlimited sms + calling = $35 CAD - $26 USD
  • 5 GB data + unlimited sms + calling = $45 CAD - $33 USD
  • 10 GB data + unlimited sms + calling = $55 CAD - $40 USD

All Telus prepaid sim card packages are valid for 30 days in all of Canada and only on the 4G/LTE network, no 5G access on Telus prepaid sim cards. For more info head over to the Telus Canada  website. 

bell canada prepaid sim card plans

Bell Canada prepaid sim cards are rather expensive:

  • 5 GB data + unlimited calling in Canada = $30 CAD - $22 USD
  • 25 GB data + unlimited calling in Canada = $40 CAD - $29 USD
  • 50 GB data + unlimited calling in Canada = $50 CAD - $36 USD
  • 75 GB data + unlimited calling in Canada = $60 CAD - $44 USD

Bell Canada also updated their prices for prepaid sim cards and plans are much better than before. For $29 USD you get 25 GB data, which is a pretty good sim card for tourists.

Also Bell does NOT allow prepaid sim cards to use the 5G network, max data speed is 4G/LTE. For more info check the  Bell Canada  website.

Virgin Mobile Canada

virgin mobile canada prepaid sim card plans 2024

Virgin Mobile operates on the Bell Canada network and they offer pretty much the same prepaid sim card deals. They charge $10 CAD ($7 USD) for activating their prepaid sim card. On top of that they offer the following prepaid sim card deals:

  • 1 GB data + unlimited minutes in Canada = $35 CAD - $26 USD
  • 25 GB data + unlimited minutes in Canada = $40 CAD - $29 USD
  • 40 GB data + unlimited minutes in Canada & USA = $85 CAD - $62 USD

All Virgin Mobile Canada prepaid sim card packages are valid for 30 days, max data speed is 4G/LTE, there is no 5G network access on Virgin Mobile prepaid sim cards. For more info have a look at the prepaid plans on the Virgin Mobile Canada website .

Rogers Canada

Rogers Canada has the following prepaid sim card plans for existing costumers. That means you first have to buy a $15 CAD ($11 USD) prepaid sim card and then you can activate one of the below prepaid sim card plans.

rogers canada prepaid sim card plans 2024

  • 2.5 GB data + unlimited calling in Canada = $40 CAD - $29 USD
  • 4.5 GB data + unlimited calling in Canada = $45 CAD - $33 USD
  • 8 GB data + unlimited calling in Canada = $55 CAD - $40 USD

For more info check the  Rogers Canada  website.

As you can see the Rogers Canada prepaid sim cards are the least interesting for tourists, much more expensive than the update prepaid sim card plans of Telus, Virgin Mobile and Bell.

Best 4G/5G network in Canada in 2024

Now that we have seen the prices for prepaid sim cards and data plans in Canada, let’s have a look at the best mobile network coverage in Canada so that we can determine what is the best sim card for traveling in Canada. Virgin Mobile operates on the Bell Canada network.

Is there 5G in Canada?

Yes, there is 5G in Canada. Bell, Telus and Rogers all have a decent 5G network these days. However, for prepaid sim card users it is still not available in 2024, only for postpaid users.

When buying a prepaid sim card in Canada the max data speed is 4G/LTE. However, a Tuque Mobile eSIM card for Canada does support 5G, see more info in the section about the best eSIM cards for Canada .

Telus Mobility Canada 4G/5G network coverage

telus 4g 5g network coverage map canada 2024

Bell Canada network coverage (also Virgin Mobile network)

bell mobility 4g 5g network coverage map canada 2024

Rogers Mobility Canada network coverage

rogers 4g 5g network coverage map canada 2024

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Canada in 2024.

From the above Canada coverage maps updated for 2024 Traveltomtom concludes that there is not so much difference when it comes to the mobile data network coverage between the mobile internet operators in Canada.

Some operators have better network coverage than others in certain areas and then for other regions in Canada it is the other way around.

Especially if you are traveling to West Canada it is recommended to buy a Telus or Rogers prepaid sim card for Canada. Rogers has a great network In East Canada: Toronto, Ottawa , Quebec. But all the way in East Canada in places like  Halifax  you definitely want a Telus sim card.

Best prepaid sim card for Canada in 2024

From the above comparison of all the prepaid sim card deals and the mobile internet operators in Canada Traveltomtom comes to the very simple conclusion that buying a prepaid sim card in Canada is in general more expensive than ordering an international sim card or an eSIM card for Canada online.

As of 2024 Bell and Virgin Mobile have updated their prepaid sim card plans incredibly and now offer decent value for money for tourists. The Telus and Rogers prepaid sim cards for tourists are still a joke and Traveltomtom recommends to avoid them.

What is very remarkable is that none of the mobile internet operators allow prepaid users to use the 5G network in Canada, max speed on a Canada prepaid sim card is 4G/LTE.

Ok, Telus and Rogers have slightly better 4G/5G mobile data network coverage than Bell, but Bell and Virgin Mobile have the best prepaid sim card deals. For $40 CAD ($29 USD) you get 25 GB data. Bell has another great offer that gives you 50 GB data for $50 CAD for $36 USD.

Virgin Mobile actually operates on the Bell 4G/LTE mobile data network. 

It is therefore a simple conclusion that Bell is the best prepaid sim card for Canada in 2024.

That said, I started this article already by informing you that sim cards for Canada that you buy on the internet are actually much more affordable and therefore Traveltomtom recommends ordering a sim card for traveling to Canada online before your trip. The easiest way is to order an eSIM card.

Why? Because eSIM cards are simply cheaper! An eSIM card for Canada with 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD or what about 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD.

Also  Airalo offers eSIM cards for Canada that are 5G ready. Another reason to order your sim card for Canada on the internet.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for Canada via SimOptions  or  Airalo , but there are more options like Jetpac, Nomad, Holafly, etc. For more info about Canada eSIM cards check out my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for Canada in 2024 .

Order a prepaid sim card for Canada online

orange holiday world international prepaid sim card for canada

If your phone is not eSIM compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Canada online before your trip then check out the following.

Arrive prepared in Canada with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Canada, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Canada:

Orange Holiday World = $49.90

  • Valid in Canada, USA + Mexico + 121 other countries
  • Valid for 14 days

Click here for more info or to order an international prepaid sim card for traveling in Canada via SimOptions .

Also a last reminder that if your phone is eSIM compatible the easiest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Canada is an eSIM card.

For more detailed info including FAQ about using eSIM cards check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for traveling to Canada in 2024 .

North America sim cards

As you have read in this article there is FREE ROAMING in all of Mexico, Canada and the USA. Regardless where you buy your sim card. When buying a sim card in the USA you get free roaming in Canada and Mexico. Buying a sim card in Mexico you get free roaming in Canada and the USA. There are basically no borders for these 3 countries when it comes data roaming.

Therefore you might want to buy a USA sim card for your trip to Canada, or even a Mexican sim card . But, there are a lot of limitations when it comes to the data speed. Always read the Fair Use Policy very carefully. Because on Mexico prepaid sim cards there is often a FUP of 10 GB data in USA and Canada. Which means after you used 10 GB data the data speed is reduced to 256 Kbps, which is data speed like an E signal, barely enough for sending an email.

I hope all the above information for buying a Canada sim card was helpful for your upcoming trip. In case you are heading to Halifax , Montreal , Jasper , Edmonton , Niagara Falls click on the link for my travel guides. Or see all my Canada travel blogs in this link.

In case you still have questions please send me a message on my Instagram account: @traveltomtom  or leave me a comment below. Visiting my Instagram account might fuel you with wanderlust though as I am trying to visit every country in the world and have visited more than 155 countries as of August 2024.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Travel & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Canada!

Mr. Thrifty Canada – Save More. Make More. Live Bigly.

What’s the Best Deal on a Temporary SIM for the USA?

June 7, 2019 LP Product Reviews , Travel 0

best temporary usa sim

For those travelling temporarily to the United States and looking for a local mobile number (to avoid those atrocious Canadian roaming charges!), Mr. Thrifty has done the research for you and recommends T-Mobile as the best deal on a temporary SIM for the USA.

T-Mobile Service for Canadians

T-Mobile is the 3rd largest carrier in the US with more than 80 million customers. Its largest shareholder is Deutsche Telekom, the dominant telecom company in Germany. In 2017, T-Mobile was ranked #1 in Customer Service Satisfaction by Nielsen.

T-Mobile SIM Starter Kit

If you have an unlocked GSM mobile phone, simply buy this SIM Starter Kit online at Amazon.ca before your trip:

travel to us from canada sim card

Unlocked, GSM-capable phones that support Band II (1900 MHz) or IV (1700/2100 MHz) are compatible with T-Mobile’s network.

This T-Mobile SIM Starter Kit only includes the SIM itself and no starter credit. You need to activate it by calling T-Mobile and adding funds.

According to Canadian user reports, it’s not a good idea to try and activate it online. Better to call T-Mobile and speak to an agent.

Once activated, automated top-ups can be done by buying a T-Mobile card at any of their stores or sold through any of their agents like corner stores or even Walmart. Or, you can always call into their service centre and provide your credit card details over the phone.

Another bonus with the T-Mobile SIM is that it can be used in Canada, although you’ll be subject to their roaming rates. And if you want to keep the number valid, you’ll have to pay the minimum US$3 monthly fee.

T-Mobile’s Pay As You Go Features

Here are the main features of T-Mobile’s “Pay As You Go” plan:

  • Recurring monthly fee of US$3 per month.
  • You get a combined total of 30 minutes of calls, 30 texts, or any combination of minutes and texts that add up to 30
  • Additional outgoing/incoming calls or texts are US$0.10 each.
  • Includes nationwide roaming and nationwide long distance while on the T-Mobile network.
  • 1-day 500 MB data pass for US$5
  • 1-week 1 GB data pass for US$10 (this pass is good for 7 days)

Pay As You Go is based on a 30-day cycle, regardless of how many days are in each month. Therefore, a new cycle may not necessarily start on the same date each month.

For full terms and conditions, check the T-Mobile site . These may change at any time in the future, so always check with T-Mobile’s site before confirming your purchase of the T-Mobile SIM Starter Kit.

