A Canadian phone number unlocks apartment viewings, bank verification, job callbacks, delivery, two-factor authentication, and daily life. Start with Mobile & Internet, then use Get a Phone Plan after landing.
Prepaid vs postpaid
Prepaid can be easier when you have no Canadian credit history. Postpaid may have different plans, billing, phone financing, or credit checks. Coverage matters more than a tiny price difference if you rely on the phone for housing and jobs.
Compare SIM/eSIM support, activation fees, voicemail, international calling, data needs, coverage, contract terms, and referral offers.
- Prepaid
- Postpaid
- SIM
- eSIM
- Coverage
- Activation fee
- Referral
Internet and home setup
Phone and home internet decisions often happen together. If you are moving into a rental, ask what internet is available, whether a modem is included, and whether installation requires an appointment.
Use Temporary Accommodation, First Housing Search, and Monthly Budget Planner.
- Availability
- Installation
- Router
- Modem
- Cancellation
- Monthly budget
Checklist
Things to do next
Before arrival
- Check coverage
- Check eSIM
- Compare prepaid
- Compare referral offers
- Estimate data
After arrival
- Activate number
- Set voicemail
- Update bank
- Update resume
- Use for viewings
Beginner definitions
Prepaid
A phone plan paid before use, often easier without Canadian credit history.
Postpaid
A phone plan billed after use, sometimes involving a credit check.
You may need next
Mobile & Internet
Compare prepaid, postpaid, SIM, eSIM, internet setup, contracts, and referral offers.
Canadian Credit Score Explained
Understand Canadian credit from zero without treating credit cards like debt.
Cost of Living
Plan rent, phone, groceries, transit, tax deductions, and first-month costs.
Welcome Bonuses for Newcomers
Understand bank, telecom, app, referral, and newcomer offer conditions before signing up.
FAQ
When should I handle phone plan research before arriving?+
Handle it as soon as it becomes relevant to your status, arrival date, housing plan, school plan, job search, or first-week admin. The page explains the practical order.
Which pages should I keep open?+
Start with the New to Canada hub, Essential Checklist, First 30 Days in Canada, banking, credit, mobile and internet, housing, taxes, and the relevant calculator or template linked on this page.
Is this immigration, tax, or legal advice?+
No. This is educational information and practical organization. Verify important decisions with official sources, providers, or qualified professionals.
Important disclaimer
This guide provides practical information, not legal, immigration, tax, healthcare, or financial advice. Rules, offers, eligibility, fees, and provider conditions can change. Always verify important decisions with official sources or the provider before applying, contributing, signing, or relying on a deadline.