eSIMs Can Help You Save Money While Traveling Abroad
Experts suggest eSIMs as a cost-effective alternative to roaming fees
eSIM, Roaming Fees, Canada, Travel, Telecommunications
Toronto: As Canadians prepare for holiday travels, many are dreading those high roaming fees. But guess what? Experts say eSIM cards can be a game changer for saving money on calls and data while abroad.
The big three telecom companies in Canada—Rogers, Bell, and Telus—promise to lower roaming rates by 2025. But for now, those fees can really sting. For instance, Rogers charges $12 a day for its “Roam Like Home” plan in the U.S. and $15 for other international destinations.
eSIMs are super handy, but they do have some downsides. The good news is, as long as you keep your banking info safe, you should be fine.
So, what’s the deal with eSIMs? They’re like digital SIM cards that you can download directly to your phone. Think of it as the difference between a CD and an mp3 file. They’re way cheaper than those roaming charges.
Norman Shaw, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, points out that eSIMs and SIM cards usually cost a fraction of what you’d pay for roaming. Of course, it all depends on where you’re going and how long you’ll be there.
With an eSIM, you can connect to the internet, browse, and use apps like WhatsApp. For example, Airola offers a U.S. package for just $10.50, which includes 1 GB of data, 20 minutes of calls, and 10 texts. Not too shabby!
Shaw reassures that eSIMs are safe to use, as long as you’re careful with your personal info.
However, there’s a catch: eSIMs don’t come with a phone number. So, if you need to make calls from your regular number, you might run into some issues. Mohammad Halabi, who runs a site helping consumers with telecom issues, says this can be a hassle for things like two-factor authentication.
If you need to make calls while traveling, Shaw suggests using services like Skype, which are data-friendly and affordable. Plus, connecting to Wi-Fi can save you a lot when downloading big files.
For those who stick with their Canadian phone plans abroad, be ready for some hefty charges. Telus charges $14 a day in the U.S. and $16 elsewhere, while Bell and Rogers have similar rates. Last year, a Reddit user warned others to steer clear of these roaming plans, and many shared their positive experiences with eSIMs while traveling.