Best eSIM Providers: Traveling to Canada in 2024

The Best eSIMs for Canada Travel

Several providers in Canada can assist with your eSIM needs. In this section, we will explore each provider across various categories, including coverage, network speed, activation process, customer support, and pricing plans.

1. Jetpac – Great Plans and Customer Support

Jetpac offers only fixed data packages, but these are reasonably distributed in terms of price and trip duration possibilities. For example, 1 GB is offered for four days, 3 GB – for seven days, and then 5 to 40 GB is offered for the duration of 30 days. This means you’ll be able to choose a data plan that fits your traveling and internet usage needs. Just keep in mind that this provider doesn’t offer unlimited data packages.

Reviewers are satisfied with Jetpac overall, as at the time of writing this article it seems to be rated well across various platforms. Many report an exceptional customer support experience with Jetpac, so you can rely on whatever questions you have to be resolved to make you happy. However, their website notes that they’ll get back to you within 24 hours, so you may need to wait for a response longer than with other providers.

2. Nomad – Flexibility and Positive User Experience

On Nomad, you can choose from a few regular plans (amount of gigabytes and the duration of 7 or 30 days for the data usage) or customize your data journey depending on how many gigabytes you need per day, selecting a more flexible amount of days as well. That makes Nomad practical, yet not necessarily very cheap. However, compared to other eSIMs and considering their occasional discounts on specific data plans, Nomad is still affordable.

This eSIM provider has a lot of reviews, and most of them are good. Some inconsistencies in the connection are reported, but overall, users rate their experience with Nomad quite positively. While in some locations, the connection speed might need improvement, in Canada, Nomad promises 4G/5G internet connectivity speed. Finally, activation guides on Nomad’s page are clear and easy to follow, so understanding the process won’t take long.

3. Saily – Friendly Deals and wide Coverage

While Saily is quite a new player in the eSIM field, it’s undoubtedly one of the strongest contenders and our top choice regarding the best eSIM for Canada. Saily is created by a reputable company – Nord Security – which focuses on security products and services. So, the first thing you can expect is that your sensitive information will be safe, which is a must in our digital age.

Saily stands out because of its straightforward pricing structure, great prices (plans start at $5 per GB for Canada), and additional useful features. Customer support works 24/7, so if you have questions, they should be answered quickly and efficiently.

Saily eSIM is also reliable, promising connections from Canada’s best networks. You can activate the plan whenever you need to – either immediately after buying it or once you land in this Northern American country. Finally, Saily works with any eSIM-compatible phone, so you won’t have to worry about your device being excluded. To learn more about this provider, check our Saily review.

4. Holafly – Best Choice for Unlimited Data

Holafly's primary clientele should be people who use a lot of data or travel around different areas a lot, as this eSIM provider relies on unlimited plans. It’s suitable for digital nomads working from various locations and wanting to be covered data-wise, as you can also share up to 500 MB of data from your smartphone per day. It’s also great for those who don’t want to track their activity at all while traveling, which is an additional peace of mind factor for those constantly on the move.

Customer support on Holafly is noteworthy as it offers help 24/7 on WhatsApp, which, for many, is more comfortable than emails or live chat with a bot. Holafly’s website also offers great UX and a comprehensive explanation of its features, so you can immediately see what you’re getting and what might cause trouble in your selected area. Holafly’s reviews are also great; there’s more to learn about in our comprehensive Holafly review. Finally, this eSIM works with all eSIM-compatible smartphones.

5. Airalo – High Worldwide Coverage

Airalo offers high worldwide coverage – over 200 countries and regions can be explored with the help of this eSIM. Some regional plans, like one suitable for numerous Asian countries, are also available if you’re going around the continent. It’s helpful for those seeking a long adventure in one area, as then there’s no need to switch plans every time.

Most data plans offered on Airalo are more suitable for longer trips, but there are no unlimited options. Prices, however, start at $6 per GB, so in case you run out of data, you can easily purchase another plan without breaking the bank.

Customer reviews may need checking out, though, as many users report problems like poor connection or no access to data after the top-ups. It may still depend on location, so be sure to inspect the reviews that mention Canada specifically. Overall, the experience with Airalo in this country is good. For example, some users even say that Airalo is cheaper than Canadian telecoms.

