Canada eSIM in 2025: Best value for money options

Hi everyone, I'm Alisa, a globetrotting blogger, officially invited by PhoneSIMGo. I'll be sharing the amazing 12 days I spent in Canada. During this trip, I explored in-depth the country's natural beauty, rich culture and welcoming people. In this post, I will share in detail my experience of using eSIM while traveling in Canada, answer some frequently asked questions and provide practical advice.

1. Which is the best eSIM to use when traveling in Canada?

On my recent trip to Canada, I had the pleasure of using eSIM services from three major telecom carriers: Telus, Bell, and SaskTel, each with their own unique advantages and scenarios. Below is a detailed comparison of my experience with these three carriers, which I hope will help you make an informed choice before your trip.

Telus: All-round coverage and reliability

Coverage

Telus, one of the largest telecom carriers in Canada, offers extensive network coverage. In the cities I visited such as Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, Telus signal is always very stable. Even in some remote areas, such as Jasper National Park, the signal was relatively good when close to major visitor centers.

Data speeds

Telus' internet speeds are impressive. I felt little delay when using social media and making video calls. Especially when I needed to quickly upload photos and videos of my travels, the Telus connection allowed me to get the job done quickly without having to worry about the network lagging.

Customer Service

Telus' customer service is also commendable. Minor issues I encountered while traveling were resolved quickly, and I felt at ease with the professionalism and friendliness of the customer service staff.

Bell: High-speed connection and best experience

Network Quality

Bell is known for its fast and reliable internet. In downtown Toronto, I experienced Bell's internet speeds to be very fast, with satisfactory web page loading and video smoothness. The connection was very stable whether I was in a cafe or in a hotel.

Special Packages

Bell also offers a number of short-term data packages for tourists, for those traveling for shorter stays in Canada. Such flexible options allow me to quickly find the right plan for my needs.

for business travelers

As a travel blogger, I need to stay connected to my team at all times. While using Bell's network, I participated in a teleconference where the video quality was crystal clear and the audio was smooth with no lag at all. This allowed me to complete my work tasks efficiently and made me feel connected to my team.

SaskTel: the budget-friendly option

Budget friendly packages

SaskTel is certainly an attractive option for those traveling on a budget. Its packages are usually more economical than other carriers, allowing me to save money during my travels.

Coverage

While SaskTel's coverage is primarily centered in Saskatchewan, it has relatively good signal quality in the province's major cities and towns. SaskTel's internet connection was also very reliable in some of the places I visited in Saskatchewan.

Good for short-term trips

SaskTel offers great short-term packages if your trip is focused on Saskatchewan. Here, I was able to enjoy data services at a lower cost, which took some of the pressure off my travel budget.

2. Does eSIM support all regions in Canada?

Yes, eSIM is supported in all major cities and most remote areas of Canada. However, be aware that while most cities have good network coverage, some remote nature reserves or mountainous areas may have weaker signals. In Jasper National Park, which I explored, while the signal was good near the main visitor center, it was weaker deeper into certain hiking trails.

How can I ensure my internet connection in remote areas?

• Know the coverage ahead of time: When choosing an eSIM provider, check their coverage maps.
• Download offline maps: Before you set off, it is recommended to download offline maps in case of emergency.
• Use Wi-Fi booster: Use Wi-Fi in public places such as hotels, cafes, etc. to ensure that you can still stay in touch when there is no network.

3. What is the difference between eSIM and data roaming?

Understanding the difference between eSIM and traditional data roaming helps travelers make a more informed choice:

• Flexibility:
  • eSIM: Allows users to switch between multiple networks at will, especially good for multi-country travel.
  • Data Roaming: lacks flexibility as it usually requires confirmation of costs and packages with the operator before departure.
• Cost:
  • eSIM: Usually able to choose a local data package with transparent costs, avoiding high international roaming charges.
  • Data roaming: often results in unexpectedly high bills, especially for unknowingly using data.
• Activation process:
  • eSIM: the activation process is quick and easy, usually just scanning a QR code.
  • Data roaming: needs to be set up before leaving the country and can involve tedious steps.

During my travels, I noticed that the cost of connecting to the internet via eSIM was considerably lower than the international roaming packages I had previously used.

