Telephones in Canada
I have Verizon phones. I don't want to pay roaming in Canada. What's the best way to make phone calls. I have heard you could buy cheap pre-paid phones and call numbers in the states.
Forum Discussion
bob_nestor wrote:
soos wrote:
Supreme Oppressor wrote:
Or - camping means getting away from it all, so no point in bringing it with you.
My favorite campground has no cell service. One of its best features.
Its nice to have in case of emergency though and if i'm calling an ambulance, the last thing on my mind is how much the phone call costs.
Some of us are not "camping" but living our lives full time in an RV, so we still need to be connected to the outside world in order to run our daily lives :)
*laughing* I grew up (full time) in Alaska back before land line phones, electricity, indoor plumbing, paved roads or accessible medical care. My last trip up the Alcan was in '68 before Sat phones or cell phones. One can live without a lot of the modern facilities for a few days.
Good for you. You also grew up in a time where people died of chicken pox, measles and polio. Progress is so bad...soos wrote:
Supreme Oppressor wrote:
Or - camping means getting away from it all, so no point in bringing it with you.
My favorite campground has no cell service. One of its best features.
Its nice to have in case of emergency though and if i'm calling an ambulance, the last thing on my mind is how much the phone call costs.
Some of us are not "camping" but living our lives full time in an RV, so we still need to be connected to the outside world in order to run our daily lives :)
*laughing* I grew up (full time) in Alaska back before land line phones, electricity, indoor plumbing, paved roads or accessible medical care. My last trip up the Alcan was in '68 before Sat phones or cell phones. One can live without a lot of the modern facilities for a few days.Supreme Oppressor wrote:
Or - camping means getting away from it all, so no point in bringing it with you.
My favorite campground has no cell service. One of its best features.
Its nice to have in case of emergency though and if i'm calling an ambulance, the last thing on my mind is how much the phone call costs.
Thanks for speaking in absolutes so we now know exactly what camping means... :R
Camping for me is getting out of the city and relaxing and having fun with my family. That doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to call or text someone if I feel inclined to do so.
International roaming is brutal for us in North America. If Verizon doesn't have decent roaming plans then getting pay as you go phones or swapping sim cards would be the way to go. The last option requires your phone to be unlocked from your carrier.- I just added Canada VOICE to my Verizon plan. It cost $20 more per month and does not require any contract (don't have one) changes. It will be canceled when we return.
Supreme Oppressor wrote:
Or - camping means getting away from it all, so no point in bringing it with you.
My favorite campground has no cell service. One of its best features.
Its nice to have in case of emergency though and if i'm calling an ambulance, the last thing on my mind is how much the phone call costs.
Some of us are not "camping" but living our lives full time in an RV, so we still need to be connected to the outside world in order to run our daily lives :)- Or - camping means getting away from it all, so no point in bringing it with you.
My favorite campground has no cell service. One of its best features.
Its nice to have in case of emergency though and if i'm calling an ambulance, the last thing on my mind is how much the phone call costs. - I had Verizon and called them to see what my Canada options were. They added Canada calling unlimited for a monthly fee. Once I returned to the states, I called them and they cancelled it and prorated the last month. It was very reasonable. No extra roaming charges. I also purchased data for my Mi-Fi for $25 for a set amount. Worked great!!
- In order to use another SIM card in your phone while in Canada, you also need your phone to be unlocked. This can cost money (anywhere from a few dollars to around a hundred dollars). I have also heard that it is illegal in the US (but not positive), it is not illegal in Canada though. The SIM card will usually cost you around $10-20 as well.
Canada also does not have as much competition as the US does for Pay as you Go phone options. If you are going to be in Canada for an extended period, getting a Pay as you go plan may still be less than the extremely high roaming costs. Many Grocery Stores and Gas stations have Pay as you go options ie the Loblaws chain (Loblaws, Superstore, No Frills) has their own house brand of Pay as you Go. Petro Canada also has their own brand of Pay as you Go. Also if you go to any mall Bell Canada, Telus and Rogers (the 3 main carriers in Canada) all have their own Pay as you go brands as well. - You can buy a cheap pay as you go phone but calling across the border would still cost extra. Contact your provider and ask about a roaming add-on. Some have temporary add-ons that are perfect for travellers.