T-Mobile Tourist Plan SIM

Apart from the Starter Kit, T-Mobile also offers a special “Tourist Plan” SIM package that is valid for only 21 days. It is not renewable or refillable. It can be useful especially if you’re planning a driving vacation and would want to stay connected to GPS. Alternatively, it can be useful for business travellers who depend more on data than talk.

Here are the main features of T-Mobile’s Tourist Plan:

  • Unlimited data, with up to 2 GB 4G LTE data on your smartphone.
  • Unlimited domestic and international texting in the US to 140+ countries and destinations.
  • 1,000 minutes of domestic talk within the US.
  • Free SIM card for your unlocked phone.

The following are also included:

  • Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (SMHS): Lets you share your phone’s internet connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
  • Data Maximizer: Optimizes all detectable video streaming to DVD-quality (typically 480p or better).
  • Domestic data roaming: You get 50 MB for when you travel outside of T-Mobile’s network coverage, using wireless data from another carrier.

For full terms and conditions of the Tourist Plan, check the T-Mobile site . These may change at any time in the future, so always check with T-Mobile’s site before confirming your purchase of the Tourist Plan SIM.

The current price of the T-Mobile Tourist Plan is US$30 + taxes and fees. You can buy it from T-Mobile’s site here .

Which of the two options is the best deal on a temporary SIM for the USA?

It depends on how you intend to use it.

If you’re a frequent visitor to the USA, there’s some merit in maintaining the same mobile number to keep in touch with friends, etc. Keeping it active for US$3/month doesn’t seem excessive and it can be used in Canada.

On the other hand, US$30 for 21 days of unlimited use is a pretty good deal if you need to be constantly connected. These days with ubiquitous public wi-fi, it only really makes sense if you’re a business user or if you’re going to be driving long distances and won’t have access to public wi-fi.

Other Strategies to Cut Your Phone Bill

A local SIM is one of many strategies to save money on phone bills.

We’re particularly keen on Pokefi , a device & service that lets you use your mobile phone seamlessly in most major countries. The device itself costs around $200 so it’s not best if all you need is a short-term SIM for the US. And while it doesn’t give you a mobile phone number, it’s best use case is if the majority of your phone usage is via messenger apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Skype, etc.

For more savings suggestions, check out our article, How to Cut Your Phone Bill While Travelling .

And where will you use your fancy new US SIM?

Check out some of Mr. Thrifty’s travel recommendations:

Mr. Thrifty Takes Miami – Tips for Saving Money while Enjoying Miami’s Best

Navigating NYC’s Latest Craze: The $1 Oyster Happy Hour

Introducing Industry Night, NYC’s Little-Known Deal

Mr. Thrifty Takes a Road Trip: Finding Quality and Value in Mid Coast Maine

Mr. Thrifty’s Favourite Summer Travel Gear

Mr. Thrifty’s Proven Strategies to Save Money on Air Travel

How to Save Money When Exchanging Currency

Pokefi: The Secret to Saving Money on Mobile Data Charges in Canada and Abroad

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  • US temporary SIM

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travel to us from canada sim card

Buy Your USA eSIMs in Canada

Looking for the perfect USA eSIMs for your travel needs? Discover the best USA eSIMs option designed specifically for tourists. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out . Remember that your convenience is our top priority. Choose our USA eSIMs to stay connected and travel without worrying about hefty roaming fees.

Over 19,000+ Reviews across

Buy Your USA eSIMs in Canada - Best Prepaid Sim for USA eSIMs Travel

USA eSIMs Options

[eSIM] USA Travel SIM - Unlimited Data (T-Mobile)

Unlimited Data of 5G/4G Data

Unlimited Calls to standard US and Hawaiian mobile and landline numbers.

(Optional add on for international calls available)

Unlimited SMS  to standard US mobile numbers.

30 Days of service from activation date

[eSIM] AT&T USA Travel SIM - 15GB (USA , Canada, Mexico)

15GB of 5G/4G Data

Unlimited Calls to standard US, Canadian and Mexican mobile and landline numbers.

Unlimited SMS from USA, Canada and Mexico to over 100 countries including; Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Germany.

[eSIM] USA Travel SIM - 10GB (T-Mobile) | SimCorner

10GB of 5G/4G Data

[eSIM] AT&T Unlimited Data eSIM (USA , Canada, Mexico)

  • Unlimited Data  in USA, Hawaii, Alaska
  • 25GB Data  in Canada and Mexico

[eSIM] AT&T Unlimited MAX Plus (USA, Canada, Mexico) | SimCorner

Unlimited Data in USA, Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico

25GB Data  in Canada

500 Minutes International Calling  to over 30 countries (includes, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Germany)

Unlimited SMS to USA, Canada and Mexico phone numbers

eSIM USA Data Only (iPad/Tablet)

15GB or 100GB Data

Stay Connected in the USA with the Best eSIM for Travel 2023

Planning your upcoming trip to the USA? Navigating international travel can be a daunting task, especially with the added concern of hefty roaming charges from local carriers. But fret not! We've got just the solution to make your journey seamless and hassle-free.

Introducing the USA Travel eSIM: Your Ticket to Roaming-Free Communication

If you're gearing up for a trip to the USA, you've probably considered the benefits of a local eSIM. Say goodbye to exorbitant roaming fees and embrace uninterrupted connectivity the moment you touch down. Our USA eSIMs grant you the power to stay connected with ease during your American adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About USA Prepaid eSIM Plans

Are you curious about how a US eSIM can enhance your travel experience? We're here to provide answers and guide you through the range of options available. Our prepaid USA eSIMs offer the convenience and affordability you need, all while sidestepping international roaming charges.

Understanding US eSIMs: Your Key to Seamless Communication

A US prepaid eSIM is a hassle-free way to enjoy your smartphone in the USA. Instead of grappling with costly local prepaid plans or international roaming fees, you can simply purchase a prepaid eSIM before embarking on your journey.

When you choose a US-based eSIM from reputable carriers like T-Mobile or AT&T – the very ones we offer at SimCorner – you'll receive a dedicated USA phone number. On the other hand, non-US-based eSIMs, that other providers offer, can still function within the USA but with non-US phone numbers.

Why Opt for a US eSIM Before You Depart?

Avoid the rush of finding a US eSIM upon landing in America. Instead, prepare ahead of time to fully immerse yourself in your travel experiences. Think of our USA eSIM as an essential travel companion – just as important as your passport. Keep loved ones updated, navigate unfamiliar terrain with ease, and capture every moment seamlessly.

At SimCorner, we've streamlined the process. You can conveniently order your preferred US eSIM package online, ensuring you're ready to roll from the moment you arrive.

Ensuring Compatibility: Will Your Phone Work in the US?

Keep in mind that US network providers utilize different frequencies compared to those in other countries. To ensure compatibility, confirm your phone's supported frequencies before deciding on a US eSIM. Whether you visit a local phone shop or reach out to us directly, we're here to assist you in determining compatibility with T-Mobile or AT&T prepaid eSIMs.

Additionally, don't forget to check if your phone is unlocked. Even if you're on a post-paid plan or contract, it doesn't necessarily mean your phone is locked. If unsure, reach out to your current service provider for clarification.

Why Use SimCorner eSIM for USA

SimCorner offers the best eSIM for USA travel. Stay connected throughout your USA adventures with our brand-new prepaid travel eSIMs, eliminating the need to swap out your physical SIM card. These plans are the perfect option for travellers who want to avoid being restricted by a physical SIM card. With a USA eSIM, you can enjoy the convenience of having your data and calling services available without any hassle.

Check out eSIM USA plans below from SimCorner to get the best eSIM for USA travel. We are a leading United States eSIM provider that aims to give you the best eSIM plans in the USA for your next trip.

Selecting the Right Carrier for Your US eSIM

With multiple carriers vying for your attention, choosing the ideal prepaid US eSIM requires careful consideration. These are the major carriers in the US: T-Mobile and AT&T. Let's delve into their strengths:

T-Mobile : Offering competitive rates and expansive coverage across the mainland USA and Hawaii, T-Mobile is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking excellent value.

AT&T : Renowned for widespread coverage, AT&T is a top pick for travelers seeking comprehensive connectivity across the US, Canada and Mexico and its territories.

While smaller carriers like Metro and Ultra Mobile also utilize networks such as T-Mobile's, their coverage may be limited due to pricing constraints. Opting for a T-Mobile or AT&T eSIM ensures superior coverage in major cities and tourist hotspots.

Simplify Your Preparations with SimCorner's USA eSIMs

Ready to embark on a worry-free journey to the USA? At SimCorner, we offer an array of prepaid USA eSIMs tailored to your travel needs. Our selection includes options such as:

  • T-Mobile Unlimited Data USA eSIM : Trusted by customers for over eight years in physical form, this eSIM equivalent delivers unlimited data, talk, and text at an incredible value. Harness 4G LTE speeds and, if your phone supports it, enjoy 5G connectivity.

10GB USA Travel eSIM and 15GB AT&T eSIM : Perfect for moderate data users, these options offer a balanced mix of connectivity for staying in touch, navigating, and light entertainment.

USA AT&T Unlimited Data eSIM : Experience ultimate freedom with unlimited 4G data, calls, and SMS. Stream, work, and connect without limits.

Order Your USA eSIM Today for a Hassle-Free Journey

At SimCorner, we've simplified the process of acquiring a USA eSIM. Order online, receive your local USA number, and gain access to unlimited data, calls, and SMS – all before you even take off. Ensuring you're prepared for an unforgettable American adventure. Choose SimCorner for a seamless travel experience, enhanced by the best eSIMs for the USA.

How soon can I begin to use my data plan?

Immediately after your eSIM is activated.

Can I extend the data on my eSIM?

Yes, both the USA T-Mobile eSIM and AT&T eSIM plan will be able to recharge while in the USA. You can do this by either going into a T-Mobile store or AT&T store  (depending on which sim you purchased) or calling customer service 611 from your mobile handset.

Can my USA eSIM from Simcorner make calls and send messages?

Yes, you can make phone calls and send messages with eSIM USA plans from SimCorner.

The unlimited calls that come with the sim can only be used to call standard US landlines and mobiles. If in the US and trying to call a US number, then no country code is required in this instance.

The unlimited local SMS/texts that come with the sim can be used to text US mobiles. The same process still applies for texting in terms of using the country codes as noted above.

Can I share data with other devices?