Key Considerations When Choosing an eSIM for Canada

Before you jump in and buy an eSIM for Canada, here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:

• Your phone must be unlocked. An eSIM won't work on a locked phone that restricts it to only one carrier. Make sure your phone is unlocked and not restricted to working only with the network of the carrier you purchased it from.
• Get an eSIM-compatible phone. Unfortunately, not all phones are compatible with eSIM. Double-check if your phone actually supports eSIM technology. Generally, newer smartphones from major brands like Apple and Samsung will be compatible, but it's always best to confirm with your device manufacturer or search on Google.
• Choose data plans wisely. Canada is a vast country, and coverage can vary depending on where you'll be traveling. Select a data plan with coverage in the areas you'll be visiting most. Research the provider's coverage map to ensure you have a strong signal for calls, texts, and data – even if you’re up the Banff mountains, you should find a suitable plan.
• Consider pricing and validity. eSIM plans come in various data amounts and validity periods. Consider how much data you typically use and how long your trip will be. Prices typically decrease per GB as the total data allowance increases. Some plans offer unlimited data, while others are for a set amount of time (e.g., three days or one month). Be sure to choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Benefits of Using eSIMs in Canada

On top of the considerations before choosing an eSIM, there are some clear advantages to using them in Canada:

• Saving on international roaming. If you're reading this text, you’re probably visiting Canada from another country, and that’s why eSIM can be a lifesaver for you. As a traveler, you can purchase a local eSIM with a Canadian data plan instead of relying on expensive international roaming charges from your home carrier. This can save you a significant amount of money compared to roaming fees.
• Convenience and flexibility. eSIMs are embedded in your phone, so there's no need to swap them out. This is especially handy if you want to use a local Canadian data plan alongside your regular SIM card for calls and texts back home. Some phones even allow you to store multiple profiles, giving you the ultimate flexibility to switch between carriers depending on coverage or data needs.
• No more lost SIM cards. Physical SIM cards are small and easy to lose, especially at the time you have to swap your usual SIM with Canada’s. Moreover, SIM cards can be stolen, which makes them quite insecure. With an eSIM, that worry disappears – it's embedded in your phone, so there's no chance of accidentally ejecting it and losing connectivity.

Alternatives to eSIM Cards for Staying Connected in Canada

While eSIMs offer a convenient and modern approach, they aren't the only way to stay connected in Canada. These might be your only options if your phone is locked or incompatible with eSIMs. So, while not as recommended as eSIMs, alternative options exist, and you can check them out right below:

Local Prepaid SIM Cards

Local prepaid SIM cards are the traditional option. These physical cards require insertion into your phone's SIM slot. Buying and activating them often involves visiting a local phone store or carrier outlet.

While they provide comparable functionality to eSIMs with data plans for calls, texts, and internet access in Canada, acquiring a local prepaid SIM can be more time-consuming. Researching plans and potentially dealing with activation hassles at a store can add extra steps to your travel prep.

One potential advantage of local prepaid SIM cards is the wider variety of plan options depending on the provider. They can also be cheaper than eSIMs, especially for shorter trips in some regions. However, for Canada, many eSIM user reviews suggest that local prepaid SIM cards might be the opposite – a more expensive option here than eSIMs.

International Prepaid SIM Cards

International prepaid SIM cards are a tempting option as they might offer a single SIM card that grants connectivity across multiple countries, including Canada. This translates to seamless phone service as you hop from destination to destination – so you would have no problems with researching each location and acquiring a new SIM card each time.

However, there are some trade-offs to consider. Data plans offered by international prepaid SIMs may be less generous than those from local providers, meaning you might get less data for your money. Additionally, the cost per GB could be higher compared to local prepaid SIMs or eSIMs.

While international prepaid SIMs boast multi-country coverage, their reach within a specific country, like Canada, might be less comprehensive than a local provider's network. This could result in spotty service in certain areas. Activation can also be a hurdle, sometimes requiring additional steps or procedures specific to the chosen international SIM card provider.

What Phones Support eSIM

While today it’s not that common to find popular phone models that don’t follow the eSIM hype, exceptions apply. The reason for making phones that aren’t eSIM-compatible may be that the country or region prohibits such technology.

