The Ultimate Guide to Using Verizon Wireless in Canada

Planning a trip north of the border to Canada? If you‘re a Verizon Wireless customer, you‘re probably wondering if your phone will work and how much it will cost to stay connected during your travels. The good news is that Verizon does offer service in Canada through roaming agreements with several major Canadian wireless carriers. However, there are a few important things to be aware of in terms of coverage, compatibility, and cost.

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In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using your Verizon phone in Canada. From network partners to international plans to pay-as-you-go rates, we‘ve got you covered with expert tips and insights to help you stay connected without breaking the bank. Let‘s dive in!

Verizon‘s Coverage and Network Partners in Canada

First, let‘s talk about Verizon‘s coverage in Canada. While Verizon doesn‘t have its own network infrastructure in the country, it has partnered with several major Canadian carriers to provide service to its customers while roaming. Verizon‘s primary network partners in Canada are:

  • Rogers Wireless
  • Bell Mobility
  • Telus Mobility

These three carriers collectively provide coverage to over 99% of the Canadian population. So unless you‘re heading to very remote northern areas, you can expect to have service in most places across all 10 provinces and 3 territories.

However, the coverage quality does vary by region. According to data from Canadian network testing firm RootMetrics, Rogers offers the best overall performance in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI. Bell takes the lead in Quebec, while Telus excels in Western provinces like Alberta and British Columbia. All three carriers are competitive in major cities, but rural coverage can be spotty.

It‘s also important to note that unlike Verizon‘s network in the US which uses CDMA technology, wireless carriers in Canada use GSM. Most newer Verizon devices are "world phones" with both CDMA and GSM capability. But if you have an older Verizon phone, it may not be compatible with Canadian networks.

To check if your specific device will work in Canada, you can use Verizon‘s Trip Planner tool on their website. Just enter your destination and travel dates, and it will let you know if your current device is compatible. You can also visit a Verizon store or contact customer support to confirm your phone will work before you travel.

Using Your Verizon Phone in Canada

So your Verizon phone is confirmed to work in Canada – great! But what can you expect in terms of service and performance? For the most part, your experience using Verizon in Canada should be similar to what you‘re used to at home. You‘ll be able to make and receive calls, send texts, and use data just like you would in the US.

However, there are a few potential limitations to be aware of:

  • Data speeds: While Verizon does allow data roaming in Canada, speeds may be slower than what you typically experience on Verizon‘s 4G LTE network at home. According to OpenSignal, average LTE download speeds in Canada range from 18-43 Mbps depending on the carrier. That‘s decent, but a step down from the 50+ Mbps average in the US.

  • Coverage gaps: Although Verizon‘s partners have extensive coverage nationwide, there may be certain areas, especially in rural regions, where service is spotty or not available. You can check specific coverage in your destination using the carrier coverage maps for Rogers, Bell, and Telus.

  • Indoor coverage: Depending on the building materials and infrastructure, you may have weaker reception indoors in some areas compared to outdoors. Statistics Canada reports that 81% of Canadians can access LTE inside buildings, but that still leaves gaps. Being on a lower floor or in a basement could impact your signal.

Verizon‘s International Plans and TravelPass for Canada

If you‘re an occasional visitor to Canada, paying Verizon‘s pay-per-use roaming rates can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, Verizon offers much more affordable options for travelers called International Plans.

The best value for most customers visiting Canada is Verizon‘s TravelPass. For just $5 per day per line, you can use your domestic talk, text and data allowances in Canada just like you would at home. If you have an unlimited plan, that means you get unlimited talking and texting and 0.5 GB of high-speed data per day. After that, you can continue using data at reduced 2G speeds.

There are a few key things to know about TravelPass:

  • You‘re only charged the $5 daily fee on days you actually use the service in Canada. So if you don‘t make calls, send texts, or use data, there‘s no charge.

  • All eligible lines on your account are automatically enrolled. If you don‘t want certain lines to have TravelPass, you need to opt them out on Verizon‘s website or app.

