Unnecessary Expenses In Canada: 90% Of Newcomers Make This Mistake When Buying A Sim Card.
Important information
This article is for general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — for decisions that affect your status, study permit, work permit, or visa, please consult a CICC-licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or another authorized representative. Find an RCIC aticcrc-crcic.ca. Last updated: see the article date above.
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After a long flight, the first thing we need is to connect to the internet to inform our family or book a ride to our accommodation. However, there are mistakes that most newcomers often make. So, make sure to note these tips to avoid wasting money when you first arrive in Canada!
Don’t buy SIM cards from major airport kiosks: Airports usually sell plans from major carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus) at quite high prices ($50 - $80/month).
Opt for Prepaid SIM cards: If you spot kiosks like Chatr, Lucky Mobile, or Public Mobile, stop by. These are budget-friendly carriers that share the network with the big players, so the quality is excellent. No contract, no need for a Canadian credit card, and activation takes only 5 minutes.
Affordable plans: For just $25 - $40/month, you’ll get sufficient data (around 20GB - 50GB depending on the promotion) and unlimited calls within Canada.
eSIM solution (Recommended): If your phone is a smartphone, buy an eSIM through apps like Airalo or Nomad while still in Vietnam. As soon as you land, turn on your phone, and you’ll have instant access to the network for the first few days.
Airport Wi-Fi: Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi at the airport to communicate before choosing the right carrier.
Additionally, in Canada, taxes (HST/GST) are usually not included in the listed price. So, if you see a plan for $30, expect to pay an extra 5-15% when checking out, depending on the province!