It’s also common for some phone sellers to offer locked devices at a lower price point, but these phones restrict users to the seller's specific plans, not letting them choose other SIM providers or eSIM options. In any case, unless your device is among these exceptions, the models you find below should generally be eSIM compatible:

iPhone Models That Support eSIM

Apple has consistently incorporated eSIM technology into its flagship and mid-range iPhone models. Starting with the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, users have had the option to utilize eSIMs. This trend has continued with subsequent generations, including the iPhone 11 series, SE (2nd generation), 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, and the most recent 15 series.

Activating an eSIM on an iPhone is generally straightforward. You typically need a QR code provided by your carrier. Simply scan this code using your phone's camera, and the eSIM will be activated. Some carriers might also offer the option to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM directly on your iPhone.

Android Phones That Support eSIM

Samsung has been a prominent player in Android smartphones' eSIM compatibility field, with most flagship models from the Galaxy S20 series onwards supporting eSIM. This includes the S21, S22, S23, and the upcoming S24 series. Additionally, Samsung's Note20 series, Foldable devices, and select A-series models like the A55 are eSIM-capable.

Google's Pixel line has been a strong advocate for eSIM technology – this manufacturer started with the Pixel 4. All subsequent Pixel models, including the Pixel 4a, 5, 6, 7, and the recent 8 series, as well as the Pixel Fold, support eSIM. Motorola has also joined the eSIM market with various models from the Razr, Edge, and Moto G series offering this feature. Oppo has also entered the eSIM arena with its Find X and Reno series, along with the foldable Find N series.

The process of activating an eSIM on an Android phone can vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer. However, the most common methods include scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading an eSIM profile through the carrier's app. It's essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your carrier for a seamless activation process.

eSIM Cards vs. Local Prepaid SIM Cards

While both eSIMs and local prepaid SIM cards offer data plans for Canada, they have key differences to consider:

Data Speed

• eSIM. Generally, data speeds shouldn't be impacted by using an eSIM compared to a local physical SIM card. You'll receive the same speeds offered by the carrier's network you choose for your eSIM plan.
• Local prepaid SIM. Data speeds typically depend on the carrier and the specific prepaid plan you purchase. Some budget-friendly prepaid plans might offer slower speeds compared to higher-tier plans.

Coverage

• eSIM. Coverage for eSIMs depends on the provider you choose. Most reputable eSIM providers will partner with major Canadian carriers, so coverage should be comparable to local prepaid SIM cards.
• Local Prepaid SIM. Local prepaid SIM cards typically offer coverage directly on the networks of major Canadian carriers. In theory, this could provide slightly better coverage in remote areas where the eSIM provider might not have the same reach.

Cost-effectiveness

• eSIM. Cost can vary depending on the data plan you choose and the provider. For longer trips, eSIMs might be slightly cheaper, especially if you find a good deal.
• Local prepaid SIM. While local prepaid SIMs are potentially cheaper for short trips upfront, consider that some carriers might charge activation fees for prepaid SIM cards. It’s also likely data usage beyond your plan allowance can result in expensive per-MB charges. Also, budget prepaid plans often have smaller data allowances.

Final Thoughts

Here you have it – the list of five best eSIM for Canada providers and tips to help you out on your data journey outside your home country. As you can see, what would be called the finest highly depends on more than mere price – it also depends on whether you’re traveling far or how much data you need. Finally, it’s essential to consider customer support, users’ feedback, and other factors, such as alternatives for using data in Canada if your phone isn’t eSIM-compatible.

FAQs

1. Are eSIMs safe to use in Canada?

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in Canada. They are less prone to loss or theft compared to physical SIM cards. However, as with any connected device, be cautious of malware and phishing attempts.

2. Are eSIMs really better than regular SIMs in Canada?

It depends on your needs. eSIMs are convenient (remote activation, store multiple profiles), secure (embedded), and potentially faster to set up. However, regular SIMs might offer wider plan options and sometimes be cheaper (depending on provider and usage).

3. Are eSIMs free for Canada?

No, eSIMs themselves aren't free. You'll pay for the data plan associated with the eSIM from a carrier. However, some eSIM providers like Saily can offer additional free gigabytes

4. Can an eSIM be used for calling from Canada?

Yes, eSIMs in Canada can be used for calling, texting, and data access, just like regular SIM cards. The specific features depend on the plan you purchase.