This guide helps visitors to Canada choose the best wireless connectivity option. Rogers operates networks across much of the country, offering physical Rogers SIM cards and digital eSIM profiles. Understanding Rogers’ coverage and how to set up accounts prepares travelers to explore easily upon arrival. For a quick run-down of the Rogers network we first take a look at how to get hold of Rogers SIM cards and eSIMs, before going into more detail. Knowing these options in advance allows visitors to get connected for navigating locations, staying in touch, and making the most of their time through reliable mobile access.

ROGERS SIM CARD

1. Quick facts about Rogers

Rogers is one of the “Big 3” wireless carriers in Canada, along with Bell and Telus. These three carriers dominate the market. They offer wireless service, internet, cable television, and other services to over 10 million customers across the country. Rogers operates its own nationwide 4G and 5G cellular networks, as well as several subsidiary brands such as Fido, Chatr, and Zoomer.

  • Founded: 1960
  • Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Services: Wireless communication, cable television, telephony, and internet
  • Coverage: Operates across Canada
  • Customers: Over 10 million wireless subscribers, 2.5 million cable subscribers, and 2.8 million internet subscribers
  • Network: Canada’s largest 5G network, covering over 70% of the population, Extensive fibre-optic network
  • Brands: Rogers, Fido, Ignite TV, Citytv
ROGERS LOGO
ROGERS LOGO

2. Canada Rogers coverage and speed in Canada

Rogers has the best 5G network in Canada, covering 70% of the population and offering faster speeds than its rivals. Here are some key points about Rogers’ wireless coverage and speeds across Canada: 

2.1. Rogers Coverage in Canada

CANADA MOBILE OPERATORS COVERAGE
CANADA MOBILE OPERATORS COVERAGE

Rogers boasts a strong coverage presence in Canada, but it’s important to understand the nuances to assess if it’s the right fit for your needs. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Coverage: Rogers has widespread LTE coverage across major cities and along major highways/roads in Canada. It estimates its LTE network reaches over 99% of Canadians. Coverage in rural areas may be patchy.
  • Roaming coverage: In remote areas without Rogers towers, customers can roam on partner networks like SaskTel, and MTS in Manitoba. Roaming speeds are usually lower.
  • 5G coverage:  Rogers expanded 5G availability to 12.1% of the time and won the 5G Availability award. Continued growth. 5G download speed was fastest at 154.7 Mbps, 2nd behind Bell. Video experience on 5G was rated “Very Good”, clearly ahead of Bell and Telus.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if Rogers coverage suits your needs is to check the specific area you frequent most and compare it to other providers’ offerings. Remember, your individual needs and usage patterns should weigh heavily in your decision.

2.2. Rogers Speed

CANADA MOBILE OPERATORS SPEED
CANADA MOBILE OPERATORS SPEED

Based on these latest reports from Opensignal, Rogers has improved its 5G network experience in Canada, while Bell and Telus have maintained their lead in 4G network experience.

  • It dominated awards, ranking first in six out of seven categories for best 5G video, live video, game experience, upload speed and availability.
  • 4G performance was reliably strong with average speeds of 30-80Mbps in cities depending on location. Coverage remains nationwide.
  • Streaming performance on both 4G and 5G networks was solid, showing Rogers has made improvements to compete well on network experience.
  • Data availability improved with Rogers jointly leading at 98% coverage.
  • Plans can be expensive compared to regional carriers though coverage is reliable. Customer service ranks below average.

Overall, it seems that Rogers has invested heavily in its 5G network. Rogers may need to balance its network resources and improve its 4G experience to maintain its competitive edge in the Canadian market.

3. Rogers connectivity options for travelers to Canada

Rogers offers several connectivity options for travelers to Canada, depending on your needs and budget:

Option Description
Roam Like Home Use your existing Rogers plan's data, talk, and text allowances in Canada, the US, and Mexico for a daily fee.
eSIM A digital SIM card for Canada that you can download and activate on your phone. No physical SIM card is needed.
Local SIM Card A physical SIM card from a Canadian provider that you can insert into your unlocked phone. This gives you the best rates for data, talk, and text.

4. Best Rogers SIM Cards for tourist & cost

Rogers in Canada offers eSIM & SIM cards but does not have many options suitable for tourists.

A Rogers SIM card with a price of ~ 7 USD provides an easy way to stay connected to their reliable LTE network.

For tourists visiting Canada, Rogers may not be the best option for you, they do not offer many plans suitable for tourists. Visitors can choose between two great options from Rogers SIM card plans Canada: the Pay As You Go plan or the Prepaid Monthly Plan.

