Global Connectivity Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide to International Phone Plans & Apps
In today’s tech-driven world, travel has become safer, more social, and incredibly flexible. Equipping yourself with a smartphone during your adventures is indispensable. Not only does it facilitate communication across language barriers with live translations, but it also offers a 24/7 live map, instant access to cultural norms, and the ability to keep your followers updated on your escapades.
This comprehensive guide is tailored for Canadian globetrotters seeking seamless connectivity abroad, but its insights are equally beneficial for international travellers. From my extensive travel planning experience, I’ve learned that phone plans often slip under the radar, despite being a significant part of any travel budget.
As a frequent traveller, I prioritize finding the best plan to ensure hassle-free communication on the go. Before committing to a new phone plan, I meticulously analyze travel costs to identify the most suitable providers. When comparing travel phone and data plans tailored to the needs of a Canadian constantly on the move, several factors come into play, including coverage, cost, data limits, roaming charges, and additional perks such as discounts.
This article is split into two categories:
Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
1. Rogers Roam Like Home
Cost: Rogers charges a daily fee for Roam Like Home, typically around $7 to $15 per day, on top of your regular plan. This fee allows you to use your regular Canadian plan’s talk, text, and data allowances while travelling to over 180 destinations.
Data Limit: Usage is subject to the data allowance included in your domestic plan. Once you exceed your plan’s data limit, standard overage rates may apply.
Coverage: Roam Like Home covers a wide range of destinations, including popular travel destinations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
Rogers also has a 5G Infinite Premium plan for $105 per month. This includes coverage for Canada, the U.S., The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antilles, Puerto Rico and Mexico, plus 150 GB of high-speed internet and unlimited data at a lower speed.
2. Telus Easy Roam
Cost: Telus charges a daily fee for Easy Roam, typically around $14-16 CAD per day, on top of your regular plan. This fee allows you to use your Canadian plan’s talk, text, and data allowances while travelling to over 190 destinations.
Data Limit: Usage is subject to the data allowance included in your domestic plan. Once you exceed your plan’s data limit, standard overage rates may apply.
Coverage: Easy Roam offers coverage in numerous international destinations, similar to Rogers Roam Like Home.
3. Bell Roam Better
Cost: Bell charges a daily fee for Roam Better, typically around $13 – $16 per day, on top of your regular plan. This fee provides unlimited talk and text, along with a data allowance based on your domestic plan, while travelling to over 125 destinations. They also offer a $75 per month plan that covers Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
Data Limit: Data allowance varies based on your domestic plan. Once you exceed your plan’s data limit, standard overage rates may apply.
Coverage: Roam Better covers a variety of international destinations, including popular travel spots across different continents.
4. Freedom Mobile
Cost: By far, Freedom Mobile has the best budget-friendly plans. They offer various plans depending on destination and preferences, some plans can start from as low as $1 per day.
Freedom offers various international roaming packages and pay-per-use rates for specific destinations. Rates vary depending on the country you’re visiting and the services you use (talk, text, or data).
Coverage: Freedom Mobile has partnerships with international carriers in select countries, providing discounted rates for roaming services.
5. Fido Roam
Cost: Fido charges a daily fee for Fido Roam, typically around $12 to $15 per day, on top of your regular plan depending on your plan and the destination. This fee allows you to use your Canadian plan’s talk, text, and data allowances while travelling in the US and international destinations.
Data Limit: Usage is subject to the data allowance included in your domestic plan. Once you exceed your plan’s data limit, standard overage rates may apply.
Coverage: Fido Roam covers various international destinations, similar to Rogers and Telus roaming services.
6. Virgin Mobile
Cost: Varies depending on the destination and plan, typically similar to other major carriers, around $13 to $16 per day, on top of your regular plan.
Virgin Mobile offers international roaming packages and pay-per-use rates for specific destinations. They also provide Travel Passes for select regions, offering discounted rates for talk, text, and data.
Coverage: Coverage varies depending on the destination and the roaming agreements Virgin Mobile has in place.
7. International SIM Cards
Consider purchasing an international SIM card from providers like KnowRoaming, OneSimCard, and local carriers that offer SIM cards with competitive rates for talk, text, and data in multiple countries. Costs and coverage vary depending on the provider and the destination. They allow travellers to use their phones in multiple countries without incurring high roaming charges from their home carriers. These SIM cards typically come preloaded with credit and offer competitive rates for voice, text, and data services in various countries.
International SIM Cards are ideal for genuine nomads with no singular home base. International SIM cards often offer competitive rates compared to standard roaming charges from home carriers. With an international SIM card, you can use your phone in multiple countries without needing to switch SIM cards or worry about different plans for each destination. International SIM cards are usually prepaid, allowing you to manage your expenses and avoid bill shock. Some international SIM card providers offer additional services such as global Wi-Fi hotspots, travel insurance, or discounted rates for specific attractions or activities.
