Cell Phone Plans for Canadians Traveling to the United States

As more Canadians cross the border to the United States for vacations, business trips, or to spend the winter months as snowbirds, staying connected while in the U.S. has become increasingly important. Whether you’re on a short-term trip or planning to stay for several months, understanding your cell phone options can save you from unexpected bills and ensure seamless communication. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the features, prices, and options available from major Canadian carriers like Telus, Bell, Rogers, and SaskTel, as well as alternatives from U.S. carriers. We’ll also provide useful tips for Canadian snowbirds to keep in mind when selecting a cell phone plan.

1. Telus Travel Plans

Telus Easy Roam:

• Cost: $12/day in the U.S.
• Data: Uses your existing data plan from Canada.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calls and texts to Canadian and U.S. numbers.
• Duration: Charges only on the days you use your phone in the U.S.

Pros:

• Simple daily fee.
• No need to change your phone number.
• Easy to activate and use.

Cons:

• Can become expensive over extended stays.
• Daily charges can add up quickly if you frequently use your phone.

Best For: Short-term travelers who want convenience and have a large data plan in Canada.

2. Bell Mobility Travel Plans

Bell Roam Better:

• Cost: $12/day in the U.S.
• Data: Uses your existing Canadian data plan.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calls and texts within the U.S. and to Canada.
• Duration: Charged only on days when the phone is used.

Pros:

• Easy to set up.
• Keeps your Canadian phone number.
• Unlimited talk and text.

Cons:

• Similar to Telus, the daily cost can add up over time.
• Not suitable for long-term snowbirds due to the daily fee structure.

Best For: Travelers who prioritize simplicity and want to maintain their current Bell plan while in the U.S.

3. Rogers Travel Plans

Rogers Roam Like Home:

• Cost: $12/day in the U.S.
• Data: Access to your Canadian data plan.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calling and texting to Canadian and U.S. numbers.
• Duration: Only pay on days you use your phone.

Pros:

• Convenient and seamless integration with existing Rogers plans.
• Unlimited calls and texts.

Cons:

• Daily charges make it less cost-effective for longer stays.

Best For: Short-term trips where the user already has a Rogers plan and wants a hassle-free experience.

4. SaskTel Travel Plans

SaskTel Roam & Relax U.S. Daily:

• Cost: $12/day in the U.S.
• Data: Uses your existing Canadian data plan.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calling and texting to Canadian and U.S. numbers.
• Duration: Billed only on days the service is used.

Pros:

• Affordable for short trips.
• Easy to use with existing SaskTel plans.

Cons:

• Not the most cost-effective for long stays.
• Limited to SaskTel customers.

Best For: Saskatchewan residents with short-term U.S. travel needs who want to stick with their existing provider.

For Canadian snowbirds who plan to stay in the U.S. for an extended period (typically several months), daily travel plans like those mentioned above may not be the most cost-effective option. Instead, snowbirds should consider long-term travel plans or U.S. carrier options that offer more comprehensive coverage at a lower overall cost.

1. Telus U.S. and International Plans

Telus Travel Pass:

• Cost: $75/month.
• Data: 10GB of high-speed data, reduced speeds after cap.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calling and texting to Canadian and U.S. numbers.

Pros:

• More affordable for long-term stays compared to daily plans.
• Sufficient data allowance for most users.

Cons:

• Limited to Telus customers.
• Data speed reduction after 10GB may affect heavy data users.

Best For: Telus customers who spend several months in the U.S. and require a more cost-effective option than daily plans.

2. Bell U.S. and International Plans

Bell Monthly U.S. Travel Pass:

• Cost: $75/month.
• Data: 10GB of high-speed data, slower speeds after cap.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calls and texts to Canadian and U.S. numbers.

Pros:

• Suitable for snowbirds looking for long-term coverage.
• Unlimited talk and text within North America.

Cons:

• Only available to Bell customers.
• Data speed throttling after 10GB.

Best For: Bell customers planning extended stays who prefer not to switch to a U.S. carrier.

