Communications

Regular cell phones from abroad do not generally let you make calls from or receive calls in Canada or the USA. With certain types of phones it is possible, but we do recommend always checking with your cell phone provider at home before you leave for any plan changes etc. Find out beforehand what you will be charged for calling as costs can be quite high!

Some visitors staying for a longer period of time, opt to purchase a basic cell phone here upon arrival with a simple "pre-pay"plan. It can be expensive as well but convenient and worth if your stay is over 3 weeks.

Keep in mind that cell phone coverage varies significantly across Western Canada and Alaska/Yukon with many areas completely out of coverage range. In medium to large urban centres, you can usually rely on having coverage.

Another more economical option is to but a prepaid international long-distance calling card for the country where you will be calling. These can be purchased in most convenient stores, and gas stations. Then you can call from any land line phone including phone booths.

In medium to large urban centres, Internet cafes are also very common and provide a place to check your email and to chat via Skype or Messenger. Most hotels, and some campgrounds, now offer Wi-Fi as well if you do decide to bring a laptop.