WHAT THE TECH? Affordable eSIM Options for Budget-Conscious Canadian Travellers

As most of our readers are likely aware, I am generally known for being a wee bit “value-conscious.” I’ll go out of my way to save a few bucks, which I can easily reallocate to more important things — a dessert, for example. 

For Canadian travellers, staying connected while travelling has always been a bit of a pain. Juggling physical SIM cards, managing roaming charges, or hunting for local mobile providers, let alone the fear of any of the above not working properly. Fortunately, eSIM technology has come a long way in a very short time and is transforming how Canadians communicate when travelling abroad.

So, what exactly is an eSim? An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows travellers to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without needing to physically swap out SIM cards. This is particularly advantageous for Canadians heading overseas, as it enables seamless switching between providers and plans without interrupting service or requiring a local SIM card purchase upon arrival.

The biggest advantage of eSIMs is flexibility and, of course, cost savings. Canadian travellers can purchase a data plan from a provider in their destination country and activate it instantly or before even boarding their flight. This eliminates the need to rely on expensive international roaming charges, which range between $10-$16 per day. Check for rates on Bell and Rogers here. 

Something to consider when deciding which route to go when planning in advance: the service provider in your destination was selected by your Canadian provider and does not necessarily mean they will have full coverage in your destination or how good the service will actually be.

eSIMs also allow dual SIM functionality. Canadians can keep their primary number active for calls and texts while using a local or travel eSIM for data, avoiding excessive charges from Canadian carriers.

Top eSIM Providers for Canadians

Several companies now offer global or region-specific eSIM plans tailored to travellers, here are our top five. 

Airalo: Offers eSIM plans in over 200 countries, including regional and global options. Its affordability and ease of use make it popular among Canadian travellers. (This is a personal favourite which I use regularly ). 

Nomad: Known for competitive pricing and broad country coverage, Nomad is ideal for both short trips and extended stays. 

GigSky: Well known to cruisers, it offers travel data plans with Canadian billing options and good customer support.

Saily: Created by popular VPN provider Nord, it offers reliable connectivity in key international destinations, with packages ideal for business travellers.

The vast majority of eSim providers work perfectly with WhatsApp. If you’re really looking to save, simply purchase an eSim data plan in advance. Then download WhatsApp, invite those you need to stay connected with and use for voice, texting, and even live video. Lastly, before purchasing, confirm that your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked. Most newer iPhones, Google Pixels, and higher-end Samsung devices support eSIM technology.