Canada: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

Are you planning to visit Canada soon and looking for the best travel eSIM to stay connected while exploring the country?

There are many eSIM providers (re)selling plans and packages for Canada, but not all are equal.

Some offer unlimited data, while others include a phone number for local, regional, or global use.

Some have blazing-fast speeds, while others have extended validity.

Whatever you need, there will be an eSIM for your liking.

In the case of Canada, I recommend one of these eSIM providers, which I have tested in numerous countries on multiple continents:

• Airalo
• Alosim
• Holafly
• Nomad

What do these eSIM providers offer?

eSIM	Packages	Prices	Data	Phone Number?	5G NR?	Discount Code(s)
Airalo	6	6 USD – 49 USD	1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 30 days	No	Yes	APR10 (10%) & APR15 (15%) 2
Alosim	6	6 USD – 49 USD	1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 30 days	Yes (CA/US number) 1	Yes	PTW (5%)
Holafly	5	27 USD – 54 USD	Unlimited for 5 days – unlimited for 20 days	No	No	PHONETRAVELWIZ (5%)
Nomad	5	6 USD – 33 25 USD (on sale)	1 GB for 7 days – 10 GB for 30 days	No	Yes	ADU123 (3 USD) 3

¹ Alosim allows you to pick a Canadian (CA) or American (US) phone number through its sister app Hushed, giving you credits worth 30 minutes (within Canada or from Canada to anywhere else) or 50 texts (same conditions as calling)
² if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM, use code APR15 for 15% off. You can still get 10% off using code APR10 if you are an existing customer. Note each code has a redemption limit of 3000 (while the codes of Alosim and Holafly have no redemption limit)
³ if you have never purchased a Nomad eSIM, use code ADU123 for 3 USD off. On Tuesdays, use NOMADTUE for 10% off on plans of 10 GB or higher

Do these eSIM providers also have North American eSIMs? And what are the characteristics?

eSIM	Regional eSIMs?	Countries	Phone Number?
Airalo	Yes (Americanmex)	Canada, Mexico & the United States	No
Alosim	Yes (North America)	Canada, Mexico & the United States	No
Holafly	Yes (North America)	Canada, Mexico & the United States	No
Nomad	Yes (North America)	Canada, Mexico & the United States	No

What about eSIMs for world travelers who want to install one eSIM only – do global eSIMs exist?

Yes, they do!

eSIM	Global eSIMs?	Countries	Phone Number?
Airalo	Yes (Discover(+))	120+	Yes (Discover+ only)
Alosim	No	N/A	N/A
Holafly	No	N/A	N/A
Nomad	Yes (Global 109/136)	109 & 136	No

Of course, the discount codes mentioned earlier can also be redeemed for the regional and global eSIMs when applicable.

Now that we have an overview of what our options are, let's go through each and find out about the benefits of them.

Each section will focus on the respective eSIM provider's Canada, North American & global eSIM variants.

But if you already have an eSIM provider in mind, just click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad.

Original publication: 23^rd of September 2022. Last updated: 4^th of March 2024.

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Table of Contents

Airalo Canada eSIMs

Airalo has three types of eSIMs that can be used in Canada: Tuque Mobile, Americanmex & Discover(+).

Below is a quick overview:

eSIM	Coverage	Packages	Prices	Data	5G NR in Canada?
Tuque Mobile	Canada only	6	6 USD – 49 25 USD (on sale)	1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 30 days	Yes 2
Americanmex	Canada, Mexico & the United States	5	6.50 USD – 46 USD	1 GB for 7 days – 10 GB for 30 days	Yes 2
Discover(+)	Canada & 120+ countries globally	12 (6 for Discover & 6 for Discover+)	9/15 USD – 69/89 USD 1	1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 365 days (1 year)	Yes 2

¹ 9 USD and 69 USD apply to the Discover eSIM. Discover+ eSIM costs between 15 USD and 89 USD
² only on the Bell Canada and Telus networks

Remember to use code APR15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM before OR code APR10 for 10% off if you are an existing Airalo user (valid until the 31^st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).