3. Rogers Long-Term U.S. Plans

Rogers Infinite U.S. & Canada Plan:

• Cost: $85/month.
• Data: 10GB of high-speed data, unlimited data at reduced speeds after cap.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calls and texts across Canada and the U.S.

Pros:

• Unlimited data with no overage fees.
• Seamless use across Canada and the U.S.

Cons:

• Slightly higher price compared to other Canadian long-term plans.
• Data speed reduction after the cap.

Best For: Rogers customers who need continuous coverage in both Canada and the U.S. without worrying about data overages.

4. SaskTel U.S. Travel Add-On

SaskTel Unlimited U.S. Add-On:

• Cost: $60/month.
• Data: Unlimited data with 5GB high-speed, then reduced speeds.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calls and texts within the U.S. and to Canada.

Pros:

• Affordable option for Saskatchewan snowbirds.
• Unlimited data for general use.

Cons:

• Data cap at 5GB before throttling may limit heavy users.
• Only available to SaskTel customers.

Best For: SaskTel customers who spend winters in the U.S. and need a budget-friendly option.

For some snowbirds, it may be more practical to switch to a U.S. carrier for the duration of their stay. U.S. carriers often offer better network coverage, particularly in rural or less populated areas, and can sometimes be more cost-effective for longer stays.

1. T-Mobile

T-Mobile Magenta Plan:

• Cost: $70/month for one line.
• Data: Unlimited high-speed data.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• Extras: Free data and texting in over 210 countries, plus in-flight texting and 5GB data on certain flights.

Pros:

• Comprehensive international coverage.
• Unlimited data with no overage fees.
• Affordable for long-term stays.

Cons:

• Requires a U.S. address for billing.
• Need to switch SIM cards or eSIM for Canadian devices.

Best For: Snowbirds who travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada and want unlimited data without overage worries.

2. AT&T

AT&T Unlimited Extra Plan:

• Cost: $75/month for one line.
• Data: Unlimited high-speed data, may slow after 50GB.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited calls and texts within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• Extras: Includes spam blocking and fraud alerts.

Pros:

• Strong network coverage across the U.S.
• Unlimited data with a generous high-speed cap.

Cons:

• Network may slow during congestion after 50GB.
• U.S. billing address required.

Best For: Snowbirds who need robust U.S. coverage and unlimited data without worrying about speed reductions.

3. Verizon

Verizon Start Unlimited Plan:

• Cost: $70/month for one line.
• Data: Unlimited data, speeds may reduce during congestion.
• Calls & Texts: Unlimited within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• Extras: Includes Apple Music for 6 months, and Disney+ for 6 months.

Pros:

• Extensive U.S. network coverage.
• Includes entertainment perks.

Cons:

• Speeds may reduce in congested areas.
• U.S. billing address needed.

Best For: Snowbirds who want reliable coverage across the U.S. with added entertainment perks.

1. Consider a Dual-SIM Phone

If you plan to use a U.S. carrier, consider getting a dual-SIM phone or using an eSIM. This allows you to keep your Canadian number active while using a U.S. SIM for local coverage, avoiding the need to carry two phones.

2. Use Wi-Fi for Data-Heavy Activities

To avoid exceeding your data cap, use Wi-Fi whenever possible, especially for data-heavy activities like streaming, video calls, or downloading large files. Many snowbirds find that Wi-Fi in their rental properties or RV parks is sufficient for most of their needs.

3. Watch for Roaming Notifications

Keep an eye on roaming notifications from your carrier. If you’re using a Canadian plan, your carrier should notify you when you start incurring roaming charges, or when you’re nearing your data limits. Understanding these notifications can help you manage your usage and avoid unexpected charges. Additionally, consider setting up alerts through your carrier’s app or website to monitor your data, call, and text usage while in the U.S.

4. Prepaid U.S. SIM Cards

If you don’t want to commit to a U.S. carrier’s long-term plan, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. Many U.S. carriers offer prepaid options that provide unlimited talk, text, and data for a fixed amount of time. This can be particularly useful if you’re only in the U.S. for a few months. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available in the U.S., often at airports, convenience stores, or through online retailers.

