Where to Buy A SIM Card At Montreal Airport (YUL)

Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) has SIM card kiosks located post-security to help travelers easily set up cellular service upon arrival. Kiosks from carriers like Rogers, Fido, and Chatr allow visitors to purchase affordable prepaid SIM cards, providing a straightforward way to stay connected in Montreal without roaming fees during their visit.

I. Where to buy a SIM Card at Montreal Airport? 

There are a few options for purchasing prepaid SIM card Montreal airport, including major mobile operators like Rogers also MVNOs such as Fido, Chatr, and telephone store like The Source.

1. Rogers/Fido

There is a Rogers kiosk at Montreal airport, located on the International Arrivals level. This kiosk offers the latest phones, accessories, wireless plans, and SIM cards on one of Canada’s most reliable networks. Fido operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) under Rogers, which means they share the same sales booth. You can choose either a Rogers SIM card or consider Fido’s SIM options as well.

• Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM to 11 PM
• Location:  International Arrival – Public Area – Next to the gate 27
• Language Support: English
• Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card

2. Chatr Mobile

There is a Chatr kiosk at Montreal Airport located in the International Arrivals area. It offers prepaid plans with no surprise fees, contracts, or credit checks. Travelers can choose phones from brands like Motorola, ZTE, and Alcatel. Prepaid SIM cards from carriers like Fido and Videotron are also available for purchase off shelves at convenience stores in the airport like Relay, D duty-free, and Convenience Central.

• Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM to 11 PM
• Location: International Arrival – Public area – Nearby door 26
• Language Support: English
• Payment methods: Cash, Credit card

3. The Source 

The Source store located post-security in both terminals at Montreal airport offers a convenient one-stop shop to purchase and activate prepaid SIM cards from major carriers like Rogers, Fido, Bell, Telus, and MVNOs. Plans are available for pay-as-you-go or monthly usage. SIM cards can be activated instantly with staff assistance, requiring only a passport.

Having The Source located after security makes getting a SIM card upon arrival or during a layover easy. Arriving passengers can also find SIM vending machines near the Subway restaurant exit.

• Opening hours: Daily from 4 AM – 9:30 PM
• Location: Domestic Arrival – Gate 49
• Language Support: English
• Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card

II. Montreal Airport SIM Card Options & Costs

You can choose from various SIM card at Montreal Airport, including major carriers like Rogers and its MVNO Fido, smaller carriers like Chatr, and other options available at The Source store, depending on your needs and budget.

1. Rogers

Rogers offers monthly prepaid plans that include unlimited talk and text. Data amounts are limited and disconnections are possible. Plan prices include:

2. Fido 

Fido offers a bring-your-own-phone plan with a free SIM card providing 3G-4G data coverage and various functions. This could be a suitable option for travelers:

3. Chatr Mobile 

Chatr also offers plans for tourists, but only at the Montreal airport does it offer one with 3G data speed, which can put a drag on network speeds. Below are the Chatr Mobile plans that include unlimited talk, text, and 3G data for one month:

4. The Source 

The Source at Montreal Airport stocks major carrier SIMs like Rogers, Bell and Telus, as well as affordable prepaid MVNO options like Lucky Mobile or Koodo that are worth considering for short-term trips:

Lucky Mobile: 

Lucky Mobile offers prepaid plans priced based on data speed (3G or 4G). Their network runs on Bell. For higher speeds, it’s recommended to choose a 4G plan, such as:

Koodo:

Koodo is a Telus MVNO offering reliable connectivity. There is a one-time $7 USD fee for physical SIM card activations. Various affordable monthly prepaid plans are available for selection:

III. What You Need To Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Montreal Airport

Here are the main things you should prepare when looking to buy a SIM card at Montreal Airport:

• Passport/ID – Most carriers require you to show a valid passport or government ID to activate a new SIM. This is for identity verification purposes.
• Travel dates – Inform the carrier of your travel dates in and out of Canada so they can provision the SIM for the appropriate period. Prepaid SIMs typically have 30-90-day expiration windows. 
• Device – Make sure your phone is unlocked and able to accept a nano-SIM card which is the standard size used in Canada. dual/triple SIM phones also work.
• Funds – You’ll need Canadian dollars to pay for the SIM and initial funds to load onto it. Airport kiosks/stores accept cards but having some cash is also best. 
• Carrier selection – Decide if you want a postpaid SIM from the major brands or a prepaid SIM that has no contracts. Check coverage for your destinations. 
• Activation – Sims usually need a few minutes to provision before first use. Have your passport ready for the final activation steps. 
• WiFi – Download any required carrier apps beforehand in case you need cellular data to complete activation.

Being prepared with the right ID, device, and payment will make the SIM card Montreal Airport purchase process quick and painless after your long flight. Having an approximate itinerary also helps carriers assist you better.

IV. eSIM as An Alternative to SIM Card at Montreal Airport

Some Canadian carriers offer eSIM profiles that you can activate online on compatible devices without a physical SIM but the plans are not suitable for tourists. You can visit Canada-esim.com to examine their eSIM options and choose from a range of plans that best meet your needs.

So in summary – online ordering, convenience stores outside YUL, carrier locations in Montreal, or eSIM can all circumvent airport SIM prices.

VII. FAQs about buying a SIM card Montreal Airport 

VIII. Final words 

While airport SIM kiosks offer immediate activation without advance purchase, they have higher prices, limited selection, uncertain coverage, and potential lines. Online retailers provide better affordability, selection, and planning. Unless immediate access is critical, online purchases in advance are generally preferable to airport kiosks. ID may be required for airport SIM purchase.