If you already have an eSIM variant in mind, just click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Tuque Mobile, Americanmex & Discover(+).

Airalo was the first eSIM store launched in 2019 when barely any phone supported eSIMs.

Now, it is the largest eSIM provider and covers more than 200 countries and territories (some being “duplicates”).

Airalo was the first eSIM I ever installed on my dad's phone (I did not have an eSIM-compatible device back then 🗿).

And it is also the the provider I have tested in the most countries so far (compared to other eSIMs).

Anyway, Airalo has a thing for giving each country's eSIM a unique name (which I love).

Airalo Tuque Mobile (Canada) eSIM

For Canada, it is Tuque Mobile.

As highlighted earlier, there are six Tuque Mobile eSIMs to choose from, which are shown below:

1. Canada/Tuque Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 6 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Canada/Tuque Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 11 USD
3. Canada/Tuque Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD
4. Canada/Tuque Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Canada/Tuque Mobile 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Canada/Tuque Mobile 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 49 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

The Airalo Tuque Mobile eSIM gives you access to three Canadian mobile networks: Bell Canada (5G), Rogers Canada (4G) & Telus (5G).

In my Canada SIM card buying guide, I tell you more about which Canadian mobile operator(s) is/are the best in coverage or speed so you can manually select the network that would suit your needs.

Airalo Americanmex eSIM

Next, we have the Airalo Americanmex eSIM to be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States.

This eSIM is Airalo's newest addition to its regional eSIM portfolio.

In fact, it was released two weeks before I headed to Canada and the United States in the summer of 2023.

The same provider, Orange France, powers the Americanmex eSIM as the Canada (Tuque Mobile) and United States (Change) eSIMs.

So, I wonder why it took so long for a North American eSIM to be created.

But it is here now, so I cannot complain 😜.

You have these five Americanmex options to choose from:

1. North America/Americanmex 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 6.50 USD
2. North America/Americanmex 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. North America/Americanmex 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. North America/Americanmex 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 25.50 USD
5. North America/Americanmex 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 46 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

You can use the Bell Canada, Rogers Canada & Telus networks, but only Bell Canada and Telus Canada will give you 5G NR access.

So you manually have to change the network to Bell Canada/Telus if you want to use 5G NR with the Americanmex eSIM (for most Android devices, go to settings -> mobile network -> select the eSIM -> operator -> disable auto-select -> tap Bell/Telus).

I have already used the Americanmex eSIM in Canada (review) and the United States (review on its way).

I will visit Mexico in May, and the Americanmex review for it will be written in late June/early July (because I am visiting numerous Latin American countries on that trip. Hence the delay in publishing).

Because all these nations are enormous, my Americanmex review will be ongoing because there are so many places, cities & states/provinces where the eSIM can be tested.

So, make sure to check back for updates!

Airalo Discover(+) eSIM

Lastly, we have the Airalo's global Discover and Discover+ eSIMs.

These eSIMs can be used in Canada and 120+ other countries on each continent.

Previously, Airalo's Discover Global eSIM was kind of… meh.

I have had a decent experience with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.

The new Discover(+) eSIMs have a maximum validity of 365 days (instead of 180) and can use 5G NR in most destinations.

Moreover, the + variant gives you an Austrian (+43) phone number.

As a result, the Discover+ eSIM can be up to 20 USD more expensive than the Discover eSIM, but the benefits are worth it, in my opinion (I have the + variant installed on my phone).

These Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs are available:

1. Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
3. Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
4. Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
5. Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
6. Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
9. Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
10. Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
11. Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
12. Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

The Discover(+) eSIM can use the Bell Canada, SaskTel (Saskatchewan province only) & Telus networks.

But 5G NR is only available on the Bell Canada and Telus networks.

For an entire list of countries where the eSIM can be used, you should check out my ongoing Airalo Discover+ eSIM review.

Although the map below may be helpful if you know your world map well.

In every country I visit where I test country-specific Airalo eSIMs, I also try out its Discover+ eSIM (if it can be used there).

So you better check it out now and then to see if I wrote about the country/countries you plan to visit and read about the eSIM's performance in said country, as it is not always perfect.

