Getting a SIM card at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) can be convenient, but airport kiosks may offer fewer choices than mobile providers in the city. Canada’s prepaid market has also changed, making it worth comparing available plans, network coverage and activation requirements before choosing.
This guide covers where to buy a SIM at Toronto Pearson Airport or in downtown Toronto, how much to budget, and how local prepaid plans compare with travel eSIMs to help you find the right option for your trip.
In this article
chatr is the main confirmed option for buying a prepaid SIM card or eSIM directly at Pearson Airport. It has counters in both passenger terminals.
| Terminal | Location | Published hours |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | International Arrivals, beside the CIBC kiosk | 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. according to Pearson; chatr lists midnight |
| Terminal 3 | Arrivals level, beside Tim Hortons | 9:00 a.m.–midnight according to chatr |
Before you go:
Prepare the following before visiting the chatr counter.
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Unlocked phone | Your phone must be unlocked and compatible with chatr’s network frequencies. |
| Identification | Bring your passport or another government-issued ID. Staff may ask for it during registration. |
| Payment | Cash or card may be accepted. |
| Auto-Pay bonus | Eligible payment methods include credit cards, Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard. Check the current terms. |
Activation: Activation usually takes place at the counter, but the process may take longer depending on your phone and registration requirements. Keep airport Wi-Fi available as a backup until your SIM connects.
Prepaid plans from these budget brands generally start at around CAD $24–$25 per month. The following prices are monthly rates before tax, based on the October 2026 information in the previous draft.
| Monthly price | chatr (Rogers network) | Lucky Mobile (Bell network) | Public Mobile (TELUS network) |
|---|---|---|---|
| About $25 | $25 / 5GB; 6GB with Auto-Pay | $25 / 5GB | $24 / 5GB |
| $30 | $30 / 15GB; 20GB with Auto-Pay | $30 / 15GB | $30 / 35GB (4G) |
| $35 | $35 / 30GB; 35GB with Auto-Pay | $35 / 30GB | $35 / 50GB (5G) |
Important points:
The prepaid market has changed, so new customers should compare the budget brands rather than assume they can activate a traditional prepaid plan directly with each major carrier.
| Provider | New prepaid activation change |
|---|---|
| Bell | Stopped new prepaid activations on December 31, 2024 |
| Rogers and Fido | Stopped accepting new prepaid customers on December 16, 2024 |
| TELUS | Stopped new prepaid activations on July 1, 2026 |
Check the provider’s current terms before purchasing, as product availability can change.
If you can wait until you reach the city, you can compare more options beyond the airport.
Tip: Compare the total cost, data allowance and network coverage before deciding whether to buy at Pearson or in the city.
TELUS, Bell and Rogers all offer extensive coverage in major Canadian cities, including Toronto. However, actual performance varies by location, device and network conditions.
The previous draft attributes the following results to Opensignal’s August 2026 report, covering April 1 to June 29, 2026.
| Measure | Result stated in the previous draft |
|---|---|
| Overall download speed | TELUS: 115.4 Mbps; Bell: 98.4 Mbps; Rogers: 70.8 Mbps; Freedom: 49.8 Mbps |
| 5G download speed | Bell: 193.7 Mbps |
| Time on 5G | Rogers: 89.1% |
| Reliability and consistent quality | TELUS ranked highest |
How to use these figures:
You can consult the Opensignal Canada reports and check the relevant provider’s coverage map before travelling.
A travel eSIM may be more convenient if you mainly need mobile data and want to avoid finding an open SIM counter after landing. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
| Option | How it works | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Physical SIM by post | A provider ships a Canadian SIM to your address before departure. | Travellers who want a physical SIM and can wait for delivery. |
| Travel eSIM | You receive digital installation instructions and install the plan on a compatible phone. | Travellers who want to arrange mobile data before departure. |
Gigago’s Canada eSIM is a data-only option.
Product detail to verify: Confirm Gigago’s Canadian partner network with the product team before publishing any network-specific claims.
If you need a Canadian number for conventional calls and texts, compare prepaid plans from chatr, Lucky Mobile and Public Mobile instead.
Choose based on whether you need a Canadian number, how much data you expect to use and when you need to connect.
| Your priority | Option to consider |
|---|---|
| A Canadian number immediately after landing | chatr at Pearson, while the counter is open |
| More prepaid options after reaching the city | Compare Lucky Mobile and Public Mobile |
| Data without visiting a physical store | Gigago Canada eSIM, if your phone is compatible |
Before purchasing, compare the total cost, data allowance, network coverage and activation requirements. The best option is the one that fits your itinerary and connectivity needs without making you pay for features you do not need.
Yes. Pearson offers free Wi-Fi through the Toronto Pearson Public Wi-Fi network. Connect and follow the login instructions. You can use it to check directions or access eSIM installation instructions.
You may need identification when registering with chatr. Bring your passport or another government-issued ID and check the provider’s current requirements before travelling.
If you arrive after the counters close, you may need to wait until the next day to buy a physical SIM at the airport.
Terminal 1: Pearson lists 11:00 p.m. as closing time, while chatr lists midnight.
Terminal 3: chatr lists midnight as closing time.
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Yes. A prepaid plan from chatr, Lucky Mobile or Public Mobile provides a Canadian phone number, subject to the provider’s plan terms. chatr plans include unlimited Canada-wide calling.
Gigago’s Canada eSIM is data-only and does not provide a Canadian phone number. Your phone must be unlocked to use another provider’s SIM, and it must support eSIM if you choose a travel eSIM.
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