Yes, our America eSIM plans are compatible with most devices so that you can share data with other eSIM-enabled devices.

Which devices work with the eSIM card?

SimCorner eSIM USA plans work on  devices with " Dual eSIM " or " Dual SIM with eSIM " are compatible.

Devices starting in 2019 supporting eSIM:

  • Apple iPhone:  All iPhone 14 models, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
  • Pixel:  Pixel 5A 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4, Pixel 3 & 3XL, Pixel 2  
  • Samsung:  Galaxy S22,Galaxy S22  +  Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Note 20 FE 5G, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra 5G, Note 20+, Fold LTE, Galaxy Z, Galaxy Fold

How can I set up the eSIM on my device?

Once the sim is activated you will get a notification on your phone. You can then load your eSIM directly through you phones eSIM profile setting.

Do I get a USA phone number

Yes, all the USA eSIM options that SimCorner offer come with a local USA number. 

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

Yes, you can keep your WhatsApp number when using eSIM United States plans from SimCorner.

Is it necessary to activate data roaming on my device?

No, US eSIM plans from SimCorner require no data roaming activation.

What eSIM data plan should I choose for the US?

SimCorner offers the best eSIM plans USA for travellers that want to stay connected while in the US. You can choose the eSIM plan that best suits your needs.

Which eSIM carrier will I connect to in the US?

You will connect to either the T-Mobile USA eSIM network or the AT&T USA eSIM network in the US. Our eSIM plans will give you nationwide access to 5g/4G LTE data, voice, and SMS services.

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  • GENERAL TRAVEL

best sim cards for international travel

What is the Best SIM Card for International Travel?

Elizabeth Gorga

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

  • General Travel
  • button]:border-none [&>button]:bg-white [&>button]:hover:cursor-pointer [&>button]:hover:text-cyan-400"> button]:hover:text-cyan-400 [&>button]:bg-white hover:cursor-pointer" height="1em" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

While traveling abroad is always a great opportunity to tune out and disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, it can also be extremely challenging to find yourself in a new country without any source of connection to your surroundings. Paying for an international phone plan can be expensive, but luckily it’s possible to find a source of connection without breaking the bank.

International SIM cards give you the best of both worlds. Here you’ll find the best SIM card for international travel for every type of traveler. There are endless options out there and the best one will depend on your travel plans. All in all, international SIM cards offer an affordable and temporary opportunity to stay connected while traveling abroad by giving you access to your phone and wireless data across multiple countries around the world. Another option is to purchase mobile top-ups through apps like Boss Revolution , which can send top-ups to over 270 carriers in more than 100 countries.

Why use an international SIM?

person wearing backpack holding up phone while walking on dirt road between mountains

No need to ditch your connection while you’re off on your international adventure. The best travel SIMs have you covered!

International SIM cards unlock a whole new travel experience. While it can be tempting to ditch the phone on your next overseas adventure , having access to data while traveling abroad is important for two reasons: It keeps you safe and makes travel a whole lot more convenient.

After all, it’s not always possible to rely on WiFi when traveling abroad, and unless you have an expensive international phone plan, you risk being stranded in an unfamiliar place without basic information to make travel fun, safe, and easy.

International SIM cards are a bit different from local SIM cards. While it’s possible to buy local SIM cards when you arrive at your destination, these are best suited for travelers who are staying in one location for an extended period of time.

Local SIM cards can be a great option for those studying or working abroad , but if you’re traveling for shorter stints or across multiple countries, buying a local SIM card in each destination can be a hassle. International SIM cards give you access to data across multiple destinations and are often considered the best travel SIMs if you want to have the freedom to cross borders.

Where to buy your international SIM card

person leaning on outside wall looking at a phone with a big smile

Stay in touch with your bestie from back home with an international SIM card.

If you want to stay connected throughout your travels and are wondering where to buy international SIM cards to prepare for your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind when weighing your options. Ask yourself:

  • Where are you traveling?
  • For how long will you travel?
  • Are you going to multiple countries or one destination?
  • What do you plan to use your phone for while abroad?

If you’re planning to stay in one location for an extended period of time, you can often buy local SIM cards when you arrive in the country. But if you want to buy an international SIM card in preparation for travel across multiple countries, your only option is to purchase one online.

Do your research on the best SIM card for international travel and consider which one suits your needs best. Once you weigh the pros and cons and work out the nitty gritty of your trip abroad , you can pre-purchase the best international SIM card for you online before you go. Then you’re ready to hit the ground running when you arrive at the destination of your dreams.

8 best SIM cards for international travel

person holding cell phone to ear while holding a spoon

There’s an international SIM card perfect for your travel plans out there.

You may be wondering, what is the best international SIM card for Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, or wherever your wanderlust takes you next? The truth is, while there are some international SIM cards that are best suited for certain regions of the world, there are also some that can take you all around the globe without limitations.

The best SIM card for international travel will depend highly on what you want to use it for and how much you want to invest. Here are some of the best travel SIMs to explore before you go:

1. Breeze eSim

  • Pros : Breeze eSim is a great option for travelers who don't want to worry about keeping track of separate physical SIMs while abroad. They offer coverage in over 245 mobile networks worldwide, as well as multiple networks per destination for increased coverage. You'll be covered in more than 150 countries through their various bundles. 
  • Cons : Depending on your phone model and network provider at home, you may not be able to use an eSim.
  • Coverage area : North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and Global.
  • Base cost : $0
  • Monthly cost : Varies by region, but starts at $15 / month in Europe 

2. OneSimCard

  • Pros : Thanks to its wide coverage area, OneSimCard is one of the best travel SIMs for those who are traveling between multiple countries and regions. This is another eSIM, which means you won’t have to worry about removing and keeping track of your original SIM card or juggling between multiple SIMs as you travel across borders. Unlike other eSIMS, you can opt for a data+call package, which allows you to make international calls while abroad.
  • Cons : One of the biggest cons to OneSimCard is that the website isn’t very user-friendly compared to other international SIM cards. That means purchasing and top ups may be a little more difficult than other options. OneSimCard is also a more expensive option, as you don’t get as much data for your investment.
  • Coverage area : Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
  • Base cost : $20
  • Monthly cost : Ranges from $20-$100, depending on location
  • Pros : Jetpac is the best SIM option for global coverage across multiple destinations. It removes the need to switch eSIMs, with a one-time installation that doesn't expire. Jetpac allows topping up new data packages in-app, as well as tethering to other devices. They provide affordable data coverage in over 50 countries—and even complimentary access to 1100 airport lounges globally in case of flight delay!
  • Cons: Jetpac is data only, so you won't receive a local number or have access to text and "landline" calls. 
  • Coverage area: Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, North America 
  • Base cost: $0
  • Monthly cost: Varies per region and country, but starts from $1/1GB trial on the global pack to $28 / month for 10GB data, valid 30 days when connected overseas
  • Pros : Nomad is one of the best travel SIMs for travelers in Europe and the USA because it is an official partner to some of the top networks in both regions, allowing travelers to stay connected to more than 500 networks across over 100 countries. One of the perks of Nomad is its lifetime plan option. If you frequently travel abroad and want to stick with the same international SIM card for all of your overseas escapades, you can purchase data packages that are valid for one year—and if you top up within the year, you can continue to use your SIM the next year too.
  • Cons : Similar to GigSky, Nomad is a data-only SIM, which means you won’t be able to make calls or send texts abroad. It also requires you to input part of the SIM number when topping up data, which means you’ll have to keep track of this for years if you plan to keep using the card for future travels.
  • Coverage area : All of Europe plus Algeria, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Georgia, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Montserrat, Myanmar, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
  • Base cost : $14 for 500MB
  • Monthly cost : Data packages (valid indefinitely) range from $14 for 500MB to $165 for 10GB

5. Three UK

  • Pros : Three UK is one of the best international SIM cards for travelers, especially those traveling from the UK. It provides you with a UK phone number that allows calling and texting for free across more than 70 countries, as well as flexible pay-as-you-go data plans. It’s one of the cheapest and best international SIM cards for Europe that includes calls, texts, and data, and one of the best travel SIMs for Latin America.
  • Cons : One of the biggest cons to using Three UK is the process for topping up your data. If you plan to travel for more than 30 days, you can only top up your data using a UK registered credit card. This is no big deal for UK residents, but if you don’t have access to a UK card, you’ll only be able to use the plan for calls and texts after the first month.
  • Coverage area : All of Europe plus Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Macao, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, United States Virgin Islands, USA, and Vietnam.
  • Base cost : $39.90
  • Monthly cost : $39.90 / month for 12GB data + unlimited texts and calls
  • Pros: easySim is the perfect travel companion, enabling travelers to stay connected without the fear of a huge bill when they get home. Simply purchase a data bundle from easySim.global, install the eSIM, and then activate your data bundle when you're ready to travel. The service is available to anyone in the world and you'll find coverage in 150 countries. 
  • Cons: easySim provides data-only eSIMs, which do not come with a local telephone number.  
  • Coverage area: 150 countries worldwide
  • Base cost: $4.50 for 1GB for 7 days in Europe, varies by region
  • Monthly cost: From $9 for 3GB in Europe, varies by region

7. KnowRoaming

  • Pros : KnowRoaming is one of the most affordable international SIM card options out there with coverage across over 200 countries. It works by locating and connecting to local networks in your destination, which means if you’re in a well-populated area, you’ll always have coverage. It also works on most unlocked devices, whether you want to use it in a phone or tablet.
  • Cons : Because KnowRoaming relies on local network connection, it can have difficulty picking up and connecting to networks in remote areas. If you’re planning to travel somewhere that’s more isolated, KnowRoaming won’t be your best option.
  • Coverage area : Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, and Global.
  • Base cost : $10, which does not come with any credit
  • Monthly cost : Varies by location, but starts at $40 / month8.  
  • Pros : GigSky is one of the best international SIM cards if you’re looking for a plan that can take you almost anywhere in the world. This SIM card is available in 116 countries and works with most unlocked devices. It’s easy to use and comes as an eSIM, which means you don’t have to deal with swapping physical SIM cards. There are multiple plans to suit your needs, whether you want to use it for a few days, weeks, or months.
  • Cons : Because GigSky comes as an eSIM, you won’t receive a local phone number and can’t make phone calls while abroad—it’s a data-only SIM. It’s also one of the more expensive options when it comes to international SIM cards.
  • Coverage area : North America, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, Middle East/Africa, and Asia Pacific.
  • Base cost : $12 for 1GB for 15 days (location dependent)
  • Monthly cost : $60 for 5GB worldwide / month

three people sitting in front of flowering and laughing while looking at smartphone one is holding

Your travel SIM card means you never have to miss a message from old OR new friends!

