Canada eSIM
While getting a SIM card at Vancouver International Airport offers convenience, alternatives exist with potentially better costs. Compare YVR options to others off-airport, considering your trip length, daily data needs, and budget. Source a SIM locally without overpaying to stay affordably connected in Vancouver without losing convenience.
Table of Contents
I. Where to buy a SIM card at Vancouver Airport?
The major Canadian mobile networks do not have kiosks at Vancouver International Airport. However, you can buy their SIM cards from suppliers in the arrival area like The SIM Shop, Currency Exchange, or 7-Eleven after clearing customs and immigration. Consider these options.
1. The SIM Shop
The SIM Shop near Vancouver airport arrivals offers prepaid mobile plans and SIM cards from major providers like Rogers, Telus, Bell, Fido, and Virgin Plus. Located at Gate 77 in the international terminal, they can help you choose and activate a SIM card for your trip to ensure connectivity around Vancouver. The Vancouver Airport map is available for more details.
- Opening hours: Open 7 AM-9 PM daily
- Location: USA & International level 2
- Language Support: English
- Payment Methods: Cash (CAD), Credit/Debit Card
2. ICE Currency Exchange
You can buy a SIM card at Vancouver Airport near Gate 77 in the international terminal. Stop by PhoneBox near the Currency Exchange for an instant prepaid SIM activation. Staffing schedules vary though, so confirm availability first at the Currency Exchange to ensure quick SIM access upon arrival. Check Currency Exchange location to view the precise locations.
- Location: There are 3 locations:
- International – Level 3 – Before Security. Opening daily from 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- International – Level 2 – After Security. Opening daily from 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Domestic – Level 3 – Before Security. Opening daily from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Language Support: English
- Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card
3. 7 – Eleven
While 7-Eleven at Vancouver airport sells SIM cards, SpeakOut offers limited networks and plans. You’ll find better deals and selections by buying SIMs downtown or online before your trip. 7-Eleven may ship SIMs rather than provide them instantly due to inventory issues. Confirm availability upfront if you need immediate activation upon arrival for connectivity.
- Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
- Location: Domestic Terminal
- Language Support: English
- Payment Methods: Cash (CAD), Credit/Debit Card
II. Vancouver Airport SIM Card Options & Costs
The price of a SIM card at Vancouver Airport depends on the carrier and data plan picked.
1. The SIM shop
The SIM Shop offers a wide range of Canada SIM cards. The main providers are Bell, Rogers, and Telus. Other options include Fido, Koodo, and Public Mobile. Smaller carriers provide cheaper plans for tourists while still using networks from major providers, so you don’t have to worry about connection. Here is the price of some MVNOs in Canada:
Fido plan:
Here is the Fido Bring Your Own Phone plan that is valid for 30 days, using Rogers’ network, free SIM card, and is recommended for tourists:
| Plan Name | Approx. Price (USD) | 4G Data | Local Talk | Text |
| Data, Talk & Text Plan | $50 | 45 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data, Talk & Text Plan | $37 | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data, Talk & Text Plan | $33 | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data, Talk & Text Plan | $28 | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Koodo monthly plans with 4G data:
Below are the monthly plans offered by Koodo, which provide 4G data and utilize Telus’s network:
| Plan | Approx. Price (USD) | 4G Data | Local Calls | Text | Validity | Approx. Total (USD) |
| Talk, Text and Data | $22 | 500 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | $29.00 |
| Talk, Text and Data | $26 | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | $33 |
| Talk, Text and Data | $30 | 2.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | $37 |
| Talk, Text and Data | $33 | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | $40 |
| Talk, Text and Data | $41 | 10 GB | Unlimited Talk Canada & the US | Unlimited | 30 days | $48 |
| Talk, Text and Data | $48 | 15 GB | Unlimited Talk Canada & the US | Unlimited | 30 days | $55 |
| Talk, Text and Data | $56 | 20 GB | Unlimited Talk Canada & the US | Unlimited | 30 days | $63 |
For tourism in major Canadian cities, coverage is strong nationwide with major or smaller providers. Major providers best if traveling widely outside cities. Smaller providers like Fido or Koodo best if staying mainly in cities, as plans offer better value.
