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SIM Cards
Finding the right SIM card in Canada in 2025 is key to staying connected without high roaming costs. A local SIM gives you affordable data, calls, and texts nationwide, from busy cities like Toronto and Vancouver to remote northern regions. In this guide, we review the top Canadian SIM and eSIM providers — including Telus, Chatr Wireless, and Bell — to help you choose the best option for your trip. You’ll also learn about the growing convenience of eSIMs from Holafly, Nomad, and Airalo, which can be activated instantly before you arrive.
In this article, we explore what local SIM cards are, how they work, and why they remain a smart choice for visitors and residents alike. Telus, Chatr Wireless, and Bell stand out as the top Canadian providers, offering extensive coverage, competitive pricing, and flexible prepaid options. Choosing the right SIM card can help you avoid expensive roaming fees and get the most value from your mobile service.
Beyond physical SIMs, eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular in 2026 for its convenience and instant setup. Providers like Holafly, Nomad, and Airalo make it easy to activate a plan before you land in Canada, saving you time and effort. By looking at both SIM and eSIM options, this guide will help you find the best solution for your trip.
Note *All pricing information in this article is accurate as of October 2, 2025. Prices are subject to change at any time, so we recommend checking directly with each SIM and eSIM provider for the most up-to-date details before making a purchase.*
Using a local SIM card in Canada is one of the easiest ways to save money on mobile service. International roaming fees can add up quickly, especially if you rely on apps like Google Maps to navigate or Spotify to stream music while on the go. A Canadian SIM also provides better data coverage across cities and remote areas, keeping your connection strong wherever you travel. In addition, it helps you avoid roaming charges entirely, while prepaid plans let you control your usage and costs, so you only pay for what you need. This makes staying connected simple, reliable, and worry-free throughout your trip.
The cost of a SIM card in Canada depends on the provider and the data package you choose. With Chatr Wireless, prepaid plans start at around USD $19 per month for unlimited talk and text with a small data allowance, while larger data packages (up to 20 GB and more) range between USD $28 – $47. Telus Prepaid offers plans from about USD $19 – $55 for basic talk, text, and data, with higher-tier options available for travelers who need more gigabytes.
For those who prefer a digital option, eSIMs can also be a convenient choice. Providers like Holafly, Nomad, and Airalo sell Canada eSIM packages starting at about USD $5 - $7.90 for short-term data plans, with prices increasing depending on how much data you need. Whether you choose a physical SIM or eSIM, there’s a wide range of plans to fit different budgets and travel needs.
Buying a SIM card in Canada is fairly straightforward, but it does require a few steps. Travelers can usually find SIM cards at airport kiosks, carrier stores, convenience shops, or electronics retailers. To register, you may be asked for a valid passport or photo ID, and in most cases you’ll need to choose and pay for a prepaid plan before the SIM is activated.
Activation is generally quick, but it’s not instant. You’ll need to insert the SIM into your phone, follow the setup instructions, and sometimes restart your device before the plan is ready to use. A key drawback of local SIM cards is that you won’t have internet access immediately upon landing, since you must first locate a kiosk or store to make the purchase. This makes it less convenient compared to eSIMs, which can be set up in advance and used the moment you arrive.
Check this guide for tips and steps to get it up and running if your SIM card is not working.
When visiting Canada, choosing the right SIM card can make a big difference for staying connected, and here are six of the top providers to consider for reliable service, flexible plans, and affordable rates. Whether you’re exploring cities or venturing into more remote areas, these options cover a variety of needs and budgets.
