You’re taking a trip to the land of Uncle Sam and would like to use your mobile phone worry-free. Do you have to change SIM cards to access your data in the United States? If not, what solutions are there? Discover your options and select the one that best suits your travel habits.
Option 1: Mobile plan that includes use in the US
Let’s start with the simplest solution: having a mobile plan that covers the United States. That way, usage is seamless on both sides of the border. Your phone connects to US mobile networks, and you avoid roaming charges. Calls, text messages, data—you use your phone just as you would back home. There’s nothing to plan before you leave, and nothing to change when you return either.
At Videotron, all mobile plans marketed today include the United States. It’s not worth doing without! You choose how much data you need, and that’s it. Your price is guaranteed for life, as long as you keep your plan. Discover Videotron’s Canada and US Mobile plans.
And if you often travel to other countries, the Canada, United States and Mexico plan or Canada and International plan could be good options.
About 3G
Note: The 3G network is out of service in the US. To use your device in that country, it has to be VoLTE compatible (for calling and texting) and LTE compatible (for mobile data). Learn more.
Option 2: Extension of your mobile plan
Don’t want to subscribe to a plan that includes the United States? No worries! You can still use your phone as if you were at home thanks to a travel option your provider offers.
At Videotron, this option is called the Daily Traveller Pass. It’s billed per day, and acts as a temporary extension of your plan. You can make calls, send text messages, and use your data abroad for a fixed daily rate.
You activate it only when you need it, one day at a time. This is an ideal solution if you plan to alternate between days with Wi-Fi and days without.
Learn more about the Daily Traveller Pass.
Option 3: Wi-Fi Calling
Videotron’s Wi-Fi Calling service lets you receive calls, make calls to Canada, or exchange text messages without using the cellular network. Instead, communications go through the Wi-Fi network. This saves you from having to pay roaming charges for calls and texts when you’re in the United States.
This service is very convenient if you need to have frequent access to a Wi-Fi network during your trip. It’s available in over 180 destinations. Simply activate the feature in your device’s settings, if the device is compatible. Try it out!
Learn more about Wi-Fi Calling activation and conditions.
Option 4: Local SIM or eSIM card
Another option is to buy a physical SIM card or an eSIM compatible with US networks. These solutions provide access to a data plan for a set period of time. However, a number of aspects must be taken into account:
- You may need to activate it once you’ve arrived in the US, which can be a bit complicated.
- A local SIM card will assign you a new number, which means you won’t be able to use your Canadian number or access your voicemail until you reinstall your original card.
- Most eSIMs available in the US provide access only to mobile data, with no calls or text messages.
- Your phone must be eSIM compatible. Check your phone’s user guide to make sure it’s compatible.
In short, US SIM or eSIM cards are certainly an option, but they require some amount of preparation and familiarity with mobile technologies.
Travel with total freedom
There are a number of ways to stay connected with your phone while in the United States. Keep your mobile plan, take advantage of travel options, take advantage of Wi-Fi Calling, or change your SIM card—use the solution you’re most comfortable with. Have a nice trip!
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Published 16-06-2025
Version 1.0
