Cell Phone usage in Canada on way to Alaska

I would most definitely check-in with VERIZON to see what the roaming charges might be inside Canada. I know it is expensive for across the border to Mexico. Have no idea about the Canada border.

We will turn off our cell phones anytime we get near the Mexico border. Sure don't want to get a $20,000 cell phone bill...

Roy ken

I believe verizon has a plan that adds Canada but I think it's for phone only. If you have a smart phone I would highly suggest you turn it off as it uses data all the time. My friend went through about $200 worth in a couple of days.

Your phone will work fine in Alaska and not additional charge. There will be expensive extra charges in Canada.

You do NOT have to turn your smartphone off in Canada; all you have to do is turn off the data connection and make sure that Data Roaming is OFF.

docj wrote:
You do NOT have to turn your smartphone off in Canada; all you have to do is turn off the data connection and make sure that Data Roaming is OFF.

Thats what I meant. I should have been clearer. Sorry

Six years ago I added Canada to my verizon plan for $10 a month. May no longer be available but ask verizon

All smartphones have an option to turn data roaming off. It leaves the data and voice connection going but as soon as you're out of the area covered by your data plan the data will shut off on it's own. Mine is set like that all the time so I never have to worry about getting dinged with obscene roaming data charges and it requires me to do absolutely nothing to my phone before I go anywhere.

Traveled to Alaska in 2011. Have Verizon. Added the extra charge while in Canada. It was a waste of money. Did not activate for second two trips into Canada during our trip.

Generally except in the larger towns, there is NO cell service in Canada. Along the Alaskan highway we had no cell service.

Utilized internet when available, generally in RV parks and larger towns.

I called Verizon and they added Canada for a very reasonable price with no roaming charges. I have the unlimited national plan. Once I returned to the US, I called and they removed it and prorated the month. For data, I added a block of data for Canada to my mi-fi 4G. Not cheap but worked like a charm. I did not go into remote areas of Canada or to Alaska.

If only in transit across Canada surely one can do without their beloved cellphone for a few days. It really is not that hard to do. Man survived thousands of years without it.

Most all Canadian private CGs have WIFI. If you have WIFI you have Skype. No big deal to notify those who might need to contact in an emergency what time you most likely will be on.