Before Airalo updated its global eSIM, I used the old version (Discover Global) in 15+ countries. From August 2023, I will only test the Discover+ eSIM. This is why some country-specific reviews (like Hong Kong) still refer to Discover Global and show the old eSIM image instead of Discover+.

Airalo eSIMs for Canada Summarized

To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Airalo eSIM covered in this section:

• Tuque Mobile:
  • can be used in Canada only
  • is priced between 6 USD and 33 USD
  • has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 30 days)
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks
  • has no phone number
• Americanmex:
  • can be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States
  • is priced between 6.50 USD and 46 USD
  • has five variants (1 GB for 7 days – 10 GB for 30 days)
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks in Canada (and the United States)
  • has no phone number
• Discover:
  • can be used in Canada and 120+ countries worldwide
  • is priced between 9 USD and 69 USD
  • has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 365 days)
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks in Canada (and numerous other countries)
  • has no phone number
• Discover+:
  • can be used in Canada and 120+ countries worldwide
  • is priced between 15 USD and 89 USD
  • has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 365 days)
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks in Canada (and numerous other countries)
  • includes an Austrian phone number
    • offers up 200 international minutes and 200 international SMS (to any country worldwide, including those the eSIM cannot be used in)

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Alosim Canada eSIMs

Airalo has two types of eSIMs that can be used in Canada: Canada and North America.

Below is a quick overview:

eSIM	Coverage	Packages	Prices	5G NR in Canada?	Phone Number?
Canada	Canada only	6	6 USD – 49 USD	Yes	Yes
North America	Canada, Mexico & the United States	4	8 USD – 50 USD	Yes	Yes

Remember that you can use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

If you already have an eSIM variant in mind, just click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Canada & North America.

Alosim is an eSIM provider by AffinityClick, which is known for its Hushed app (“Temporary & Second Phone Number App for Wifi, Data Calling & Texting”, as it calls it (8 million+ downloads)).

It took some time and effort (from my end), but Alosim finally agreed to bundle its products.

What do I mean by that?

With any Alosim eSIM purchase, even country-specific ones with just 1 GB of data or a regional one with 10 GB of data, will get a Hushed redemption code, giving you up to 30 international minutes or 50 international SMS.

AffinityClick offers American (+1), British (+44) & Canadian (+1) phone numbers from over 300 area codes (but only +1 phone numbers are part of this combo deal).

This makes Alosim the only eSIM provider I know of that gives you a phone number for each eSIM purchase.

Additionally, you do not have to switch back to your base SIM card if you need to make international calls (and will save a lot on international call costs, which are often overly expensive).

Anyway, let's talk about Alosim's eSIM offering.

It has eSIMs for over 170 countries, including Canada.

Alosim Canada eSIM

For Canada, you have the following six choices:

1. Canada 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 6 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Canada 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 11 USD
3. Canada 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD
4. Canada 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Canada 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Canada 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 49 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

Alosim's Canada eSIM gives you access to the Bell Canada, SaskTel (Saskatchewan province only) & Telus networks.

You can use 5G NR on the Telus network.

For more information on how Canadian mobile operators perform, check out my Canada SIM card buying guide, where I discuss the performance of each SIM card (in terms of coverage and speed).

Alosim North America eSIM

Next and finally, we have Alosim's North America eSIM to be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States.

Just like Airalo, it took a while for Alosim to introduce a North American eSIM.

In fact, it was released after the summer of 2023 (when I was in Canada and the United States).

So, I have a reason to return to the continent to test this eSIM 😎.

Anyway, let's see how much each of the four Alosim North America eSIMs cost:

1. North America 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. North America 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 21 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. North America 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 32.50 USD
4. North America 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 50 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

The North American eSIM has access to the same networks as the Canadian eSIM.

As I mentioned earlier, you will also get a Hushed phone number with any Alosim North America eSIM purchase.

I will use the eSIM in Mexico in May 2024. But I am not sure when I will return to North America (probably not this year – I intend to explore Latin America instead).

Fortunately, last summer, I used the Alosim Canada eSIM and the Alosim United States eSIM (reviews are coming).

That way, you can have an idea of how the North American eSIM will perform in these countries.

