Spring Break: Avoid Surprises with Roaming Charges

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Youssef
A true Swiss army knife, Youssef has a fairly wide range of skills. Officially Growth Manager, he is also involved in the production of content for the site and the presence of planhub on social networks. Here, Youssef dissects all the mobile and internet news for you.

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Summary

The spring break period is the perfect time to take a break and fly off to new horizons. Whether with family, friends, or even alone, it’s the ideal moment to escape the cold and explore destinations like the United States, Mexico, or Cuba. However, after such a great vacation, there’s nothing more unpleasant than being caught off guard by excessive roaming fees upon your return. This article aims to provide some tips to help optimize your vacation and avoid any unpleasant surprises with your mobile plan.

When will the spring break 2025 take place in Quebec?

Spring break 2025 will take place from Monday, March 3 to Friday, March 7 for most elementary and secondary schools in Quebec. However, cégeps and universities may have slightly different dates, so the schedule may vary for these institutions. This school break is eagerly awaited by many students and their parents, but it tends to cause some disruption in post-secondary institutions.

Choosing the right Cell Phone Plan

Traveling is an adventure, but roaming fees can quickly turn your getaway into a financial nightmare. At PlanHub, we understand that staying connected is essential, especially if you frequently travel to the United States or Mexico. Some providers offer plans that include special rates for these destinations, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Granted, it’s not always the most economical solution, but it’s the most convenient if you want to keep your phone number while traveling. Before you leave, be sure to compare offers on our platform to find the option that suits you best and travel with peace of mind!

Find the Cell Phone Plan that suits you!

Increases in roaming fees by providers

Rogers and Fido have announced that they will begin charging higher roaming fees starting March 3. This announcement comes just a few weeks before spring break. Needless to say, the two providers have timed it well! With these changes, roaming fees will now be $14 per day in the United States and $16 per day elsewhere. This new policy makes Rogers and Fido price competitors to Bell and Telus. Meanwhile, Freedom Mobile and Public Mobile continue to offer roaming fees as part of their more affordable plans.

Fortunately, there is another option – eSIM cards. eSIM cards can be easily activated and don’t require long-term contracts, allowing for reasonable roaming charges on nearly all local or international networks without needing to change your mobile device. It’s a great way to reduce unnecessary costs while ensuring access from virtually anywhere in the world.

What is an eSIM card?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card integrated directly into your phone. Unlike physical SIM cards, it doesn’t require any hardware installation: everything is done online. It allows you to activate a local or international mobile plan with just a few clicks, making it ideal for avoiding roaming fees during your travels.

How to buy an eSIM card?

With Simbud, comparing and purchasing an eSIM has never been easier. This platform lets you find the best offers from multiple providers, covering over 120 destinations worldwide, all in just a few clicks.

Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM requires no physical support: everything is done online. Once you select your plan on Simbud, you’ll receive a QR code via email. Simply scan it with your phone to instantly activate your plan, without waiting for delivery or searching for a store abroad.

Easily compare different eSIM options for your travels in just a few clicks.

By choosing an eSIM through Simbud, you’ll enjoy much more affordable rates compared to traditional roaming fees, which can reach up to $16 per day with some Canadian providers. Whether you’re traveling to the United States, Europe, or elsewhere, it’s the ideal solution to stay connected without breaking your budget!

Buy a local SIM card, but...

Opting for a local SIM card may seem like a good alternative to save on roaming fees, but it comes with several drawbacks. First, it requires you to handle your phone by removing your main SIM card and inserting the new one. While this may seem straightforward, it carries risks. You could lose or damage your original SIM card, leaving you without access to your usual number.

Additionally, buying a local SIM card takes time. You often need to find a kiosk at the airport or in town, present identification, and sometimes wait for activation. Not to mention, the prices aren’t always more affordable than an eSIM, especially for short stays.

With an eSIM, everything is done online, with no physical handling or risk of loss. Thanks to Simbud, you can compare different offers and choose the best option for your destination in just a few clicks!

Fonus Mobile: An interesting option but with limitations

Fonus Mobile can be a good alternative for those looking for a simple and international mobile plan, particularly for frequent travelers between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It offers plans with unlimited data, calls, and texts in over 100 countries and supports 5G in many locations. However, there are several drawbacks to consider.

Some users have reported issues with customer service, particularly difficulties when activating the SIM card and delays in canceling subscriptions. Additionally, while the network is global, service interruptions have been reported. The mobile app also has some flaws, such as call dropouts and issues with receiving SMS. These issues may be frustrating for some users, though Fonus remains an appealing option for travelers.

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