To keep in touch with your friends and family in Canada, pick the communication method that fits your budget best. Here's some info to help you decide.
In Canada, each of the ten provinces has its own set of telecommunications rules and services. There isn't a single national phone company; instead, multiple operators provide services like landlines, international calls, internet, mobile phones, and satellite TV. There's fierce competition among the different service providers across the country. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Canada has embraced Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone services.
It's important to differentiate between local calls, which can vary depending on your location, long-distance calls within Canada and the US, and international calls. When you're on the move, even within a province, some calls may cost you more. Make sure to check your operator's coverage for more information.
Good to know:
As in the US, Canada's area code is +1, so don't forget to dial the double 00 before the area code (without the "+" sign).
Residential telephony in Canada
For standard home phone service, you can expect to pay anywhere from CAD$20 to CAD$45. This usually includes a set number of calls within Canada and to the United States. In Quebec, you might need to decide between two types of contracts: an open-ended contract or a fixed-term contract. There are also unlimited packages offered. Keep in mind that there might be an additional cost for installation.
When applying, you might be required to make a security deposit, the amount of which depends on your telephone usage. This deposit is refunded to you, along with the accrued interest, within 30 days after the contract concludes.
Some providers have retail locations that can speed up the installation of your phone line, typically within three days. The installation cost can range from CAD$20 to CAD$120, depending on your location. It's important to mention that the telephone company won't provide you with a handset; you'll need to purchase or rent one from an electronics store.
Your monthly bill for the requested service will cover the features you've selected, such as caller ID, two-way calling, answering machine, and red-listing. Some of these services may already be included in the basic price. Note that Canadian telephone companies should not require you to commit to a long-term contract to subscribe to these offers.
Using your cell phone in Canada
For a foreign cell phone to function in Canada, it needs to be at least tri-band, a feature that is common in most modern phones. If you're arriving from outside North America, it's essential to check your cell phone's frequency and determine which network your service provider uses in Canada.
Ensure that your cell phone is unlocked, allowing you to receive a new SIM card. It's recommended to unlock your phone before arriving in Canada, as finding local stores to do this might be difficult. Once your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a new SIM card, which will require topping up.
Good to know:
There is no charge for activating a calling card in Quebec. You will only be billed for the minutes you purchase.
Making calls in Canada
To stay connected with your loved ones, consider using prepaid phone cards. These cards can help you save a significant amount of money, especially since international calls from both mobile and landline can be quite expensive. You can easily purchase these cards at supermarkets and small grocery stores in most major Canadian cities.
These cards can be used on any phone, whether it's at your workplace, home, on a cell phone, or in a phone booth. Additionally, if you use a toll-free number, you can make calls from a friend's home or workplace without incurring charges at that location.
Skype provides competitive rates depending on the country, and the free WhatsApp mobile app is also effective for making international calls when connected to WiFi or mobile data.
Choosing a mobile package in Canada
Before choosing your mobile operator in Canada, it's wise to explore the available options. The package you opt for should align with your usage patterns, considering factors like how much you use the internet or if you prefer texting over calls.
In Canada, features like dual calling, call forwarding, incoming calls, caller ID, and voicemail may not always be part of the basic package. Also, keep in mind that your voicemail service might be limited to the number of voice messages allowed.
Depending on the operator, you can choose a plan with or without a commitment. If you choose to terminate a phone contract before it expires, you might be charged a penalty, typically calculated as the monthly cost of your plan multiplied by the remaining number of months.
Typically, cell phone contracts in Canada span 2 to 3 years, but there are also options with no obligations. If you anticipate relocating during your stay, it's advisable to choose a provider with nationwide coverage. This way, you won't have to cancel your subscription, as some companies only operate in specific provinces or regions.
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