Expensive Data Roaming Charges

On one of my Canadian trips, I was so busy packing and planning my itinerary that I surprisingly forgot to purchase an eSIM in advance, thinking that I could solve the problem through data roaming. However, upon arriving in Vancouver, I quickly realized my mistake. My roaming charges quickly skyrocketed as I frequently used my phone to navigate, find food and share photos. My heart was bleeding every time I checked my traffic consumption. Luckily, after a friend reminded me, I decided to buy an eSIM immediately, a choice that not only helped me get rid of the high roaming charges, but also allowed me to enjoy a fast and stable internet connection throughout my trip. This experience made me realize how important it is to prepare and choose the right network plan in advance!

4. How to buy a Canada eSIM?

During my trip to Canada, I chose the eSIM service provided by PhoneSIMGo, which was a wise decision. Below is my detailed sharing of the purchase process and experience.

Easy purchase process

The process of purchasing eSIM was very easy, which made my preparation before going abroad much less troublesome. Through PhoneSIMGo's website, I was able to easily find a data package that suited my needs. The entire process took only a few steps:

• Choose a package: the website offers a wide selection of packages to choose from, covering different data needs. I chose a package that suited my 12-day trip, ensuring enough traffic for navigation, social media and work communication.
• Purchase online: to make a purchase, all I had to do was fill in some basic information and no real name was required. This is very appealing to me because it protects my privacy. In the modern world, the security of personal information is crucial.
• Quick access to QR code: Once the purchase was completed, I received a QR code and the steps to activate the eSIM were very simple.

Quality customer service

Network issues are one of my biggest worries when traveling, but PhoneSIMGo's customer service gave me peace of mind. They provide 24/7 support to ensure that I get prompt help in case of any problem.

• Quick Response : During my trip, I had a problem with unstable signal once. I immediately contacted their customer service and it didn't take long to get a response. Not only did they patiently guide me through the troubleshooting process, they also took the initiative to provide advice on network optimization.
• Professional Competence: I was impressed by the professional knowledge of the customer service staff. Their ability to quickly identify problems and provide effective solutions made me worry-free while traveling.

Cooperation with official carriers

Cooperation with major telecom operators such as Telus, Bell and SaskTel ensures the quality of the eSIM services offered by PhoneSIMGo.

• Network Stability: Thanks to the strong network coverage of these carriers, using an eSIM from PhoneSIMGo has allowed me to maintain a good connection in most areas. Whether I was in a busy city center or a remote nature reserve, my internet experience was smooth.
• HIGH DATA SPEEDS: With these official partnerships, users can enjoy fast data transfer speeds that allow me to use social media, watch videos, and handle work emails with little to no delay.

Privacy Protection

Privacy protection is another important reason why I chose PhoneSIMGo. In today's digital age, it is especially important to protect personal information.

• No real-name information required: When I purchased my eSIM, I was reassured that I was not required to provide my personal real-name information. In this way, my private data is effectively protected and the risk of potential privacy leakage is reduced.
• Transparent Terms of Service: During the purchase process, I read the Terms of Service carefully and found that PhoneSIMGo's protection measures for user privacy are very clear, which added a lot of trust to me.

5. How is the internet speed with eSIM?

While studying and working in Canada, I frequently accessed social media such as Google, Instagram and TikTok. My experience is as follows:

• Fast loading: In the city center, web pages and apps loaded almost instantly and watching videos was smooth and seamless when using Telus' network.
• Uploading experience: I was able to quickly upload photos and videos when visiting natural attractions to share my travels with friends and family.

For example, at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, I easily uploaded multiple photos of beautiful flowers with little to no delay. This fast internet connection allowed me to share my travel experience with my family in a timely manner, enhancing the enjoyment of my trip.

6. When is the best time for me to activate my eSIM?

I recommend activating your eSIM as soon as you arrive in Canada. This ensures that you are connected to the network when you arrive at the airport, making it easy to navigate and access information. I activated my eSIM quickly after arriving at Vancouver International Airport, which made it easy to find my way to downtown.

Tips after activation:

• Check connection: After activation, make sure your phone is properly connected to the network by performing a speed test.
• Set data limit: Set data usage limit according to the package to avoid unnecessary charges.

7. Solving problems with eSIM

During my 12-day trip to Canada, eSIM kept me in seamless communication with friends and work colleagues. Whether I was at a café, attraction or hotel, I was able to contact them via WhatsApp and email. Especially when I need to resolve work issues, the fast and stable network allows me to handle emails and participate in video conferences at any time without worrying about poor signal.

