Get SIM Card

When you first arrive in Canada, one of the first things you might want to do is "Can I make calls and access the   internet right away?" A   suitable SIM   card can not only keep you connected to the outside world immediately but also   help you complete important steps such as   opening a bank account,   hailing a taxi, getting directions, and registering for   government services smoothly. Here is a practical guide on   choosing,   purchasing, and recharging a   SIM card.

How to Choose the Type of SIM Card?

There are mainly two types of mobile phone packages in Canada:

Prepaid Card

Features：No contract, can be cancelled at any time, recharge with cash or online

Suitable for：Preferred by new immigrants, available immediately upon arrival

Postpaid Card

Features：Requires a credit record, sign a contract (usually 1 - 2 years)

Suitable for：Those with a fixed income and a credit record can choose

Suggestion: When you first arrive, it is recommended to use a prepaid card first. Consider switching to a postpaid card after building   your credit.

An Overview of Mainstream Telecom Operators

Rogers / Fido

Network Stability：★★★★☆

Advantages：Wide network coverage, many promotions

Remarks：Fido is a sub - brand of Rogers, with more affordable prices

Bell / Virgin Plus

Network Stability：★★★★☆

Advantages：Good signal, stable service

Remarks：Virgin is Bell's prepaid brand, suitable for new users

Telus / Koodo

Network Stability：★★★★★

Advantages：The best network quality, high - praise customer service

Remarks：Koodo has no contract pressure and high flexibility

Freedom Mobile

Network Stability：★★★☆☆

Advantages：Low - price, many unlimited - data packages

Remarks：Only available in big cities, poor signal in suburban areas

Lucky Mobile / Chatr / Public Mobile

Network Stability：★★★☆☆

Advantages：Extremely cheap, suitable for short - term transition

Remarks：They are low - cost brands under mainstream big operators,   suitable for saving budget

Some operators support Chinese - speaking customer service and Chinese - language official websites, which is convenient for newly-arrived families   to communicate.

How to Buy a SIM Card After Arrival?

Buying at the Airport

• There are usually counters of Fido, Chatr, etc. in Toronto/Vancouver airports.

• The price is slightly higher, but it is convenient and fast, and can be activated immediately.

Buying at Telecom Stores

• Such as Walmart, Best Buy, and operator - owned stores.

• The staff will help you activate the SIM card. It is recommended to bring your passport or identity documents.

Buying at Convenience Stores and Activating by Yourself

• Such as 7 - 11, gas stations, and supermarkets.

• The cards are cheap but need to be activated online by yourself, which is suitable for users with strong DIY skills.

Reminder: When activating the SIM card, it is recommended to turn on Wi - Fi to complete the initial settings and download the   operator's   App.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Package?

• Does it include international long - distance calls (such as calls to China)?

• Does it include unlimited local calls and text messages?

• Is the monthly data enough? Can it be topped up?

• Does it support hotspot sharing (for use with a computer or tablet)?

• Can it be bound to online banking to receive verification codes? (Some low - cost cards are not stable)

It is recommended to choose an operator that supports eSIM, so that you can switch packages without changing the physical SIM card.

Compatibility of Mobile Phone Models

• Most SIM cards in Canada use the nano - SIM format.

• Some mobile phones purchased in mainland China (especially contract phones) may have frequency band incompatibility issues.

• It is recommended to unlock the mobile phone in China in advance to ensure that it can use local SIM cards.

• If you need a new phone, you can buy an unlocked phone at Walmart or Best Buy.

If the signal is always poor, you can try changing the operator or switching to a mobile phone that supports VoLTE.

Tips:

• Multiple family members can consider opening a shared family package to save money.

• Recharging more than the monthly limit will not result in arrears, and prepaid cards will not affect the credit score.

• After arrival, bind the SIM card to services such as online banking and government accounts as soon as possible to facilitate                       subsequent applications.

• Some supermarkets (such as Superstore) will give away mobile phone recharge coupons. You can check when shopping.

Summary:

Choosing the right SIM card is an important step in starting your new life in Canada. Don't rush to sign a long - term contract. Start with a   prepaid card and adjust it flexibly according to your usage. It's both cost - saving and worry - free!