5. Leverage Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network rather than using your cellular plan. This is particularly useful when you’re staying somewhere with strong Wi-Fi but weak cellular signal. Most Canadian carriers, as well as U.S. carriers, support Wi-Fi calling. Enabling this feature can help you save on roaming charges and ensure clearer calls in areas with poor coverage.

6. Consider International Add-Ons

If you frequently travel back and forth between Canada and the U.S., some Canadian carriers offer international add-ons that provide reduced rates for calls, texts, and data when traveling. These add-ons can be added to your existing plan for a monthly fee and can be more cost-effective than daily roaming charges if you’re making frequent trips across the border.

7. Look for Seasonal Promotions

Many carriers offer seasonal promotions, particularly around the holiday season or during the winter months when many snowbirds head south. These promotions can include discounts on international plans, reduced roaming fees, or added perks like extra data. Keep an eye out for these deals, as they can provide significant savings.

8. Understand Your Data Needs

Before selecting a plan, assess your typical data usage. If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like checking emails, using GPS, and occasional social media, a lower data cap might be sufficient. However, if you stream videos, use video conferencing apps like Zoom, or frequently download large files, opt for a plan with a higher data allowance or unlimited data to avoid throttling.

9. Protect Your Phone and Data

When traveling, especially for extended periods, it’s important to protect your phone and data. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when accessing public Wi-Fi networks to safeguard your personal information. Additionally, consider purchasing a sturdy phone case and screen protector to prevent damage while on the move.

10. Keep Your Canadian Number Active

If you switch to a U.S. SIM card, ensure your Canadian number remains active. Some snowbirds choose to forward calls from their Canadian number to their U.S. number, ensuring they don’t miss important calls. Additionally, many Canadian carriers allow you to suspend your plan temporarily while abroad, reducing costs while keeping your number available for when you return.

11. Beware of Data Overages

Data overages can be a costly mistake, particularly if you’re on a plan with a strict data limit. Monitor your data usage closely through your carrier’s app, and consider adding an extra data package if you find you’re nearing your limit. Some carriers offer one-time data boosts that can be purchased as needed, which can be a cheaper alternative to paying overage fees.

12. Check Coverage in Your Destination

Before choosing a carrier, check the coverage maps for the area where you’ll be staying. While most urban areas in the U.S. have excellent coverage from all major carriers, more rural areas, or certain regions of the country, might be better served by one carrier over another. Ensuring you have reliable coverage where you’re staying will prevent frustrations down the road.

Choosing the right cell phone plan when traveling to the U.S. is crucial for staying connected without incurring unnecessary costs. Whether you’re visiting for a short trip or spending several months as a snowbird, there are options available to suit your needs.

For short-term travelers, daily roaming plans from Canadian carriers offer the convenience of using your existing plan without needing to switch SIM cards or carriers. However, these daily fees can add up quickly, so they’re best suited for trips of a week or two.

Snowbirds and those staying for an extended period should consider monthly U.S. travel plans from their Canadian carrier or look into switching to a U.S. carrier altogether. U.S. carriers often provide better coverage and more affordable options for long-term stays, especially when unlimited data is a priority.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual needs, including how long you’ll be staying, your typical data usage, and whether you prefer the simplicity of sticking with your current carrier or the potential savings and coverage benefits of switching to a U.S. carrier.

By carefully assessing your needs and exploring the various options available, you can stay connected with family and friends, access important services, and enjoy your time in the U.S. without worrying about exorbitant phone bills. Remember to check for seasonal deals, monitor your usage, and take advantage of features like Wi-Fi calling to maximize your plan’s value.

For those interested in getting more detailed information or personalized advice, visiting websites like CanadaToUSA.com can provide additional resources and quotes tailored to your specific travel plans and preferences. Whether you’re a short-term traveler or a seasoned snowbird, staying informed and choosing the right plan will make your time in the U.S. smoother and more enjoyable.