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Traveling to the United States from Canada? Keeping your phone connected while abroad can be a real challenge, especially if you don’t have the right phone plan. Roaming charges can add up quickly, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To help you save money and stay connected on your next trip, we’ve put together a list of the best Canadian phone plans for US travel. Read on to discover our top picks and tips for finding the perfect plan for your needs.
Why You Need a Special Phone Plan for US Travel
If you’re planning to use your Canadian cell phone while traveling in the US, you might assume that your regular phone plan will work just fine. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. Most Canadian cell phone plans are not designed for use in the United States, and the roaming charges can be astronomical. Some Canadian providers charge as much as $12 per MB of data while roaming in the US, which can add up quickly if you’re using your phone for streaming, social media, or other data-intensive activities.
Even if you’re not planning to use your phone for data, text messaging and phone calls can also be expensive while roaming in the US. Some providers charge up to $1.45 per minute for calls and up to $0.75 per text message. If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, these charges can quickly become unaffordable.
Top Picks for Canadian Phone Plans for US Travel
If you want to stay connected while traveling in the US without breaking the bank, there are several Canadian phone plans that offer affordable roaming options. Here are our top picks:
| Plan | Provider | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers Roam Like Home | Rogers | $7/day | Unlimited talk and text, use your existing data plan, up to 10 days per billing cycle |
| Bell Roam Better | Bell | $7/day | Unlimited talk and text, use your existing data plan, up to 10 days per billing cycle |
| Telus Easy Roam | Telus | $7/day | Unlimited talk and text, use your existing data plan, up to 10 days per billing cycle |
| Fido Roam | Fido | $7/day | Unlimited talk and text, use your existing data plan, up to 10 days per billing cycle |
| Koodo Roaming Add-ons | Koodo | Starting at $20 for 3 days | Data, talk, and text options available, valid for up to 30 days |
All of these plans allow you to use your Canadian phone plan while traveling in the US without incurring high roaming fees. Keep in mind that these plans are only valid for a limited period of time (usually up to 10 days per billing cycle), so if you’re planning to stay in the US for an extended period of time, you may need to consider other options.
Other Tips for Saving Money on Phone Plans While Traveling in the US
While these Canadian phone plans offer affordable options for using your phone while traveling in the US, there are a few additional tips and tricks you can use to save money on phone plans:
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Many hotels, cafes, and other public places offer free Wi-Fi, which you can use to make calls and send messages without using your cellular data.
- Use messaging apps instead of text messaging: Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage allow you to send texts and make calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data, which can be much cheaper than traditional text messaging and phone calls.
- Consider buying a US SIM card: If you’re planning to stay in the US for an extended period of time, buying a US SIM card can be a cost-effective way to stay connected. You can usually find SIM cards at airports, electronics stores, and other retailers.
Conclusion
Traveling to the US from Canada doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank on phone bills. With the right Canadian phone plan and a few money-saving tips, you can stay connected and save money on your next trip. Whether you’re a snowbird, a business traveler, or just heading south for a vacation, be sure to check out our top picks for the best Canadian phone plans for US travel.