Canada: Buy the Best eSIMs | 2024 Guide

Canada – known for its scenery, love for ice hockey & moose that do not mind messing up your car.

Being the second-largest country behind Russia, Canada has a lot to offer.

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park (Alberta) is just stunning – especially if you canoe through it.

If you plan on visiting Vancouver (British Columbia), you better have a slow walk through Stanley Park.

Of course, you have to go to the CN Town if you go to Toronto (Ontario).

And the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City is a must-see.

And this is just a short list of recommendations – there are whole sites out there that have even more suggestions – Canada is just that cool (literally).

But the country is not one of your budget-friendly travel destinations, like countries in Southeast Asia, for example.

In fact, it can be an expensive country – especially domestic flights.

What else, mobile data rates for prepaid customers are close to criminal in Canada – they are one of the highest in the world.

You think mobile data was expensive in the United States? The US is cheap compared to Canada.

But before you share your colorful Canada experiences online, be aware that international roaming can be expensive.

Travel eSIMs can be a much more affordable way to stay connected, especially in Canada.

How much will a travel eSIM for Canada cost?

You can get an eSIM for Canada for as low as 6 USD and up to 54 USD from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offering between 1 GB and unlimited data of data to be used locally, in the Americas, or globally.

While this may sound a bit pricey but international roaming will be even more expensive.

So yeah, these travel eSIMs can be worth it – especially if you favor convenience.

In this guide, I will go over the travel eSIM options offered by Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad. Let's go.

Original publication: 23rd of September 2022. Last updated: 25th of October 2023.

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Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about 14 eSIM options in Canada (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Canada without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

• Canadian mobile operators (four offer eSIMs to prepaid customers – read more in my Canada SIM card buying guide)
• Airalo Tuque Mobile eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 10 GB (best value for money)
• Alosim Canada eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 10 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options – use code PTW for 5% off)
• Holafly Canada eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 20 days (unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
• Nomad Canada eSIM with eight choices between 1 GB and 10 GB (best value for money… too – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global) with 12 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (extensive global coverage (130+ countries) at attractive prices) + ability to make and receive calls & send and receive SMS (new) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover(+) (Global) eSIM review too!
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in Canada with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Airalo Americanmex eSIM with 5G NR access in Canada
• Alosim North America eSIM
• Holafly North America eSIM
• Nomad North America eSIM with 5G NR access in Canada

Note: the promo codes mentioned above can also be used for regional and global eSIMs (they are not restricted to country-specific eSIMs only). In other news, the eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Canada-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Canada 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

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eSIMs offered by Canadian Mobile Operators

Suppose you want to get the best service and reception available in Canada.

In that case, it is better to get a SIM card or travel eSIM from the local mobile operators, which in this case would be the Canadian ones.

Not only will you not have to deal with latency, but you also get a higher priority on the network because you are a direct customer of the mobile operator instead of a roamer.

And with most travel eSIMs, you are roaming on the network(s) of the local mobile operator(s).

But that is not always the case – the slow speeds part, that is.

Some mobile operators throttle the speeds of prepaid customers because they want more people to get a postpaid plan.

Unfortunately, travelers cannot get postpaid plans – so one way to avoid throttling is by using a travel eSIM.

Yes – travel eSIMs sometimes have faster speeds than native prepaid customers because of throttling.

So, which Canadian mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers?

Currently, Telus, Bell Canada, Koodo & Virgin Plus offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

However, you have these three options for getting an eSIM for your trip to Canada: Airalo (with Tuque Mobile), Alosim, Holafly & Nomad.

One of the main advantages of getting a travel eSIM for Canada is that you can set up the eSIM before arriving in Canada and activate it upon landing (with most eSIMs listed in this guide).

I have to mention that travel eSIMs will be more expensive than local eSIMs and SIM cards, but they are more convenient.

Moreover, I have plenty of experience with the eSIMs from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad, so I can vouch for them – so can many Phone Travel Wiz readers!

So let's go over what the travel eSIMs offer for Canada!

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Airalo eSIMs for Canada (Tuque Mobile)

If you have read any of my eSIM or SIM card buying guides before, then you know I am a big fan of Airalo.

Not only does Airalo have eSIMs for most countries (200+) of any eSIM platform, but they are also often one of the cheapest while offering fantastic service in terms of speeds and reception.

