How to Get and Activate Telus Mobility SIM cards and eSIM: 2024 Guide for Tourists

To enjoy your Canada trip to the fullest, you will need a reliable and secure cellular service to navigate destinations, contact locals, and share experiences along the way. Telus Mobility offers one of Canada’s largest 4G/LTE networks and provides prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans tailored specifically for tourists. This guide will explore how tourists can buy and activate Telus Mobility SIM cards and eSIM, the different options available, and rates.

Telus Mobility sim card & eSIM

I. Quick Facts about Telus Mobility

Telus Mobility is the second-largest cellular network operator in Canada. Here are some facts about Telus Mobility you may need to know:

  • Founded: in 1983, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  • Types of services: wireless cellular phone services, including voice calls, text messaging, and mobile internet access using technologies like 4G LTE and 5G
  • Coverage: operates cellular networks in partnership with Telus Mobility, covering most of Canada’s large cities and towns
  • Number of users: 10.6 million subscribers (as of 2020)
  • Distribution: hundreds of its own stores selling phones and plans; partners with large retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and shop locations in grocery stores
  • Customer support: via website/ call the support number
  • Language: English and French
Telus Mobility Canada
Telus Mobility Canada

II. Why Telus Mobility When Visiting Canada – Coverage and Speed

Telus Mobility has extensive network coverage throughout Canada and delivers fast data speeds.

1. Telus Mobility Coverage in Canada

Telus ranks second for cellular network coverage in Canada
Telus Mobility coverage map in Canada. Source: nPerf
  • Telus ranks second for cellular network coverage (Rogers ranks 1st and Telus ranks 3rd)
  • Telus provides broadly available wireless connectivity in the country, whether in large urban centers or remote regions. 
  • Telus and Bell are joint winners of the Coverage Experience award, scoring 9.4 out of 10.

2. Telus Mobility Speed

Telus Mobility speed in Canada
Telus Mobility speed in Canada. Source: Opensignal
  • Average download speed: 75.7Mpbs, the second-fastest, led by Bell Mobility (77.0Mbps) and followed by Rogers (63.6Mbps)
  • Average upload speed: 11.3Mbps, led by Rogers (12.3Mbps) and followed by Bell (10.8Mbps)
  • Consistent quality: 76.5% (Rogers – 77.5% and Bell 76.9%).

► In summary, Telus Mobility offers reliable connectivity across Canada. Its industry-leading coverage delivers fast wireless service almost anywhere you go.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Telus Mobility for Tourists to Canada?

Here are the three (03) major connectivity choices offered by Telus Mobility for travelers to get the Internet in Canada:

OptionProsCons
Telus Mobility SIM cards– Diverse SIM plan options
– Competitive rates for call/ text/ data
– Easy to buy online or at carrier stores
– Unlocked phone needed
Pocket Wifi– Portable 
– Internet sharing
– Ideal for those who traveling in group
– Items to carry
– Expensive rental fees
Roaming– Familiar home operator/ plan/ phone number
– No SIM swap
– Costly rates
– Network coverage depends on the agreement between your home provider and Telus Mobility

► Our Recommendation:

Telus Mobility SIM cards are 100% the best value and most convenient choice for tourists to Canada. They are hassle-free compared to other options like roaming or pocket Wifi, giving you fewer things to stress about while enjoying your vacation.

IV. Best Telus Mobility SIM Cards for Visitors & Price

The information belows shows some of the most competitive SIM card packages for tourists by Telus Mobility:

1GB data + unlimited Canada-wide minutes + unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS & MMS, used in 30 days, for CAD 35

5GB data + unlimited Canada-wide minutes + unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS & MMS, used in 30 days, for CAD 45

10GB data + unlimited Canada-wide minutes + unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS & & MMS, used in 30 days, for CAD 55

V. Does Telus Mobility Support eSIM in Canada?

Sure. Telus Mobility supports eSIM (digital SIM/ virtual SIM) which let you activate a mobile plan from Telus without needing to utilize a physical SIM. Most newer models support eSIM on devices. Check out the list of eSIM-compatible mobile devices

Here are some of the key benefits of eSIM for mobile users:

  • Convenience: No need to insert a traditional SIM card in Canada. Profiles can be downloaded directly to supported devices remotely. This makes switching carriers or adding international plans much easier.
  • Multiple profiles: eSIM allows multiple subscribed profiles to be stored on one device.
  • Travel-friendly: Tourists may get short-term travel plans online before a trip and switch over seamlessly. No need to find SIM cards when arriving in a new country.
  • Environmentally friendly: eSIM eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, reducing electronic waste.

