Foreign visitors landing at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) can buy a physical prepaid SIM card directly on-site at the 24/7 7-Eleven store or ICE Currency Exchange counters. Alternatively, you can activate a Canadian data eSIM online before landing.
This guide details about buying a SIM card at Vancouver Airport (YVR), exact store locations at YVR, current plan prices, registration requirements, and convenient eSIM alternatives.
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Travelers arriving at Vancouver Airport (YVR) have 2 main ways to get mobile data:
You can buy a Canada SIM card at two physical locations inside YVR: the 24/7 7-Eleven store in the Domestic Terminal (Level 1) or at ICE Currency Exchange kiosks across the terminals.
None of Canada’s “Big Three” carriers (Rogers, Telus, Bell) operate direct prepaid retail counters at YVR.
The 7-Eleven is the primary, most reliable option at YVR. It is open 24/7 and sells SpeakOut prepaid SIM cards (operating on the Rogers 4G/LTE network; 5G is not supported).
How to find it (From International Arrivals):
SpeakOut Prepaid Plans and Prices (30-Day Validity):
| Data Allowance | Network Speed | Price (CAD) | Approx. USD |
| 500 MB | 4G / LTE | $19 CAD | ~$14.00 |
| 1 GB | 4G / LTE | $21 CAD | ~$15.50 |
| 5 GB | 4G / LTE | $25 CAD | ~$18.50 |
| 35 GB | 4G / LTE | $29 CAD | ~$21.50 |
| 80 GB | 4G / LTE | $34 CAD | ~$25.00 |
| 95 GB | 4G / LTE | $39 CAD | ~$29.00 |
Note: SpeakOut offers a $125 CAD annual talk/text plan with 0 MB data, but this is designed for long-term residents, not regular tourists.
→ See more: Guide to buying a SIM card at Vancouver airport (YVR)
ICE Currency Exchange also lists SIM cards among its services at its counters around the airport, alongside currency exchange and prepaid cards.
How to find it: throughout the International, Domestic, and US Departure/Arrival terminals.
These kiosks stock select prepaid SIM cards alongside currency exchange services. Plan selections are limited, and prices are noticeably higher than purchasing in the city or ordering an eSIM online.
To purchase a physical SIM card at YVR, you must present a valid passport for identity verification and pay via credit/debit card or Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Store staff can assist with physical SIM insertion and network APN configuration. Activation generally completes within minutes.
Note: Your mobile phone must be carrier-unlocked to accept Canadian SIM cards.
None of Canada’s “Big Three” carriers (Rogers, Telus, Bell) operate direct prepaid counters at YVR. Furthermore, all three carriers have officially stopped selling direct prepaid plans to new customers altogether (Rogers in late 2024, Telus and Bell in 2026).
Instead of direct plans, the “Big Three” now route all new prepaid users to their budget sub-brands instead, which can be found in official stores in downtown Vancouver:
Exception: Freedom Mobile is currently the only major national carrier still selling direct prepaid SIM cards to new customers at retail stores across Vancouver. Plans average $34–$35 CAD for ~10GB or $39–$40 CAD for ~70GB per month.
Yes. For short-term visitors, a Canada eSIM is usually the most convenient option, eliminating airport store searches, long walks between terminals, and brand-switching confusion.
Canada eSIM by Gigago connects across Canada’s major networks (WIND, Bell, Telus, Sasktel, Rogers). Plans are flexible, from 500MB/day to Unlimited Data, across 1 to 30 days, priced from $3.50 to $207.50 USD.
It is easy to buy and set up the eSIM. Setup only takes minutes via QR code email delivery prior to flying. Though the plans are data-only, you can make calls and SMS using VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
Notes:
You can buy one at the 7-Eleven in the Domestic Terminal (Level 1), or at an ICE Currency Exchange counter elsewhere in the airport. Both options tend to cost more than buying in the city or ordering an eSIM online.
Yes. You can order a physical SIM online for delivery before your trip, or buy and activate an eSIM ahead of time so it’s ready the moment you land.
Not to new customers. All three have stopped new prepaid activations and now direct new customers to a sub-brand on the same network instead: Chatr (Rogers), Koodo or Public Mobile (Telus), or Lucky Mobile (Bell). Freedom Mobile is the only major carrier still selling prepaid SIMs directly.
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