Alosim eSIMs for Canada Summarized

To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Alosim eSIM covered in this section:

• Canada:
  • is priced between 6 USD and 49 USD
  • has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 30 days)
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks
  • includes a free +1 (American or Canadian) phone number through Hushed
    • allows for up to 30 international calls and/or 30 international SMS (within Canada or from Canada to any other country)
• North America:
  • can be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States
  • is priced between 8 USD and 50 USD
  • has four variants (1 GB for 7 days – 10 GB for 30 days)
  • has 5G NR access in Canada on select supported networks (and the United States)
  • includes a free +1 (American or Canadian) phone number through Hushed
    • allows for up to 30 international calls and/or 30 international SMS (within Canada or from Canada to any other country)

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Holafly Canada eSIMs

Holafly has two types of eSIMs that can be used in Canada: Canada and North America.

Below is a quick overview:

eSIM	Coverage	Packages	Prices	5G NR in Canada?	Phone Number?
Canada	Canada only	5	27 USD – 45 USD	Yes	No
North America	Canada, Mexico & the United States	8	27 USD – 214 USD	Yes	No

Remember that you can use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off any Holafly purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

If you already have an eSIM variant in mind, just click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Canada & North America.

Holafly is probably the eSIM provider with the most extensive coverage in terms of unlimited data eSIMs.

Yes, Holafly has unlimited data eSIMs for Canada and most countries it supports, which is over 160 countries.

Of these, about 100 have unlimited data eSIMs.

Holafly was probably one of the first eSIM providers to have a North American eSIM.

But it was expensive: 54 USD for 6 GB of data valid for 15 days.

Later, Holafly introduced unlimited data eSIMs for Canada (while Mexico and the United States had them since June 2022) and North America.

Holafly Canada eSIM

But I got ahead of myself – let's focus on the Canada eSIM first.

You have five unlimited data eSIMs for Canada:

1. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 27 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 34 USD
3. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 37 USD
4. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

I will tell you already: Holafly's Canada eSIMs are the most expensive ones mentioned in this guide.

But unlike all the others, you get unlimited data.

However, as of mid-2023, Holafly eSIMs with unlimited data plans (excluding European ones) are speed-restricted to 18 Mbps (even slower in some countries).

In fact, Canada was the first country I noticed that speeds were throttled severely.

I toured Europe with my boyfriend and his mom for three weeks immediately before going to Canada (+the United States, Indonesia, Taiwan & Vietnam afterward) with no speed issues. In contrast, the countries above were throttled. I was in the Middle East in November and December, and speeds were also slow. Except for countries with data-limited plans (Qatar and Saudi Arabia). However, these countries have unlimited data plans by now.

While 18 Mbps is not exactly a snail's speed, much faster speeds are available for lower prices with other eSIM providers mentioned in this guide.

Speaking of networks, you will be on Rogers Canada with the Holafly Canada eSIM (up to 4G/LTE).

Holafly North America eSIM

Let's talk about the North American eSIM now.

I am unsure when this eSIM was revamped, but it must have been between September and November 2023.

But unlike its Europe eSIM (review), the North American one is quite expensive.

As an example, the maximum validity of both eSIMs is 90 days.

For the Europe one, you pay 99 USD (not too bad because it can be used in 32 countries).

Whereas you are charged 214 USD for the North American one.

Even then, it will still be cheaper to get the North American eSIM instead of multiple country-specific Holafly eSIMs.

Below is an overview of all the Holafly North America eSIMs:

1. North America unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 27 USD
2. North America unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 34 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. North America unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 44 USD
4. North America unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 54 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. North America unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 64 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. North America unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 87 USD
7. North America unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 144 USD
8. North America unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 214 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

Just like the Holafly Canada eSIM, the same speed restriction applies to the Holafly North America eSIM.