On one occasion, I needed to conduct a teleconference in Vancouver. With eSIM, I was able to connect to the meeting without any problems, and both the video and audio were crystal clear. This allowed me to complete my work tasks efficiently and stay in touch with my team even when I was on the go.

8. Is eSIM privacy guaranteed?

Yes, using an eSIM enhances user privacy. Many eSIM providers do not require users to provide personal information during the purchase process, which protects my privacy to a certain extent. In addition, the embedded design of eSIM makes it more difficult for information to be copied or stolen.

How can I ensure privacy security?

• Choose a reputable operator: Make sure the eSIM provider you choose has a good reputation and privacy protection policy.
• Use VPN: Use VPN in public Wi-Fi environment to further protect personal data.

9. What if my phone is not compatible with eSIM?

If your phone does not support eSIM, a traditional physical SIM card is still a viable alternative. You can purchase a local SIM card when you arrive in Canada.

Pros and cons of alternatives

• Pros:
  • Simple to purchase: SIM cards are available in many stores and convenience stores and are easy to obtain.
  • Can choose different packages: you can choose a data package that suits your needs.
• Disadvantages:
  • Replacement of SIM card: SIM card needs to be replaced, which may affect the use of the device, especially for dual SIM phones.
  • Privacy Concerns: Personal information is usually required when purchasing a SIM card, and privacy protection is weak.

Advantages of using the alternative solution eSIM

• Flexibility: eSIM allows users to quickly switch between multiple networks without having to physically change cards.
• Convenience: Simple online purchase and activation process eliminates the need to visit a physical store.
• Privacy Protection: Personal information is usually not required, enhancing privacy protection.

Further review of compatibility issues can be found at The 2025 esim Compatibility List

10. eSIM is suitable for which travelers?

eSIM is ideal for the following types of travelers:

• Digital Nomads: need to stay connected to the internet at all times in order to carry out their work.
• Social Media Enthusiasts: want to share travel updates and quickly upload photos and videos at all times.
• Family travelers: need to stay connected, be safe, and be able to access information at all times while traveling.
• Eco-travelers: want to reduce e-waste and environmental impact and choose more sustainable communication methods.

Frequently asked questions about using eSIM

1. Does Canada support eSIM?
   • Yes, major carriers in Canada, such as Rogers, Bell, and Telus, as well as PhoneSIMGo, support eSIM, which travelers can easily purchase and use.
2. How to purchase an eSIM in Canada?
   • You can purchase an eSIM through your carrier's official website, mobile apps or local retail stores. Real names are usually not required and the purchase process is simple.
3. Is the eSIM activation process complicated?
   • Not complicated! After purchase, you will receive an activation QR code. Simply scan the QR code in your phone settings to activate it, and the whole process usually takes no more than a few minutes.
4. What is the approximate price of the eSIM package?
   • Package prices vary by carrier and data traffic, usually between C$20 and C$100, so it is recommended to choose the right package for your needs.
5. How to ensure network coverage in Canada?
   • Before choosing a package, you can check the carrier's network coverage map to make sure that the city and area you are traveling to has a good signal.
6. Will I incur extra charges for using eSIM?
   • Using eSIM itself will not incur extra charges, but depending on the package, extra charges may be incurred for usage beyond data traffic, so it is recommended to pay attention to data usage.
7. What should I do if I need technical support in Canada?
   • Most carriers offer 24-hour online customer support, which can be contacted through their app or website to resolve any issues.
8. Can eSIM be used in other countries?
   • Some eSIM packages may support international roaming, but this depends on the package you choose, and it is recommended to check the applicability of the package before purchase.
9. How do I manage my data traffic?
   • You can check your data usage in your phone settings, and some carriers' apps also offer real-time data monitoring to help you control your traffic.
10. What should I do if my device does not support eSIM?
    • If your device doesn't support eSIM, consider purchasing a traditional SIM card, which Canadian carriers sell at airports and in stores.

Conclusion

Overall, using an eSIM while traveling in Canada is a smart choice. Its flexibility, convenience and affordability make connecting to the internet while traveling much easier. Whether you're a digital nomad, a social media enthusiast, or a family traveler, eSIM has you covered. I hope my experience will be a useful reference for your upcoming trip to Canada, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip!