Best Phone Plans for Newcomers to Canada in 2026
By WelcomeAide Team
Quick Summary
- Canada has some of the highest mobile phone prices in the world. Budget carriers can save you $20 to $40 per month.
- The Big 3 carriers are Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Their budget brands (Fido, Virgin Plus, Koodo) offer similar network coverage at lower prices.
- Newcomers without Canadian credit history should consider prepaid plans or carriers like Freedom Mobile that offer newcomer-specific plans.
- Bring an unlocked phone from your home country to avoid expensive device financing.
- Public Mobile and Lucky Mobile offer the cheapest plans starting around $15 to $25 per month.
Understanding the Canadian Mobile Market
One of the first things newcomers to Canada notice is the cost of mobile phone plans. Canada consistently ranks among the most expensive countries in the world for wireless service. A basic plan with data can cost $40 to $90 per month, which is significantly higher than in most countries in Asia, Europe, and South America.
The good news is that if you know how the system works, you can find affordable options. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing a phone plan as a newcomer in Canada in 2026.
The Big 3 Carriers: Rogers, Bell, and Telus
Who Are the Big 3?
Three companies control the vast majority of Canada's wireless market:
- Rogers (rogers.com): Strongest coverage in Ontario and parts of Western Canada. Also owns Shaw's network in BC and Alberta.
- Bell (bell.ca): Canada's largest telecom company. Strong coverage nationwide, particularly in Eastern Canada.
- Telus (telus.com): Headquartered in Vancouver. Strong coverage in BC, Alberta, and across the country.
The Big 3 offer the most extensive network coverage and the fastest speeds, but they are also the most expensive. A typical plan with 50 GB of data costs $65 to $90 per month with a Big 3 carrier. If you also finance a phone through them, your monthly bill can easily reach $100 or more.
When the Big 3 Make Sense
You should consider a Big 3 plan if you travel frequently to rural areas where only the Big 3 have reliable coverage, if you need the absolute fastest 5G speeds, or if your employer covers your phone bill.
Budget Carriers: Same Networks, Lower Prices
The Big 3's Sub-Brands
Each of the Big 3 owns a budget brand that runs on the same network but charges less:
| Parent Company | Budget Brand | Cheapest Brand | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | Fido | Chatr | $15 to $30/month less |
| Bell | Virgin Plus | Lucky Mobile | $15 to $30/month less |
| Telus | Koodo | Public Mobile | $15 to $30/month less |
Fido, Virgin Plus, and Koodo use the exact same towers as their parent companies. The differences are mostly in customer service (fewer in-store locations, online-first support) and slightly fewer premium features. For most newcomers, these are the sweet spot of price and quality.
Freedom Mobile
Freedom Mobile (now owned by Quebecor/Videotron) is the largest independent carrier. Freedom offers competitive plans starting around $30 to $50 per month for plans with 20 to 100 GB of data. Their coverage has improved significantly and is strong in major urban areas (Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa). In rural areas, Freedom roams on partner networks.
Freedom Mobile is particularly popular with newcomers because they offer newcomer-specific plans that do not require a Canadian credit history. Visit a Freedom Mobile store with your passport and immigration documents to sign up.
Ultra-Budget Options: Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and Chatr
If you want the absolute lowest price, these online-only or minimal-service brands offer plans starting at $15 to $25 per month:
- Public Mobile (publicmobile.ca): Runs on the Telus network. Online-only, community-based support. Plans from $15/month (talk and text) to $34/month (with data). Offers autopay and loyalty discounts that reduce your bill over time.
- Lucky Mobile (luckymobile.ca): Runs on the Bell network. Available in some retail locations. Plans from $18/month.
- Chatr (chatr.com): Runs on the Rogers network. Available at retail locations. Plans from $20/month.
Tip:
Public Mobile is often the best value for newcomers who want a reliable plan at the lowest cost. The Telus network is excellent in BC, and with autopay discounts, a 20 GB plan can cost around $29 per month. Sign up online and manage everything through the app.
Prepaid vs Postpaid Plans
What Is the Difference?
Prepaid: You pay in advance for a set period (usually 30 days). No credit check required. If you do not pay, your service simply stops. No contract, no surprises.
Postpaid: You pay after using the service each month. Requires a credit check. May involve a contract, especially if you are financing a phone. If you miss payments, it affects your credit score.
Which Should Newcomers Choose?
For most newcomers, prepaid is the best starting point. You avoid credit check issues, you control your spending, and you can switch plans easily. Once you have established Canadian credit (usually after 6 to 12 months of building credit history), you can switch to a postpaid plan if the prices are better.
The Credit Check Problem for Newcomers
Why Credit Matters for Phone Plans
Most postpaid plans in Canada require a credit check. As a newcomer with no Canadian credit history, you may be declined or asked to pay a large deposit ($200 to $500). This does not mean anything is wrong with your finances. It simply means the Canadian credit system has no record of you yet.