  • TravelPass is available in over 185 countries, so it‘s a good option if you frequently travel internationally beyond just Canada.

To add TravelPass, you can text "TRAVEL" to 4004 on your Verizon device, or enable it through the My Verizon website or app. It will stay active unless you remove it, so remember to unsubscribe if you no longer need it to avoid unintended charges on future trips.

Verizon‘s Pay-as-You-Go Rates in Canada

If you don‘t opt for a plan like TravelPass, you‘ll be subject to Verizon‘s pay-as-you-go rates when roaming in Canada. These are significantly higher than the rates you pay at home, so it‘s important to be aware of the costs to avoid sticker shock on your next bill.

Here are Verizon‘s current pay-per-use rates for Canada:

  • Voice calls: $0.99 per minute
  • Outgoing texts: $0.50 per message
  • Incoming texts: $0.05 per message
  • Data: $2.05 per MB

As you can see, these rates can add up fast, especially if you‘re a heavy data user. Streaming just one hour of HD video on Netflix will cost you over $500 in data charges at these prices! This is why TravelPass or another discounted international plan is definitely the way to go for most travelers.

It‘s worth noting that Canada has some of the highest roaming rates in the world due to lack of competition. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) reports that Bell, Rogers and Telus control around 90% of the wireless market. As a result, they‘re able to keep roaming fees high, which gets passed on to US carrier customers.

"International roaming rates in Canada are prohibitively expensive for many travelers, and this is an issue the CRTC has been slow to address," says telecom analyst John Lawford of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. "Until there‘s more competition, Canadians and visitors will continue to pay a hefty premium to stay connected."

Verizon Coverage in Major Canadian Cities

Whether you‘re headed to bustling Toronto, picturesque Vancouver, or charming Montreal, you can expect reliable Verizon coverage in most major Canadian cities. Here‘s a breakdown of coverage from Verizon‘s partners in the top 5 metro areas:

Toronto: Rogers is dominant in Toronto, with over 95% coverage according to Canadian network monitoring firm Tutela. Bell and Telus also have a solid presence.

Montreal: Bell takes the lead in Montreal with around 90% coverage, followed by Telus and Rogers. Some dead zones reported in Metro tunnels.

Vancouver: Telus provides the most robust Vancouver coverage at 98% per Tutela data. Rogers is a close second, while Bell lags in this market.

Calgary: All three national networks are strong in Alberta‘s largest city, with Telus and Rogers each covering over 95% of the local population.

Ottawa: The nation‘s capital is well-served by both Rogers and Bell, with Telus not far behind. Expect coverage on par with major US cities.

Of course, even in large cities, you may encounter pockets with weaker reception in some buildings, underground, or in very dense urban corridors. But overall, Verizon customers can expect solid service in Canadian population centers.

Using Verizon Prepaid and Mobile Hotspot in Canada

What if you‘re a prepaid Verizon customer or want to use a Verizon mobile hotspot device in Canada? The good news is that both are supported for international roaming, with a few important considerations:

For prepaid, your device must be capable of global roaming and you need to be on a monthly plan that includes international service. Currently, only the $70 Unlimited plan offers service in Canada for prepaid. Verizon prepaid plans don‘t allow TravelPass, so you‘ll pay pay-as-you-go rates.

For hotspot devices, it must be a global-capable model like the Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L. You can add a hotspot to an existing unlimited plan with TravelPass, or select a data-only plan with international access. Standalone hotspot plans are limited to 0.5 GB/day of high-speed data in Canada.

Interestingly, Verizon‘s Canada coverage for prepaid and hotspot seems to vary based on device. Some users report no problems connecting, while others get error messages. Your mileage may vary, so it‘s best to check with Verizon based on your specific device and plan.

How Verizon Compares to Other Carriers in Canada

If you‘re considering switching carriers for a better Canada roaming experience, here‘s a quick comparison of the top US providers:

AT&T: AT&T is most similar to Verizon, with a $10/day International Day Pass and pay-per-use rates starting at $3/minute and $2.05/MB. However, AT&T‘s Canada coverage is slightly better than Verizon‘s thanks to a more robust partnership with Rogers.