Chatr Wireless is a budget-friendly prepaid brand owned by Rogers, offering simple and reliable plans for travelers and residents alike. The company is known for straightforward pricing, easy activation, and solid coverage across most urban areas. Chatr is ideal for visitors who want low-cost, no-frills plans and solid coverage in Canadian cities, and it also offers a Chatr eSIM for those who prefer instant activation without a physical SIM card.
| Price/Duration | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $19.00/ Month | 0.5GB (auto-pay bonus) | Unlimited (to any Canadian phone number from anywhere in Canada) | 2000 |
| $28.00/ Month | 3GB + 0.5GB (auto-pay bonus) | Unlimited (to any Canadian phone number from anywhere in Canada) | 2000 |
| $34.00/ Month | 10GB (5 GB base plan + 5 GB auto-pay bonus) | Unlimited (to any Canadian phone number from anywhere in Canada) | 2000 |
| $39.00/ Month | 60GB (30 GB base plan + 30 GB auto-pay bonus) | Unlimited (to any Canadian phone number from anywhere in Canada) | 2000 |
| $47.00/ Month | 80GB (40 GB base plan + 40 GB auto-pay bonus) | Unlimited (to any Canadian phone number from anywhere in Canada) | 2000 |
| $100.00/ Year | No | 400(to any Canadian phone number from anywhere in Canada) | 400 |
| $149.00/ Year | 30GB | Unlimited (to any Canadian phone number from anywhere in Canada) | Unlimited |
Main features:
Telus is one of Canada’s “Big Three” carriers, offering extensive prepaid options for travelers. The company is known for excellent network performance and wide coverage, even in less populated areas. Telus is ideal for travelers who plan to explore both cities and rural areas and want dependable nationwide service, and it also offers a Telus eSIM for those who prefer instant activation without a physical SIM card.
| Price/Duration | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $19.00/ 30 days | No | Unlimited (nation wide) | Unlimited |
| $35.00/ 30 days | 1GB | Unlimited (nation wide) | Unlimited |
| $45.00/ 30 days | 5GB | Unlimited (nation wide) | Unlimited |
| $55.00/ 30 days | 10GB | Unlimited (nation wide) | Unlimited |
| $90.00/ 90 days | 3GB | Unlimited (nationwide minutes with long distance saver) | Unlimited |
| $150.00/ 180 days | 3GB | Unlimited (nationwide minutes with long distance saver) | Unlimited |
| $100.00/ 365 days | No | 400 | 400 |
Main features:
Lucky Mobile is a budget provider owned by Bell, popular for low-cost prepaid plans. It’s best for travelers who mostly stay in cities and want simple, predictable pricing. Lucky Mobile is ideal for visitors who want affordable prepaid plans and will mostly stay in urban areas, and it also offers a Lucky Mobile eSIM for those who prefer instant activation without a physical SIM card.
| Price/Duration | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $19.00/ Month | 500MB | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $28.00/ Month | 3,5GB | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $34.00/ Month | 10GB | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $39.00/ Month | 60GB | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $47.00/ Month | 80GB | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
Main features:
Koodo Mobile is known for flexible prepaid and postpaid plans, appealing to both short-term visitors and longer-term residents. The brand is valued for its customization options and reliable network. Koodo is ideal for travelers who want flexible plans with customizable data add-ons.
| Price/Duration | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $19.00/ 30 days | 500MB (with Automatic Top-up) | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $28.00/ 30 days | 3,5GB(with Automatic Top-up) | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $34.00/ 30 days | 10GB(with Automatic Top-up) 5GB(without Automatic Top-up) | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $39.00/ 30 days | 60GB(with Automatic Top-up)30GB(without Automatic Top-up) | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $47.00/ 30 days | 80GB(with Automatic Top-up)40GB(without Automatic Top-up) | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
| $100.00/ 365 days | No | 400 | 400 |
| $149.00/ 365 days | 30GB | Unlimited (Canada-wide) | Unlimited |
Main features:
Public Mobile is a prepaid brand owned by Telus, known for affordable, app-managed plans. It’s best for tech-savvy travelers who want to manage everything from a smartphone app. Public Mobile is ideal for visitors who prefer app-based account management and want to control their costs easily, and it also offers a Public Mobile eSIM for those who want instant activation without a physical SIM card.
