How to Use Data Roaming on iPhone and Android When Travelling From Canada
Data roaming lets your phone use mobile data on another carrier’s network when you travel outside Canada. It is useful, but it can also lead to high charges if you do not set it up carefully.
This guide explains how to turn data roaming on and off on iPhone and Android, how to avoid surprise bills, and when to use a carrier travel pass or a travel eSIM instead.
What Is Data Roaming?
When you travel abroad, your Canadian carrier may not have its own network in the country you are visiting. Your phone then connects to a local partner network. That connection is called data roaming.
Your phone can still make calls, send texts and use mobile data, but the costs depend on your plan. Some plans include roaming in the United States or Mexico, while others charge a daily fee or a pay-per-use rate.
How to Turn On Data Roaming on iPhone
Follow these steps before you leave Canada or after you arrive:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap Cellular Data Options.
- Turn on Data Roaming.
If you use an eSIM for travel, go to Settings > Cellular, select the travel line, and turn on data roaming for that line only. Keep your Canadian line’s roaming off if you do not want to pay its daily fee.
How to Turn On Data Roaming on Android
Steps vary slightly by phone maker, but the path is similar:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections or Network & internet.
- Tap Mobile networks.
- Turn on Data roaming.
On Samsung phones, the option is under Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming. On Pixel phones, it is under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Roaming.
How to Avoid Surprise Roaming Charges
- Check your carrier’s roaming rates before you travel.
- Turn off data roaming when you do not need mobile data.
- Use Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes and airports where possible.
- Download maps, music and shows before you leave.
- Turn off automatic app updates and cloud photo backups over mobile data.
- Set a data limit or a usage alert in your phone settings.
- Turn on Airplane Mode and use Wi-Fi only if you want no mobile charges at all.
If you receive a text from your carrier about a daily roaming fee, reply only if you want to accept it. Some carriers start the fee as soon as you use any mobile data abroad.
Carrier Travel Pass vs Travel eSIM
Many Canadian carriers offer a daily travel pass, such as Rogers Roam Like Home, Bell Roam Better and TELUS Easy Roam. You pay a flat daily fee and use your plan’s data, calls and texts abroad.
A travel eSIM is often cheaper for data-only use. You buy a local or regional data plan, install it as a second line, and use it for mobile data while keeping your Canadian number for calls and texts over Wi-Fi.
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier travel pass | Short trips and keeping your number | Daily fee, uses your plan |
| Travel eSIM | Data-heavy trips | Often cheaper, data only |
| Local SIM | Long stays | Needs an unlocked phone |
| Wi-Fi only | Avoiding all charges | No mobile data |
What to Do Before You Leave Canada
- Check whether your plan includes roaming where you are going.
- Decide between a travel pass, a travel eSIM or Wi-Fi only.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked if you plan to use a local SIM or eSIM.
- Turn on data roaming only for the line you plan to use.
- Download offline maps and anything else you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn data roaming on or off when travelling?
Turn it on only for the line you plan to use abroad. Keep it off for your Canadian line if you do not want to trigger a daily roaming fee.
Does data roaming cost extra in the United States?
It depends on your plan. Some Canadian plans include US roaming, while others charge a daily fee. Check your plan before you travel.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my Canadian number?
Yes. Install the travel eSIM as a second line and set it as the line for mobile data. Your Canadian number can still receive calls and texts over Wi-Fi.
Is a travel eSIM cheaper than a carrier travel pass?
Often, yes, for data. A travel pass is simpler if you want to keep using your Canadian plan, while an eSIM is usually the cheapest way to stay connected.
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