Whether you use a physical SIM or eSIM during your trip, this guide will walk you through the simple process of reconnecting with your home network and avoid any unwanted roaming charges.
Vodafone roaming in Canada: How much does it cost?
Vodafone roaming in Canada lets you use your regular phone plan abroad through the “Roam Like Home” service. Before traveling to Canada, understanding how Vodafone’s roaming works can help you avoid unexpected charges and stay connected. This guide covers daily fees, network access, calling costs, and data usage while using Vodafone across Canadian networks.
In this article
I. How much does Vodafone roaming cost in Canada?
The cost of using your Vodafone service in Canada depends on when you purchase your plan:
- Plans purchased before August 11, 2021: £6 per day
- Plans purchased after August 11, 2021: £7.39 per day
Each daily pass includes 25GB of data, unlimited texts worldwide, and calls to UK numbers only. Calls to other countries will cost extra. For cost control, Vodafone caps roaming charges at 15 days per billing month, even during longer stays.
What if I have a Vodafone Global Roam plan?
Global Roam lets you use your UK plan in 83 countries, including Canada, at no extra cost. This means your regular UK allowance for data, calls, and texts works exactly the same as at home.
While Global Roam plans cost more than standard plans, they’re cost-effective if you travel internationally often. Various data packages are available to suit different needs.
How do I activate Vodafone roaming in Canada?
To use Vodafone roaming in Canada, you need to enable data roaming in your phone settings. The steps are simple but different between iPhone and Android devices.
iOS
- Go to Settings >Open the Mobile Service settings.
- Tap on your Vodafone SIM profile > Turn on the Data Roaming
Android
- Go to Settings > Open the Connections settings menu.
- Tap the Mobile Networks option > Turn on the Data Roaming
Note: Menu names might vary slightly on different phones, but look for similar terms. Once activated, your phone will automatically connect when you arrive in Canada.
What if I don’t use any mobile data, calls, or SMS for a day?
You only pay when you use your phone. The daily fee (£6 or £7.39) starts when you: Use mobile data, make a call, send a text.
If you don’t use your phone at all, you won’t be charged. Each daily charge lasts 24 hours and only renews when you use your phone again.
Roaming costs for other countries
Vodafone divides countries into four zones (A, B, C, and D), each with different roaming charges. Check your destination’s zone before traveling to understand the costs.
- Zone A (Free Roaming): Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Isle of Man
- Zone B (£2.42/day): 47 European countries
- Zone C & D (£7.39/day): 105 countries worldwide
- Zone C countries are covered by Global Roam plans
- Zone D countries are not included in Global Roam
II. Cost-saving tips for Vodafone roaming in Canada
When visiting Canada, you have two main options.
- For short trips, Vodafone’s daily roaming at £6-7.39 keeps things simple.
- For longer trips, switch to a local Canadian SIM or eSIM for better value. Canadian providers offer monthly plans that work out cheaper than Vodafone’s daily charges, giving you the same services at local rates.
To cut costs further, make the most of Canada’s widespread free Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Before traveling, download your maps and essential content. Once there, turn off background data and auto-updates on your apps, and use the Vodafone app to monitor your usage. For calls and messages, apps like WhatsApp over Wi-Fi work perfectly without adding to your bill.
III. Other options for mobile internet in Canada
Mobile data in Canada doesn’t have to mean Vodafone roaming charges. eSIMs provide a cost-effective alternative if you’re not on Vodafone’s Global Roam plan.
Travel eSIM
eSIM Canada from Gigago gives you 500MB-2GB daily data plans for 7-30 days, starting at $18.50. The service works on Bell, Rogers, and other main networks with 4G/LTE/5G speeds and internet sharing. You keep your home phone number – just scan the emailed QR code and your internet works when you land in Canada.
Local SIM Cards
Not only are eSIMs more affordable, but they also work exactly like regular SIM cards with a simple activation process. You’ll get reliable mobile data and calls without worrying about hefty roaming bills, making your Canadian trip both connected and cost-effective.
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
Rent a small internet device at Canadian airports or book online before your trip. This portable WiFi connects many phones, tablets, or laptops at once. Pay a fixed daily price and share the internet with your family or friends while traveling in Canada. Just turn it on and connect your devices, like using WiFi at home.
IV. FAQs
What is Vodafone’s “Roam Like Home” plan?
With “Roam Like Home”, you pay one fixed price each day to use your normal phone plan in Canada. For example, if your home plan has 10GB data and unlimited calls, you can use these same amounts in Canada. Just pay the daily fee and use your phone like you do at home.
Are incoming calls and texts free while roaming in Canada?
Yes. When someone sends you a text message in Canada, you won’t pay anything to receive it. However, incoming phone calls might cost money. Some plans charge per minute for answering calls, while others include it in the daily fee. Always check your specific plan costs before travel.
Can I use Vodafone 5G while roaming in Canada?
Yes. If you own a 5G phone and your Vodafone plan includes 5G service, you can connect to Canadian 5G networks where they’re available – usually in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Outside these areas, your phone will use 4G/LTE networks.