As of: Nov 2026
Sources and updates
We check carrier, eSIM provider and card issuer information against official sources, with Bank of Canada exchange rates when available. Each result includes its source and reference month. Our planned review schedule is weekly; an unconfirmed figure remains labelled Estimate until checked against its source. A reference date alone does not mean the figure is verified.
Roaming
We compare the daily rate multiplied by billable days, including any known billing cap, against the cheapest recorded travel pass that covers the destination and the entire trip. We use the lower cost, add the selected province’s estimated telecom tax and multiply by the number of travellers. A shorter pass is not assumed to renew, and we do not combine passes. A missing daily rate makes that comparison unavailable. Included roaming and account-specific discounts are excluded. A billing cap assumes one billing period; trips crossing billing periods require a separate quote. BC’s combined 12% tax remains an estimate because tax treatment can depend on the billed service.
eSIM
We assume 0.5 GB per day for light use, 1 GB for standard use and 2.5 GB for heavy use. Required data is rounded up. Plans must cover both the trip length and data requirement; unlimited plans qualify for capacity. We compare converted CAD prices and assume one eSIM per traveller. A missing exchange rate excludes a plan from price comparisons. Provider taxes may be additional.
We compare the representative plans listed on this site, not every available offer. A cheaper plan with a different validity period or promotion may exist. Named networks are the primary networks shown by the provider, not a complete coverage guarantee. Unconfirmed hotspot and network details are labelled as pending confirmation.
Cards
Fee savings equal foreign spending multiplied by the difference between the baseline fee rate and the selected card’s rate. Annual fees are excluded from the displayed trip savings. We show annual break-even spending separately when the annual fee and a positive fee-rate difference are available. Card network exchange rates and dynamic currency conversion are excluded.
The 2.5% baseline is a comparison assumption, not the fee on every Canadian card. Listed annual fees are standard fees before conditional waivers. Check your own card agreement for its actual fee and eligibility conditions.
Ranking and limitations
eSIM ordering uses price, then unlimited status, data allowance and provider name. Affiliate commissions do not affect ordering or calculations. Results are estimates and can differ from your bill. Confirm current eligibility, coverage and conditions with the provider before purchasing.