Telus SIM Card & eSIM – Detailed Guides for Tourists

This guide compares Telus eSIM and prepaid physical SIM options for travelers visiting Canada. Major providers like Telus offer digital eSIM activation and pay-as-you-go physical SIM cards tailored for short visits. eSIM allows compatible devices to establish service without a physical card, while prepaid SIMs provide flexibility through pay-as-you-go and weekly plans. The goal is to outline Telus’s mobile access solutions to suit different needs and budgets during trips.

1. Quick facts about Telus Canada

Here are some quick facts about Telus Corporation Canada:

• Largest telecommunications company in Canada: Offers a wide range of services including mobile, internet, TV, and security solutions.
• Founded in 1983: Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• Extensive network: Covers over 99% of Canadians with 4G LTE and growing 5G coverage.
• Award-winning: Recognized for its network reliability, customer service, and social responsibility initiatives.
• Key offerings:
  • Mobility: Cell phone plans with various data options and device choices.
  • Internet: High-speed internet plans with fiber optic technology (PureFibre) and cable options.
  • TV: Extensive TV packages with a variety of channels and streaming options.
  • Security: Home and business security solutions including monitoring and automation.
  • Health: Virtual healthcare services through TELUS Health MyCare.
• Customer service: Available online, through the My TELUS app, or by phone at 1-866-660-6060.

Also, besides monthly plans under the Telus brand, Telus Mobility owns prepaid brands like Public Mobile and Koodo Mobile to appeal to different types of customers. In total, Telus has made itself a leading national wireless provider in Canada through strong coverage and offerings.

2. Why Telus When You’re Exploring Canada – Coverage and Speed

When traveling throughout Canada, having reliable cellular service is essential for navigation, emergencies, and staying connected. The following details why Telus is an excellent choice for coverage and speed when exploring Canada.

2.1. Telus Coverage in Canada

Telus has extensive LTE coverage reaching 99% of the population including major cities and small towns.

• Extensive 4G LTE reaching 99% of Canadians, including major cities, towns, and rural areas.
• 5G expanding in major centers, currently covering 50+ cities (e.g., Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary).
• Reliable network with infrequent disruptions across Canada.

In short, Telus offers robust nationwide coverage and a growing 5G network, making it a fantastic option for your Canadian adventure.

2.2. Telus Mobility Speed

Telus has consistently delivered fast LTE speeds across Canada.

• 4G LTE: Av. downloads 60-90 Mbps (populated areas), 10-30 Mbps (rural areas).
• 5G: Typical speeds 300-700 Mbps in covered cities with compatible devices.
• Network supports technologies for improved coverage and wider bandwidth.

So in summary, Telus provides broadband-caliber 4G LTE to virtually all of Canada along with growing 5G service in major centers, delivering strong and consistent speeds tailored for streaming, gaming, and mobile use, and it should be a great choice for your trip to Canada.

3. Telus Connectivity Options for Travelers to Canada

Telus offers a variety of connectivity options for travelers to Canada, depending on your needs and budget. Here are some of the most popular choices:

4. Best Telus SIM cards for tourists & costs

To obtain one Telus SIM card, you will need to provide your address, which can be your hotel address, along with a credit card. You may also be asked to provide identification information.

You can buy a Telus SIM card in Canada for ~ 11.12 USD and choose a suitable monthly plan from the options below:

If you need making calls or sending messages, the first two plans would be suitable for you. However, if you require internet access, and the ability to check work emails or stay connected on social media, it may be worth considering the next three plans. 

5. Does Telus support eSIM in Canada?

Yes, Telus offers Telus eSIM activation for its travel plans. The eSIM activation fee is 15 CAD. Visitors can choose from the same plan options available for physical Telus SIM cards. The Telus eSIM policies are the same as physical SIM, visitors can research plan details and prices listed earlier, and then complete instant eSIM activation remotely on eligible smartphones and tablets.

Telus supports eSIM activation on many newer iPhones and Android devices. You can check the Canada eSIM Compatible Devices List.

If you are looking for data-only plans, keep in mind that Telus doesn’t offer them at the moment.

Alternatively, you may want to consider other eSIM providers that offer more affordable and flexible plans for travelers. Canada-esim.com offers plans ranging from 3 to 30 days with Telus as the network operator. Once you select, you’ll receive a QR code via email that can be activated immediately. No need to wait for shipping!

