Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 2
WORKING HOLIDAY VISA AND CANADA 101 - Why should you apply for a WHP?
Chapter 3
One WHP, many ways to live the experience
Chapter 4
The WHP experience with a disability
Chapter 5
Where should I go?
Chapter 6
Going off the beaten track—a few testimonies
Chapter 7
An overview of Canadian provinces and territories
Chapter 8
Applying for a WHP
Chapter 9
The first steps to prepare for the adventure
Chapter 10
How can I find the best health insurance policy?
Chapter 11
Step-by-step pre-trip prep
Chapter 12
Last steps before leaving the country
Chapter 13
O, CANADA, HERE I AM! - Landing in Canada
Chapter 14
Applying for a Social Insurance Number
Chapter 15
Registering with your local embassy or consulate
Chapter 16
Opening a bank account and transferring your money
Chapter 17
Choosing your Internet and cellphone provider
Chapter 18
Becoming a “Canadian customer”—grocery shopping and more
Chapter 19
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CANADIAN ADVENTURE - Improving your French or English skills
Chapter 20
Finding long-term accommodation
Chapter 21
Growing a network and creating a Canadian-style resume
Chapter 22
Looking for job offers and going through the hiring process
Chapter 23
Volunteering with WWOOF, HelpX and Workaway
Chapter 24
Buying a car or van
Chapter 25
Canadian culture 101
Chapter 26
Dealing with health issues
Chapter 27
Dealing with homesickness, anxiety and financial issues
Chapter 28
EXPLORING CANADA - Getting around in North America
Chapter 29
The best adventures in Canada
Chapter 30
The best destinations across Canada - The best destinations across Canada
Chapter 31
Road trip 101
Chapter 32
Tips for crossing the US border without hassle
Chapter 33
THE ADVENTURE IS OVER… NOW WHAT? - Dealing with mixed feelings and the reverse culture shock
Chapter 34
Going back to Canada… or travelling elsewhere!
17Choosing your Internet and cellphone provider

Choosing your Internet and cellphone provider

Everything you heard about cellphone plans and Internet providers is true—Canadians pay some of the highest wireless prices in the world. European and Asian travellers may want to prepare themselves for sticker shock. There’s a reason why Canadians the three main telco companies—Rogers, Bell and Telus—“Robelus”!

Internet providers

Rogers, Bell and Telus offer often indistinguishable home Internet plans. Provincial companies like Videotron, Shaw or SaskTel might have slightly better deals, and many much smaller providers are more competitive (Ebox, Acanac, Radioactif, etc.).

It’s still difficult to find a good deal and a true unlimited plan. Budget from $40 to $150 for an Internet plan.

Compare all the offers carefully:

  • Does the unlimited plan include both unlimited download and upload? (smaller providers, e.g. Acanac, offer such plans)
  • are there miscellaneous fees? (i.e. activation fee, installation fee, modem rental fees, etc.)
  • Are you signing a contract? How long is the contract?
  • What are the download and upload speeds?

It can be cheaper to “bundle” your services—for instance, getting cable TV, home Internet and a cellphone plan from the same provider.

Cellphone providers

Many “options” that are included in the rest of the world are offered for a fee in Canada, e.g. call display, voicemail, call forwarding, etc. Note that in Canada, you’re charged for both outcoming and incoming calls.

Bring-your-own-device plans are usually cheaper and you won’t be locked in a two-year contract. Before you leave, check if your phone is unlocked by inserting a SIM card from another provider. If you don’t see an error message, you’re good to go and your phone should work in Canada.

Much like with Internet plans, make sure to consider smaller providers and compare the deals carefully.

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Julie

Cofondatrice de pvtistes.net, j'ai fait 2 PVT, au Canada et en Australie. Deux expériences incroyables ! Je vous retrouve régulièrement sur nos comptes Insta et Tiktok @pvtistes avec plein d'infos utiles !
Cofounder of pvtistes.net. I went to Canada and Australia on Working Holiday aventures. It was amazing!

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