Calling all Canadians! If you’re heading on a trip abroad, you might be curious about how you’ll stay connected and, likely more so, how to dodge any potential roaming fees. If you have a dual-SIM phone, it’s easier than you might expect! In fact, you can keep your Canadian phone number active and continue to use it even while depending on an eSIM for your mobile data.
Here’s how to set up your phone so you can enjoy your travels and stay connected without having to switch phone numbers.
What’s an eSIM (and how does it work?)
Essentially, an eSIM is a digital version of a physical SIM card (the ones you perhaps used to use), but far more convenient. Instead of fiddling with a tiny plastic card, just download an eSIM profile directly onto your device and use that to connect to mobile networks.
If you’re a Canadian travelling abroad, an eSIM is a game-changer. You can keep on using your own phone number while relying on the eSIM for affordable mobile data wherever you’re going on your travels.
Do you have a dual-SIM phone?
If you’re worried, just do a quick check before committing to an eSIM plan to make sure your phone is compatible (and that it supports dual-SIM functionality). Most modern smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, are equipped with dual-SIM functionality.
- On an iPhone, check under Settings > General > About
- Look for “Carrier Lock” and it should read “No SIM restrictions” if your phone is good to go
- Android users, search for your phone model online to reveal whether it supports eSIM functionality
Talk to your Canadian carrier
Check the weather, pack your bags, water the plants, and then contact your Canadian phone carrier to give them a heads up you’ll be opting for using your Canadian phone number with eSIM.
Avoid that pesky charge of around $20 per day for international roaming, which can blow your budget and add up exponentially if you’re away for more than a few days.
Here’s what to chat about:
- Mention that you want to keep your Canadian number active for calls and texts while using your eSIM for mobile data
- Double check how to disable data roaming for your Canadian SIM and avoid any extraneous charges
- Ask if there are there any travel add-ons that might save you money on calls or texts (above and beyond the savings you’ll have from switching to aloSIM for travel)
Setting up your eSIM for mobile data
Now that you’ve confirmed you can use your Canadian phone number alongside a travel eSIM, take a peek at aloSIM’s tools to browse options and pick the best plan for your needs. Then, just download the app and install the eSIM before you leave Canada. (Don’t worry. It’s easy.)
Keeping your Canadian number
While you’re enjoying your time abroad, you can stay reachable by friends and family while continuing to use your Canadian phone number with eSIM for calls and texts as long as your physical SIM remains active.
Note: Roaming fees may apply for outgoing calls and texts if you use your Canadian SIM instead of your eSIM. To avoid this, apps like WhatsApp can send messages with data or wifi as needed.
If you’re worried, safeguard against accidental roaming charges by disabling data roaming for your phone’s settings.
How does it all work together?
The good news is that using your Canadian SIM and eSIM simultaneously isn’t actually that complicated.
While your physical SIM (the one your primary phone number is attached to) handles calls and texts tied to your Canadian number, your aloSIM eSIM covers your data for all your online needs like email, maps, browsing, or streaming.
While the two systems operate independently, they complement each other with a dual-SIM phone so you can be accessible via your Canadian number while making the most of affordable data wherever and whenever you travel.