Get a fully digital 7-day Canada eSIM plan for stress-free connectivity across the country. Prices start from just $17 for 1GB per day:

Enjoy seamless connectivity across Canada with a 15-day eSIM plan. Prices start at just $12 for 2GB – perfect for longer trips:

Spend 30 days exploring Canada hassle-free with a long-validity monthly eSIM plan. Choose from data packages starting as low as 2GB for $13: 

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

If you’re interested in getting a Telus SIM card, you have a few different options to choose from. You can buy one at a Telus store, online, or at select convenience stores. If you’re looking to get Telus eSIM right now, it’s readily available on Telus’s website or at any of its stores across Canada.

6.1. Where to buy a Telus SIM for Canada?

Here are some options for where to buy a Telus SIM card Canada:

• Telus Stores – You can purchase SIM cards at Telus-branded retail stores located across Canada. Find a store near you here. 

• Telus Website – Telus.com sells SIM cards that are shipped to your door, along with activation instructions. Options include starter kits for new numbers.
• Big Box Stores – Major electronics retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and The Source often have Telus SIM cards available in-store.
• Call Customer Service – Call 1-866-558-2273 to order a SIM card by phone and have it mailed out. A $10 fee may apply.
• Authorized Dealers – Independent phone shops serving as Telus dealers also stock nano-SIM inventory for purchase and activation assistance.

So in summary, Telus SIM card Canada can conveniently be obtained either through Telus-run locations, major retailers partnering with Telus, or ordering online/over the phone for home delivery across Canada.

6.2. Where to buy a Telus eSIM in Canada?

The best place to buy a Telus eSIM is at a Telus store or from the official Telus website.

And you can buy Canada eSIM with Telus’s network at our site: Canada-esim.com, send an email to get QR code to activate the card using preinstalled applications. Canada-esim.com offers data-only plans with various validity options for tourists, as well as multi-country options for those traveling across North America.

7. How to use Telus Canada SIM/eSIM in Canada?

To use Telus Canada SIM/eSIM you must have a compatible device and a Telus SIM card or Telus eSIM. Here are some steps to follow depending on your device and SIM type:

7.1. How to use a Telus SIM Card in Canada?

If you have a physical SIM card from Telus, you can insert it into your device’s SIM slot and activate it online or by calling Telus customer service:

• Step 1: Call or go online to activate the SIM card.
• Step 2: Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot in your phone.
• Step 3: Turn on your device.
• Step 4: Check for service. Make sure you have cellular connectivity by making a test call or checking for an LTE/HSPA data connection.

If you do not have an international card to use, you can buy separately a top-up card, that can be used as well.

7. 2. How to activate Telus eSIM?

The eSIM will work the same way. Purchase Telus eSIM online/offline, have it shipped to your address, and activate it by scanning the QR code on the voucher.

If you need assistance setting up an eSIM, a detailed guide is available for you to reference here.

8. Canada Telus Call & SMS rates

While you are in Canada, the domestic pay-per-use rates for Telus’ call and text messaging are as follows:

Telus strives to keep standard call and text rates low within Canada while providing options to control costs for international use through bundles and add-ons tailored to different needs.

9. Useful USSD Codes for Telus SIM/eSIM

Here are some of the main ways to check your Telus prepaid SIM card Canada balance:

If you don’t remember your Security PIN, you can reset it online by logging in to your My TELUS account, selecting the Account activity tab, selecting Change my Security PIN, and entering a new 4-6 digit number. 

So whether online, through the app, by phone, text, or in-person, Telus makes it easy for customers to keep tabs on their prepaid account balance from anywhere.

You can check your balance online or over the phone by logging in to your My TELUS account or calling #123 and entering your 4-6 digit Security PIN. Your prepaid top-up credits will expire after a fixed time depending on the amount of the top-up (30 days for $10-$24.99, 60 days for $25-$99.99, or 365 days for $100).

10. How to Top-up Telus SIM/eSIM

To top-up your Telus prepaid SIM card Canada, you can use a credit card, instant top-up, or a prepaid voucher. Here are some of the main ways to top-up your Telus SIM card:

Note: Top-ups can be in amounts from $10 up to $100 typically. Funds are available right away to use for calls, texts, or data based on your active plan balance.

11.FAQs about Telus in Canada

12. Final words

Telus has built extensive 4G/5G networks across Canada through investments. Tests show competitive performance. Compatible with SIM and eSIM devices, these tourist plans offer convenient contactless activation on the device. Prices are included online in a variety of languages to make it easy for users anywhere to access. However, disadvantages include the possibility of gaps in coverage areas in remote regions, compatibility problems with devices, and roaming fees. However data caps could be inadequate for intensive use such as tethering. In fact, with its good network access and low prepaid rates for tourists, overall Telus is a very good choice.