Plan Your Next Trip with our Travel Resources Hub!

Best international sim card for europe, orange holiday europe.

  • Pros : Orange Holiday is often rated the top SIM card for international travel, and its European version is easily one of the best travel SIMs for exploring this region of the world. It’s easy to install into any unlocked phone and can be used across multiple countries in Europe without changing your preferences on your phone. Orange Holiday is not only the best international SIM card for Europe, but it also allows you to use it in other parts of the world for a reasonable price.
  • Cons : One of the biggest cons of Orange Holiday is that it has limited support in some languages. If English isn’t your first language, it may not be user-friendly.
  • Coverage area : Andorra, Azores, Aland Islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Vatican.
  • Base cost : $50
  • Monthly cost : $50 for 10GB / 14 days

Best SIM card for traveling Asia

Discover global e-sim card.

  • Pros : Discover Global eSIM Card can be used worldwide, but it has one of the best coverages of popular Asian destinations, making it the best SIM card for traveling Asia. It’s one of the cheapest options out there and can take you through Asia and around the world if you desire. It also allows you to purchase plans for as short as one week, making it ideal for short-term travelers.
  • Cons : Discover Global eSIM doesn’t allow calling and texting, like other eSIMs out there. While it can take you around the world, it doesn’t have very much coverage in Africa—however, you’ll be covered almost anywhere you want to go throughout Asia.
  • Coverage area : China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Macau, Philippines, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Global.
  • Base cost : $10 / 7 days
  • Monthly cost : Plans are available for $10 / week or up to $90 / 3 months

Best international SIM card for Australia and New Zealand

Orange holiday world sim.

  • Pros : Orange Holiday World SIM is one of the best travel SIMs in the world. Similar to Orange Holiday Europe, this SIM card is owned by Orange, one of the best and largest mobile providers worldwide. Unlike its European sister, Orange Holiday World allows you to feel connected almost anywhere in the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of Oceania.
  • Cons : One of the biggest cons to Orange Holiday is that the plans only last for 14 days. For some, this is ideal, but for those traveling for longer time periods, they may feel limited using this SIM card.
  • Coverage area : All EU countries plus Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Benin, Botswana, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Liberia, Macao, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Switzerland, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, and Vietnam.

You don’t have to go off the grid while traveling!

person on cliff at Great Wall of China taking photo with phone

You’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime when you find the best SIM card for your international travel plans.

Going off grid is tempting, but overrated. Staying connected while traveling the world enhances your experience and takes the stress out of international travel. With these travel SIM cards, you’ll save money on international roaming while being able to navigate a new city, stay in touch with family at home and new friends you meet along the way, and keep your mind at ease. What could be better than that?

Explore International Data Plans & SIM Cards

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Best Prepaid Sim Cards For Canada (Guide For Travelers)

Traveling to Canada and you want to buy a sim card to use during the trip? That’s the right way of thinking and you’ve come to the perfect place to find out all you need to know about prepaid Canada sim cards!

At A Glance: Our Favorite Prepaid Sim Cards for Canada

  • CHEAP TALK & TEXT PLANS Rogers
  • BEST TO BUY PHONE WITH PREPAID PLAN Telus
  • BEST FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS PhoneBox

Where to buy them, how much you can expect to pay for one, and the best prepaid sim options are all covered in this detailed guide. Whether you’re a tourist who needs a sim for a few days or an international student in need of a sim card for months, you’ll find a great option right here. So, keep reading to find the best prepaid sim for Canada that perfectly suits your travel needs! 

Why You Should Not Get A Prepaid SIM

It always sounds like the best idea to get a SIM when you land in Canada. That used to be the only option.

Yes, you could just Buy A SIM Before you go! I used to use SimOptions for getting one delivered to my house before my trip.

Nowadays, if you have a modern phone (iPhone X, Galaxy S20 or later) then you can use a Canada eSIM instead!

I only use eSIMs because they allow you to:

  • get a SIM before you leave
  • keep your normal SIM (phone number & texts)
  • get the best rates for data when you travel
  • get data for shorter periods 
  • get just the GB you need

Rogers has quite a few prepaid sim card plans, which include monthly and semi-annual plans. Their cheapest prepaid sim cards include only a phone number and no data, and they’re up to $25. If you want data on your prepaid sim card, you will pay anywhere from $30 to $225. These plans have Pay As You Go pricing for mobile data usage, and they’re not a good option for you if you tend to use a lot of mobile data monthly.

The $225 is a semi-annual plan, which is a good option for people who are staying in Canada for up to six months. This plan includes 30 GB of data, unlimited calls in Canada, and unlimited texts in Canada and the US.

Telus has a total of 7 prepaid plans for new and existing customers. You can also purchase a smartphone with a prepaid plan if you want, but only select smartphone devices are included in the prepaid offer.

The Telus Canada prepaid sim card plans are three Talk & Text plans and four Talk, Text & Data plans. The cheapest plan is $15, and it includes 100 minutes, as well as unlimited SMS/MMS for a month. The priciest plan without data is an annual $100 plan, with 400 free texts and 400 free minutes.

As for the Telus sim card plans that include data, they’re all monthly plans that cost from $30 to $55. The cheapest plan includes 500 MB while the most expensive plan includes 8 GB of data. All the plans also include unlimited calls and texts.

Bell has a total of six prepaid Cadana sim card plans, two of which don’t include any mobile data. They are two Talk & Text plans, and they retail for $15 and $25 per month. The latter is the better deal because it includes unlimited calls and texts.

There are four Talk, Text & Data plans, and they’re similar to what Talus offers. They include from 500 MB to 8 GB of data, for prices between $30 and $55. All these plans include unlimited calls and texts, plus you can get an extra 500 MB of data if you sign up for automatic top-ups.

Freedom Mobile

Freedom Mobile has four regular prepaid sim card plans, as well as one special promotion that they run every now and then. The promotion is by far the best value for money if you’re looking for a larger data allowance, mostly because it includes 15 GB of data for $35 per month. I must point out that it’s not specified whether that 15 GB allowance is for a month or an entire year.

The other plans from Freedom Mobile are two monthly plans and two yearly plans. Two of those plans are Talk & Text only, with the option of purchasing additional data. The plans that include data provide you with 1.5 GB of data per month for $24, or 12 GB of data for an entire year, for $179.

PhoneBox Canada sim card plans are by far the best option for people who want a prepaid sim card with a generous data allowance. Unlike most other providers, you can get 7 GB of data for just $35 per month from PhoneBox.

Their prepaid plans include up to 55 GB of data, which is more than most other providers in Canada offer. Unfortunately, PhoneBox still doesn’t have an unlimited data plan. But, even without unlimited data options, this provider is by far the best option for international students and everyone else who wants a prepaid sim card with a large data allowance in Canada.

This provider has a total of 7 prepaid plans, all of which include unlimited calls in Canada and international texts. They differ in price and data allowance, and the best value for money are the $45 (25 GB) and $55 (35 GB) plans. They also have two promotional weekly plans that include 2 GB or 5 GB for just $10 or $19 per week. It’s worth noting that you can choose whether you prefer a physical local sim card or an eSim for every one of their prepaid Canada plans.

Petro Canada Mobility

Petro Canada has a variety of plans with and without mobile data. Their Talk & Text plans are cheaper than the plans with mobile data, and they also have a Pay Per Use plan that’s a decent option for people who don’t really use their cell phones that much.

To get a Petro Canada mobile plan you need to purchase a 3-in-1 sim card first for $10. That’s an extra charge you can’t get around because sim cards are not included in any of the provider’s data plans.

The Talk, Text & Data plans from this provider all include unlimited calls and texts, and they differ only in the data allowance. The cheapest ($35) plan includes 2.75 GB of data, while the most expensive plan ($55) gets you 9 GB of data for a month. Keep in mind that the cost of the sim card is not included in those prices.

Fido Canada has a total of 10 prepaid plans you can choose from. They offer monthly and semi-annual plans and you can choose between plans with and without mobile data. The talk & Text plans from this provider are very affordable and $25 will get you a sim card with unlimited phone calls and texts in Canada.

Talk, Text & Data plans are more expensive, starting at $30 for a data allowance of just 500 MB. The most expensive mobile data plan from Fido includes 10 GB of data for $75. That’s a very expensive plan, especially considering that you can get a 55 GB data allowance from Phone Box for the same price.

Fido’s semi-annual plans are from $150 to $225 ($30-37.5 per month) with data allowances from 6 GB to 30 GB for the entire period. The semi-annual plans are better value for money than their monthly prepaid plans but keep in mind that you would have to monitor your data usage so you don’t use it all within the first couple of months.

Is A Sim Card Essential When Traveling to Canada?

If you’re staying in Canada for more than 5 days, I’d say that a sim card is essential, especially if you want to have Internet access while you’re out and about. Sure, most bigger cities in Canada have decent free WiFi coverage, but you can’t always rely on that, especially because public networks are far from being perfectly secure.

If you’re considering a sim card just because you need Internet access, you should also consider an eSim to use in Canada . These are often a good value for money and slightly more convenient than physical sim cards. But if having a local phone number is also important to you, then yes, a sim card is essential when traveling to Canada.

Additionally, it is possible to purchase an international sim card / eSim, which will work in many worldwide countries. Surfroam is one of the providers that offer this, and it’s not a bad option if you’re planning to visit several destinations in the span of a few months or a year.

Things to Know Before Buying A Sim Card in Canada

Is your phone unlocked.

Your phone must be unlocked if you’re going to use a Canadian sim card. If you purchased a phone through a contract with a network operator, it’s most likely locked to one network and you won’t be able to use it with a Canadian sim card.

The easiest way to check whether your phone is locked to a network is to purchase the cheapest sim card you can find from any other network than the one you’re currently using. You can also just borrow a sim card from a friend or family member. If your smartphone works perfectly with the new sim card, then it’s not locked and you can easily use a Canadian sim card.

