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TELUS is Canada's second-largest wireless carrier, and their eSIM offering promises fast activation with access to one of the country's most extensive networks.
However, premium pricing and mixed customer feedback mean it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering switching to an eSIM in 2025, this guide will help you make an informed choice without the marketing spin.
TELUS Mobility eSIM lets you connect to TELUS’s network without the hassle of a SIM card - but there’s a catch. To get started, you’ll still need a physical eSIM voucher. Each voucher comes with a unique, one-time QR code that you scan to instantly download your eSIM profile.
You can grab a voucher at any TELUS store or order one online. Once scanned, you’re live on one of Canada’s fastest, widest-reaching networks in just minutes through Telus' Canada eSIM.
TELUS eSIM works on most newer unlocked iPhones and Android devices, and supports dual SIM so you can keep two numbers on one phone - perfect for juggling work and personal lines or adding a local plan while abroad.
Any current TELUS prepaid or postpaid plan works with eSIM. Just keep in mind: if you change phones, you’ll need a new voucher, as each QR code can only be used once.
TELUS eSIM is built for Canadians who want premium network quality and don't mind paying for it. TELUS consistently ranks as one of Canada's top networks, especially in rural areas where other carriers struggle.
However, the eSIM experience varies dramatically by device type. Android users face CAD $10-15 charges for eSIM vouchers that arrive by mail, defeating the purpose of instant digital activation. Multiple users describe the process as "confusing".
Device switching remains a major pain point since TELUS blocks Apple's seamless eSIM migration. Even simple tasks like moving your eSIM to a new phone require contacting customer support or visiting stores.
For frequent travelers, TELUS allows you to use foreign carrier eSIMs while traveling and switch back to your TELUS eSIM when you return home. But if you prioritize simple eSIM management and instant activation, other carriers may offer better experiences.
TELUS eSIM works with any current TELUS Mobility plan - whether prepaid or postpaid - so you’re not limited to special “eSIM-only” packages. That means you can get the same voice, text, and data options you’d have with a regular SIM card, just in a digital format.
Pricing for TELUS eSIM depends entirely on the plan you choose. You’ll pay the same monthly rate as a physical SIM, plus a one-time CAD $15 eSIM voucher fee if you’re activating or swapping.
Here’s an example of how data and pricing might look using current TELUS plan types:
| Plan | Monthly price | Key features | Easy Roam* rate |
| 5G+ Complete | CAD $85 | 100 GB, unlimited Canada talk/text, unlimited Canada calls to 27 selected countries | $5/day |
| 5G+ Complete Canada–US | CAD $95 | 175 GB, unlimited Canada/US talk/text, unlimited Canada calls to 27 selected countries | $5/day |
| 5G+ Complete Canada–US–Mexico–Caribbean | CAD $110 | 250 GB, unlimited talk/text in Canada, US, Mexico, Caribbean, unlimited Canada calls to 27 selected countries | $5/day |
*Easy Roam lets you use your regular TELUS plan’s data, talk, and text while traveling in the U.S. or over 200 other international destinations. Instead of paying per minute or MB, you pay a flat daily fee only on the days you use your phone abroad.
For travel, TELUS partners with carriers in 200+ countries and territories, covering popular spots across most of Europe and Asia. With the new Complete plans, Easy Roam is included for CAD $5 a day - it’s not the cheapest, but it’s simple and predictable.
You can also load a foreign carrier’s eSIM on your device while abroad, then switch back to your TELUS eSIM when you’re home. This makes it easy to grab a cheaper local plan without giving up your Canadian number.
TELUS operates Canada's second-largest wireless network, with coverage reaching 99% of Canadians. The network combines extensive 4G LTE coverage with rapidly expanding 5G deployment in urban and suburban areas.
Source: TELUS
In major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, TELUS eSIM offers consistent 5G connectivity with download speeds often exceeding 200 Mbps.
Suburban areas maintain strong 4G LTE performance, with speeds typically ranging from 50-100 Mbps. Rural coverage is where TELUS often outperforms competitors, maintaining usable data speeds in areas where other carriers struggle.
