We are coming from Scotland, UK, to BC at the end of the month, renting a small rv for 3 weeks.Firstly, can you recommend a prepaid sim card - that will enable me to download data and make phone calls on my smartphone? I am keen to keep up to date with weather forecasts, keep an eye on tripadvisor for the places we go, download and send emails, and of course watch RV.NET:B Secondly, What is 3g coverage like in BC? (We are likely to be mainly in Southern BC between Vancouver Island and the Rockies)Does it vary according to network as it does in UK, and if so which network would you recommend.Finally, how can I access wifi on my laptop computer while on the move - is the only practical way for a short visit like ours, by stopping at cafes, campgrounds, etc. that provide wifi? And is this usually free, or do you have to pay extra for it?

In any city you will find a McDonald's or Tim's Coffee in every neighborhood.All offer free WiFiTim's Coffee

I used Rogers this year and the coverage was not good, Telus is probably the best but you will still have some areas with no coverage. You can download the coverage maps by going to their websites.Have a great tripTrevor

Due to its mountainous terrain, there are areas of southern B.C. without cellular service. Telus generally has the best coverage for B.C. Look here for a coverage map, select 3G or 4G for info of eachhttp://www.telus.com/en/on/mobility/network/coverage-map.jsp

I also think Telus has the best coverage in BC, although it isn't always 'there'. As far as connecting to the net, we go to the tourist info places for free wifi, & public libraries, also, as has been mentioned, McD's & Timmies.

Good advice as always, Thanks. I sort of feel that perhaps where there are mountains there won't be McDs, libraries, etc. However I am sure we will be able to combine a data/phone package with the occasional tourist info, library, etc. Is there anywhere we can get a list of libraries & Tourist information centres?

Prepaid data, 3g, wifi, etc. in BC | Good Sam Community

canadafan
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
I am sure you can get some help with this but first it would help to get some idea of your intended route, BC covers over 350,000 sq. miles!

Trevor
magbrin
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
Good advice as always, Thanks. I sort of feel that perhaps where there are mountains there won't be McDs, libraries, etc. However I am sure we will be able to combine a data/phone package with the occasional tourist info, library, etc. Is there anywhere we can get a list of libraries & Tourist information centres?
GaryKH
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
I also think Telus has the best coverage in BC, although it isn't always 'there'. As far as connecting to the net, we go to the tourist info places for free wifi, & public libraries, also, as has been mentioned, McD's & Timmies.
sue_t
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
Due to its mountainous terrain, there are areas of southern B.C. without cellular service. Telus generally has the best coverage for B.C.

Look here for a coverage map, select 3G or 4G for info of each
http://www.telus.com/en/on/mobility/network/coverage-map.jsp
canadafan
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
I used Rogers this year and the coverage was not good, Telus is probably the best but you will still have some areas with no coverage. You can download the coverage maps by going to their websites.

Have a great trip
Trevor
Fizz
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
In any city you will find a McDonald's or Tim's Coffee in every neighborhood.

All offer free WiFi

Tim's Coffee

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Prepaid data, 3g, wifi, etc. in BC

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