Workarounds
- Choose prepaid: No credit check needed. Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, Chatr, and Freedom prepaid all work without credit checks.
- Freedom Mobile newcomer plans: Freedom offers postpaid plans specifically for newcomers with no Canadian credit. Bring your passport and immigration documents.
- Bring a security deposit: Some carriers will approve you for postpaid with a refundable deposit, typically $200 to $500.
- Build credit first: Get a secured credit card, use it responsibly for 3 to 6 months, then apply for postpaid. For more on building credit, read our first weeks in Canada guide.
Bringing Your Phone vs Buying in Canada
Bring an Unlocked Phone
If you have a relatively recent smartphone from your home country, bring it. Make sure it is unlocked (not tied to a carrier). In most countries, you can request your carrier to unlock your phone before you leave. An unlocked phone lets you use any Canadian SIM card or eSIM.
Check that your phone supports Canadian LTE and 5G bands. Most phones sold internationally in the last three to four years are compatible. You can verify by checking your phone's specifications against the carrier's supported device list.
eSIM: The Convenient Option
Many newer phones (iPhone XS and later, recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel) support eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that you activate without needing a physical card. Several Canadian carriers support eSIM activation, including:
- Rogers, Bell, Telus (and their sub-brands)
- Freedom Mobile
- Airalo and aloSIM (for temporary data-only plans while you shop around)
Did you know?
You can activate an eSIM data plan from companies like Airalo before you even land in Canada. This gives you internet access at the airport to look up directions, contact your settlement agency, or message family. A 5 GB plan for 30 days costs around $15 to $20 USD.
Buying a Phone in Canada
If you need a new phone, you have several options:
- Buy outright: Buy an unlocked phone from Apple, Samsung, Google, or a retailer like Best Buy or Costco. This gives you freedom to choose any carrier.
- Finance through a carrier: Spread the cost over 24 months. This ties you to that carrier and requires a credit check. Not ideal for most newcomers.
- Buy refurbished: Companies like Orchard (orchard.ca) sell certified refurbished phones at significant discounts. A two-year-old flagship phone can cost $300 to $500 instead of $1,000+.
International Calling Packages
Calling Home
Staying connected with family abroad is important for newcomers. Here are your options:
- Carrier add-ons: Most carriers offer international calling add-ons for $5 to $15 per month, providing a set number of minutes to specific countries. Check your carrier's website for rates to your home country.
- WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other apps: Free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data. This is the most common and cost-effective option for most newcomers.
- International calling cards: Available at convenience stores and online. Rates vary by country. Compare prices at callingcards.com before buying.
- Fongo (fongo.com): A Canadian app that gives you a free local phone number and offers cheap international calling rates.
Recommended Plans for Newcomers (2026)
Budget-Friendly (Under $35/month)
| Carrier | Data | Price | Credit Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Mobile | 20 GB | $29/month (with autopay) | No |
| Lucky Mobile | 15 GB | $30/month | No |
| Freedom Prepaid | 20 GB | $30/month | No |
Mid-Range ($35 to $55/month)
| Carrier | Data | Price | Credit Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koodo | 40 GB | $40/month | Yes |
| Fido | 50 GB | $45/month | Yes |
| Freedom Postpaid | 60 GB | $45/month | Newcomer plan available |
Tip:
Prices change frequently. Before signing up, check RedFlagDeals (redflagdeals.com/forums) and the "Canadian Cell Phone Plans" subreddit for the latest promotions and deals. Carriers often run sales during holidays (Black Friday, Boxing Day, back-to-school).
Checklist: Getting Your Phone Set Up in Canada
- Bring your unlocked phone from home (or buy one outright in Canada)
- Research plans before arriving using carrier websites
- Consider activating an eSIM data plan before landing for immediate connectivity
- Choose prepaid if you have no Canadian credit history
- Visit a Freedom Mobile store if you want a postpaid newcomer plan
- Compare prices at Public Mobile, Koodo, and Fido for the best value
- Download WhatsApp and set up free calling to stay connected with family
- Set up autopay and paperless billing to earn discounts (Public Mobile offers $2/month off)
- Review your plan after 3 months and switch if a better deal is available (no contract needed on prepaid)
Get Connected and Stay Connected
Having a reliable phone plan is essential for settling in Canada. You need it to call employers, contact your settlement agency, set up banking, and stay in touch with family. Do not overpay for a plan you do not need. Start with an affordable prepaid option, and upgrade later as you build your credit and understand your usage patterns.
WelcomeAide can help you with this and every other aspect of settling in Canada. Our AI Newcomer Navigator is available 24/7 in your preferred language to answer your settlement questions. Learn more about our mission, see our impact, or explore more newcomer guides on our blog. For healthcare information, read our guide to healthcare in BC.