2. ICE Currency Exchange
SIM cards can now be bought from Phonebox in the Currency Exchange at Vancouver Airport. These SIM cards are worth considering for international travelers seeking Canadian and international talk/text/data access with no restrictions. Phonebox also offers monthly travel plans. See Phonebox for pricing and plan details.
| Plan | Approx. Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Text | Validity | Approx. Total (USD) |
| 2 GB Plan | $6.68 | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days | $14.10 |
| 5GB Plan | $14.10 | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days | $21.52 |
3. 7-Eleven SpeakOut
The SIM cards sold at the airport are from SpeakOut, which has limited networks, data, and calls. SpeakOut SIM cards cost around $7 but require buying additional credit/data separately. This is expensive compared to other options pre/post-airport. For better value, consider buying a SIM card before your trip. SpeakOut plan details are available online for comparison:
| Plan Name | Approx. Price (USD) | 4G Data | Local Calls | Text | Total (USD) |
| Smartphone Plan | $19 | 1 GB | $0.35 Canada-Wide Minutes | $0.20 Text and $0.60 MMS to CDN, US and INT'L | $26 |
| Smartphone Plan | $26 | 2.75 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $33 |
| Smartphone Plan | $30 | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $37 |
| Smartphone Plan | $33 | 7 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $40 |
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Vancouver Airport
To buy a SIM card at Vancouver Airport, you must prepare the following things:
- Passport/Photo ID – You’ll need to present a passport or other government photo ID to purchase a SIM and activate the service.
- Payment Method – Most kiosks and stores accept major credit/debit cards, cash in Canadian dollars, or prepaid debit cards. Have your payment ready.
- Device – Make sure your phone is unlocked and capable of accepting a nano-SIM card (standard size for Canada). iPhones require a nano-SIM adapter.
- Address – You may need to provide a temporary address like the airport or your hotel for verification purposes.
- Data/Calling Plans – Research available plans and rates from carriers like Telus, Rogers, Public Mobile, etc. ahead of time so you know your needs.
- International SIM Adapter – If your phone only accepts micro or full-size SIMs, bring an adapter for your new prepaid nano-SIM card.
- Carrier Compatibility – Be sure your phone works with the SIM card provider. Phones use different networks like GSM or LTE, so pick a company your phone connects with. Telus for example uses GSM/LTE.
Your phone should also have enough charge to activate a new SIM on arrival. That way you can set it up right away at the airport if needed to keep in contact during your journey.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Vancouver Airport
If your device is supported on eSIM, you may even be able to turn on eSIM plans without a traditional SIM card at the Vancouver Airport through phone settings.
As a visitor to Canada, perhaps you want an economical yet convenient way to connect, so go for an eSIM from Canada-esim.com. Simply buy the plan online, then scan the delivered QR code and there you are. Even better, there are no roaming charges compared to using your normal SIM card.
V. FAQs
Can you buy a SIM card in Vancouver Airport?
Major Canadian providers like Rogers, Bell, and TELUS do not have SIM card kiosks and stores at Vancouver Airport, you can buy SIM cards at some other suppliers in the arrival areas after clearing customs at both the international and transborder terminals. Look for signs or ask airport staff.
How much do prepaid SIM cards at YVR cost?
The SIM card kits themselves tend to cost around ~ 7 USD. You’ll pay additional fees for the prepaid data, talk time, and text messaging plans you choose. Basic options start around ~ 20 USD.
How long does the Vancouver Airport SIM card activation process take?
If you have all the required documentation on hand, the activation process takes about 10-15 minutes in most cases. Connecting to WiFi helps speed things along.
Can I use a SIM card Vancouver Airport internationally?
Most Vancouver Airport SIM card plans only include usage within Canada and the US. Be sure to clarify with the provider if you need coverage elsewhere. Roaming charges likely apply.
What information do I need to provide to activate a SIM card at Vancouver Airport?
When buying a SIM, bring your passport for sure. You may need to give your temporary address like your hotel too. This helps register the SIM to your information. Know your travel dates too.
VI. Final words
While prepaid SIMs from Vancouver Airport are expensive, the convenience makes up for it. Having a SIM card upon landing allows worry-free exploration of Vancouver from the start. Advance research is key. But for immediate connectivity upon arrival, the ease outweighs higher rates if your priority is a hassle-free exploration from the first step of your Vancouver trip.
