Heading to Vancouver soon? Wondering whether you can get a prepaid SIM card at Vancouver airport? The good news is that there are several options to buy one. This article will explore everything you need to know about SIM cards for Vancouver: where and how to buy, finest packages, and current prices.
Tourists visiting Vancouver need the Internet to navigate the map, order transportation, and keep in touch with family and friends. Then a Canada prepaid SIM card will be the best option thanks to its unlimited access to Canada’s 4G and 5G networks, unlimited calls & texts, and reasonable rates.
Besides, you can connect to the Internet via free Wifi, pocket Wifi, or international roaming. However, with these options, you may have to face some issues like insecurity, inconvenience, additional rental fees, high charges, and so on.
There are 02 SIM card options in Vancouver for you to choose from:
Note: Make sure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible to use eSIM for Vancouver.
Here are 03 ways to purchase a Vancouver SIM card:
The first option is to order an international SIM card online before the trip and the provider will ship it to your house. Another option is to get an eSIM and activate it online (in a few minutes) before boarding. This will help you access the Internet right when you arrive in Vancouver.
Where to buy: via websites of reliable third-party providers (no verification needed) or from major operators in Vancouver (verification needed).
Price: reasonable, depending on carrier and package
What to prepare: email, delivery address, delivery fees, cash/ credit card
Buying a prepaid SIM card at Vancouver airport (YVR) is always one of the most convenient ways for international tourists who want immediate Internet upon arrival. However, the available SIM card plans at this airport are extremely limited and the prices are much higher than ordering online or buying in phone stores in the city.
The only store at Vancouver airport selling SIM card for tourist is 7-Eleven (level 1 – domestic terminal). After completing customs and immigration procedures, you can walk to 7-Eleven store through the international terminal.
The SIM card available here is the SpeakOut SIM card.
Price: High, limited choices
What to prepare: CAD cash, credit card, passport
If you want to get Vancouver SIM cards at the best prices, you may get to the city ceter. SIM card stores in the Vancouver center always have better deals for tourists compared to those at Vancouver International Airport. There is a wide selection of data plans and the rates are also affordable.
Where to buy: Official stores of major carriers (Rogers Wireless, Telus Mobility, Bell Mobility, etc.), convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Target store, or Walmart Supercentre.
What to prepare: your passport for verification, cash/ credit card, hotel address for registration
To buy a SIM Card at Vancouver Airport successfully, tourists need to know the registration process. Here is how:
SIM card activation: The staff will support you to install and activate your SIM card immediately upon purchase. Insert the SIM into your unlocked smartphones and wait for registration with the network (just around 1-2 minutes). Then you can begin using the cellular data, phone calls, and text messages included in your plan.
Note: If you have any inquiries, ask the staff or provider’s representatives for support.
Advice: Consider a travel adapter if needed. Canadian cell phones use the same cell towers and technology as US cell phones. But confirm your phone is dual voltage in case you need a travel adapter to charge it.
► Our recommendation:
If you have limited time and want immediate Internet, you may purchase a prepaid SIM card at Vancouver International Airport. Normally, airport SIM card rates might be expensive and the data plan options are also very limited. Furthermore, not every SIM card store at Vancouver airport is open 24/7.
For a wider range of plans and better deals, you should consider better options like buying an eSIM online, purchasing an international SIM card before departure, or getting a SIM card in the Vancouver center.
Good to know: $1 CAD = $0.73 USD, $1 USD = $1.37 CAD (as of November 2023)
7-Eleven store is the only one shop selling prepaid SIM cards for tourists at Vancouver International. The SpeakOut SIM prices are extremely expensive.
It is advisable to commute to the Vancouver center and visit stores of telco operators like Rogers, Telus, Bell, or Freedom. Here we delve into several attractive SIM card options (4G & 5G networks) from these operators in Canada:
| Operator | Data/ Validity | Price (CAD/USD) |
| Rogers Wireless | 4.5GB/ 30 days(Unlimited Canada-wide calls + local/ international SMS) | $45/$33.38 |
| Rogers Wireless | 8GB/ 30 days(Unlimited Canada-wide calls + local/ international SMS) | $55/$40.85 |
| Telus Mobility | 5GB/ 30 days(Unlimited Canada-wide calls + local/ international SMS) | $45/$33.38 |
| Telus Mobility | 10GB/ 30 days(Unlimited Canada-wide calls + local/ international SMS) | $55/$40.85 |
| Bell Mobility | 4.5GB/ 30 days(Unlimited Canada-wide calls + local/ international SMS) | $45/$33.38 |
| Bell Mobility | 8GB/ 30 days(Unlimited Canada-wide calls + local/ international SMS) | $55/$40.85 |
| Freedom Mobile | 20GB/ 30 days(unlimited Canada-wide talk & text) | $34/ $24.82 |
| Freedom Mobile | 30GB/ 30 days(unlimited Canada-wide talk & text) | $40/$29.20 |
Note: The details and rates of plans are subject to change over time. You had better contact the mobile network carrier to get the latest information.
Let’s explore the coverage and speed of the four main telco carriers in Vancouver, Canada to find the best mobile network for your trip.
In general, all of the main carriers work well in Vancouver, Canada so you can choose to buy a tourist SIM card from any of them. To be specific, Telus has near-complete 4G/LTE coverage across metropolitan Vancouver as well as surrounding suburbs and towns. Bell and Rogers also have extensive 4G networks covering most of the populated areas. Rogers and Telus have the largest 5G network across the city.
Bell offers the most rapid download speed, while Telus has the second highest, with 75.2Mbps and 73.9Mbps, respectively. Rogers’ upload speed is 11.6 Mbps, which is 0.9-1.2 Mbps better than Telus and Bell.
► Our Recommendation:
All these carriers have extensive 4G/ LTE/ 5G coverage across Metro Vancouver as well as nearby suburbs and towns so you can purchase a tourist SIM card from any of them. You can also choose eSIM options from either Telus or Bell for the best coverage, fast speed, and convenience.
When traveling to Vancouver, buying an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card might be a wise decision. You may buy and activate it online from your eSIM-compatible smartphone.
Gigago is a reputable travel eSIM provider for many countries and territories around the world, including Canada. So why should you choose to buy Gigago’s eSIM?
Gigago offers multiple data plan options for Canada, starting from a 5-day plan with 1GB per day for $14 as their most minimal plan. They also have 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB of total data, or 1GB to 2GB per day, with prices from $14 up to $141.50.
If choosing Gigago, you can reap the following benefits:
You can buy a Vancouver SIM card at the airport or in the city. It is advisable to purchase a SIM card in the city or get an eSIM online for the best deals and value.
You need to bring your passport for ID verification and cash/ credit card for payment.
Yes! Getting a SIM card before flying to Vancouver help you have immediate access to the Internet upon arrival. You can opt for:
Prepaid SIM card: Buy it online, have it shipped to your house. No verification needed.
eSIM: Get and activate it online by scanning a QR code. eSIM-compatible device needed.
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked or supports the network bands used here. Check with your home carrier before traveling if needed.
In conclusion, purchasing a prepaid SIM card at Vancouver airport allows you to connect to the Internet instantly upon arrival. For a wider selection of plans and better deals, buy a SIM card for Vancouver from a major telecom provider like Telus, Bell, or Rogers in the city center. Getting an eSIM from reliable providers is also a great option.
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