SIM card for international students in Canada
Arrive at your Canadian university with a working phone number already in hand. Set up banking, apply for your SIN, and connect with classmates from day one.
See student-friendly plansWhy international students need a Canadian number before arriving
Most of the things you need to do in your first week in Canada require a local phone number: opening a bank account, applying for your Social Insurance Number (SIN), registering for campus services, and even signing a lease. Without a Canadian number, each of these steps takes longer or stalls completely.
With a Get Canada Sim plan, you order before your flight and your number activates up to 24 hours before arrival. That means you can share your Canadian number with your university, bank, and landlord before you even leave home.
What your Canadian SIM unlocks as a student
- Open a Canadian bank account on day one (banks require a local number)
- Apply for your SIN immediately after landing
- Register for campus Wi-Fi, portals, and two-factor authentication
- Apply for part-time jobs with a real Canadian callback number
- Stay connected with family back home with international calling
- Use maps, transit apps, and rideshare from the airport
Best plans for international students
Most students stay longer than 90 days, so a monthly postpaid plan gives you the best value. Our top pick is the Unlimited Data plan on Rogers 5G at $40/mo — that is half the price you would pay if you walked into a Rogers store in Canada. It includes 100 GB of high-speed 5G data, unlimited Canada-wide calling, and 1,000 international minutes to call home.
On a tighter budget? The 50 GB Fido plan at $30/mo is a solid alternative with the same network coverage. Both plans work with eSIM (instant by email) or a physical SIM card. Compare them on the plans page.
How to get your SIM before you fly
Choose your plan, complete the order form with your study permit details, and pick your delivery method: instant eSIM by email, free airport pickup, or delivery to your Canadian address. Your line activates automatically before your arrival date. No credit check, no contract, no setup fees.
Student SIM in Canada — frequently asked questions
Can international students get a Canadian SIM card before arriving?
Yes. With Get Canada Sim you order a Canadian SIM or eSIM online from your home country before your study permit starts, and your number activates up to 24 hours before you land. There's no Canadian address, credit history, or SIN required to order — just your passport and study permit details.
Do I need a Canadian phone number to open a bank account or apply for a SIN?
In practice, yes. Canadian banks ask for a local mobile number to open an account, and Service Canada uses one for your SIN application. Having a Canadian number active before you land means you can complete both in your first days instead of waiting until you've bought a SIM in-country.
What is the best SIM plan for international students in Canada?
Most students stay longer than 90 days, so a monthly plan is best value. Get Canada Sim's most popular student pick is Unlimited Data on Rogers 5G at $40/mo (100 GB, unlimited Canada-wide calling, 1,000 international minutes). On a tighter budget, the 50 GB Fido plan at $30/mo covers the same network.
How much is a SIM card in Canada for a student?
Buying at a Canadian carrier store or airport often costs $50–$90 a month. Ordering ahead with Get Canada Sim, student plans start at $30/mo for 50 GB on Fido and $40/mo for unlimited data on Rogers 5G — about half the in-store price, with no setup fee or contract.
Can I get a student SIM without Canadian credit history?
Yes. Get Canada Sim runs no credit check and requires no contract, so a new arrival with no Canadian credit history can order. You provide your passport and study permit at checkout, choose eSIM or airport pickup, and your line is ready before arrival.