If you’re a newcomer to Canada, getting a cellphone should be at the top of your to-do list. It helps you keep connected with friends, family, and new opportunities, and most people consider it an essential piece of technology to own.
But there are a few things you need to consider to make sure you’re getting the right phone plan for you. Here’s your guide to setting up your cellphone in Canada:
1. Understanding the Canadian Cellphone Market
Canada has a large and varied cell phone market, with several major service providers offering different plans and options. You’ll find companies like Rogers, Koodo, Virgin, Telus, Bell, and Freedom Mobile in your research. These companies provide the networks that allow your phone to make calls, send texts, and use the internet.
Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some offer better coverage in certain areas, while others might have cheaper plans or more features. It’s a good idea to do some research to find out which provider is the best fit for you, with the right coverage for your area and the right price for your budget.
2. Choosing a Service Provider
When choosing a service provider for your cellphone in Canada, there are a few things you need to consider. Let’s break them down:
Consider coverage and network quality:
The most important thing to consider is whether your area receives cell phone coverage from your provider. Bell has the largest coverage area and shares its coverage with TELUS and Virgin. Freedom Mobile and Koodo offer more affordable plans but are usually limited to covering big cities. Virgin also has impressive internet speeds, which you might want to consider if you often use data.
Balance price with features:
Every company will offer slightly different cell phone plans at different price points. Some plans include unlimited calling and texting, while others offer more data or international calling options. Consider what you use your phone most for, and find a plan that prioritizes your needs (and at a price you can afford).
Research customer service reputations:
It’s also important to consider each provider’s reputation and customer service. Look for reviews online or ask friends and family about their experiences with different providers. You’ll want to choose a provider that offers good service and helpful support if you ever run into any issues with your phone or plan. Virgin Mobile has a reputation for its high-quality customer service compared to other providers in Canada.
3. Selecting a Phone Plan
Once you’ve settled on your provider, it’s time to pick a plan. Here are some of the options you can pick from:
Prepaid vs. postpaid plans:
Most Canadian providers offer both prepaid and postpaid plans. Prepaid plans require upfront payment, while postpaid plans bill you at the end of the month. Prepaid plans can offer more control over your spending, while postpaid plans often include more features and benefits.
Understanding the terms and conditions:
Before committing to a plan, make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions. Consider factors like contract length, cancellation fees, and any applicable charges or restrictions to your plan. Make sure everything works with your budget, and ask questions to their customer service if you’re confused about anything.
Data, talk, and text allowances:
Consider how you use your phone and which plan matches your habits. Do you call internationally often? Find a plan with more international minutes. Stream lots of video? Find a plan that prioritizes data.
Options for unlimited data plans:
For internet power users, you might want to look for unlimited data plans. While these plans are often more expensive, you can browse, download, and stream without worrying about accidentally being charged for overuse.
International calling or roaming:
If you plan on travelling or have friends or family in your home country you’d like to stay in touch with, you’ll want to find a plan with international calling and/or roaming. Adding this feature will make your plan more expensive, but it will prevent additional fees from stacking up.
4. Purchasing a Phone
When it comes to getting a cellphone in Canada, you have a few options. These include:
Bringing your own device:
If you already have a cellphone from home, you can bring it with you and simply purchase a SIM card from a Canadian provider, which is usually a cheaper option than buying a new phone. Just make sure it is compatible with GSM networks, which Canada uses. Not sure? Almost all smartphones these days are compatible with GSM, so you likely don’t need to worry.
Purchasing a new phone from a provider:
Bringing a cellphone with a plan in Canada is very common. This can make the phone more affordable and allow you to spread its cost over a longer period of time while you’re on the plan.
Shopping around for the right phone:
Before deciding, you should compare the cost and features of different phone models. The newest and trendiest iPhone might be tempting, but you might find a cheaper option with all the features you need bundled with a great plan that better meets your needs.
5. Building Credit and Opening a Bank Account
In Canada, your credit score is an important number to keep in mind. It’s like a report card for your finances and helps companies decide if they can trust you with things like cellphone plans.
Think of your credit history as your financial reputation. It shows whether you’re good at paying bills on time, which makes you a trustworthy customer. When you want a new cellphone plan, the company might take a look at your credit score. If it’s high enough, you could access better plans with more features. If it’s low (or non-existent), some companies might not want to offer you a plan.
How to start building credit
- Get a secured credit card: This is a special kind of credit card where you put down some money first, making it easier to qualify. Spend smartly, pay it back on time, and you’ll be on your way to a good credit history.
- Try a credit-builder loan: Some banks offer small loans to help you build credit. You might need to save a little money first, but if you repay the loan, your credit improves.
- Join a family member’s credit card: If someone in your family has a credit card (and pays it off responsibly), they can add you to it. Their good credit can help yours grow.
How to open a bank account
Opening a bank account is an important step when coming to Canada. It opens up a range of possibilities, including making it easier to get a cellphone plan.
- Get your documents together: To open a bank account, you’ll need your passport as well as your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and/or Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Make an appointment at a bank: Canada has five major banks, all of which are good options for newcomers and will help you set up an account.
- Apply online: Some banks allow you to apply for an account online, making it convenient if you’re not close to a branch. Just make sure you research the eligibility requirements before beginning the process.
6. Activating the phone plan
Once you’ve picked the provider you want to go with, the last step is activating your plan. Here’s what you need to do:
- Sign up for a plan: Start by choosing a cellphone plan from your preferred provider. You can do this online, over the phone, or by visiting a store in person. The provider will guide you through the available plans and help you pick the best fit for your needs and budget.
- Provide necessary identification and documentation: When signing up for a plan, you must provide some identification and documentation. This usually includes government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and proof of address, like a utility bill or rental agreement.
- Choose a phone number: Once you’ve selected a plan, you must choose a phone number. You can either pick a specific number (if available) or have your provider assign you one.
- Understand the billing cycle and payment options: Before finalizing your plan, you must understand how the billing cycle works and what payment options are available. Your provider will explain when your billing cycle starts and ends and how you can pay your monthly bill. Most providers offer a few different payment options, like online payments or automatic withdrawals from your bank account.
7. Managing the cell phone plan
Now that your plan is all setup, you can prepare for its ongoing management. Here are a few tips:
Monitor data usage and avoid overages:
Keep an eye on your data usage to avoid exceeding your plan’s limits and being charged additional fees. Most phones have built-in data tracking features, or you can log in to your provider account, which should show your usage stats. It’s a good idea to use Wi-Fi whenever possible to cut down on your data.
Understand the terms of the plan:
Take the time to read and understand the terms of your plan, including any limitations, restrictions, or extra fees. Pay attention to details like data caps, roaming charges, and international calling rates. Knowing what’s included in your plan and what’s not will help you avoid unexpected costs.
Explore options for upgrading or changing plans:
As your needs change over time, you may find that your current plan no longer suits you. Most providers offer options to upgrade or change plans to better fit your usage patterns and budget. Watch for promotional offers or loyalty discounts that make switching plans more attractive.
Practice paying your bill on time:
Make sure you understand how to pay your monthly bill on time to avoid service interruptions or late fees. Set up automatic payments if possible, or mark your calendar with the due date to make sure you don’t forget. Your provider should offer online payment options through their websites or mobile apps.
Conclusion
Having a cell phone opens a world of possibilities for you. By following the above steps, the good news is that accessing one as a newcomer to Canada should be straightforward.
Remember—having good credit and a bank account will make the process even easier. Also, make sure to take the time to research plans, providers, and the cellphone you want to make sure you have all the features you need at an affordable price.