That is because Airalo usually partners up with the mobile operator with the best coverage, the fastest speeds, both, or even multiple operators.

That way, you get the best bang for your buck 🤑.

Wait… you have no idea who or what Airalo is? I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Back to Canada, the Airalo Tuque Mobile uses the Bell Canada, Telus & SaskTel networks.

Tip: I recommend manually selecting the Telus or Koodo networsk instead of Telus for the best network performance (best coverage and fastest speed).

You have five Tuque Mobile eSIM options:

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

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

I can already tell you that Airalo has the cheapest eSIM options for Canada in this guide.

Moreover, you will have one of the, if not the best, best network experience with the Airalo Tuque Mobile eSIM compared to some/most other travel eSIMs because of the networks the eSIM uses.

What makes things even more pleasant is that you can top up your eSIM when it is expiring or when you are out of data without the need to purchase a new eSIM.

But you may think that a local SIM card or eSIM will (still) be cheaper than Airalo or any other travel eSIM.

And you are right – that is true in most cases.

But with some countries making getting a prepaid SIM card a hassle, involving long queues, excessive registration requirements, and long activation periods, the (slightly) higher prices for an Airalo eSIM can be worth it.

• Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)

So while you technically could get cheaper plans, the question is whether you can actually get them or not.

Most mobile operators will only sell you (overpriced) tourist SIM cards or the most expensive plans because of “mandatory top-up requirements” (which are often lies to take more of your money anyway).

Anyway, you should be aware that while you can get up to 4G/LTE connection with the Airalo Tuque Mobile eSIM, your speeds will most likely not be faster than someone using a local SIM card.

That is because you are roaming on the Bell Canada, Telus & SaskTel networks instead of being a native customer.

Anyway, the Airalo Tuque Mobile eSIM is an eSIM LOVED by many Phone Travel Wiz readers, and the complaints about it are minimal.

The eSIMs are affordable, the data allowances can be tailored to your needs (1 GB to 10 GB + top-ups are available) & you will have a smooth network experience (in most cases).

I test and use Airalo's eSIMs in every country I go to, so you better check out my Airalo eSIM reviews and see if I have written a review for the eSIM you are interested in.

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Alosim eSIMs for Canada

Alosim is a young eSIM provider covering 130+ countries.

Not only have I only started using its eSIMs, but they have been up and running for more than a year.

For the eSIM industry… that makes Alosim a veteran 🗿.

One thing I like about Alosim is that its eSIMs have 5G NR access in popular destinations.

Unfortunately, that is not the case for Canada yet… but that could change soon 😏.

I include Alosim in my eSIM guides for the Americas because they are reasonably priced.

The Americas, except for Canada, Mexico & the United States, is a difficult region for eSIM providers to enter and to offer reasonably priced eSIMs, I have been told by many eSIM providers.

There is an eSIM provider, Instabridge, charging 515 USD for 5 GB for Honduras… yeah… and they wonder why I do not want promote them 🤡.

Luckily, that is not the case with AloSIM, which uses the Bell Canada network.

You have five Alosim Canada eSIM options:

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

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

And as I am always looking out for you, use code PTW for 5% off your Alosim eSIM purchase!

Getting an Alosim eSIM is straightforward and so is installing it.

Just note that you have to manually change the Access Point Name (APN) to alosim instead of the default one, as in the screenshot below.

Fortunately, the installation page mentions this too, but it is still something that does not have to be done often with most eSIM providers.

Resulting in you thinking the eSIM does not work, even though it will when you change the settings.

But besides that, Alosim has one of the cheapest eSIM plans for the Americas!

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Holafly eSIMs for Canada

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly, which covers 150+ countries.

In June 2022, Holafly introduced something that no other travel eSIM provider had done by that time (that I am aware of).

You can now get unlimited data plans for Canada, all European Union member states, most East- and Southeast Asian countries & a handful of others, including the United States.

Wait… there is an eSIM provider offering unlimited data plans, and I (you reading this) have never heard of it? Who is Holafly? 🤔

I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

Okay, back to unlimited data eSIMs – is it truly unlimited?

Yes… at least that was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors (an eSIM reseller) tried to hit a daily fair-use limit.

It realized that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Other (Phone Travel Wiz) users claim to have been throttled after 1 GB to 1.5 GB already.