But if the phone refuses to connect to a different network, it means your device is locked to a provider and you won’t be able to use a foreign sim card in it.

Are You Using A GSM Phone?

There’s a difference between GSM and CDMA networks, and the simplest way to put it is that CDMA phones are locked to a specific network provider. If your phone is GSM, it will work without major issues with a Candian sim card, but that’s not the case with CDMA phones.

So, how can you know for sure if you’re using a GSM phone? It’s easy – just dial *#06#. This will bring up a list of unique serial numbers that identify your device. An IMEI number indicates that your phone is GSM; while a MEID / ESM number indicated that your phone is CDMA. If you see IMEI (MEID), it means your device supports both and you’ll be fine.

It’s worth noting that most newer phones are GSM, and if you purchased the device in the past few years, you most likely won’t have any issues using a foreign sim card.

How to Buy A Sim Card in Canada

Buying a sim card before traveling to canada.

You can try to purchase a sim card online before you travel to Canada, but this will often include pretty high shipping costs. It’s not necessary to buy a sim card before you arrive in Canada because they are widely available in the country.

Also, consider an eSim for Canada if your smartphone supports embedded sim technology. You can buy it online before you travel to the country and activate it after you arrive in Canada. Plus, since it’s a virtual sim card, you don’t have to pay any shipping.

Buying A Sim Card in Canada

You can buy a sim card in Canada in physical stores of all network operators, at certain international airports, and in most convenience stores. It’s worth noting that Canadian sim cards sold at airports are generally overpriced, so I would recommend waiting to settle in your hotel and then just heading to the nearest convenience store.

How Much Does A Sim Card in Canada Cost?

That depends on what’s included in the sim card, but you can generally expect to pay around $10 for a prepaid sim card for Canada, not including the cost of the plan. Mobile plans that include only minutes and texts are usually up to $25 but plans with a mobile data allowance are often $30-75 per month.

The larger the data allowance the more you’ll pay for a sim card, but it’s worth noting that the physical sim cards are generally much cheaper than eSims. There’s also the benefit of having a phone number, especially since most providers include quite a few free minutes and texts with their physical sim cards.

How to Activate & Top Up Your Canadian Sim Card

Activating our prepaid sim card should be fairly easy. Just insert it into your device and connect it to the network of the provider, and it should start working immediately. If you got one of the data-only sim cards, you will activate it when you first turn on mobile data and connect to the Internet.

Managing Your Mobile Data in Canada

Don’t worry too much about managing your mobile data while you’re in Canada – it’s super easy, and you can even set up a certain data usage threshold and be notified when you reach it. Most network providers will give you a number that you can call or send a text to, and you’ll be able to see just how much data you’ve used up to that point.

Some will also let you manage your data and check data usage in their app, provided that they have one. It’s also possible to check data usage statistics in your smartphone’s mobile network settings, plus you can set up your phone to send you a notification once you’ve used up a certain amount of data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest prepaid sim card in canada.

The cheapest you can get a sim card for is $10, but that will only get you a prepaid sim card. Canada network operators often separate the cost of sim cards and mobile plans, so there will be an additional charge for a mobile plan. The cheapest prepaid mobile plan in Canada is approximately $15 for a Talk & Text plan that doesn’t include any mobile data.

Can foreigners buy a sim card in Canada?

Yes, foreigners can absolutely buy a sim card in Canada. It’s worth noting that you can only buy a prepaid sim card, because postpaid subscriptions are reserved only for residents of Canada and require a Canadian ID.

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Popular Destinations

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All Destinations

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  • South Africa
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USA, Canada & Mexico eSIM

USA, Canada & Mexico eSIM

  • Up to 20GB Data

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card alternative.

Instead of a physical chip, it's built directly into your smartphone or device. It simplifies the process of switching carriers and plans.

Hassle Free Travel

No more switching SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming fees.

Say goodbye to pricey roaming fees and hello to cost-effective eSIM plans.

Global Coverage

Stay connected in over 190 countries without the hassle of switching SIMs.

How do eSIMs work?

1. check compatibility.

You can find the list of eSIM compatible phones

2. Buy your eSIM

Choose an eSIM plan that fits your travel needs and get it delivered instantly via email!

3. Scan & Activate

Scan the QR code in your email and turn on Data Roaming to activate your eSIM. Start using it right away!

Is my device eSIM compatible?

  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Mini, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
  • Apple watch SE
  • Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
  • iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
  • iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
  • iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
  • IPad 10th generation (2022)

*On iPhone 13, 14 & 15 models, you can have two eSIMs activated at the same time. *iPhones from mainland China and iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) don’t have eSIM capability. *iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are not compatible with physical SIM cards in the USA.

  • Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20+ 5g
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21+ Ultra 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, S22 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G 
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold, Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4, Z Fold5 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4, Z Flip5 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

*The following Samsung devices are not compatible with eSIM:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G/5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 4G/5G
  • Samsung S20/S21 (US versions)
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (China/Hong Kong version)
  • Galaxy Z Flip 5G (US versions)
  • Samsung Note 20 Ultra (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
  • Certain models purchased in South Korea: (reach out to our team!)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
  • Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
  • Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM), XL
  • Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL
  • Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
  • Pixel 5, 5a
  • Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
  • Pixel 7, 7 Pro
  • Pixel 8, 8 Pro

*Google Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are not compatible with eSIM. *Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia is not compatible with eSIM.

  • Huawei P40, P40 Pro (The Huawei P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro are not compatible with eSIM)
  • Huawei Mate 40 pro
  • Motorola Razr (2019), Razr 5G, Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr+
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  • Rakuten Mini, Big-S, Big, Hand, Hand 5G
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  • Vivo X90 Pro, Vivo V29 Lite 5G (eSIM Supported only in Europe)

eSIM Compatible Devices

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  • Galaxy Z Fold4
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USA SIM Card

Planning a trip to the USA?

We don’t blame you!  

The United States of America is the perfect holiday destination, with world-famous landmarks, mind-blowing landscapes, mouth-watering food, and an abundance of museums to explore everything from science to art, history, and music. The USA is also a great place to immerse yourself in a range of cultures, as hundreds of years of immigration has brought a range of nationalities here to call this place home.  

The USA is huge, and we absolutely love that every state has something different to offer travellers. We’re talking rocky national parks in Utah, long stretches of white sand beaches in Florida, snowy mountains in Alaska, and lush green forests in Minnesota. The cities are just as varied with wild parties in Las Vegas, bustling streets in New York, and historical charm in Charleston, you won’t believe all these places exist in the same country!  

Whether you’re planning to sip cocktails in swanky Manhattan bars, search for grizzly bears in the mountain ranges of Montana, camp out by California’s hot springs, or road trip the west coast up to Washington – the USA has something for everyone.  

Our top recommendations for an unforgettable trip include diving with manta rays and turtles in Hawaii, spending a few days hiking through Arches National Park, reliving your childhood at one of the USA’s many theme parks, and taking a boat tour to watch humpback whales breaching at Glacier Bay.  

The USA is considered to have some of the best festivals in the world, and we’d be lying if we said many of these weren’t at the top of our bucket list. Whether the music of Coachella and EDC are your vibe, or you want to soak in the celebrations of Mardi Gras or the Sundance Film Festival, you simply cannot miss a chance to join in on the contagious spirit of an American festival.

usa sim card

Our USA Prepaid Travel SIMs

Whether you’re booking last minute Coachella tickets, searching for the best surf beach in Florida, or posting pictures online to make your friends and family jealous, staying connected is a breeze with our affordable, high-speed prepaid travel SIM cards.  

Our SIM cards come with a 100% money-back guarantee and include hassle-free activation, so you’ll be connected as soon as you land. No more waiting in painfully long airport lines or scouring the streets looking for a SIM card.  

Travel with peace of mind knowing you’ll have an Aussie support team at your disposal, and you won’t be hit with an extortionate phone bill next month from those pesky roaming charges.

Where can you use our USA travel SIMs?

We have a selection of travel SIM cards for your next USA trip.

Our USA SIM cards last for 30 days and come with 6GB, 15GB or unlimited data.

Planning to visit Canada or Mexico as well? We also offer SIM cards covering the USA, Canada & Mexico, so you can stay connected wherever your travel plans take you.

Order your prepaid travel SIM today and enjoy peace of mind knowing you can dive straight into your USA adventures.

We also recommend visiting  Travel Advisories  before you take off on your journey.

Happy and safe travels!

The best SIM card for NZ

You have booked your trip to NZ and now you're thinking... What's the best NZ SIM card for my trip?

Well you're in the right place 👍

Here, you can find the best value NZ SIM cards that are super easy to use so when you land you will connect instantly and avoid the chaos of buying a SIM at the airport.

Keep reading or watch our video with all the available options so you can make the right choice.

All your options, compared.

Best bang for your buck: The 10GB New Zealand SIM

Other Aussie travellers like you rated the 10GB option the best with over 800+ 5 star Reviews.

Below are our options compared with Vodafone and Spark mobile, the major providers in New Zealand.

Small Plans

For the budget traveller looking to save money.

  • Best suited for minimal data users
  • Research restaurants, places and sites on the go
  • Use google maps for your travels

travel to us from canada sim card

  • 200 mins & texts in NZ
  • 100 mins & texts to Aus
  • 30 day validity

travel to us from canada sim card

  • 300 mins to NZ & Aus
  • Unlimited texts to NZ & Aus

travel to us from canada sim card

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here.

Medium Plans

The 'all rounder'. There's a reason that Aussie travellers love this one.

Get this one if you:

  • Want best bang for your buck
  • Need access to a lot of apps including maps, social media etc.
  • Unlimited mins & texts in NZ
  • 200 mins & texts to Aus
  • 60 day validity
  • Unlimited calls to NZ & Aus
  • 300 mins & texts to Aus

For the full guide on how to use this SIM, view our SIM guide here .

Large Plans

For the traveller who needs heavy internet usage on the go for 1 or multiple devices.

  • Don't worry about running out of data
  • Can hotspot to multiple devices
  • Great for videos, maps, social media and big downloads
  • Unlimited calls & texts in NZ

Bottom Line

You are looking for the right SIM for your needs and want to make the right choice so you can travel around New Zealand easily.

By choosing one of the SIM cards through SimsDirect you are avoiding the hassle when you land and getting the best value SIM cards for Aussie travellers.

Plus you get free delivery and 100% money back guarantee with every purchase.

You can't go wrong with the SimsDirect 10GB SIM that comes with unlimited calls & texts to NZ and Australian numbers.

Shipping and Delivery

When it comes to finding the best SIM card for USA several factors need to be considered. Different providers offer various options tailored to meet specific needs. However, Simify is a reliable choice for obtaining a SIM card that works well in USA With Simify's SIM cards, you can enjoy reliable coverage, affordable rates, and convenient features designed for travelers. Whether you're visiting USA for business or leisure, Simify offers a range of plans suitable for data, calls, and messaging. Stay connected and make the most of your experience in USA with Simify's SIM cards.

Absolutely! Getting a SIM card for USA is highly beneficial for several reasons. By getting a local SIM card, you gain access to reliable and affordable mobile services while in USA. Here are some advantages:

Cost savings: Using a local SIM card allows you to take advantage of local rates for data, calls, and text messages. It can save you significant expenses compared to using international roaming services.

Increased convenience: With a local SIM card, you have a dedicated local phone number, making it easier for locals and other travelers to reach you. It also eliminates the need for constantly switching SIM cards or relying on Wi-Fi for connectivity.

Seamless communication: Having a local SIM card ensures reliable communication with local businesses, hotels, transportation services, and emergency services. You can easily make local calls, send messages, and access the internet without any limitations.

Data access: A local SIM card provides you with affordable data plans, allowing you to stay connected, access maps, browse the internet, and use various apps while exploring USA.

Overall, getting a SIM card for USA offers convenience, cost savings, and a reliable means of communication. It enhances your travel experience by keeping you connected with ease. Consider getting a local SIM card for USA to fully enjoy your stay and make the most of your time there.

USA SIM cards are generally compatible with a wide range of unlocked mobile phones. Unlocked phones are not tied to a specific carrier and allow you to use SIM cards from various providers. This flexibility enables you to easily use a USA SIM card in your existing phone or purchase a new unlocked phone if needed.

Most modern smartphones, including popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, are compatible with USA SIM cards. Additionally, older models and feature phones with support for the required frequency bands should work fine as well.

It's important to ensure that your phone supports the frequency bands used by the mobile networks in USA to ensure optimal coverage and performance. You can usually find this information in your phone's specifications or by checking with the manufacturer.

If you're unsure about your phone's compatibility, you can contact the USA SIM card provider or consult with a local retailer to get more specific information based on your phone model.

Yes, you can use your mobile or cell phone in USA. However, there are a few potential issues to consider:

Network Compatibility: Your phone's compatibility with the network frequencies used in USA may vary. Some phone models may not support all the frequency bands required for optimal coverage.

SIM Card: To use your phone in USA you will need a local SIM card. Roaming with your home country's SIM card may result in higher charges for calls, messages, and data usage.

Unlocking: If your phone is locked to a specific mobile service provider, you may need to unlock it before using a local SIM card in USA Unlocking requirements and processes can vary depending on your service provider.

Now, here's where Simify comes in to offer a solution:

Simify provides a convenient solution to overcome these issues:

Network Compatibility: Simify's SIM cards are compatible with the network frequencies used in USA ensuring optimal coverage and connectivity.

SIM Card: Simify offers local SIM cards for USA that provide cost-effective rates for calls, messages, and data. By using Simify's SIM card, you can avoid high roaming charges and enjoy affordable local rates.

Unlocking: If your phone is locked, you can still use Simify's SIM card. Simply unlock your phone by contacting your mobile service provider or using third-party unlocking services. Once unlocked, you can easily insert and activate Simify's SIM card.

By utilizing Simify's services, you can seamlessly use your mobile or cell phone in USA without the concerns of network compatibility, expensive roaming charges, or locked devices. Stay connected with ease and affordability by choosing Simify's reliable SIM card solution.

Yes, at Simify, we offer USA SIM cards to customers in the US. Our goal is to provide a seamless and convenient experience for travelers heading to USA You can easily purchase our USA SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in the US prior to your trip. Our SIM cards are specifically tailored to offer reliable coverage and affordable rates while you're in USA Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's USA SIM cards.

Yes, at Simify, we offer USA SIM cards to customers in Canada. We understand the needs of Canadian travelers heading to USA and provide convenient options for staying connected during your trip. Our USA SIM cards are designed to offer reliable coverage, affordable rates, and seamless connectivity in USA. You can easily purchase our SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in Canada before your departure. With Simify's USA SIM card, you can enjoy local rates for calls, messages, and data usage while exploring USA. Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's USA SIM cards.

Yes, at Simify, we offer USA SIM cards to customers in Australia. If you're planning a trip to USA we understand the importance of staying connected while abroad. Our USA SIM cards are designed to provide you with convenient and cost-effective connectivity during your travels. You can easily purchase our SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in Australia before your departure. With Simify's USA SIM card, you can enjoy local rates for calls, messages, and data usage while exploring USA. Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's USA SIM cards.

Yes, at Simify, we offer USA SIM cards to customers in the UK. If you're in the UK and planning a trip to USA we understand the importance of having reliable connectivity during your travels. Our USA SIM cards are designed to provide you with convenient and cost-effective connectivity while exploring USA. You can easily purchase our SIM cards online and have them delivered to your location in the UK before your departure. With Simify's USA SIM card, you can enjoy local rates for calls, messages, and data usage, ensuring a seamless communication experience during your visit to USA. Stay connected and make the most of your travel experience with Simify's USA SIM cards.

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Why we need activation dates.

  • We need these dates to activate your SIM card so you can use them when you’re ready to travel.
  • If you don’t give us an activation date, your SIM card will not work when you plug them into your phone.

Not sure on your dates yet?

  • You can add in an estimated date for your SIM. Your SIM’s data & validity won’t start until you plug it into your device.
  • Once you know your exact dates, please let us know via our live chat or at [email protected] so we can activate it for you at the right time. 

What if you need to change the dates?

  • You can reach out to us via our live chat or at [email protected] with your SIM number so we can change it for you.

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  • Travel Sims

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Canada in 2024

travel to us from canada sim card

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, having a sim card with internet access is essential for seamless navigation in new cities. With internet connectivity, you can effortlessly find the finest restaurants, locate your accommodation, hail a taxi, and even share memorable photos with your loved ones while on the move.

While roaming is a viable option, the costs can quickly escalate when traveling internationally, so we highly recommend acquiring either an eSIM or a local sim card to take advantage of the local phone rates.

The good news is that obtaining an eSIM or local sim card in Canada is incredibly straightforward. To assist you in making the best choice, this comprehensive guide offers insights into purchasing sim cards in Canada, encompassing up-to-date pricing information and identifying the optimum sim card option for your needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in canada for tourists.

Canada is one of the unique countries where purchasing a physical prepaid sim card in Canada is a lot more expensive then purchasing an eSim. For this reason, I strongly recommend purchasing an Airalo eSim here before you arrive in Canada.

The Airalo eSim in Canada offers various price and data points to enable you to purchase just the amount of data you require, however, for most travellers we recommend the 5GB plan for $24 CAD.

If your mobile phone is not eSim compatible (most phones can use eSims by the way, including all iPhones since 2018) then you will have no choice but to purchase a sim card in person. In this case, Telus, Rogers and Bell are all suitable options with identical plans. Unfortunately, 4.5GB data will cost you $45 CAD which is significantly more than the Airalo eSim, plus you will lose precious travel time visiting a store.

Canada Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in Canada costs between $8 CAD and $24 CAD in August 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in Canada will cost between $6 USD and $35 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Canada which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $18 USD.

Canada Sim Card Providers

In Canada, the main SIM card providers are Telus, Bell Canada, and Rogers. Telus is one of the leading telecommunication companies and offers a variety of SIM cards for both regular and prepaid plans. They have an extensive network coverage across the country and provide reliable services. Bell Canada is another major player, known for its wide range of SIM card options for different plans and devices. Their coverage is also quite extensive, ensuring reliable network access for their customers. Rogers Canada is a prominent provider as well, offering various SIM card options to cater to different needs. They provide strong network coverage and have a reputation for delivering quality services.

Telus Tourist Sim

Telus is one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, offering reliable network coverage across the country. They provide tourist sim cards designed to cater to the needs of international travelers. With competitive rates, unlimited talk and text, and generous data allowances, Telus sim cards allow tourists to stay connected throughout their trip. Whether exploring vibrant cities or venturing into remote landscapes, Telus ensures seamless communication, making it a reliable choice for travelers visiting Canada.

Telus Canada Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Telus tourist sim card in Canada is $45 CAD.

The plan offered by Telus stores includes 4.5GB 4G data + unlimited calls & texts valid for 30 days.

Bell Canada Tourist Sim

Bell Canada is a leading telecommunications company in Canada. They offer tourist sim cards for travelers visiting Canada. These sim cards provide access to Bell’s extensive network coverage throughout the country. With competitive rates, tourists can stay connected with family and friends, browse the internet, and make local and international calls. Bell Canada’s tourist sim cards are tailored to fit the needs of visitors, ensuring a seamless and convenient communication experience while exploring Canada.

Bell Canada Canada Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Bell Canada tourist sim card in Canada is $45 CAD.

The plan offered by Bell Canada stores offers 4.5GB 4G data + unlimited calls & texts valid for 30 days.

Rogers Canada Tourist Sim

Rogers Canada offers tourist SIM cards that cater to international travelers visiting Canada. These SIM cards provide convenient access to reliable cellular services during their stay. With various options and competitive rates, tourists can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, making it easier to navigate and stay connected with loved ones back home. Rogers Canada’s commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a hassle-free experience for tourists, enhancing their overall travel experience in Canada.

Rogers Canada Canada Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Rogers Canada tourist sim card in Canada is $45 CAD.

The plan offered by Rogers Canada stores includes 4.5GB 4G data + unlimited calls & texts valid for 30 days.

How to Get a Sim Card in Canada

Identify mobile providers: Telus, Bell Canada and Rogers Canada are your best options in Canada.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in Canada

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Canada at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Canada then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Canada have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Telus, Bell Canada and Rogers Canada. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Canada are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Canada with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

Canada eSim

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Canada. The Airalo Canada eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $18 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Canada without having to venture outside.

Airalo Canada

Our preferred eSim provider in Canada is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Canada and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s Canada eSim uses the Rogers, Bell & Telus network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Rogers, Bell & Telus networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Canada.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Canada eSim:

1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $6 USD 2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $11 USD 3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $15 USD 5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $18 USD 10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $35 USD

For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $18 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

travel to us from canada sim card

Holafly Canada

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Canada eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s Canada eSim uses the Rogersnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Canada

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Canada eSim:

10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $34 USD 20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $44 USD

travel to us from canada sim card

What is an eSim?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card integrated into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs do not need to be physically inserted or removed from the device.

Instead, eSIMs are integrated directly into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards.

eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who often switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on one device.

To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

There are multiple reasons why using an eSIM can be advantageous. Firstly, it offers convenience as there is no need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans. This is beneficial for frequent travelers who require different networks or local SIM cards in various countries. Secondly, eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality, meaning two active mobile numbers can be utilized on one device. This can be valuable for separating personal and work numbers or for managing multiple phone lines. Additionally, eSIMs are space-saving as they are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot. Manufacturers can therefore create smaller devices or use the additional space for other components. Furthermore, eSIMs enable remote provisioning, allowing the activation and management of mobile plans to be done over the air. This removes the requirement for a physical SIM card or a visit to a store, providing greater flexibility and convenience in managing mobile connectivity. Moreover, eSIM technology is future-proof as more mobile networks and service providers offer support for eSIMs. By using an eSIM-compatible device, users can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available. Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing in mobile connectivity, making it an appealing choice for many users.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Mitchell

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

travel to us from canada sim card

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

Learn More About Me

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If you’re a new customer , insert the SIM card into your device to get connected. For existing customers , Sign in to your MyRogers account. If you’ve got a 5G phone, make sure you’re using a 5G SIM card. (For Pay As You Go TM service, contact us or visit one of our stores to activate your SIM card).

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Best Capital One Credit Cards In Canada For August 2024

Updated: Aug 19, 2024, 2:40pm

Fact Checked

Capital One credit cards are a staple in many Canadian wallets for many reasons. Mainly, they’re known as a credit-building tool, offering two credit cards designed for people with bad or no credit, to help rebuild their credit history. But you might not know that they also have a few other credit cards on their roster that offer a diverse range of benefits, including cash back , travel rewards and insurance coverage . With this in mind, we’ve broken down the best Capital One credit cards available.

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Best Capital One Credit Cards in Canada for August 2024

Capital one smart rewards™ mastercard®, capital one aspire cash® platinum mastercard, capital one aspire travel® platinum mastercard, capital one guaranteed mastercard®, capital one guaranteed secured mastercard®, here’s a summary of the best capital one credit card in canada for august 2024, methodology, types of capital one credit cards, who should get a capital one credit card, how to apply for a capital one credit card, how many capital one cards can you have, frequently asked questions (faqs).

  • Best Credit Cards
  • Best Travel Credit Cards
  • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
  • Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
  • Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
  • Best Aeroplan Credit Cards

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

On TD’s Website

Welcome Bonus

Up to $2,700 in value† including up to 75,000 Aeroplan points†

Regular APR (Purchases) / Regular APR (Cash Advances)

20.99% / 22.99%

American Express Cobalt® Card

On American Express’s Secure Website

Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points

$155.88 ($12.99 per month)

Regular APR

MBNA True Line® Mastercard®

On MBNA’s Website

12.99% / 24.99%

Best For Earning Rewards For Paying Off Your Balance

Capital One Smart Rewards™ Mastercard®

The Capital One Smart Rewards Mastercard is unique. It’s the only card in Canada that actually rewards you for paying off your credit card, giving you five points for every dollar you pay off. It also has some perks, like travel insurance coverage and consumer protection, which is especially notable for a no-annual-fee card .

  • Earn 5 points per dollar you pay off on your balance
  • Some travel insurance coverage
  • No annual fee
  • A low point value of $0.0025 per point
  • Travel insurance coverage is limited
  • Earn 5 points per dollar you pay off from your credit card bill
  • 10,000 points is redeemable for a $25 gift card
  • Built-in travel insurance , including travel accident and baggage delay
  • Includes car rental collision/loss damage waiver
  • Includes purchase protection , extended warranty and price protection

Best For Flat-rate Cash Back from Capital One

Capital One Aspire Cash® Platinum Mastercard

The Capital One Aspire Cash Platinum Mastercard allows you to earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Moreover, it has no annual fee and still includes some travel and consumer insurance.

  • Earn 1% cash back on all purchases with no limit
  • No accelerated earning categories for cash back
  • Built-in travel insurance, including travel accident and baggage delay
  • Includes purchase protection, extended warranty and price protection

Best For Travel Rewards For No Annual Fee

Capital One Aspire Travel® Platinum Mastercard

The Capital One Aspire Travel Platinum Mastercard is a no-annual-fee travel card that earns one reward mile for every dollar spent. It also offers flexible redemption options and travel insurance.

  • Earn 1 Reward Mile per dollar spent
  • Redeem rewards with no blackout dates, minimums or limitations
  • Rewards can be redeemed for gift cards or statement credits
  • Add an authorized user for $0

Best for guaranteed approval

Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard®

The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard is easy to qualify for, making it easy for many Canadians with bad credit to be approved for a conventional credit card. If you don’t qualify, you will be approved for the secured card option. It offers near-guaranteed approval (as long as you fit a few basic requirements). It also offers perks like travel benefits.

  • Easy to qualify for.
  • Includes car rental collision/loss damage waiver.
  • Common carrier travel accident insurance and baggage delay insurance.
  • Includes purchase protection and extended warranty.
  • Annual fee of $59.
  • High interest rate.
  • Annual fee of $59 year.
  • Purchase assurance and extended warranty.
  • Car rental collision/loss damage waiver.
  • Common carrier travel accident insurance.
  • Baggage delay.
  • Travel assistance.
  • Zero liability.

Best for a secured card with benefits

Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard®

Capital One doesn’t just turn you away if you don’t qualify for their traditional credit cards. Instead, they offer this secured credit card to help you build your credit while still being able to take advantage of everyday and travel perks.

  • Allows you to build credit.
  • Perks and benefits.
  • Minimum security funds of only $75.
  • High interest rates.
  • Maximum security fund is only $300.
  • $59 annual fee.
  • Secured credit card requiring $75-$300 deposit.
  • Purchase insurance and extended warranty.
  • Price protection service.

When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team considers an exhaustive list of data points. With Capital One, the scoring model takes into account factors such as, but not limited to, cash-back rates and categories, fees, welcome bonuses, and other rewards and features. Keep in mind that what may be best for some people might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

The Capital One Smart Rewards Mastercard offers cardholders the unique opportunity to earn points for paying their credit card bill. You’ll earn five points per dollar put towards your bill. Plus, this no-annual-fee card still includes some perks.

Rewards: None

Welcome Offer: None

Annual Fee: $0

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The Capital One Smart Rewards Mastercard earns five points per dollar you pay off. Plus, it has no fee, but it still includes travel accident, baggage delay, car rental collision/loss damage waiver and consumer insurance. However, the points have a fairly low cash value, with 10,000 points equivalent to a $25 gift card.

———————————————————————————-

The Capital One Aspire Cash Platinum Mastercard allows you to earn 1% cash back across all purchases for no annual fee.

Rewards: 1% cash back

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card earns 1% cash back across all purchases, has no annual fee and includes three valuable forms of travel insurance and some consumer protections. But, there are no accelerated earn rates on this card, so other no-annual-fee cash-back cards can likely give you more value.

The Capital One Aspire Travel Platinum Mastercard earns 1 Reward Mile per dollar spent and has flexible redemption options.

Rewards: 1 Reward Mile per dollar

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card has much to offer, including no annual fee, a decent insurance package, flexible redemption options and rewards on every dollar. However, the rewards rate isn’t competitive, and there are gaps in insurance coverage, an important feature of travel cards .

The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard® can help you rebuild your credit score for a small annual fee. However, it offers only a few benefits beyond that: some insurance coverage but no rewards.

Annual Fee: $59

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card guarantees approval for any credit score , which can help cardholders improve their credit history when used responsibly. However, it offers little else for its $59 annual fee besides some insurance coverage.

This secured credit card can help you build your credit score and is accessible to most income levels, considering its low deposit requirement.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® can help you start building credit and even has an ultra-low deposit requirement of only $75. However, this card doesn’t offer rewards and only a few insurance coverages.

Capital One is primarily known for its guaranteed credit cards, which offer both unsecured and secured options. This makes its credit cards a good option for people with bad or no credit . As such, they can be a good credit option for newcomers to Canada .

Still, Capital One has more to offer than credit cards, which act as a credit-building tool. It offers a cash-back card option and a travel rewards card option, both of which have no annual fee and come with built-in insurance coverage. The issuer has recently expanded its selection to include the Capital One Smart Rewards Mastercard, which rewards you specifically for paying off your credit card bill.

That being said, Capital One credit cards are still very basic, with few perks and features. They’re best for people who either need to build credit, are looking for an additional incentive to pay off their balance or want a basic no-annual-fee card with few rewards.

You can apply for a credit card online through Capital One’s website. You can also apply in person, but in Canada, there’s only one branch office located in Toronto.

Select the card you wish to apply for and click the “Apply Now” button. You will be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, birth date, employment and income.

You can even use their “Quick Check” eligibility checker online to check if you’ll be approved before you apply without affecting your credit score.

Capital One does not specify a limit on the number of credit cards it will issue to a single cardholder. However, the number of cards you can be approved for will depend on your financial situation and credit history. Bear in mind that the more credit cards you apply for at once, the more it can negatively impact your credit score.

What is the best Capital One card?

The best Capital One credit card depends on how you plan to use it. In terms of rewards value, the Capital One Smart Rewards Mastercard earns the most rewards value per year. Both the Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard and the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard are good options for building credit.

Which is the easiest Capital One Card to get?

The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard and the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard offer guaranteed approval.

Where can I pay my Capital One credit card?

You can make an electronic payment using your bank’s online banking platform. You can also set up a pre-authorized debit service to pay your bill.

Can I get a Capital One card in Canada?

Yes, five credit cards are available through Capital One Canada.