For as low as 11 USD per month, both these plans provide unlimited domestic and U.S. usage and unlimited texts. Here are the details and prices for the Rogers Pay As You Go plans:

Plans Approx. Price (USD) Messages Talk Data Approx. Total (USD)
Talk & Text Plan $11 75 SMS 75 Canada-wide minutes - $19
Talk & Text Plan $19 Unlimited SMS 250 Canada-wide minutes - $26
Talk & Text Plan $26 Unlimited SMS 1000 Canada-wide minutes - $33
Talk & Text Plan $33 Unlimited SMS/MMS 500 minutes - $40
Talk & Text Plan $41 Unlimited SMS/MMS 50¢/minute for Canadian/U.S. long-distance calls - $48
Talk, Text & Data Plan $37 Unlimited SMS/MMS 100 minutes 500 MB $44
Talk, Text & Data Plan $48 Unlimited SMS/MMS 150 minutes 1 GB $55

Rogers Pay As You Go plans are more suitable for those who only need talk and text and have minimal data usage, as dropping out may occur. 

You can also consider selecting the Rogers Monthly Plan: 

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

When compared to Rogers Pay As You Go plans, Rogers Monthly Plans are more affordable for tourists, offer more data, and allow you to stay connected for almost 30 days. The prices are also a bit cheaper.

5. Does Rogers Canada support eSIM?

An alternative is activating a Rogers eSIM, which downloads directly to supported iPhones and devices without a physical SIM. Only certain devices support eSIM activations. Check the eSIM Compatible Devices Lists to see if your device is eSIM capable. If it is, you can activate an eSIM on any in-market Rogers plan.

The price for eSIM is the same as for a regular Rogers SIM card, and all the plans available for a regular Rogers SIM card are compatible with eSIM. So check the two plans we mentioned earlier and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Explore more of Canada’s beauty while staying in touch with eSIM from Canada-esim.com, you’ll get affordable LTE data that works across the entire country. No need to swap physical SIM cards either – just scan and go online.

From 3 days to multi-month packages, we’ve got flexible data options to keep you connected whether you’re in Canada for a weekend getaway or extended vacation.

Get connected right away with our 3-day plan. Packages start from just $9 with 5GB for light data use: 

Want to browse freedom for over a week? Opt for our 7-day plan and enjoy 1-2GB daily for just $17.90:

Staying 2+ weeks? Our best-value 15-day plan has immense data from $12.50: 

30-day eSIM plan with daily 2GB-30GB data so you can chat, navigate, and stream across Canada contract-free from $13: 

6. Where can you buy a Rogers SIM card and eSIM?

Here are some of the main places you can buy a Rogers SIM card or activate a Rogers eSIM:

6.1. Where to buy a Rogers SIM for Canada

Rogers Prepaid SIM card cannot be ordered online or website. Here are some common places where you can buy a Rogers SIM card in Canada:

  • Rogers retail stores: Visit any corporate or authorized Rogers stores to purchase starter SIM kits with the SIM pre-activated.
  • Major carriers stores: SIMs may also be available at other carrier stores like Bell, Telus, Fido, etc. as they sell Rogers services too.
  • Big-box stores: National chains like Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, and Best Buy sell Rogers prepaid SIM cards and starter kits.
  • Dollar stores: Dollarama, and Dollar Tree often stock low-priced Rogers PAYG SIM cards without bundled plans.
  • Convenience stores: Places like 7-Eleven, and Circle K sell Rogers Airtime Cards which include a SIM activation code.
  • Airport shops: Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and Calgary International Airport have Rogers kiosk. You can find Rogers at Montreal near gate 27 – a public area, and on the International Arrivals level at Calgary Airport.
rogers store
Rogers store

6.2. Where to buy Rogers eSIM

You can purchase an eSIM card by visiting a Rogers store. You can find Rogers store near you here

Other methods to buy Rogers eSIM are calling Rogers Customer Care at 1888-764-3771 or chatting with a Customer Live Agent to place an order.

Upgrade your mobile experience with Canada eSIM. Check out Canada eSIM from Canada-esim.com – the easy and hassle-free way to switch between carriers and plans without the need for physical SIM cards. Visit canada-esim.com to see the ideal one for your needs.

7. How to activate Rogers Canada SIM/eSIM

The following provides an overview of the process for activating and employing a Rogers SIM/eSIM for cellular connectivity on their network.

7.1. How to use Rogers SIM Card

To activate a Pay As You Go plan, the activation process following steps:

Step 1: Get a Rogers SIM card for 7 USD price. (either from Rogers or third-party retailers).

Step 2: Power on the SIM card by following the instructions.

Step 3: Add funds/choose a PAYG plan.

Step 4: Register SIM card details like IMEI number during activation.