Interesting, is it not? 🤔.

What about myself? I have yet to be throttled, it seems. But unlike most travelers, I usually have multiple local SIM cards and travel eSIMs for testing purposes while I travel, so I can spread out my data usage among them. For countries without unlimited data plans, Holafly does not throttle speeds at all.

Anyway, Holafly's unlimited data plans for Canada are the most expensive ones mentioned in this guide.

In Canada, Holafly's eSIM uses the Bell Canada and Telus networks.

You have the following five Canada eSIM options with Holafly:

1. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/34 CAD
3. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 37 USD/37 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD
4. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/59 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Canada unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

Yes, these are not the cheapest eSIMs out there.

Do note that the Holafly Canada eSIM cannot be topped up or extended.

So you need to buy another eSIM when you are out of data or the eSIM expires; you have to purchase a new one.

And do not install the eSIM (by scanning the QR code or manually entering the activation code) too early – preferably.

But… you can get 5% off each and any Holafly purchase (so it does not have to be the Canada eSIM) when you use code PHONETRAVELWIZ – fantastic, right 🤩?

I test and use Holafly's eSIMs in every country I go to, so you better check out my Holafly eSIM reviews and see if I have written a review for the eSIM you are interested in.

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Nomad eSIMs for Canada

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Nomad, which provides eSIMs for more than 110 countries.

And no, I am not talking about the (digital) Nomad lifestyle, but Nomad eSIMs! (Check out my Nomad review to learn more about all its options).

Previously, I implied that Nomad eSIMs in the Americas, including the Canada ones, were mediocre.

And they used to be.

But since then, Nomad dropped its prices, switched to a better roaming partner & improved its overall service.

It may have been because I complained… but still 🤫.

In most countries in the Americas, Nomad partners with Truphone – a global connectivity carrier.

For some reason, Truphone is secretive about the local network(s) it uses (and its partners are not allowed to disclose it either).

Nowadays, it is a bit better but only for a handful of countries (not in most of the Americas).

But that is not the biggest issue with Truphone in this region – it is crazy expensive over here.

Nomad has to charge 25 USD for 1 GB of data because Truphone charges them that much (and it used to be only 20 USD until February or March 2023).

Many eSIM providers use Truphone for their eSIMs, and you will see they charge roughly the same…. because Truphone sets the prices.

Luckily, Nomad managed to find a different partner in Canada, allowing for competitively priced eSIMs here (which is why I mention Nomad in this guide – else, I would have omitted it).

In Canada, Nomad's eSIMs use the Bell Canada, Telus & SaskTel networks.

You have the following nine Nomad Canada eSIM options:

1. Canada 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (eSIM Go), costing 6 USD/6 EUR/5 GBP/8.50 CAD/6 CHF (price dropped)
2. Canada 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Global1SIM), costing 7 USD/7 EUR/6 GBP/10 CAD/6.50 CHF
3. Canada 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD/11.50 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Canada 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (Global1SIM), costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD/11.50 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Canada 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 18 USD/17.50 EUR/15 GBP/25 CAD/17 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Canada 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (Global1SIM), costing 19 USD/18.50 EUR/16 GBP/26 CAD/17.50 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Canada 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (eSIM Go), costing 28 USD/27 EUR/23.50 GBP/38.50 CAD/26 CHF (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. Canada 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Global1SIM), costing 32 USD/30.50 EUR/26.50 GBP/44 CAD/29.50 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
9. Canada 12 GB eSIM for 30 days (Global1SIM, costing 36 USD/34.50 EUR/30 GBP/49.50 CAD/33.50 CHF (price dropped)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first eSIM (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!

But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays by using code NOMADTUE (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those codes instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.

Of course, you can also top up your Nomad Canada eSIM on the Nomad site or apps.

But you should not buy your eSIMs way in advance because you have 30 days to activate them before it activates themselves.

So let's say you get a 30-day eSIM – you would have 60 days to take advantage of it before it expires.

Personally, I am not a huge fan of this policy, as many eSIM providers (in this guide) do not have such restrictions.

Although I am happy that Nomad is upfront about this when you buy any of its eSIMs – it is not hidden.

Plus, upon repeated requests, Nomad is slowly adding unlimited data plans to its assortment (currently limited to Asia and Europe, but the Americas will be tackled too eventually 🤩).