| Price/Duration | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $20.00/ Month | No | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $25.00/ Month | 3GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $30.00/ Month | 6GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $35.00/ Month | 15GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $40.00/ Month | 30GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $45.00/ Year | 60GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $50.00/ Year | 80GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Main features:
Freedom Mobile focuses on urban centers, offering affordable, data-heavy prepaid plans. It’s ideal for travelers staying in major cities, although coverage outside these areas is limited. Freedom Mobile is ideal for visitors who don’t need rural coverage but want affordable, data-heavy plans in Canada’s largest cities, and it also offers a Freedom Mobile eSIM for those who prefer instant activation without a physical SIM card.
| Price/Duration | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $29.00/ Month | 5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $34.00/ Month | 10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $39.00/ Month | 60GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $49.00/ Month | 100GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $59.00/ Month | 150GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $69.00/ Month | 200GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| $79.00/ Month | 250GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Main features:
eSIMs are a convenient option for travelers who want to stay connected the moment they land, without visiting a store. They can be activated instantly via QR code on compatible devices and often offer flexible data plans for short-term use.
Holafly eSIMs are ideal for visitors who want reliable, easy-to-activate plans with no physical SIM required. Their packages are perfect for short-term trips and include generous data allowances. Holafly is especially great for travelers who want to avoid roaming fees and stay connected immediately after landing.
If you’re unhappy with the service or something hasn’t gone to plan, you can find guides on how to request a Holafly refund.
| Plan/Duration | Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| 1 day plan | $7.90 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 3 day plan | $20.90 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 7 day plan | $29.90 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 10 day plan | $39.90 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 15 day plan | $50.90 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $93.90 | Unlimited | No | No |
Pros:
Cons:
Nomad eSIMs are ideal for visitors who prefer to manage everything digitally, choosing exactly how much data they need for their trip. Plans can be purchased and activated in minutes. Nomad is perfect for travelers who value flexibility and want to customize data for multiple destinations.
If you’re unhappy with the service or something hasn’t gone to plan, their help center explains how to refund your Nomad eSIM.
| Plan/Duration | Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| 7 day plan | $5 | 1GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $10 | 3GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $15 | 5GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $18 | 10GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $28 | 20GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $49 | 50GB | No | No |
| 3 day plan | $21 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 5 day plan | $31 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 7 day plan | $41 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 10 day plan | $49 | Unlimited | No | No |
Pros:
Cons:
Airalo eSIMs are ideal for visitors who want to avoid roaming charges and stay connected instantly. Their prepaid options make it easy to top up or extend data during the trip. Airalo is excellent for travelers who want affordable, short-term eSIM plans that can be activated on the go.
If you’re unhappy with the service or something hasn’t gone to plan, you can follow their instructions on how to get an Airalo eSIM refund.
| Plan/Duration | Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| 3 day plan | $7 | 1GB | No | No |
| 3 day plan | $8 | 3GB | No | No |
| 7 day plan | $9 | 3GB | No | No |
| 7 day plan | $14 | 5GB | No | No |
| 7 day plan | $18 | 10GB | No | No |
| 15 day plan | $15 | 5GB | No | No |
| 15 day plan | $20 | 10GB | No | No |
| 15 day plan | $34 | 20GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $18 | 5GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $23 | 10GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $37 | 20GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $84 | 50GB | No | No |
| 3 day plan | $19 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 5 day plan | $27 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 7 day plan | $32 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 10 day plan | $34 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 15 day plan | $44 | Unlimited | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $85 | Unlimited | No | No |
Pros:
Cons:
Customer support is online only
You can get SIM cards at airports, carrier stores (Telus, Chatr, etc.), convenience stores, or online for eSIMs.
A passport is usually required. Some plans may ask for a visa or proof of address.
Yes, if your phone is unlocked and supports Canadian LTE/5G bands. eSIM-compatible devices can use digital SIMs.
Light users typically need around 3–5GB per week for basic messaging and navigation. Moderate users usually require 5–10GB per week for social media and occasional streaming. Heavy users may need 10GB or more per week if they plan to stream videos or make frequent video calls.
Yes, but roaming fees may be high and coverage may be limited.
Yes, providers like Holafly, Nomad, Airalo, and Chatr offer eSIMs for instant activation.
Most prepaid SIMs have a validity of 30 days, but some plans allow top-ups to extend usage.
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