Courtney Reilly-Larke is the deputy editor of Forbes Advisor Canada. Previously, she was the associate editor of personal finance at MoneySense. She was also managing editor of Best Health Magazine and has contributed to publications such as Cottage Life and Blog TO. She currently lives in Toronto.

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Tracki GPS Tracker for Vehicles, USA Made Tech. 4G LTE Car GPS Tracking Device. Unlimited Distance, US &amp; Worldwide. Small Portable Real time Mini Magnetic. Subscription Needed

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Tracki GPS Tracker for Vehicles, USA Made Tech. 4G LTE Car GPS Tracking Device. Unlimited Distance, US & Worldwide. Small Portable Real time Mini Magnetic. Subscription Needed

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  • Subscription required for each device. #1 Best Selling for 3 years. USA made Tech. Unlimited distance real time tracking 4G LTE +3 Bands. Full USA & worldwide coverage. International SIM card included. USA based company focused in GPS tracking. Our competition are just white label resellers. Our clients to name a few, are cellular Giant Vodafone & UPS. Track Vehicles, Cars, trucks, Children, ATV, assets. For each device a monthly fee of 19.95USD is required or as low as 9.95USD for long term plan
  • Smallest & lightest 1.8x1.6x 0.7in & only 1.26 oz. Combined 4G+3G+2G technology, best coverage as opposed to trackers with only 4G connection. In USA requires AT&T or T-Mobile coverage. Includes: Strong Magnet, Waterproof Silicone Cover, Belt Clip, Key Ring & Lanyard Use as gps tracker for trailers, luggage GPS tracker, key tracker, car tracker devices. The tracker features up to 5-years location history We believe the customer is king and offer live customer support 24/7 phone and chat.
  • Rechargeable battery lasts up to 2-5 days (depending on tracking mode) with real time tracking updates at 1-5min intervals and up to 60 days with 1-3 tracking updates p/day (battery saver mode). Optional 3,500mAh battery+magnetic waterproof box available providing x6 longer battery life: 3-4 weeks at 1min update and up to 10 months in battery saver mode (Search item B07YVNV82V). Use as GPS tracker for luggage, GPS tracker for kids, asset GPS tracker, vehicle tracker.
  • Tracking technology uses GPS primarily and Wi-Fi & GSM as a secondary backup. Tracki scans for nearby WiFi routers for accurate location when GPS is unavailable. View live tracking on the map, set real-time alerts when device crosses a geo-fence zone you preset when used as gps tracking device for car, tracking device for children or valuables. Receive SOS, low-battery, speed & movement alerts via push notification, email or (optional) SMS. Use as a cars tracker, GPS tracker for vehicles, kids GPS tracker
  • Our lifetime warranty covers lost or damaged devices. Tracki is cutting-edge, easy to set up and works right out-of-the-box within minutes without meddling with car & vehicle electronics. Use as a tracking device for cars, boat GPS tracker, bike tracker and more. Tracki's highly-rated dedicated mobile and web app is compatible with: Android, iOS and all web browsers (IOS 13 and up, Android 6 and up). Includes magnet attachment for GPS tracker car and waterproof silicone cover. gps para carros escondidos

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  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 64% 11% 8% 4% 12% 12%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Customers like the quality, accuracy, and ease of installation of the location tracker. For example, they say it works well for their purposes, the tracking accuracy is remarkable, and the technical support is outstanding. They appreciate the size, and performance. That said, some complain about the value and battery life.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the location tracker. For example, they mention it works well for their purposes, has great features, and is worth the money. Some say it's a great tracker to use for kids and has an unexpected feature. That said, most are happy with the decent price.

"...The subscription plans are transparently priced, without any hidden fees or surprises , making it easy to choose the plan that best suits individual..." Read more

"I bought this device a few months ago and it is wonderful . I have never had an issue with it. I am able to track my vehicle at any time...." Read more

"...It has never died on me. It sends you a battery alert when the tracker is getting low, and you can also set the tracker to turn 'inactive' when it's..." Read more

"... Cheaper than a security camera system in the driveway or doorbell...." Read more

Customers like the accuracy of the location tracker. They mention that it provides real-time location updates with precision, and is easy to use. Some say that the device is small yet super accurate, and provides accurate information.

"...The tracking accuracy is remarkable , providing real-time location updates with precision...." Read more

"...I have never had an issue with it. I am able to track my vehicle at any time . The app is easy to use and the device lasts for days at at time...." Read more

"...One extra feature is that you can also use the tracker to find your phone , you press the right button on the device and it will send a loud alarm to..." Read more

"...It is VERY hard to see a green path /line on the earth view map. It needs to be a contrast color...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the technical support provided by the location tracker. They mention that the service is outstanding, with a live person available 24 hours a day. The patience, knowledge, and willingness to help are truly remarkable. Customers also appreciate the excellent service from the device.

"...that combines top-quality devices, competitive prices, and excellent customer service , Tracki is the clear choice." Read more

"... Very helpful and willing to go the extra mile. They appear to be interested in my feedback...." Read more

"Once you figure it out it’s easy to use. Customer service chat was great and very easy to cancel. I plan to reenable as needed. Good battery life." Read more

"... Easy to call and get the answers I needed. Thank you Tracki!" Read more

Customers find the installation process of the location tracker very simple. They mention that the app is one of the best, and the activation process was easy. They also say that it takes no time to learn everything you need to know, and that they have had zero technical issues with the units.

"...Their devices are compact, lightweight, and easy to use , making them ideal for tracking valuable possessions, loved ones, or even pets...." Read more

"...I am able to track my vehicle at any time. The app is easy to use and the device lasts for days at at time...." Read more

"...The app was very easy to install and connect to the device, and picking the subscription package for the data was also very easy...." Read more

"...The app is very easy to use & has many options. It also shows the battery level so you don't have to go get it to check...." Read more

Customers like the size of the location tracker. They say it's compact and lightweight, making it incredibly portable. Some customers also say it takes up little space and is easy to conceal in their vehicle. They also say that it stores maps of many days in the past.

"...Their devices are compact , lightweight, and easy to use, making them ideal for tracking valuable possessions, loved ones, or even pets...." Read more

"...The tracker itself is very light and small (picture attached) and does not weigh down my daughter, I tucked it into the bottom of her bag...." Read more

"...Great form factor, very compact and discreet . Battery life is great, especially with the extended battery packs that I later purchased...." Read more

"...It’s also small and easy to conceal.The magnet is very strong." Read more

Customers like the performance of the location tracker. They mention that it is fast, accurate, and has an immediate response. They also appreciate the outstanding performance, user-friendly interface, and fast charge. The app is very responsive and when the device starts moving, they get an alert. The network and ensures that the device operates at peak efficiency.

"...an exceptional tracking solution with advanced features and reliable performance , but they also provide unbeatable value through their affordable..." Read more

"...The app has many features, such as speed notifications , movement notifications, geofence notifications, location sharing to others, battery level,..." Read more

"...I would suggest using the more frequent update because it doesn’t show real time , it lags a minute or so behind" Read more

"...damaged - the replacement works all of the time, is accurate, and charges fast ..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the battery life of the location tracker. Some mention that it has great battery life, while others say that it dies very fast. Some customers also say that the device essentially shuts itself off between updates.

"...It does lose battery quickly even when it's turned off & not being used, I noticed.When the car is at home & I push update, sometimes it will...." Read more

"...Additionally, the battery life is impressive , ensuring uninterrupted tracking for extended periods without the need for frequent recharging...." Read more

"...I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars because the battery kinda drains fast (I guess it depends on how often you use it and the settings you turned on),..." Read more

"...The app is easy to use and the device lasts for days at at time ...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the value of the location tracker. They mention that it requires an expensive subscription and a fee for the tracking service. Some say that there is no free trial or option to test to see if it meets their needs.

"...I do think the pricing is a little too high for one month but I understand you're getting real time tracking and not like Apple Air tags where you..." Read more

"...And they were very expensive ...." Read more

"...And there was a 20% chance it would find it. This was a total waste of $$ , imo." Read more

"...used Spygps prior but the battery life was terrible and the subscription very expensive ." Read more

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    2. Physical SIM cards. A physical SIM card must be added to your phone or tablet. This might mean taking out your "real" SIM card (that powers your mobile plan here in Canada) and risk losing or damaging it, or you might have a dual-SIM phone that can accept a second physical SIM card. How much it costs: Usually $15 USD and up

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    In fact, these SimOptions eSIMs are the best sim card deals for Canada in 2024, much cheaper than buying a local prepaid sim card in Canada. The international eSIM cards are valid in up to 141 countries, including Canada: 1 GB data (5G ready) for 7 days = $6 USD. 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD.

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    Here are the main features of T-Mobile's "Pay As You Go" plan: Recurring monthly fee of US$3 per month. You get a combined total of 30 minutes of calls, 30 texts, or any combination of minutes and texts that add up to 30. Additional outgoing/incoming calls or texts are US$0.10 each. Includes nationwide roaming and nationwide long distance ...

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    For example, you might have to pay at least 29 CAD for 1.5 GB of data in Canada, excluding the SIM card cost. In contrast, Tuque Mobile eSIM (Airalo) offers 5 GB for 25 USD, Holafly eSIM provides 10 GB for 34 USD, and Nomad eSIM offers 5 GB for 24 USD, all at more affordable rates.

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    Four of the major mobile network carriers in Canada offer the best SIM card plans for tourists: Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility, and Freedom Mobile. 1. Best Canada Rogers Wireless SIM Card Plans and Price. 2.5GB data + unlimited Canada-wide talk (30 days): $40 CAD.

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    A Tourist Sim Card in Canada costs between $8 CAD and $24 CAD in August 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose. Alternatively, an eSim in Canada will cost between $6 USD and $35 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

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    If you're a new customer, insert the SIM card into your device to get connected. For existing customers, Sign in to your MyRogers account. If you've got a 5G phone, make sure you're using a 5G SIM card. (For Pay As You Go TM service, contact us or visit one of our stores to activate your SIM card).

  27. Best Capital One Credit Cards In Canada For August 2024

    When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team considers an exhaustive list of data points. With Capital One, the scoring model takes into account ...

  28. Amazon.com: Tracki GPS Tracker for Vehicles, USA Made Tech. 4G LTE Car

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