VI. Where to Buy Telus Mobility SIM Cards and eSIM?

It is simple to get Telus Mobility SIM cards and eSIM. Here are some of the locations:

1. Where to Buy Telus Mobility SIM cards for Canada

1.1. Upon arrival at Toronto Airport

You can get Telus Mobility SIM cards at Toronto Pearson Airport (Currency Exchange Booth – Level 1 International Arrival Hall – Terminal 1).

  • Pros: convenient, immediate Internet when you reach Canada
  • Cons: rates are much higher than in cities

1.2. Telus shops and dealers

Telus Mobility has hundreds of its own stores selling SIM card plans and mobile phones. It also partners with large retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and shop locations in grocery stores. Thus, getting a suitable SIM plan at one of these sales points is very easy.

  • Pros: the most affordable rates, SIM stores are available across the nation
  • Cons: need to find and then commute to the stores
You can buy Telus Mobility SIM cards at Telus shops and authorized dealers
Buy Telus Mobility SIM cards at Telus shops and authorized dealers

Pro Tips:

2. Where to Get Telus Mobility eSIM for Canada?

2.1. Directly from Telus Mobility

Visitors to Canada may buy Telus Mobility eSIM via 

  • Online service on Telus Mobility’s official website
  • Use My Telus app
  • Get to the nearest Telus Mobility store

Remember to bring your passport for ID verification and SIM registration with Telus Mobility upon purchase.

2.2. GIGAGO – Trusted third-party eSIM provider

With Gigago’s eSIM service, tourists to Canada can enjoy Telus’ widespread 4G/LTE and even 5G network coverage and fast-speed data without identity checks.

Gigago offers a diverse range of eSIM plans on Telus's network for Canada
Gigago eSIM plans for tourists to Canada

Gigago eSIM plans for Canada are affordable, starting with only $14.00 for 1GB of data a day over 05 days and varying between $14.00$141.50 . Gigago always offers flexible eSIM plans on Telus’s network to suit any traveler’s data needs and stay length.

Pro Tip: If you use communications apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram for calling and messaging, select a data-only eSIM plan to save money. You may want to see how to use WhatsApp, iMessage internationally for the most cost effectiveness.

VII. How to Activate Telus Mobility SIM/eSIM in Canada?

By taking these steps, you will be able to activate Telus Mobility SIM cards/ eSIM successfully:

1. How to Activate Telus Mobility SIM cards in Canada?

To activate your Telus SIM card:

  • Put the Telus SIM into the SIM slot on your mobile device
  • Turn on your mobile phone
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to activate Telus SIM. Telus SIM usually activate automatically
  • If data does not work right away, adjust the APN settings
  • Check that data is browsing a web page
  • Now you can use Telus services with your new SIM.

2. How to Activate Telus Mobility eSIM in Canada?

To activate your Telus eSIM:

  • Check if your device supports eSIM
  • Buy a Telus eSIM plan online
  • Telus will email an eSIM profile with a QR code
  • Scan the QR code using the My Telus app or your device settings (Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM/Add Cellular Plan)
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the Telus eSIM profile
  • Once ready, look for the Telus network signal on your device
  • After activation is complete, your eSIM is ready to use for Telus services.

VIII. How to Top-up Telus Mobility SIM/eSIM

There are two (02) channels to top up your Telus Mobility SIM/ eSIM:

Online Top-up

  • Navigate the “Top-up” section on the Telus official website or My Telus app to top up your SIM. 
  • Utilize a debit/ credit card to make payment.

Physical Top-up

  • Visit the Telus Mobility shops/ authorized stores to top-up your Telus SIM account
  • Opt for an amount and select the phone number you want to top up.
  • Utilize cash or debit/ credit card to make payment.

IX. FAQs about Telus Mobility SIM Cards and eSIM in Canada

Can I use Telus Mobility SIM cards/eSIM in the United States?

Telus Mobility SIM cards and eSIM are designed specifically for use within Canada. While they may work close to the border, you might face international roaming charges for use in the United States.

Which regions of Canada have the best coverage by Telus Mobility?

Telus Mobility provides reliable coverage across most of Canada however coverage is best in highly populated provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Can I change my Telus Mobility eSIM plan if I need more data during my trip?

Yes, Telus Mobility allows you to easily upgrade an eSIM plan remotely through the MyTelus app, online service on the Telus website, or a prestigious eSIM provider like Gigago. This provides flexibility to add data if your travel plans change without requiring a new SIM purchase.

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, Telus Mobility SIM cards and eSIM plans are the best connectivity solutions for tourists visiting Canada. With widespread network coverage, visitors can easily stay in contact and get online during trips using Telus fast cellular services. The installation and activation processes are also straightforward, without any barriers. Overall, Telus SIM options offer the best value and flexibility for tourists in Canada.