Traveling abroad while staying connected is essential for many users. However, roaming fees can quickly increase your bill, especially if you don’t choose the right plan. It can be a significant rise, particularly when the wrong plan is selected. Therefore, it’s crucial to compare the options carefully to choose the best plan. If you’re still unsure, our guide offers a great comparison. What are the roaming offers from providers, their prices, and the countries covered? We’ll answer all these questions!
What is Roaming?
Winter often means traveling south for many Canadians, seeking sunshine and warmth.
However, staying connected is crucial for them. That’s where roaming comes in. How? By allowing them to use their phones abroad, even outside their provider’s coverage. This includes calls, messages, and mobile data.
In short, roaming helps you stay in touch, no matter where you are. All of this comes at a cost, which we will detail for each provider.
Which Canadian providers offer roaming plans?
In Canada, several providers offer roaming options for travelers. Bell, for example, offers the “Roam Better” option, allowing the use of data, calls, and text messages internationally for a daily rate. Rogers and TELUS also allow you to keep your national plan while traveling, with daily fees. Other providers like Vidéotron and Freedom Mobile offer all-inclusive plans. These options may vary depending on the destination and users’ needs.
Bell's Roaming Plans
With Bell’s roaming option “Roam Better,” you can easily continue talking, texting, and using your mobile data in over 200 destinations worldwide.
How does it work?
Add the “Roam Better” option, and you only pay for the days you use your phone while roaming. Convenient, right? You are charged only when you need it.
Roaming rates:
- In the United States: $13.00/day
- Internationally: $16.00/day
Additionally, if you have a 5G device, you can enjoy 5G networks in certain countries.
If you’re not a Bell customer, here are some plans that might interest you.
Bell
Cell Phone Plan
150 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Bell
Cell Phone Plan
200 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Rogers Roaming Plans
Roam Like Home is a popular roaming option from Rogers, allowing you to use your domestic plan’s data, minutes, and texts while traveling abroad. This feature makes it easy to stay connected, as you continue to use your regular plan without worrying about extra roaming charges.
How it works:
- Simply activate Roam Like Home before you travel, and you will be charged a daily fee for the days you use your phone abroad.
- You can continue using your usual plan, avoiding unexpected costs.
Roaming Rates:
- In the United States: $12/day
- Internationally: $12/day (select countries may differ)
Additionally, Roam Like Home offers seamless access to 5G networks in some countries, provided you have a 5G-enabled device.
Rogers
Cell Phone Plan
150 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Messages
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Rogers
Cell Phone Plan
200 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Messages
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
TELUS Roaming Plans
TELUS offers Easy Roam, an option that allows you to use your mobile plan abroad without unexpected charges. This service includes unlimited calls and texts, as well as access to your plan’s data, just as if you were in Canada. It can be activated through the Mon TELUS app or by texting “VOYAGE” to 7626.
Rates:
- Easy Roam – United States: $14/day
- Easy Roam – International (200+ destinations): $16/day
Without Easy Roam (pay-as-you-go rates):
- Data: $5.00/MB
- Calls: $1.60/minute
- Text Messages: $0.75/message
If you’re not a TELUS customer, here are some plans that might interest you.
Telus
Cell Phone Plan
150 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Telus
Cell Phone Plan
200 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Fizz Roaming Plans
Fizz offers flexible roaming options for both the United States and international travel. Sometimes, it may be more cost-effective to modify your plan’s coverage rather than purchasing a travel add-on.
Travel Add-Ons – United States
Fizz provides travel add-ons for occasional use in the United States:
Data:
- 5 GB → $15
- 2 GB → $8
- 1 GB → $5
Text Messages:
- 200 SMS → $5 (incoming SMS remain free)
- 200 SMS → $5 (incoming SMS remain free)
Calls:
- 60 minutes (incoming and outgoing calls) → $3
Travel add-ons are activated upon purchase and remain valid until the end of the current billing cycle and the next one.
Travel Add-Ons – International
Fizz also offers travel add-ons for over 200 destinations worldwide. Purchasing a data block allows you to use it until it runs out, with the option to buy additional blocks if needed. These add-ons remain valid until the end of the current billing cycle and the next one.
If you’re not a Fizz customer, here are some plans that might interest you.
Fizz
Cell Phone Plan
50 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Fizz
Cell Phone Plan
60 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Freedom Mobile Roaming Plans
ELUS offers roaming options tailored to the needs of travelers in over 100 destinations. Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, different solutions are available to stay connected without unexpected charges on your bill.
Frequent Travelers: Monthly plans that include roaming data, as well as unlimited calls and texts, with no overage fees.
Occasional Travelers: 30-day passes to activate before departure, with:
- 1 GB for $20
- 5 GB for $30
Unlimited calls and texts are included.
Freedom Mobile
Cell Phone Plan
60 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Ontario
Freedom Mobile
Cell Phone Plan
80 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Ontario
Vidéotron Roaming Plans
Vidéotron’s roaming plan is perfect for travelers and those with loved ones abroad. With the Canada and International Cellular Plan – 45 GB, stay connected in over 100 destinations, including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, and Mexico.
Pricing:
- $75/month for connectivity in Canada and internationally.
- Save $15/month by bundling this plan with Internet and Mobility services.
Included Data:
- 45 GB at full speed in Canada and the included countries.
- 100 GB/year bonus usable in Canada.
Plan Benefits:
- Unlimited calls and texts within Canada and included countries.
- Unlimited Wi-Fi calling in 120 countries.
- Extensive international coverage.
- Reliable LTE and 5G network for fast and stable connection.
If you’re not a Vidéotron customer, here are some plans that might interest you.
Vidéotron
Cell Phone Plan
60 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Vidéotron
Cell Phone Plan
100 GB of mobile dataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Roaming Plans or eSIM Card?
When comparing the roaming options from Canadian providers, it’s clear that each service has its advantages in terms of coverage and pricing for travelers. However, an interesting alternative to traditional roaming plans is the eSIM card. The eSIM offers greater flexibility, allowing users to switch providers directly from their device without the need for a physical SIM card. Additionally, eSIM is ideal for frequent international travelers, as it allows for the selection of local plans without the hassle of changing physical cards.
If you’re looking to optimize your roaming costs while being able to compare the best offers available for your destination, Simbud is an excellent option. This service makes it easy to find the best eSIM options for your travels, helping you save on roaming fees while ensuring you stay connected. Through its platform, you can compare plans from various providers and choose the one that best fits your needs, whether it’s for data, call minutes, or messaging.
