How to Get a Canadian Phone Number: A Complete Guide for Newcomers

Why You Need a Canadian Phone Number

A Canadian phone number is essential infrastructure for your new life. Employers expect a local number on your resume. Banks require a phone number to set up accounts and enable two-factor authentication. Government services, including the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), may need to reach you by phone. Landlords, doctors' offices, schools, and virtually every service you interact with will ask for a phone number. Using an international number creates friction and can signal to employers and institutions that you have not yet settled.

The good news is that getting a Canadian phone number is straightforward and can be done on your first day in the country. You do not need a credit history, a permanent address, or even a bank account to get started. Prepaid options allow you to pay as you go, and free VoIP services can serve as a temporary solution while you find the right plan.

Understanding the Canadian Telecom Landscape

Canada's wireless market is dominated by three major carriers: Rogers, Bell, and Telus. These three companies, along with their various sub-brands, control the vast majority of the market. Sub-brands include Fido (owned by Rogers), Virgin Plus (owned by Bell), and Koodo (owned by Telus). These sub-brands typically offer more affordable plans with slightly less premium customer service.

In addition to the big three and their sub-brands, there are smaller regional carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use the major carriers' networks. These include Freedom Mobile, Videotron (primarily in Quebec), SaskTel (in Saskatchewan), Public Mobile, Chatr, and Lucky Mobile. These options are often cheaper and can be perfectly adequate, though coverage in rural areas may be more limited.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans

Prepaid plans require you to pay in advance for a set amount of talk, text, and data. There is no credit check, no contract, and no monthly bill. You simply purchase a SIM card, activate it, load funds or purchase a plan, and start using your phone. This is the best option for most newcomers because it requires no Canadian credit history and gives you complete control over your spending.

Postpaid plans bill you at the end of each month and typically require a credit check. As a newcomer without Canadian credit history, you may be asked to pay a security deposit, often between $200 and $500, to activate a postpaid account. Some carriers have special programs for newcomers. For example, several major carriers offer newcomer plans that waive credit requirements for the first year if you present your immigration documents. Check the carrier's website or visit a retail location to ask about newcomer programs.

Getting a Prepaid SIM Card

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at carrier retail stores, electronics retailers like Best Buy and Staples, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport kiosks. The SIM card itself is usually free or costs a nominal amount (typically $10 to $20, which is often applied as credit toward your first plan purchase).

To activate a prepaid SIM, you will need a piece of government-issued identification. Your passport or permanent resident card will work. You do not need a Canadian driver's licence or Social Insurance Number (SIN) for prepaid activation. The activation process can usually be completed in-store with the help of a sales associate, or online through the carrier's website.

Choosing the Right Plan

For most newcomers, a plan with unlimited Canada-wide calling, unlimited texting, and a reasonable amount of data (4 to 10 GB) is sufficient. As of 2026, basic prepaid plans with these features start at around $25 to $40 per month, depending on the carrier and any promotions. If you need to make frequent international calls, look for plans that include international calling minutes or consider using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber for overseas calls over Wi-Fi.

eSIM: The Modern Alternative

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that is built into newer smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from XS onward and many recent Android phones), you can activate a Canadian phone number before you even arrive in Canada. Several carriers, including the major brands and some MVNOs, now offer eSIM activation online.

The advantage of eSIM is convenience. You can purchase and activate a plan from anywhere in the world using your phone and a credit card. You simply scan a QR code or download a carrier profile, and your phone is immediately connected to the Canadian network when you arrive. This can be particularly valuable if you need a Canadian number before your flight for purposes like booking accommodations or completing pre-arrival paperwork.

Porting Your Existing Number

If you already have a Canadian phone number, perhaps from a previous visit or a number you obtained through a VoIP service, you can port (transfer) it to a new carrier. Number portability is protected by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and carriers are required to complete port requests within a specified timeframe.

To port a number, you will need your current account number, the phone number you want to port, and sometimes a PIN or password associated with your current account. The new carrier handles most of the process; you simply provide the required information when activating your new plan. The port typically completes within a few hours to a few business days. During the transition, you may experience a brief period where your phone is not operational.

Important Notes on Porting

You cannot port an international (non-Canadian) number to a Canadian carrier. If you want to keep your home country's number active, you will need to maintain a plan with your home carrier or use a VoIP service. Also, do not cancel your old plan before the port is complete, as this can cause you to lose the number permanently.

Understanding Canadian Area Codes and 10-Digit Dialing

Canada uses the North American Numbering Plan, sharing the same phone number format as the United States. Canadian phone numbers have 10 digits: a 3-digit area code followed by a 7-digit local number. For example, 604 is a common area code for the Vancouver area, 416 is central Toronto, 514 is Montreal, and 403 is Calgary.

10-digit dialing is now mandatory across Canada. This means that even when calling someone in the same area code, you must dial all 10 digits. Simply dialing the 7-digit local number will not connect the call. For long-distance calls within Canada and to the United States, dial 1 followed by the 10-digit number. For international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code and number.

Free VoIP Options: TextNow and Others

If you need a Canadian phone number immediately but are not ready to commit to a paid plan, free VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services are an excellent temporary solution. TextNow is one of the most popular options. It provides a free Canadian phone number that works over Wi-Fi for calls and texts. You can download the TextNow app on your smartphone (available for both iOS and Android) and have a working Canadian number within minutes.

Other VoIP options include Google Voice (limited availability in Canada), Fongo, and various apps that offer Canadian numbers for a small monthly fee. These services are particularly useful during your first few days when you may not yet have a SIM card, or as a secondary number for online listings, classified ads, or situations where you prefer not to give out your primary number.

Practical Tips for Newcomers

Bring your unlocked phone from home if possible. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Canadian networks. If your phone is locked to a carrier from your home country, you may need to request an unlock before departure. In Canada, carriers are required by the CRTC Wireless Code to provide devices unlocked, but this applies only to phones purchased in Canada.

Save your carrier's customer service number and your account details in a secure location. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will need to contact your carrier immediately to suspend service and prevent unauthorized charges. Consider setting up your voicemail promptly, as Canadian employers and service providers frequently leave voicemail messages rather than calling back.

Staying Connected with Family Abroad

For staying in touch with family and friends abroad, internet-based communication apps are the most cost-effective option. WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger all support free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data. Many newcomers maintain group chats on these platforms to stay connected with communities back home. For more guidance on your first steps in Canada, explore our first week in Canada checklist.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Canadian phone number is a simple but essential step in your settlement process. Start with a prepaid SIM or eSIM for immediate connectivity, explore VoIP options as a free supplement, and upgrade to a postpaid plan once you have established credit and determined your long-term needs. With a working Canadian number, you will be able to apply for jobs, access services, and stay connected with your growing network in Canada.

WelcomeAide is here to help you with every step of your settlement journey. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for instant personalized advice, browse our blog for more guides, learn about our mission, or find out how to get involved in helping newcomers across Canada.