Can I use my American cell phone when I come to Canada? (2024)

FAQs

Will my USA cell phone work in Canada? ›

Canada primarily uses GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks, so your phone should be GSM-compatible - which shouldn't be a problem for most modern smartphones today.

Most cell phone plans today include Canada-wide calling and texting. This means you can travel to different parts of Canada without paying roaming charges when you call or text. However, depending on your plan, you may be charged fees for using data in Canada when outside your local coverage area.

You will not have access to data, but you can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth without a SIM card. You can also replace your SIM card with one from a local service provider at your destination or use a digital SIM card (eSIM) that can be used without removing your SIM card.

Our Unlimited Ultimate mobile phone plan includes 1 Global Choice country. All Unlimited plans provide unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada. Plus you take your domestic talk, text and data allowances with you to Mexico and Canada at no additional charge. Learn more about our Unlimited plan options.

Can I use my AT&T cell phone for free in Canada? When traveling to Canada, your phone will work the same as it does within the United States, and you won't need to pay additional roaming charges or fees so long as you're on an AT&T unlimited plan. Keep in mind, roaming may be at 2G speeds.

Remember, calling, texting and data use in Mexico and Canada are included at no extra cost in our Unlimited mobile plans. $10/day in other TravelPass countries.

You can use airplane mode to avoid roaming charges when travelling. You won't be able to send or receive text messages or phone calls, or use data services, but you could connect to a Wi-Fi network to check your email or browse the internet.

International calls are astronomically expensive,and even though Canada is part of the NANP countries you are charged international calling rates when calling Canada from the US. However, it is not always necessary to use cellular services to make day-to-day international calls.

Use Wi-Fi communication apps

If you want to skip additional charges altogether, you can leave your phone on airplane mode for the entire trip. The good news is that today so many communication apps operate over Wi-Fi that you may not even miss having cellular data.

Telus is another popular choice for tourists in Canada. They offer a variety of plans with flexible data options and competitive pricing. Bell Canada offers a range of prepaid plans, including daily, weekly, and monthly options. Their coverage is extensive across Canada, and they provide fast 4G/LTE speeds.

Can I just buy a SIM card for phone in Canada? ›

In Canada, you will get a SIM card when you sign on to a plan with any service provider. If you are travelling to the country, you can also purchase prepaid SIM cards from these operators. SIM cards are also available at: Gas stations.

With Roam Like Home, your destination is seen as “home”, so with a Canada-wide plan you won't be charged long-distance fees for calls made within the country, or back to Canada. Long-distance charges will only occur if you call a country outside of your destination.

Yes. US currency is accepted at all most local attractions, restaurants and shops. Please visit the Currency & Exchange Rate page to learn further details on using your American money and the Canadian Dollar.

Yes, with the Verizon Plan Unlimited you can make calls, send texts and use data within Mexico and Canada: Unlimited calls. Unlimited messages. 2 GB high speed data/day and unlimited data at 3G speeds thereafter.

Learn more by visiting our TravelPass FAQs. TravelPass charges are: $5/day in Canada and Mexico* (You won't be charged if your domestic phone plan already includes calls, texts and dat in Canada and Mexico).

Approximately 90% of Canadian mobile phone users subscribe to one of the four largest national telecommunication companies (Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, Freedom Mobile and Telus Mobility) or one of their subsidiary brands.

Most Smartphones do, as long as they are not locked to a network, or you do not have a service plan that has Roaming data/calling allowance with the service provider it is locked to. If it is not network locked you can get a SIM calling/data pack at most international airports.

You can use your mobile phone anywhere in our coverage area in Canada. You may be billed long distance in some circ*mstances.