Before you decide to get an international SIM Card, ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with the international SIM card’s network frequencies for optimal performance.
8. Local SIM Cards
Depending on your destination, purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival can often be the most cost-effective option. You’ll get a local number and usually better rates for data usage. This is best when you are going to stay within a particular region, like travelling within North America or only with Western Europe.
Local SIM cards are physical SIM cards purchased from mobile network operators in the country you are visiting. Local SIM cards often offer more affordable rates for voice, text, and data services compared to international roaming plans from your home carrier. The most important benefit of using a local SIM card ensures you’re connected to the local network, potentially providing better coverage and network speeds than roaming on a foreign network.
Since you’re using a local SIM card, you won’t incur roaming charges associated with using your home carrier’s services abroad.
9. eSIM
Some newer smartphones support eSIM technology, allowing you to switch between different carriers or plans without physically swapping SIM cards. This can be convenient for frequent travellers. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card embedded within your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. It’s built into the device’s hardware and can be activated with a mobile network operator remotely.
Since eSIMs are embedded within the device, they free up space that would otherwise be occupied by a physical SIM card slot. eSIMs are particularly useful for international travellers as they can easily switch to local plans or data packages without needing a physical SIM card from a local carrier. You can usually purchase an eSIM plan online from your mobile network operator or through supported apps on your device.
When comparing these options, consider factors such as:
When comparing these options, consider factors such as coverage, cost, data limits, and any additional perks offered by each provider to determine which travel plan best suits your needs and lifestyle.
- Check the coverage maps of the providers to ensure they offer service in the countries you frequent.
- Compare the daily roaming fees, pay-per-use rates, and any additional charges associated with each option.
- Some plans may have data limits or throttle speeds after reaching a certain usage threshold.
- Consider any additional perks such as free streaming, Wi-Fi access, or loyalty rewards offered by the providers.
- Ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with the local carrier’s network frequencies.
- For prepaid SIM cards, you may need to top up your balance periodically to continue using services.
- Check the validity period of the SIM card and plan to ensure it covers the duration of your stay.
- Choose a data plan that meets your needs for internet access while travelling, whether for casual browsing or heavy usage like streaming or navigation.
- Does your workplace offer a discounted rate for a specific phone provider?
- Does the phone service provider have good coverage in my home area/day-to-day life?
- Do I want to disconnect from the day-to-day life when I travel?
- Do I travel often enough for this plan to be worth it?
- Should I get a roaming add-on instead of a dedicated travel plan?
- Will this provider offer adequate coverage in my travel destination?
Ultimately, the best travel phone and data plan for you will depend on your specific travel patterns, budget, and preferences. It’s a good idea to analyze your usage and compare the options to find the most suitable plan for your lifestyle.
Please note that these are approximate ranges, and actual fees may vary. It’s essential to check with each provider for the most up-to-date information on roaming charges and any special promotions they may offer. Additionally, remember to consider any data limits, coverage areas, and additional perks when comparing plans.
Beyond changing your phone plans, there are several apps available for international communication that offer features such as messaging, voice calls, video calls, and even group chats. Here are some of the best apps for international communication:
1. WhatsApp:
Features: Messaging, voice calls, video calls, group chats, file sharing.
Pros: Widely used globally, end-to-end encryption for privacy, supports various media types.
Cons: Requires phone number for registration, both parties need to have WhatsApp installed.
2. Telegram:
Features: Messaging, group chats, voice calls, file sharing, channels.
Pros: Focus on privacy and security, cloud-based, supports large group chats (up to 200,000 members), secret chats with self-destructing messages.
Cons: Less widely used than WhatsApp, and may lack some features like video calling in comparison.
3. Facebook Messenger:
Features: Messaging, voice calls, video calls, group chats, games.
Pros: Integrated with the Facebook platform, supports various media types, including stickers and GIFs.
Cons: Requires Facebook account, may not be as privacy-focused as other apps.
4. Signal:
Features: Messaging, voice calls, video calls, group chats, end-to-end encryption.
Pros: Strong focus on privacy and security, open-source, end-to-end encryption for all communications.
Cons: Less widely used than some other apps, may lack some advanced features.
5. Viber:
Features: Messaging, voice calls, video calls, group chats, stickers, games.
Pros: Supports international calling to non-Viber users (with Viber Out), and various fun features like stickers and games.
Cons: Less popular than WhatsApp and Messenger, some features may require additional purchases.
6. Google Duo:
Features: Video calls, voice calls, group calls, end-to-end encryption.
Pros: Simple interface, high-quality video calls, cross-platform (available on both Android and iOS).
Cons: Focus primarily on video calling, lacks some messaging features compared to other apps.
When choosing an app for international communication, consider factors such as the features you need, the privacy and security features offered, whether the app is widely used by your contacts, and any additional costs associated with international calls or messaging. Each app has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your specific requirements and preferences.
**Information is accurate at the time of writing this post, March 24, 2024. All prices are in Canadian dollars.