I still vividly remember the shock of a nearly 2 million VND roaming bill after my first Canada trip. Back then, I thought opening data a few times to check maps wouldn't cost much, but when I got home, I almost cried seeing the bill. Since then, I've researched every way to avoid being "ripped off" by telecom charges every time I hit the road. And eSIM has been my savior – up to 90% cheaper than traditional roaming, and just as convenient.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: June to September (warm summer, beautiful scenery).
- Suggested duration: 10-14 days for a few major cities.
- Estimated budget: 2,500-3,500 CAD/week (including accommodation, transport, sightseeing).
- Getting around: Car rental is the main option; Toronto/Vancouver have metro and bus.
- Connectivity: Use SimNha eSIM 5GB/7 days ~150,000 VND, no roaming worries.
Why is eSIM Cheaper than Roaming?
International roaming from Vietnamese carriers typically charges per day (about 100,000-200,000 VND/day) or per data volume (several hundred thousand for 1GB). Meanwhile, a Canada eSIM 5GB/7 days plan costs only about 150,000 VND. For the same data, roaming is 5-10 times more expensive.
| Type | Data | Duration | Price (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel Roaming | 1GB | 1 day | 150,000 |
| SimNha eSIM | 5GB | 7 days | 150,000 |
| SimNha eSIM | 10GB | 15 days | 250,000 |
💡 Tip: Buy the eSIM 1-2 days before your trip, activate it right after landing. Don't wait until you're at a Canadian airport to buy a physical SIM – it's expensive and time-consuming.
How to Choose the Right eSIM Plan
Depending on your trip length and data needs:
Under 7 days
- 3GB/7 days plan: ~100,000 VND. Enough for map checks, web browsing, light photo sharing.
- 5GB/7 days plan: ~150,000 VND. More comfortable, can watch short videos.
7-14 days
- 10GB/15 days plan: ~250,000 VND. Ideal for a moderate trip, no data worries.
- 20GB/30 days plan: ~400,000 VND. If you use a lot of data (livestreaming, video calls).
⚠️ Note: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhone XS and newer, Samsung S20 and newer do). If not, you can buy a physical SIM but it's more expensive.
Tips for Using eSIM in Canada
1. Purchase and Activation
I usually buy SimNha eSIM online and receive a QR code via email. When I arrive in Canada, I turn on airplane mode, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, scan the QR code, and it's done. No need to remove my Vietnamese SIM; I keep the number for OTPs.
2. Set Data as Default
After activation, go to Settings > Cellular > Select eSIM as the primary data line. Keep the Vietnamese SIM for voice (if needed).
📌 Note: Some Vietnamese carriers charge for receiving SMS while roaming, but it's very cheap (a few hundred VND per message). Best to turn off data on the Vietnamese SIM to avoid additional charges.
3. Use Data Efficiently
Canada has free Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafes, and libraries. I often download offline Google Maps before going out and only turn on data when I need to look something up. With this method, 5GB can comfortably last 7 days.
Must-See Places
Vancouver – Beautiful Coastal City
- Stanley Park: Rent a bike (about 10 CAD/hour) or walk around. Free entry.
- Granville Island: Fresh food market, souvenirs. Try donuts at Lee's Donuts (2-3 CAD each).
- Grouse Mountain: Gondola to the summit (about 60 CAD/person). Beautiful but pricey; buy a combo if going in a group.
Banff – Mountain Paradise
- Lake Louise: Turquoise water, best at sunrise. Parking fee (about 12 CAD/day).
- Icefields Parkway: Drive from Banff to Jasper, incredible scenery. Fill up gas before going; gas stations are sparse.
💡 Tip: Book hotels inside the national park 6 months in advance, otherwise they'll be very expensive and sold out. I once had to sleep in my car because there was no vacancy.
Toronto – Bustling Metropolis
- CN Tower: Go up to the observation deck (about 40 CAD/person). Book online to avoid lines.
- St. Lawrence Market: Saturday farmer's market. Try the peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery (about 8 CAD).
- Toronto Islands: 15-minute ferry (8 CAD round trip). Great view of the city skyline.
Final Thoughts
Canada is a vast and expensive country, but if you know how to save on small things like data costs, you'll have more money for experiences. With SimNha eSIM, I no longer worry about roaming bills on every trip. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and a few minutes to set up, and you can browse, check maps, and stay connected throughout your journey.
