Roaming

Using a local provider’s network while you are traveling abroad is called roaming. In the past, international roaming was notorious for high costs, but today most Canadian providers offer affordable daily travel passes, 5G access in most global destinations, or specific roaming add-ons. However, rates and conditions vary significantly depending on your destination and your specific mobile plan. On this page, we explain how roaming works, how to manage the settings on your device, and what you should consider to avoid unexpected charges on your next bill.

How does roaming work with BYOP plans and prepaid plans?

Most major Canadian providers offer roaming features for their customers. The way you are charged typically depends on whether you have a bring your own phone plan or a prepaid plan.

  • Bring your own phone plans: Many providers offer a daily roaming “pass” or “daily rate” (such as “Roam Like Home” or “Easy Roam”). For a flat fee (typically between $15 and $19 per day depending on the destination) you can use your plan’s data, talk, and text in selected countries just like you would in Toronto or Vancouver.
  • Prepaid plans: For prepaid users, international roaming is often not included by default. You will usually need to purchase a specific roaming “add-on” or “top-up” via your provider’s app before you leave Canada. While roaming is now more common across many discount brands and MVNOs, some budget options still have limited features or high pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates. Always check your account via your provider’s app before heading to the airport.

Are there free roaming destinations?

While “free” roaming is rare, many premium Canadian plans now include the United States and Mexico as standard inclusions at no extra cost. This means you no longer need to pay or activate a daily roaming pass for travel within North America.

Some providers also include other popular destinations like the UK, France, or China in their “Global” or “Infinite” high-tier plans. It is essential to check your specific plan’s “included” destinations before you fly.

What applies in countries outside standard roaming zones?

When traveling to countries that are not covered by your provider’s standard daily passes (often referred to as “Zone 2” or “Rest of World” destinations), the costs can increase dramatically. In these regions, you will usually be charged PAYG rates.

Data in these countries can cost upwards of $1.00 per megabyte, which can quickly lead to a very high bill. If you are visiting a country that is not covered by a daily roaming pass, we strongly recommend using an alternative, such as a local SIM card or a travel eSIM.

What does fair use policy (FUP) mean?

Even if you have a plan that includes “free” roaming to the US or a daily travel pass, you are still subject to a fair use policy (FUP). This is a set of rules designed to prevent “permanent roaming” and to manage the costs providers pay to international networks.

The most important thing to realize is that “using your plan like you do at home” usually comes with a catch. While you might have a massive 5G data allowance on your plan in Canada, your provider will almost certainly limit your high-speed data usage while roaming.

It is also worth noting that under the CRTC Wireless Code, providers must suspend data roaming charges once they reach $100 per billing cycle unless you explicitly opt-in to continue. However, this cap does not apply to the daily fixed-rate passes, only to PAYG overages.

Common roaming restrictions and limitations

  • Daily data limits: Many providers cap “full speed” 5G roaming data at a certain amount per day (often 1 GB or 2 GB). Once you hit this limit, your connection speed will be throttled – frequently down to 512 Kbps or 1 Mbps. While this handles basic messaging, it may struggle with high-definition video or large file uploads.
  • Time constraints: Roaming is intended for short-term holiday or business travel. If your Canadian SIM is used abroad for an extended period (usually more than 60 or 90 days in a rolling 12-month period), your provider may determine you are no longer a resident, resulting in extra charges or a suspension of service.
  • Tethering and hotspotting: Some fair use policies prohibit or strictly limit using your phone as a hotspot for other devices while roaming, even if this is included in your standard domestic usage.

What roaming charges might apply abroad?

If you do not have a roaming pass active, or if you exceed your daily allowance, you may be charged for:

  • Daily roaming access: A flat fee triggered the moment your phone connects to a foreign network and performs any activity (such as a background app update or receiving a call).
  • Data usage: Charged at PAYG rates per megabyte (MB). This is often the most expensive way to use data abroad.
  • Voice calls: While daily passes usually cover calls back to Canada or within the country you are visiting, calling a third country (e.g., being in Italy and calling Japan) often incurs expensive international toll rates on top of your daily fee.
  • SMS and MMS: While receiving standard text messages is usually free, sending an SMS or an MMS typically incurs a per-message cost.

How to avoid roaming charges

  • Check for roaming add-ons: Before you leave, check if your provider offers a travel pack. It is almost always cheaper than paying standard rates.
  • Prioritize a travel eSIM: Most flagship phones sold in Canada by 2026 are either eSIM-only or eSIM-priority. A travel eSIM app allows you to install a secondary data plan in seconds, often for a fraction of the cost of a daily roaming pass.
  • Utilize Wi-Fi calling: Many Canadian carriers support Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi connection. In most cases, these calls are billed as if you were standing in Canada, meaning you can avoid daily roaming fees entirely if you stay in Flight Mode with Wi-Fi enabled.
  • Check VoLTE roaming: With 3G networks now fully decommissioned in Canada and most of the world, VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a requirement for calling. This allows your phone to make voice calls over 4G and 5G networks while abroad. Most modern handsets do this automatically, but it’s worth verifying in your settings.
  • Download offline content: Use Google Maps or streaming services (Spotify, Netflix) in offline mode to save data.
  • Opt for a local SIM: If you are staying in one country for more than a week, buying a local SIM card is often the most cost-effective option.

Should roaming be switched on or off on your mobile?

If you are traveling to a destination where you know you are covered by a daily roaming pass, you can leave roaming on. However, if you are unsure or if you are in a high-cost country, it is safer to turn it off to avoid “bill shock.”

Please note! Be cautious when traveling on cruise ships or planes. These often connect via satellite systems which are not covered by standard roaming packs and are extremely expensive. We recommend keeping your phone in Flight Mode or disabling roaming in these situations.

How to enable and disable roaming

On iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Cellular.
  3. Select Cellular Data Options.
  4. Toggle Data Roaming on or off.

On Android

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Connections (or Network & Internet).
  3. Select Mobile Networks.
  4. Toggle Data Roaming on or off.
  5. On Google Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > [Select SIM] > Roaming

Note that the exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and the version of Android you are using.

What about Apple Watch and wearables?

It is important to note that most Canadian cellular smartwatches (using One Number or similar sharing services) do not support international roaming. Even if your phone is roaming, your watch will likely only connect via Bluetooth to your phone. Avoid attempting to use your watch’s independent cellular connection abroad as it may result in failed connections or unexpected charges.

Satellite SOS: When roaming networks fail

As of 2026, satellite connectivity serves as the ultimate backup for your roaming plan. Even with a premium international pass, you may find yourself in “dead zones” – whether you are exploring the Canadian backcountry or traveling in isolated regions abroad where no local carrier has a roaming agreement.

Key benefits of satellite connectivity

  • Total coverage beyond cell towers: By 2026, satellite connectivity has evolved from an emergency-only tool into a reliable backup for two-way messaging. When traditional roaming networks are unavailable, your device can connect directly to satellites to send SMS or RCS messages, ensuring you stay connected for both safety and routine check-ins – even in the most remote international destinations.
  • Independent of your plan: Satellite SOS is typically independent of your daily roaming pass. Even if you haven’t activated a travel pack or if your roaming data is disabled, this emergency feature remains active on compatible 2026 devices.
  • A digital safety net: For Canadians traveling within vast “no-service” zones or remote international destinations, satellite messaging has become the standard way to stay secure when traditional roaming is unavailable.

Before you head off the beaten path, verify your device’s satellite capabilities and ensure your emergency SOS settings are configured. It’s the ultimate peace-of-mind connection for Canadians heading off the grid where traditional roaming can’t reach.