And it plans on finding a new partner in the rest of the Americas so that you do not have to pay 25 USD for 1 GB anymore 🗿.

I test and use Nomad's eSIMs in most countries I go to (except for the countries where the prices are still criminal), so you better check out my Nomad eSIM reviews and see if I have written a review for the eSIM you are interested in.

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Best eSIMs for the Americas & the World (including Canada)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring country of Canada?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, or Nomad eSIMs in any country than Canada.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of the Americas.

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit the Americas and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Americas or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple American countries to save money!

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Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global)

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM – it was called Discover Global.

I have had decent to good experiences with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.

Such as extending the validity of most plans (maximum used to be 180 days) and having 5G NR access in popular destinations (like many regional Airalo eSIMs do nowadays, even country-specific ones).

In August 2023, Airalo made a radical change to its global eSIM.

Until then, the eSIM could be used in about 85 countries – always up to 4G/LTE (with some networks on 3G only).

This eSIM was powered by FL1 Telecom Liechtenstein (network name can be Mobilkom (Liechtenstein) at times).

This mobile operator worked well in Europe and some Asian countries, but it was often one of the slowest performing (Airalo eSIMs).

Now, Airalo's global eSIM is called Discover(+).

It is powered by eSIM Go (which is basically Drei Austria).

The difference between the Airalo Discover and Airalo Discover+ eSIMs is that the latter has calling and texting functionalities (with an Austrian +43 phone number).

Because of this, Discover+ eSIMs can be up to 20 USD more expensive than regular Discover eSIMs.

For the previous Airalo Discover Global eSIMs, you paid the same prices as the Discover+ eSIMs for worse availability (85+ countries instead of 130+) and no calling or texting at all.

So… it is an upgrade 😎.

Not only that, but you (finally) get 5G NR access in quite some countries (55+)¹ as well.

¹ click here, press select the variant you want & click on network to see which network(s) allow for 5G NR access. You often have access to multiple local networks, but not all have 5G NR access (and some do not even give you 4G/LTE access)

Moreover, the most expensive option is now valid for a whole year (365 days) instead of 180 days.

The Airalo Discover(+) eSIM can be used in the following 130+ countries:

You have these 12 Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

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 October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM (5G NR access in Canada)

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in 140+ countries for 15 days – 53 of them with 5G NR access.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is its short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 140+ countries within 15 days – something not even I can do🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 140+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Airalo Americanmex eSIM (5G NR Access in Canada)

Every now and then, Airalo surprises me.

Before I headed to Canada and the United States in July 2023, Airalo introduced its Americanmex regional eSIM, which can be used in Canada, Mexico & the United States.

I will leave my opinion about the uninspiring name for now (lmao), but it is nice to see that Airalo finally has an eSIM covering all of North America (saving you money, as you do not have to purchase three individual eSIMs anymore).

Not only that, but you get 5G NR access on most supported networks in Canada and all in the United States.

Well… supposedly – I did not have 5G NR access at all in July and August – maybe because I was one of the first users of the eSIM and the access was not finalized yet (even though the Canada/Tuque Mobile and the United States/Change eSIMs did have 5G NR access)…

So hopefully, you do have 5G NR access by now (and let me know if you do OR do not).

So far, I have used the Airalo Americanmex eSIM in Canada and the United States.

I pre-planned my North America way before this eSIM was introduced and already had everything booked for my Indonesia trip, so I could not add Mexico. Worry not, I will visit the lovely country in 2024!

• Check out my Airalo Americanmex eSIM review

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Alosim North America eSIM

Unlike Airalo, Alosim had a North American eSIM covering Canada, Mexico & the United States before I started working with it.

But it was, and still is, slightly more expensive than Airalo's Americanmex offering (up to 7 USD more).

At this moment, I cannot tell you why you should pick Alosim over Airalo, to be honest… so I will pressure Alosim to lower its prices and/or offer more plans to make it competitive.

Below is an overview of how much each Alosim North America eSIM costs:

1. North America 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD
2. North America 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 21 USD
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

Like country-specific Alosim eSIMs, you can still use code PTW for 5% off!

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Holafly North America eSIM

I have to say that Holafly has improved its offering immensely within the time I started working with it.

It used to have a lot of overpriced and bad plans, but many have been replaced.

An example is its former North American eSIM.

