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Consumer forum Speak Out in other countries Buying a SIM card in Canada

Buying a SIM card in Canada
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3:53 am
July 21, 2008


Rick Calvin

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Hi, I will be travelling over to Canada from the UK shortly and am trying to find out about getting hold of a local SIM card when I arrive in Toronto.

I have an unlocked quad band phone, so it shouldn't be a problem for the SIM to actually work, it's just getting hold of one which seems the trickiest thing.

I read on another forum that you can just walk into a rogers kiosk and ask for a 25 dollar SIM but it is as simple as that?

Will there be any problems because I am a British citizen and not actually living in Canada?

Thanks for any replies

11:08 am
July 21, 2008


Seema

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I am in a similar situation, except I am coming from the US. I have a T-Mobile unlocked quad phone. I am also looking for ways to get a reasonably priced SIM card with some airtime and coverage in Quebec and Ontario.

This is what I have found. Rogers sells SIM cards for $40 and they will give you a local number. I think you will also have to buy airtime which starts at a minimum of $25 (this does not include a SIM card). I have read somewhere that they want you to use Rogers phones only.

Speakout Wireless or Petro Canada are other choices I explored. You cannot get a Speakout card in Quebec as there are no Seven Eleven stores there. Speakout Wireless cards are only sold in Seven Eleven stores. And the Petro Canada Stations I called near my port of entry in Quebec did not seem to carry any Phone cards.

So what are my choices … I guess use my T-Mobile service from US which is fairly expensive $1/minute (roaming and airtime) and $1 a day as I am on a pay by the day plan.

Can someone tell me if I have any other choices, I am in Canada for only 2 weeks and the calls that I want to make on the cell phone will be few. I will mostly use a phone card (PINCITY) when I have acces to land line (max. 13 cents/minute), which is cheaper than using a payphone (50 cents). I do not wish to spend more than $25 for a SIM Card + airtime for 2 weeks.

12:48 pm
July 21, 2008


Bylo

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Another option is to buy a Rogers (or Fido) SIM on eBay. There seem to be a lot for sale there. I don't know why or if there are any serious limitations to these offers. Some of these SIMs come with more airtime than you're likely to need for a short visit to Canada so there's no need to worry about the card expiring after 30 days.

4:05 pm
July 21, 2008


Big Ang

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Don't forget you can purchase a SIM and phone from PetroCanada for $50, and that comes with $5 of airtime. You'll have a new unlocked phone that can be used anywhere in N.America.

Afterwards you can sell the SIM and/or phone to anyone on this website. You can probably get $25 or so for the SIM once you're done with it. I doubt you can get anything for a used Fido or Rogers SIM.

4:24 pm
July 21, 2008


Bylo

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Rick Calvin said:

Will there be any problems because I am a British citizen and not actually living in Canada?

No ID is required to purchase phones/SIMs at SO or PCM. You can pay cash. The phones are pre-activated. I believe the same is true for Rogers/Fido SIMs but I have not verified it.

Big Ang said:

Afterwards you can sell the SIM and/or phone to anyone on this website. You can probably get $25 or so for the SIM once you're done with it.

I did think of that too, however, that's not likely going to be a practical option for someone who's visiting here for a couple of weeks. Note too that both Rick and Seena have unlocked quadband phones, so they really don't need to buy a new one for Canada.

1:49 am
October 10, 2008


Goldhead

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Does anyone else think that the Canadian cell phone prepaid system is one of the worst in the world? I mean like, come on! Why do I need to buy a phone from 7-eleven when I already have one and want to use their service? It's like they don't want new customers.
Or why would I have to pay like $25 just for a Rogers SIM in their store.
I mean like, almost anywhere in Europe you can get a prepaid SIM for like $5 on special with $5 airtime to start and worlwide roaming (including Canada!) etc etc…

Canada must have the most ridiculous customer service and policy when it comes to prepaid cell phone SIM cards. It is like 10 year behind the world.

2:08 am
October 10, 2008


Peter

BC

Admin

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Agreed, with an exasperated sigh.

12:34 pm
October 10, 2008


slomo

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Most of the blame should go to the regulators, the CRTC.
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