Choosing a Mobile Phone Plan in Canada
A phone plan is one of the first things you need to set up when you arrive in Canada. Here's how to choose one that fits your needs and budget.
Canada's Major Carriers
The Big Three networks:
- Rogers, Bell, Telus — best coverage but expensive
Sub-brands (use the same infrastructure, much cheaper):
- Fido (Rogers)
- Koodo (Telus) — good service, has physical stores
- Virgin Plus (Bell)
- Public Mobile (Telus) — very popular with international students, online-only
Prepaid vs. Postpaid
Prepaid — Recommended for newcomers
- ✅ No credit check required — perfect when you have no Canadian credit history
- ✅ Buy SIM at Walmart, Best Buy, London Drugs, or online
- Best options: Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, Chatr
Postpaid (Monthly Plan)
- Usually more data and better perks
- May require a deposit if you have no Canadian credit history
- Consider once you have a SIN card and bank account
Sample Pricing (2025)
| Carrier | Data | $/Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Mobile | 50GB | ~$34 | Online only; discount with AutoPay |
| Koodo | 40GB | ~$45 | Good service, in-store support |
| Fido | 30GB | ~$40 | Often includes US roaming |
| Lucky Mobile | 5GB | ~$19 | Cheapest, for light users |
| Chatr | 20GB | ~$29 | Prepaid, reliable |
💡 Tip: Sign up for Public Mobile and enable AutoPay to save $2/month. Referring friends saves both of you money.
Buying a SIM on Arrival
At the airport:
- Rogers, Bell, Telus have kiosks at YVR (Vancouver) and Pearson (Toronto)
- Convenient but more expensive
Better options:
- Walmart or Best Buy — carry SIMs from most carriers
- Register online at Public Mobile, Koodo, or Fido — ship to your address or activate an eSIM
eSIM for New Arrivals
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XR and newer, many Android flagships):
- Buy a temporary eSIM before your flight from Airalo or Nomad
- Activate immediately upon landing — instant internet
- Then sign up for a permanent Canadian plan
Transferring Your Number (Port-in)
To keep your existing number when switching carriers:
- Sign up with the new carrier first (don't cancel the old one yet)
- Provide your current phone number and account number from the old carrier
- Transfer takes a few hours to 1 business day
Home Internet
- Shaw / Rogers (BC), Bell / Rogers (Ontario) are the main ISPs
- Basic plan: ~$50–70/month for 500Mbps
- Many students split the cost with roommates
- Check if your rental already includes WiFi before signing up
Updated: 2025. Prices may change — check carrier websites for the latest offers.