How to Avoid Roaming Charges When Travelling Abroad from Canada
Canada's big three carriers — Bell, Rogers, and Telus — charge $12 CAD per day to use your phone abroad through their Roam Like Home plans. On a two-week trip to Europe, that is $168 CAD in roaming fees before you have even paid for a single meal. The good news: avoiding international roaming charges entirely takes less than five minutes to set up, and costs a fraction of what your Canadian carrier charges. This guide covers exactly what to do before your next trip.
Skip the Roam Like Home Charge on Your Next Trip
Plans from $3.66 — Instant QR delivery by email — No ID required — Works on iPhone & Android
Explore PlansWhy Roam Like Home Is More Expensive Than It Sounds
Bell, Rogers, and Telus market their Roam Like Home plans as a convenient way to use your phone abroad — and they are convenient. But at $12 CAD per day, they are also one of the most expensive ways to stay connected internationally. Here is what you are actually paying:
| Carrier | Daily Roaming Charge | 7-Day Trip Cost | 14-Day Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell | $12 CAD/day | $84 CAD | $168 CAD |
| Rogers | $12 CAD/day | $84 CAD | $168 CAD |
| Telus | $12 CAD/day | $84 CAD | $168 CAD |
| AloOui eSIM | From $3.66 USD for 7 days | From $3.66 USD | From $7.32 USD |
* Roam Like Home plans also apply data caps — typically limited to the data allowance on your Canadian plan, which may be throttled once exceeded.
4 Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges — Ranked by Value
1. Buy a Travel eSIM (Best Option)
A travel eSIM gives you a local data plan in your destination country, activated instantly via QR code. No store visit, no ID, no SIM swapping. Plans start from $3.66 for 7 days. Your Canadian number stays active on your primary SIM for calls and texts.
2. Buy a Local SIM Card on Arrival
Cheaper than roaming, but requires finding a mobile shop at your destination, showing ID, and losing your Canadian number while the local SIM is active. Not practical for short trips or multi-country travel.
3. Use Wi-Fi Only
Free, but unreliable. Hotel Wi-Fi is often slow. Public Wi-Fi is a security risk. You will be offline every time you leave your accommodation — not ideal when navigating an unfamiliar city.
4. Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi Device
Works, but you carry an extra device, charge an extra battery, and pay rental fees plus a deposit. Inconvenient for active travellers.
How to Set Up an eSIM Before Your Flight — Step by Step
Canadian Carrier Roaming vs. AloOui eSIM — Side by Side
Bell / Rogers / Telus Roaming
- $12 CAD/day, charged automatically
- Data caps on Roam Like Home plans
- Bill shock on return
- Hotspot often restricted on roaming
- Charges apply even on light usage days
AloOui eSIM
- Fixed price — no surprises
- Full 4G/5G speeds
- Hotspot sharing included
- Instant QR delivery — no store visit
- No ID required
AloOui Plans — Choose Your Destination
Every plan includes instant QR delivery, hotspot sharing, and no ID requirement.
More Guides for Canadian Travellers
- The Canadian Traveller's eSIM Playbook — Every Trip and Budget
- Best eSIM for Europe Travel — Plans for 30+ Countries
- Best eSIM for Japan — Complete Travel Guide
- Best eSIM for Mexico — Complete Travel Guide
- Best eSIM for Multi-Country Travel — Global Plans
Follow AloOui for Travel Tips and Exclusive Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get charged Roam Like Home fees if I have an eSIM?
Not if you set it up correctly. You must disable data roaming on your Canadian carrier SIM and set your AloOui eSIM as the default data line. Once done, all data goes through AloOui at your fixed plan price — your Canadian carrier cannot charge you Roam Like Home fees for data.
Can I still receive calls and texts on my Canadian number?
Yes. Your Canadian number remains active on your primary SIM slot. You can receive calls and texts as normal. For outgoing calls, use WhatsApp or FaceTime over your AloOui data to avoid international call charges from your Canadian carrier.
Does AloOui eSIM work in multiple countries?
Yes. AloOui offers regional plans covering Europe (30+ countries), Asia, the Americas, and global plans covering 200+ countries. One eSIM, multiple destinations, no SIM swapping required.
Is my Canadian phone compatible with an eSIM?
Most likely yes. iPhones from XS onwards and most Android flagships from 2020 support eSIM. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. Contact Bell, Rogers, or Telus to confirm unlock status before purchasing an eSIM.
How quickly do I receive my eSIM after purchase?
Instantly. Your QR code is delivered by email within seconds of purchase, 24 hours a day. No waiting, no store visit, no ID required.
Stop Paying $12 a Day to Your Carrier
Get your AloOui eSIM before your next trip. Instant delivery, fixed price, no Roam Like Home surprises.
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