For 44 USD or 54 USD, you got 6 GB of data to be used within 15 days (which I suspect was powered by eSIM2FLY by AIS Thailand because all its eSIMs have that data allowance and validity).

Airalo, Alosim & Nomad will give you 5 GB of data for less and allow you to use your data for 30 days instead.

But in mid-August, Holafly applied its unlimited data concept to its North American eSIM as it did with its Canada, Mexico & United States eSIMs (much) earlier.

Below is an overview of how much each Holafly North America eSIM costs:

1. North America unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/39 CAD
2. North America unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/54 AUD/47 CAD
3. North America unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 44 USD/47 EUR/34 GBP/69 AUD/59 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. North America unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
5. North America unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. North America unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 87 USD/87 EUR/74 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. North America unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 144 USD/147 EUR/127 GBP/214 AUD/189 CAD
8. North America unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 214 USD/217 EUR/187 GBP/314 AUD/284 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 23^rd of September (2023 data only).

Initially, I wondered why the Holafly North America eSIM (significantly) is more expensive than its country-specific eSIMs (such as Canada, Mexico, or the United States + other countries worldwide) and even the Holafly Europe regional eSIM.

It is because the Holafly North America eSIM allows for tethering (mobile hotspot/data sharing), unlike most/any other Holafly unlimited data eSIM (including those that can only be used in Canada, Mexico, or the United States).

Yes, I confirmed this with Holafly. Why this is the case, I cannot tell. The peeps over there said to me that they have different contracts… and left it there 🗿.

It is up to you whether it is worth paying up to 115 USD more for this feature (compared to country-specific eSIM and other regional eSIMs like Asia and Europe), especially when this eSIM can be used in three countries alone.

But if you start your trip in the United States and get a SIM card from the Big Three (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile US, many prepaid plans will include free data roaming in Canada (up to 60 GB, depending on the SIM card and plan) and Mexico (up to 60 GB or unlimited). However, these plans start from 50 USD…

Do with this information as you wish 😏.

But be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off!

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Nomad North America eSIM (5G NR Access in Canada)

Of the four eSIM providers with North American eSIMs, Nomad was probably the first to introduce North American eSIMs at reasonable prices.

Alosim had North American eSIMs long before, but they have always been pricey (and they still are).

Holafly had its overpriced eSIM (they got updates and are still expensive), and Airalo had none until Nomad introduced its eSIMs.

Nomad being a market leader confirmed!? 😳.

In all seriousness, I was surprised when I noticed that Nomad introduced a North American eSIM (together with its Africa and Middle East eSIMs + updated its APAC and Global eSIMs by partnering up with eSIM Go from Austria).

You would think they would inform me 🙄.

And no, I am not entitled like that, lmao – Nomad usually DOES inform me (in advance) when it introduces new eSIMs or updates its existing ones. I guess it forgot about it this time 🫠.

Due to Nomad's new partnership with eSIM Go, it finally sells eSIMs with 5G NR access, which also applies to the Nomad North America eSIM too

Below is an overview of how much each Nomad North America eSIM costs:

1. North America 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD/8.50 EUR/7.50 GBP/12.50 CAD/8.50 CHF
2. North America 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/11.50 GBP/19 CAD/13 CHF
3. North America 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 20 USD/19 EUR/16.50 GBP/27 CAD/18 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. North America 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD/37.50 EUR/32.50 GBP/54 CAD/36 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

So far, I have used the Nomad North America eSIM in Canada and the United States.

I pre-planned my North America way before this eSIM was introduced and already had everything booked for my Indonesia trip, so I could not add Mexico. Worry not, I will visit the lovely country in 2024!

• Check out my Nomad North America eSIM review

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Canada

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in Canada.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo Tuque Mobile eSIM (best value for money)
• Alosim Canada eSIM (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options)
• Holafly Canada eSIM (unlimited eSIM options)
• Nomad Canada eSIM (best value for money… too)
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (reasonable extensive global coverage (84+ 130+ countries) at attractive prices + calling and texting options (new))
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in Canada (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Airalo Americanmex eSIM with 5G NR access in Canada
• Alosim North America eSIM
• Holafly North America eSIM
• Nomad North America eSIM with 5G NR access in Canada

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad), PTW (Alosim), or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others)).

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Buying a SIM Card in Canada

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Canadian SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.