Holafly eSIMs for Canada Summarized

To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Holafly eSIM covered in this section:

• Canada:
  • is priced between 27 USD and 54 USD
  • has five variants (unlimited for 5 days – unlimited for 20 days)
  • has no 5G NR access
  • has no phone number
• North America:
  • can be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States
  • is priced between 27 USD and 214 USD
  • has eight variants (unlimited for 5 days – unlimited for 90 days)
  • has no 5G NR access in Canada (or any other country)
  • has no phone number

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Nomad Canada eSIMs

Nomad has three types of eSIMs that can be used in Canada: Canada, North America & Global.

Below is a quick overview:

eSIM	Coverage	Packages	Prices	5G NR in Canada?
Canada	Canada only	5	6 USD – 32 25 USD (on sale)	Yes 2, 3
North America	Canada, Mexico & the United States	5	9 USD – 53 USD	Yes
Global	Canada & 108/136 other countries	6 (3 for 109 countries & 3 for 136 countries)	25/19 USD – 45/57 USD 1	Yes 4

¹ 25 USD and 45 USD apply to the 109 Countries Plan. 136 Countries Plan eSIMs costs between 19 USD and 57 USD
² 5G NR access on the Bell Canada and Telus networks
³ 5G NR access for most eSIM options (except for 1 GB for 7 days (7 USD variant))
⁴ 5G NR access is available for the 136 Countries Plan eSIMs only

Use code ADU123 for 3 USD off your first Nomad order (new customers only). But existing customers can use NOMADTUE on Tuesdays only for 10% off on plans of 10 GB or more.

If you already have an eSIM variant in mind, just click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Canada, North America & Global.

Nomad, not to be confused with the (digital) nomad lifestyle, is an eSIM provider that has significantly improved over the past few years.

Not only has it been adding more countries, but it has continuously been dropping its prices where applicable.

Right now, Nomad has eSIMs for more than 160 countries.

While Nomad is not a marketplace of eSIMs, it does sell eSIMs powered by different partners.

Some countries have “duplicates” of the same variant of eSIM (1 GB for 7 days, for example) because of different partner offerings (although Nomad has reduced duplicates in recent months, as per request. Look at this old Italy example).

Nomad Canada eSIM

For Canada, you have these five choices:

1. Canada 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (eSIM Go), costing 6 USD
2. Canada 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Global1SIM), costing 7 USD
3. Canada 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Canada 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 18 17 USD (on sale) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Canada 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 32 25 USD (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

If an eSIM is powered by eSIM Go, you can use 5G NR or some or all supported Canadian mobile networks. If the eSIM is powered by another operator, you will be restricted to 4G/LTE.

Depending on who powers the eSIM, you can access different Canadian mobile networks (you can see the network list by pressing See Details on the Nomad Canada eSIM product page).

My Canada SIM card buying guide will inform you which network(s) is/are the best regarding coverage and speed.

Nomad North America eSIM

Now, we have the Nomad North America eSIM to be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States.

Sometimes, I feel like Airalo, Alosim & Holafly copied Nomad because the latter introduced a proper North American eSIM in June 2023, and all the others followed (shortly) 😆.

Anyway, the North American eSIM is powered by eSIM Go.

Meaning you can use 5G NR in Canada.

With that out of the way, here is a list of all the Nomad North America eSIMs and how much they cost:

1. North America 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. North America 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 14 USD
3. North America 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 20 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. North America 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 30 USD (on sale) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. North America 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 53 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

I have already used the Nomad North America eSIM in Canada and the United States (reviews are coming).

I will visit Mexico in May, and the review for it will be written in late June/early July (because I am visiting numerous Latin American countries on that trip. Hence the delay in publishing).

Because all these nations are enormous, my Nomad North America eSIM review will be ongoing because there are so many places, cities & states/provinces where the eSIM can be tested.

So, make sure to check back for updates!

Nomad Global eSIM

Finally, we have Nomad global eSIMs.

While Nomad is one of the few eSIM providers with a global eSIM, it is pretty expensive (especially compared to Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs).

However, the eSIM has one big fan… my dad.

Yes, really! He is a truck driver and sometimes visits countries not covered by regional eSIMs or Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs.

So, instead of buying multiple eSIMs, he just uses Nomad's global eSIM 😎.

Anyway, the eSIM can be used in up to 136 countries – Canada included.