7.2. How to set up and activate Rogers Canada eSIM

Step 1:  Visit a Rogers store or make a call to activate a new line and request an eSIM Card

Step 2: If you activated over the phone, once you receive your eSIM card in the mail, simply follow the on-device setup instructions to complete the setup.

Note: If you want detailed instructions for Rogers eSIM, you can check this link.

8. Canada Rogers Call & SMS rates

The call and SMS rates of Rogers in Canada vary depending on the plan and the destination of the communication. Here is some general information about the call & SMS rates of Rogers in Canada: 

Call Data SMS MMS
0.037 - 0.74 USD/min 0.037 USD/MB 0.19 - 0.56 USD/SMS 0.037 - 0.19 USD/MMS

9. Useful USSD Codes for Rogers Canada SIM/eSIM

Here are a few ways to check your Rogers balance in Canada:

Method How to do
Customer Service Dial *611 to check your balance.
Through the MyRogers App Download the MyRogers app. Log in with your account info and select "Account Info" to see your current balance.
On the Rogers Website Go to rogers.com and log into your account online. Under the "Account" section, select "Account Balance" to view your remaining balance.
Through Text Message Text "BAL" to 6366 and Rogers will text you back with your current balance.
Checking Recent Bills Log into your account online or check recent paper bills to see your balance carried over from the last billing period.
Receiving Balance Alerts You can set up low balance alerts through MyRogers so it notifies you before reaching a certain threshold.

If you have a Pay As You Go plan, you can check your balance and expiry date online or by dialing *225# (free). You can also use the MyRogers app to view your balance on the Billing tab. 

10. How to top-up Rogers Canada SIM/eSIM

Here are a few ways to top-up Rogers SIM cards: 

Method How to do Lead Time
Calling Customer Service  By dialing *611 from your phone or calling 1 800 575-9090, Agents can process card payments over the phone for the refill. Within 5 mins
Online via website Log in to your account on Rogers website and click "Refill Now" to pay with a credit/debit card. Instant
Through the MyRogers app Log in and select "Refill" then choose refill amount. Pay securely within the app. Instant
At Rogers store Visit any Rogers store location and pay cash/card to an associate. Within 5 mins
With Interac e-Transfer Send funds to [email protected] via your bank. Provide the SIM number in the message. Within 5 mins
At a third-party retailer Major retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart sell Rogers top-up vouchers for cash. Scratch off the card for the PIN. Within 5 mins
With automatic monthly refills Set up a recurring credit card payment for a monthly auto-refill amount. Instant
With Wireless Refill Cards Purchase scratch cards online/in-store. Scratch for PIN and text it to 393939. Within 5 mins
Top-up Pay As You Go Via IVR 1-800-575-9090, online, or dial *611 on your device. If you top up through the call center, a $2 fee will apply. Instant

11. Alternatives to Rogers Canada

Here are the main Rogers SIM card alternatives available for tourists visiting Canada:

  • Public Mobile BYOP SIM: Uses Rogers network coverage without branding. Bring your unlocked phone and buy an activation code online on Public Mobile app. Code activates existing SIM for prepaid use. Competitive rates for tourists on tighter budgets.
  • Roaming with Foreign Carrier Plan: Use home carrier plan benefits abroad instead of Rogers. Works best for short trips if the home network allows roaming. Rates and coverage depend on your home network.
  • Canada eSIM Activation: No physical SIM needed – eSIM profile downloaded directly to compatible device. Available online through the Canada-esim.com website.Various plan options as physical SIM. Convenient digital activation saves time upon arrival.

Weigh your needs, budget, and itinerary to choose the best temporary connectivity for your trip. All options provide reliable access to nationwide network coverage.

12. FAQs about Rogers in Canada

What plans are available on eSIM? 

Rogers offers the same postpaid and prepaid wireless plans on eSIM that are available with physical SIM cards. This includes shared plans, by-the-gig prepaid options, and device financing plans.

How do I get a physical Rogers SIM card Canada? 

You can request a SIM kit online or purchase one from a Rogers store. Make sure you activate it within 30 days by contacting customer care.

Can I switch back from eSIM to physical SIM? 

Yes, you can deactivate the eSIM plan and insert a physical Rogers SIM card to move the service. Contact support for assistance.

13. Final words 

Rogers offers tourists convenient options for cellular service in Canada via eSIM or physical SIM cards, providing flexibility to connect to their extensive nationwide network. Their SIM kits are available at major airports and cities upon arrival, though physical SIMs require finding a store immediately. Prepaid Rogers plans have limits, so heavy users may surpass data allowances and incur fees. While the signal may be sporadic outside urban areas, Rogers overall makes activating wireless yourself simply, with prepaid rates appropriately priced for visitors. Their network coverage and self-service activation via eSIM or SIM cards make Rogers a suitable, convenient choice for mobile connectivity while traveling in Canada.