Travelling Over the Holidays? eSIM and Unlocked Phones Explained

What an eSIM actually is

An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. Instead of popping a small plastic card into a tray, you download a carrier "profile" by scanning a QR code or following a carrier's app or link. The phone stores it and connects to that network just as it would with a physical SIM.

For travellers, the useful part is that many phones can hold more than one eSIM, and many can use two lines at once. That means you can keep your Canadian number active for texts and calls while using a local or travel data plan for maps, messaging and browsing.

Travel eSIM vs roaming: how they compare

Neither is automatically better. Compare your carrier's travel options with a data-only travel eSIM for the length of your trip and how much data you actually use.

Why your phone has to be unlocked

A carrier-locked phone only works with the carrier that sold it. Install a travel eSIM from another provider on a locked phone and it simply won't connect. In Canada, phones sold new since December 2017 have been unlocked, and the CRTC's Wireless Code requires carriers to unlock older phones free of charge on request. Our post on phone unlocking in Ontario covers how to ask.

Watch out for phones bought outside Canada, such as a used phone from the U.S. or a hand-me-down from a relative abroad. Those may still be locked.

How to check your phone before you go

1. Check lock status. On an iPhone, go to Settings › General › About and look at Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means it's unlocked. On Android, there's no single place to check on every phone; the simplest test is a SIM from a different carrier, or ask your carrier directly.
2. Check eSIM support. Most recent iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy flagships support eSIM, but some budget models don't. Look for an option to add an eSIM in your phone's SIM or mobile network settings.
3. Check your current line. Find out whether your Canadian line is on a physical SIM or an eSIM. It matters later.

Set it up before you fly

1. Install the travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. Scanning the QR code needs an internet connection, which is harder to find at an arrivals hall.
2. Label your lines. Name them something clear, like "Home" and "Travel", so you know which is which in settings.
3. Read when the plan starts. Some travel plans start counting days when installed, others when they first connect at your destination.
4. Set the travel eSIM for data and keep your home line for calls and texts, so verification codes from your bank still reach you.
5. Turn off data roaming on your home line if you don't want roaming charges. Leave it on for the travel line if its instructions say to.
6. Screenshot the instructions and QR code somewhere offline, in case you need to reinstall.

If you use a physical SIM instead

A local physical SIM bought at your destination works too, as long as your phone is unlocked. Store your Canadian SIM card somewhere safe, such as a small SIM holder in your wallet, and bring a SIM tool. Some recent phones don't have a SIM tray at all, so check before you count on this option.

Buying or passing down a phone for travel?

If you're picking up a second-hand phone to use as a travel phone, check that it's unlocked, supports eSIM and isn't reported lost or stolen before you pay. Our used phone buying guide has the full checklist.

Need a hand?

Not sure whether your phone is locked, or need it unlocked before a trip? Woman Wireless On The Go can help. A certified woman technician comes to your home, workplace or parked car across our service area, and you'll get a free quote before any work starts. Call or WhatsApp (365) 351-4247, see our phone unlocking page, or request a visit online.

Frequently asked questions

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