And two plans are available: 109 Countries Plan (Truphone/1Global) and 136 Countries Plan (eSIM Go).

Both providers have been introduced earlier, and the same conditions apply – 5G NR is available in many countries with the 136 Countries Plan eSIMs, which is not the case with the 109 Countries Plan.

Each plan has three eSIMs: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days & 5 GB for 30 days.

The short validity and high prices, which I will show you shortly, make it hard for this eSIM to be a proper eSIM for world travelers.

Anyway, here is the list:

1. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (109 Countries), costing 25 USD
2. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (136 Countries), costing 19 USD
3. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries), costing 40 USD
4. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (136 Countries), costing 40 USD
5. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries), costing 45 USD
6. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (136 Countries), costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 27^th of February.

Because I have no ongoing review for this eSIM, you can use the Nomad Global product page to find all supported countries or the map below.

Nomad eSIMs for Canada Summarized

To summarize, these are the characteristics of each Nomad eSIM covered in this section:

• Canada:
  • is priced between 6 USD and 32 25 USD (on sale)
  • has five variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 30 days)
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks
  • has no phone number
• North America:
  • can be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States
  • is priced between 9 USD and 53 USD
  • has five variants (1 GB for 7 days – 20 GB for 30 days)
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks in Canada (and in Mexico and the United States)
  • has no phone number
• Global:
  • can be used in Canada and 108/135 other countries globally
    • 109 Countries Plan (powered by Truephone/1Global)
    • 136 Countries Plan (powered by eSIM Go)
  • is priced between 19 USD and 57 USD
    • 109 Countries Plan: 25 USD – 45 USD
    • 136 Countries Plan: 19 USD – 57 USD
  • has six variants (1 GB for 7 days – 5 GB for 30 days)
    • 109 Countries Plan: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days & 5 GB for 30 days
    • 136 Countries Plan: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days & 5 GB for 30 days
  • has 5G NR access on select supported networks in Canada (and numerous other countries)
    • 109 Countries Plan: no 5G NR access
    • 136 Countries Plan: 5G NR access on select supported networks in Canada (and numerous other countries)
  • has no phone number

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Canada

I reviewed a handful of eSIM providers that offer numerous eSIMs to be used in Canada, neighboring countries & even globally.

Because I went over many things, here is a summary of characteristics so you can quickly decide which eSIM you want.

Canada-only eSIMs:

• Cheapest 3 GB Canada eSIM: Airalo & Alosim (15 USD)
• Cheapest 5 GB Canada eSIM: Nomad (18 17 USD (on sale)), otherwise together with Airalo & Alosim (18 USD)
• Cheapest 10 GB Canada eSIM: Airalo (35 USD), otherwise Nomad (32 25 USD (on sale))
• Provider with unlimited data plans for Canada: Holafly
• Canada eSIM with the longest validity: Airalo, Alosim & Nomad (30 days)
• Canada eSIM with 5G NR: Airalo, Alosim & Nomad
• Canada eSIM with phone numbers: Alosim (American/Canadian)

North America eSIMs:

• Cheapest 3 GB North America eSIM: Nomad (14 USD)
• Cheapest 5 GB North America eSIM: Nomad (20 USD)
• Cheapest 10 GB North America eSIM: Nomad (40 30 USD (on sale))
• Provider with unlimited data plans for Canada and North America: Holafly
• North America eSIM with the longest validity: Holafly (90 days)
• North America eSIM with 5G NR in Canada: Airalo, Alosim & Nomad
• North America eSIM with phone numbers: Alosim (American/Canadian)

Regarding global eSIMs, Airalo's Discover(+) eSIM is superior to the Nomad global eSIM in terms of prices, data allowances & validity (+phone number).

However, Nomad's eSIM has better coverage (up to 135+ instead of 120+).

And do not forget to use one of these discount codes for extra savings:

• Airalo: APR15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. If you have, use APR10 for 10% off (each code can be used 3000 times among all Airalo customers, so better redeem it quickly!
• Alosim: PTW for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
• Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
• Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD (or your currency's equivalent) if you have never purchased a Nomad eSIM

Enjoy your trip to Canada (and neighboring countries)!

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