eSIM for a Trip to Canada From the UK: How to Compare

Heading from the UK to Canada to see family at Christmas, for a winter holiday or for a term at university? You have three ways to stay connected: roam on your UK network, buy a data-only travel eSIM, or set up an eSIM that gives you a Canadian number before you fly.

This guide compares them and explains where Unlimit Mobile fits. Unlimit Mobile's Canada eSIM gives you a Canadian number on TELUS 5G+, unlimited local calls and texts, 50GB, 75GB or 120GB of data a month and 1,000 minutes of international calling to 34 countries, the UK included, for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, with no contract and no credit check.

What to compare before you choose

• A Canadian number or data only. Data covers maps and messaging apps. A Canadian number matters when family, hosts, schools or a landlord in Canada need to call or text you.
• Calls home. If you'll phone the UK, check whether calls back home are included.
• How much data you'll use. Video calls, maps and photos add up over a long visit.
• How long you're staying. Compare the total for the whole trip, not just the first week.
• Your phone. An eSIM needs a phone that is unlocked and supports eSIM. Check whether your phone supports eSIM first.

Roaming, data-only eSIM or a Canadian number: how they compare

For a short holiday where you only need data, a data-only travel eSIM from another provider can be enough. An eSIM with a Canadian number is for when people in Canada need to call or text you, or you're staying a month or more.

Where Unlimit Mobile fits

Unlimit Mobile sells plans for the USA, Canada and the UK only. Its Canada plans come as an eSIM with a Canadian phone number, which suits visitors from the UK who are staying a while or want to call home. Every Canada plan includes:

• A Canadian phone number, with unlimited local calls and texts
• Canada-wide 5G+ coverage on the TELUS network
• 50GB, 75GB or 120GB of data a month
• 1,000 minutes of international calling to 34 countries, the UK included, and unlimited international texts
• Plans for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, paid once, with no contract and no credit check

Plans are eSIM only for buyers in the UK: physical SIMs ship within India only. The shortest plan is 1 month, so a two-week Christmas visit still takes a 1-month plan.

Canada plans and today's prices

See every plan on the Canada eSIM plans page.

How to set it up before you fly

1. Check your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
2. Pick a Canada plan and the length of your trip, enter your travel date and pay online by card.
3. Scan the eSIM QR code we email you, following our eSIM installation guide.
4. Your Canadian number goes live 48 hours before your travel date, or within 1–2 hours of paying if you travel within two days.

Keep your UK SIM in a dual-SIM phone for your usual number. Not sure your phone will work there? Read will my phone work in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best eSIM for Canada from the UK?

It depends on your trip. For a short holiday where you only need the internet, a data-only travel eSIM can be enough. For a family visit, a longer stay or study, compare eSIMs with a Canadian number, such as Unlimit Mobile's Canada plans, which also include calls to the UK.

Can I call the UK from Canada on these plans?

Yes. Every Unlimit Mobile Canada plan includes 1,000 minutes of international calling to 34 countries, the UK among them, and unlimited international texts.

Do Canada plans have unlimited data?

No. Canada plans come with 50GB, 75GB or 120GB of data a month.

Can I keep my UK number while I'm in Canada?

Yes, on a dual-SIM phone: keep your UK SIM and add the eSIM for a Canadian number and data.

When does my Canadian number start working?

48 hours before your travel date, or within 1–2 hours of paying if you travel within two days.