TELUS eSIM includes full mobile service: unlimited calling across Canada, unlimited texting, and your chosen data allowance. Complete plans add features like voicemail, call display, and conference calling at no extra cost.
Hotspot functionality is included with most plans, and recent Android updates now support dual eSIM functionality. Users report being able to "call/text on both eSIMs while they were on together" on newer Samsung devices like the S24 Ultra.
What TELUS doesn't offer is modern eSIM management. The carrier blocks Apple's automatic eSIM migration feature, forcing customers to contact support or visit stores when switching devices.
There's no self-serve eSIM reinstallation through the app, and Android users still pay CAD $10-15 for eSIM vouchers that arrive by mail.
The charging structure creates an unfair split:
International roaming works with eSIM, but you'll pay premium rates compared to local eSIM alternatives. Advanced features like 5G, Wi-Fi calling, and VoLTE work reliably, but the eSIM management experience feels outdated compared to competitors.
Customer feedback on TELUS eSIM is a mix of strong network praise and sharp criticism of the company’s service experience.
Source: Trustpilot
Users consistently praise the network’s reliability, strong coverage across Canada, and fast 5G speeds. Many say that once the eSIM is set up, it works flawlessly. Business users especially appreciate the stability for work calls in areas where other carriers struggle.
Source: Trustpilot
However, Trustpilot feedback paints a much harsher picture of TELUS overall, with a 1.2/5 TrustScore and 92% of reviews at one star. Many complaints center on customer service frustrations, including long hold times and difficulty reaching knowledgeable support staff.
Some customers report being overcharged, billed incorrectly, or charged cancellation fees despite being told they wouldn’t have to pay. Others describe aggressive sales calls and upselling that feel more like harassment than service.
TELUS offers help via 24/7 phone support, live chat, in-store visits, and the My TELUS app. For eSIM users, there’s no specialized support channel - everything is handled through general mobility support.
Live chat is usually faster to connect than phone lines but can be limited in what it can resolve, often leading to callbacks or escalations. Phone support can handle most issues directly, but during peak times hold times can exceed 30 minutes.
For complex or urgent problems, visiting a TELUS store is often the quickest route. Retail staff can issue new eSIM vouchers and walk through activation, though they may still need to contact technical support for advanced troubleshooting.
This means that while in-person visits can speed things up, they undercut one of eSIM’s biggest advantages - avoiding the need to visit a store in the first place.
The My TELUS app handles basic account management reasonably well. You can check data usage, pay bills, add international roaming packages, and view account details without calling customer service.
The app includes data usage tracking with notifications when you approach plan limits. Bill management is straightforward, and you can set up autopay or make one-time payments easily.
However, the app doesn't handle eSIM-specific functions like reinstallation or device switching. Since TELUS blocks automatic eSIM migration, you'll need to contact support for most eSIM management tasks.
The interface is clean and functional, though not as polished as some competitor apps. Loading times can be slow during peak hours, and some users report occasional crashes when accessing detailed usage data.
If you're looking for different value propositions, here are key alternatives:
| Provider | Strengths | Best for | |
| Airalo | Wide global coverage, instant setup | Travelers needing international eSIMs | |
| Holafly | Unlimited data options abroad | Heavy data users traveling internationally | |
| Nomad | Regional data packs, affordable prices | Budget travelers needing flexible regional plans | |
While TELUS eSIM gives you Canada’s powerhouse network, it comes wrapped in outdated activation hoops, extra fees for Android users, and clunky device switching rules.
In contrast, global eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad let you activate instantly, manage everything in-app, and avoid store visits entirely - often at a fraction of the cost when abroad.
Yes. TELUS Mobility supports eSIM on most modern smartphones, including iPhones from the XS onward and many newer Android models.
The main TELUS Mobility support line is +1 416 940 5995. If you're calling from a TELUS mobile device, you can also dial *611 (free call 27/7/365) to reach customer service.
Setting up a TELUS SIM card is quick: insert it into your unlocked phone, power up, and follow the on-screen prompts. Within minutes, you’ll be connected to TELUS’s network.
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