Canada eSIM
Maintaining contact is key upon arriving in a new place like Calgary. Acquiring an eSIM or SIM Card at Calgary Airport sets you up for connectivity. This guide outlines options for wireless access at Calgary International Airport. Carriers, retailers, plans, and purchase methods are covered. Get up to speed on setup before you land, so your Canadian exploration is without limitation from the start.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Calgary Airport
There are cellular provider kiosks within the airport terminals that sell SIM card at Calgary Airport and can help get you set up such as Rogers and Fido, as well as convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Some options include:
1. Rogers/Fido
Rogers/Fido has plans with phones/extras on one of Canada’s best networks. Staff can help with customer service. They use advanced tech.
Fido offers affordable plans including data/minutes/texts for everything you need without overspending. Their plans are suitable for families/groups.
There is a Rogers/Fido store by International Arrivals for picking up a new phone and starting a reliable connectivity plan for calls, texts and device use across Canada.
- Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
- Location: International Arrivals Pre-Security
- Language Support: English
- Payment Methods: Cash (CAD), Credit Card
2. 7-Eleven SpeakOut
7-Eleven stores before security in YYC airport terminals offer convenient SpeakOut SIM pickup without exiting. SpeakOut runs on Rogers network, providing basic pay-as-you-go plans from $15 including data/talk/text. Data speeds may be lower than Rogers plans and customer service not as robust.
A SpeakOut SIM is very convenient for brief connectivity at YYC itself, without expecting high speeds or balances to roll over long-term, but it enables basic usage immediately at a low cost.
- There are 2 locations:
- Concourse A – Arrivals Pre-Security. Open daily 24/7
- Concourse C – Arrivals Pre-Security. Opening daily 24/7
- Language Support: English
- Payment Methods: Cash (CAD), Credit/Debit card
II. Calgary Airport SIM Card Options & Costs
The costs of SIM card at Calgary airport available can vary depending on the carrier and data plan chosen, but here are some average prices:
1. Rogers
Rogers SIM cards require a $10-15 activation fee plus $65-75+ monthly plan costs, and any additional device payments, international rates, or overages. Visitors are suggested to choose a Rogers Monthly Plan which includes unlimited calls/messages with data amounts varying by plan. Monthly plan prices are provided:
| Monthly Plans | Approx. Price (USD) | Messages | Local calls | Data | Approx. Total (USD) |
| Nationwide Talk & Text Plan | $11 | Unlimited SMS/MMS | 100 minutes | - | $22 |
| Nationwide Talk & Text Plan | $18 | Unlimited SMS/MMS | Unlimited | - | $25 |
| Nationwide Talk, Text & Data Plan | $25 | Unlimited SMS/MMS | Unlimited | 1 GB | $37 |
| Nationwide Talk, Text & Data Plan | $33 | Unlimited SMS/MMS | Unlimited | 5 GB | $40 |
| Nationwide Talk, Text & Data Plan | $40 | Unlimited SMS/MMS | Unlimited | 10 GB | $51 |
Rogers’s monthly plans pricing may be slightly higher than optimal for short 1-2 month stays. Prepaid options from SpeakOut or Fido may offer better value in those cases due to lower upfront costs.
2. Fido
Fido offers a budget-friendly alternative to Rogers with similar plans, devices, and nationwide service at generally lower monthly costs. Fido SIM cards are usually free with plans, potentially a small $5-10 activation fee. Monthly plan prices are comparable to Rogers. 1-month Fido BYOP plans suitable for tourists are:
| 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 |
Fido BYOP is a very good option overall for reliable, flexible connectivity on short or longer Canadian trips due to using the Rogers network. Prepaid is only better value on ultra-short 1-2 week visits.
3. SpeakOut
The SpeakOut SIM card from 7-Eleven provides an affordable prepaid option for basic talk/text but has limited, expensive data and lacks financing perks. Best as a low-cost backup line rather than a primary service. Coverage is good but lower priority than major carriers. Plan costs include:
| 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 |
Most premium carriers and larger data plans will range between $50-75/month for access purchased short-term at Calgary International Airport.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Calgary Airport?
Below are the things you need to prepare for getting a SIM card at Calgary Airport:
- Passport or government-issued ID: This is required by all providers to verify your identity.
- Credit card or debit card: Most providers will accept credit cards or debit cards for payment. Some may also accept cash.
- Phone that is unlocked: Your phone must be unlocked to use a SIM card from a different provider. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked, you can contact your current provider to ask.
- The size of your SIM card: SIM cards come in three different sizes: standard, micro, and nano. Make sure you know which size your phone takes before you go to the airport.
- Your desired data plan: Providers will offer a variety of data plans, so you will need to decide how much data you think you will need. If you are not sure, you can ask the provider for recommendations.
Being prepared with the right payment, ID, research and technical compatibility will help ensure a hassle-free SIM card Calgary Airport upon arrival.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Calgary Airport
eSIM is a digital SIM profile that can be downloaded directly to your device, avoiding the need to insert a physical SIM card. This makes it a more convenient option for travelers.
Most major carriers in Canada now offer eSIM support on certain iPhone and Android models. This includes Rogers, Bell, Telus, and other eSIM providers. Check your device and carrier compatibility.
To get connected at the Calgary airport using eSIM, you can purchase a data plan or prepaid package directly from one of the major carriers online. Plans are available for short-term travelers.
Rely on Canada-esim.com‘s nationwide LTE for affordable access across the country. Save the hassle and switch seamlessly between plans as your trip unfolds. Adventure with confidence knowing you’ll never miss a connection.
Pursue discovery without disruptions – purchase an eSIM now and immerse yourself fully in all Canada has to offer. Get connected for unlimited exploration.
V. FAQs
Can I buy a SIM card in Calgary Airport?
Yes, you can buy SIM cards at Calgary Airport. Look for the Rogers/Fido kiosk or 7-Eleven near the arrival gates.
What documents do I need to buy a prepaid SIM card?
You will need to show a passport as identification when purchasing a prepaid SIM. As a foreign visitor, ensure you have the proper entry visa or documentation.
How long does it take to activate a new SIM card?
Activation is usually instant once you purchase and insert your new SIM. However, if purchasing from a staffed shop, the activation process typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
Where is the best place to get a prepaid SIM at YYC?
Your best bet is going straight to one of the major Canadian carrier shops (Rogers, Fido, Telus) in the international arrivals zone. There will be knowledgeable reps to assist you.
How much data should I get on my prepaid SIM?
Most travelers find that 1-2GB of data per week is sufficient to get by. But you can always top up or add packages if needed. Check ahead of time how much data you typically use.
Do prepaid SIMs work for calling/texting as well as data?
Yes, prepaid SIMs will provide you with local Canadian phone numbers for making calls and texts. You’ll just need to top up your balance as needed. Calls back home will still be treated as international.
VI. Final Words
Getting a prepaid SIM card at Calgary Airport upon arrival allows quick connectivity during travel in Canada. It’s convenient for short visits but researching carriers online may offer better value on longer trips. Compare plans and providers before your trip. Then pick up an affordable prepaid SIM after landing to enjoy mobile data and explore Calgary and beyond.