T-Mobile: The Uncarrier is the clear winner for Canada roaming. All T-Mobile plans include up to 5GB of high-speed data plus unlimited talk and text in Canada at no extra charge. Speeds are also faster, since T-Mobile uses local carrier networks instead of 2G roaming.

Sprint: Now part of T-Mobile, Sprint offers free text and basic data in Canada on most plans. But for high-speed data and calling, you‘ll need a $5/day or $25/week Canada Roaming Pass. Speeds are also limited to 2G, so it‘s not as attractive as T-Mobile native coverage.

While T-Mobile is the best bet for frequent Canada travelers, Verizon still offers competitive options for occasional visitors. It really comes down to your specific travel needs and priorities.

Tips for Using Verizon in Canada

To get the most out of your Verizon service in Canada while keeping costs under control, consider these expert tips:

  1. Upgrade to a global-capable phone before you travel if your device isn‘t compatible with Canadian networks. It will save you a lot of headaches.

  2. Compare Verizon‘s TravelPass to local SIM cards or eSIMs from Canadian carriers. For longer trips, it might be cheaper to buy a prepaid Canadian plan.

  3. Disable apps that use data in the background, like email sync and location services. They can quickly eat up your high-speed data allowance without you realizing it.

  4. Download offline maps, playlists and reading material before you leave home. That way you can access them in Canada without using data.

  5. If you have a dual SIM phone, consider buying a Canadian SIM for data and using your Verizon SIM for calls and texts. That way you can take advantage of much cheaper local data rates.

  6. Take advantage of free texting through apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and iMessage. They‘ll automatically use Wi-Fi when available instead of cellular.

  7. Check your roaming usage daily through the My Verizon app or website. You can also set alerts to notify you when you‘re getting close to your plan limits.

  8. If you‘re constantly traveling between the US and Canada for work, consider a North America plan from Verizon that includes usage in both countries for one monthly fee.

  9. Keep an eye out for limited-time promotions from Verizon. Sometimes they‘ll offer discounted or free international roaming as a bonus.

  10. Don‘t forget to share these tips with family and friends on your plan. Keeping everyone on the same page will help prevent unexpected overages.

The Future of US-Canada Roaming

Looking ahead, the rise of 5G networks has the potential to shake up the cross-border roaming landscape. As carriers on both sides of the 49th parallel build out 5G infrastructure, it could open up new opportunities for seamless, high-speed roaming.

"5G will enable a whole new level of international connectivity, with faster speeds, lower latency and more capacity," says telecom analyst Tammy Parker of GlobalData. "We could see carriers offering more innovative roaming plans and partnerships that take advantage of these new capabilities."

However, the 5G rollout in Canada has been slower than in the US, with spectrum auctions delayed due to the pandemic. And there are still challenges around compatible devices and network standards that need to be worked out.

"It will likely be a few years before 5G roaming between the US and Canada is widely available and affordable for consumers," notes Parker. "But it‘s definitely an exciting development to watch, as it could make staying connected across borders much easier and more seamless."

The Bottom Line on Verizon in Canada

For most Verizon customers, using your phone in Canada is relatively straightforward, provided you have a compatible device and the right plan. Verizon‘s partnerships with major Canadian carriers provide good coverage in most populated areas, so you can stay connected with family, friends and work while traveling.

The key is choosing the best option based on your needs and budget. Verizon‘s $5/day TravelPass offers convenience and predictable pricing for short trips, while frequent visitors may save more with a local SIM or North America plan.

Just remember to manage your usage, take advantage of Wi-Fi, and keep an eye out for promotions to get the best cross-border roaming experience. And if you‘re a prepaid or hotspot customer, double check device compatibility and plan options before you go.

With a little planning and savvy, you can enjoy your Canadian adventures without worrying about racking up a massive phone bill. And as 5G continues to evolve, we may see even more seamless and affordable roaming options in the future. So pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready to explore all that Canada has to offer!