Traveling to Canada - Best/Cheapest Option?

[nydrumboy]

Hi All,

I'm traveling to Vancouver next month with my Verizon Droid 3. I'm wondering what my best and cheapest options are for making and receiving calls. Verizon is telling me that I can go on one of their international programs - and even though that program is a 30-day rate, I'll only be charged for the 3 days I'm in Canada.

I also have Google Voice on this phone.....would that be a good alternative?

I'm surprised this is an issue....it's not like Canada is a foreign country....

Thanks for replies!

 

[Doit2it]

The Droid 3 is a Global phone. I would think you would be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card from one of the Canadian carriers while you are there. I've never owned a global phone so I'm not sure how this works, hopefully someone who has will chime in.

Google Voice uses data, not voice.

DO NOT just go up there and roam. Verizon's Canadian fees add up fast. I always just disable data while in Canada and rely on WiFi for my internet needs.

Here's a couple of posts I've added my 2 cents on:
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-support-troubleshooting/129577-traveling-suggestions.html
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-support-troubleshooting/352381-roam-data-overages.html

 

[nydrumboy]

The Droid 3 is a Global phone. I would think you would be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card from one of the Canadian carriers while you are there. I've never owned a global phone so I'm not sure how this works, hopefully someone who has will chime in.

Google Voice uses data, not voice.

DO NOT just go up there and roam. Verizon's Canadian fees add up fast. I always just disable data while in Canada and rely on WiFi for my internet needs.

Here's a couple of posts I've added my 2 cents on:
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-support-troubleshooting/129577-traveling-suggestions.html
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-support-troubleshooting/352381-roam-data-overages.html

Thank you for the thoughtful reply! Much appreciated.

 

[ben7337]

You could use a free data app like fring over wifi. You would not have your usual number though. However I guess if you wanted your normal number, you would just be paying verizon.

Also keep in mind txting in canada is free if you have an unlimited texting plan. I went there a few weeks ago and no charges on the bill, though they do try to hide that it is free on their site.

Also getting verizon to unlock your phone so you can use an international sim besides the vodaphone sim that they give you may be difficult.

 

[dirkbonn]

Hi All,

I'm traveling to Vancouver next month with my Verizon Droid 3. I'm wondering what my best and cheapest options are for making and receiving calls. Verizon is telling me that I can go on one of their international programs - and even though that program is a 30-day rate, I'll only be charged for the 3 days I'm in Canada.

I also have Google Voice on this phone.....would that be a good alternative?

I'm surprised this is an issue....it's not like Canada is a foreign country....

Thanks for replies!

Just curious, but if Canada is not a foriegn country, what is it? It's not part of the US. How about Mexico?

 

[Doit2it]

Just curious, but if Canada is not a foriegn country, what is it? It's not part of the US. How about Mexico?

I think your sarcasm detector is on the fritz. Besides, the mainland is a foreign country for you Pacific islander types. BTW, LOVE Hawaii, plan to visit again next year (it's been since '93)!

 

[dirkbonn]

I think your sarcasm detector is on the fritz. Besides, the mainland is a foreign country for you Pacific islander types. BTW, LOVE Hawaii, plan to visit again next year (it's been since '93)!

Yup, guess I missed it. My apologies.

And yes, you'd be surprised at the number of people that ask us when we're coming back to the "states" for a visit. I say "Here in Hawaii, we call it the mainland." because we are a state.

When you come to visit, bring money.....we need it. Haha!

Best of luck to ya,

 

[Andy in NY]

I dont believe the gsm capabilities will work in canada. And for google voice, you would need to be on wifi only. You DONT want to ise data while there. Switch to the nationwide plus canada plan.