Planning to travel to Canada on a working holiday?
If you've already applied for and been accepted into the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, congratulations (and make sure you have the right IEC insurance)! It's the start of an exciting adventure in a vibrant and diverse country.
Once you have arrived in Canada, you'll want to get set up with a phone plan asap, to avoid roaming and international charges from your normal plan back home.
Let's take a look at some of the best Canada cell phone plans, featuring options that support IEC visa holders.
How Canada's mobile market is set up (and why it matters)
The Canadian cellphone market is dominated by three major players - TELUS, Rogers, and Bell - these companies all have additional "flanker" brands (Koodo and Public Mobile are owned by TELUS. Fido, Chatr - are owned by Rogers. Virgin Plus, Lucky Mobile are owned by Bell). The flanker brands share the same networks as their parent companies, but they differ on price, perks, speeds, and promotions.
There’s also a growing fourth competitor, Freedom Mobile (owned by Québecor/Vidéotron). Freedom competes aggressively on price and now offers 5G in major urban areas, with partner coverage outside its footprint, great value if you’ll live mostly in big cities.
Match your situation to a plan:
1. "I just need something cheap that works right away"
Look at prepaid brands, such as, Public Mobile (eSIM sign-up in minutes, 5G tiers), Lucky Mobile, or Chatr (simple, flat monthly fees). These provides use the big networks, allow you to bring your own phone, and are perfect if you don't have credit yet. Although the service may not be at the same level as a Rogers, TELUS, or Bell, or even some of their higher regarded flanker brands such as Koodo or Fido. Be sure to check their coverage as service may be spotty outside of major cities.
2. "I use a lot of data and I'll travel around the country"
If you're planning on travelling around the country and using a lot of data, consider Koodo, Fido, or Virgin Plus, these are the best flanker brands of the three major providers, and will offer slightly cheaper plans than if you were to go with a major provider. That being said TELUS, Rogers, and Bell will provide the best rural coverage and Canada-wide 5G. So if you plan on going on roadtrips or off the grid, the major providers will provide the best coverage. Prices for these companies change frequently and discounts are common.
3. "I'll be based in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, or Ottawa and want maximum value"
Take a look at Freedom Mobile if you plan on staying in one of the major cities. Pricing is good, and 5G is available in core markets. However, if you plan on venturing beyond these major cities, I would consider going with one of the options mentioned under situation 2.
4. "I need a number on day one, before I can get to a store"
If you need a plan immediately when you arrive, activate an eSIM with a brand that supports online signup. Whenever, I travel abroad I use Airalo, but there are other companies such as Public Mobile that will also work.
What to bring when you set up service
When you are going in to get your cellphone plan, be sure to bring your cellphone, passport, know your local address and shipping details, and have a payment method. Prepaid brands rarely run credit checks; postpaid plans often do.
Roaming and Add-ons you may actually want
Since you'll be in Canada away from home for an extended amount of time, and you may even take trips down to the USA on your IEC in Canada, here are some additional add-ons that you may want to include:
U.S. roaming: If you’ll pop across the border, look for Canada+U.S. plans or low daily roam-like-home options on the big networks.
International calling: Cheaper via apps (WhatsApp/FaceTime). If you need direct dial to overseas numbers, add a long-distance pack.
Hotspot/tethering: Included on most plans; some entry tiers limit speeds—check the fine print.
Be Fully Prepared with IEC Insurance
Best Quote Travel Insurance can help you find the best available policy for your needs, taking coverage and cost into account. We work with leading insurers across Canada to provide a variety of travel insurance options. That means you can focus more on your upcoming visit to Canada with the peace of mind that your travel insurance is set up and in place.
Get an insurance quote on the left-hand side of this page for peace of mind during your trip.
Did you know that we have a visitors to Canada (also available for IEC visa and Super Visa) insurance plan with coverage features not found anywhere else? With BestQuote MedEC, on top of all of the typical visitors to Canada emergency medical benefits, you also get three prepaid doctor's appointments per year for free with Maple.
Read more about MedEC's unique policy benefits here.