For Canadian travelers, the excitement of an upcoming trip is often tempered by one nagging question: “How much is my phone bill going to be?” For years, services like Rogers’ Roam Like Home and Telus’ Easy Roam have been the default answer, offering convenience at a steep price. But as technology evolves, a far more affordable and flexible alternative has emerged: the travel eSIM.
If you’re tired of paying a premium just to use your own data abroad, you’re in the right place. This guide provides a direct cost analysis, comparing Rogers Roam Like Home to a modern travel eSIM for popular destinations in 2025. Get ready to discover how you can stay connected for a fraction of the cost and avoid those shocking post-vacation roaming fees for good.
Ready to see the savings? Explore Yoho Mobile’s flexible eSIM plans now.
What is Rogers Roam Like Home and How Does It Work?
Rogers Roam Like Home is a service that allows Rogers customers to use the data, talk, and text from their existing Canadian plan while traveling abroad. Instead of paying per megabyte or minute, you pay a fixed daily fee.
As of late 2024, the typical costs are:
- $12 per day in the United States.
- $15 per day in over 185 other international destinations.
While it sounds simple, the costs add up with alarming speed. A two-week vacation in Europe could cost you an extra $210 on your phone bill ($15 x 14 days). The main benefit is convenience—you keep your Canadian number and don’t have to think about finding a local SIM. However, for anyone traveling for more than a couple of days, this convenience comes at a significant financial premium.
The Modern Alternative: Travel eSIMs Explained
A travel eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that lives inside your phone. It allows you to activate a data plan from another provider without needing to swap out your physical SIM card. This technology is a game-changer for international travelers.
With a provider like Yoho Mobile, you can buy a data plan for your specific destination before you even leave home. Upon arrival, you simply switch to your eSIM for data and are instantly connected to a local network. This is the ultimate Rogers Roam Like Home alternative, offering:
- Massive Cost Savings: Pay only for the data you need, often at local prices.
- Flexibility: Choose from plans for specific countries, regions, or even a global plan. Need more data? Just top up in the app.
- Convenience: Keep your Canadian physical SIM in your phone to receive calls and texts on your primary number (just be sure to turn off data roaming on that line!).
- Easy Setup: For iOS users, installation is seamless. After purchase, you just tap ‘Install’—no QR codes or manual activation codes needed. Your eSIM is ready in under a minute.
Head-to-Head Cost Breakdown: Roam Like Home vs. Yoho Mobile eSIM
Let’s see the real-world difference. Here’s a cost comparison for three common travel scenarios for Canadian travelers. We’ll compare the full duration cost, not just a few days.
| Trip Scenario | Rogers Roam Like Home (Cost in CAD) | Yoho Mobile eSIM (Approx. Cost in CAD) | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Trip to the USA | 10 days x $12/day = $120 | 10GB / 30 Days Plan ≈ $25 | $95 (79%) |
| 14-Day Trip to Europe | 14 days x $15/day = $210 | Europe 10GB / 30 Days Plan ≈ $35 | $175 (83%) |
| 21-Day Trip in Asia | 20 days* x $15/day = $300 | Asia 10GB Plan + Top-up ≈ $60 | $240 (80%) |
Rogers caps international roaming charges at 20 days per billing cycle, but this is still a massive expense.
The numbers speak for themselves. In every scenario, using a Yoho Mobile eSIM results in savings of around 80%. That’s money you can spend on experiences, not on exorbitant data fees.
- Heading to the States? Check out our USA eSIM plans.
- Planning a European adventure? Explore affordable Europe-wide data plans.
- Backpacking through Asia? Get connected with a regional Asia eSIM.
Beyond Cost: Staying Connected with Confidence
While saving money is a huge plus, eSIMs offer other advantages. What happens if you run out of data? With Rogers, you’re stuck paying for another day of roaming. With Yoho Mobile, you can simply top up your plan manually. And with the added security of Yoho Care, you’re never truly disconnected. Even if your data plan runs out, Yoho Care provides a backup connection to ensure you can always access essential services.
This is especially useful for digital nomads or anyone who relies on a stable connection for work or navigation. You get peace of mind that a traditional roaming plan can’t match.
For those wondering if their device is ready for this tech, you can view a full list of supported devices here: eSIM compatible list.
How to Ditch Roaming Fees and Switch to a Yoho Mobile eSIM
Making the switch is incredibly simple and a great way to avoid roaming fees from your Canadian carrier for good. Here’s how:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your smartphone is on the eSIM compatible list.
- Choose Your Plan: Visit the Yoho Mobile website, select your destination(s), and pick a data package that suits your needs. Our flexible plans allow you to customize data, days, and countries.
- Install Your eSIM: After purchase, you’ll receive instructions. iOS users enjoy a direct installation—just tap the button and follow the prompts. Android users can scan a QR code. The whole process takes less than two minutes.
- Stay in Control: Before you fly, go into your phone’s cellular settings and turn off “Data Roaming” for your primary Rogers SIM to prevent any accidental charges.
- Connect on Arrival: Once you land, switch your cellular data to the Yoho Mobile eSIM and you’re online instantly!
Want to try it before you commit? Yoho Mobile offers a free eSIM trial, giving you a taste of seamless connectivity with zero risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an eSIM cheaper than Rogers Roam Like Home for short trips?
Almost always, yes. Roam Like Home costs $12-$15 from the very first day. A Yoho Mobile eSIM plan for a few days can cost as little as $5-$10, making it the cheapest way for Canadians to use their phone in the USA or abroad, even for a weekend.
Can I still receive calls on my Canadian number with a travel eSIM?
Absolutely. By keeping your primary Rogers SIM active (with data roaming turned off), you can still receive calls and SMS texts. Many modern phones also support Wi-Fi Calling, allowing you to make and receive calls over your eSIM’s data connection as if you were in Canada.
What’s the best Roam Like Home alternative for a multi-country trip in Europe?
A regional eSIM is the perfect solution. Instead of paying $15 per day in each country, you can buy a single Europe-wide eSIM plan that covers you across dozens of countries for one low price. This offers far more value and simplicity than any Canadian carrier roaming package.
How do I avoid all roaming fees from Rogers while using an eSIM?
The key is to go into your phone’s cellular settings, select your primary Rogers line, and ensure the “Data Roaming” toggle is switched OFF. This prevents your home plan from connecting to foreign data networks and incurring charges, while your Yoho Mobile eSIM handles all your data needs.
Conclusion: Make the Smart Choice for Your Travels
While Rogers Roam Like Home offers a simple, one-size-fits-all solution, its convenience comes at an unjustifiably high cost for the modern Canadian traveler. The 2025 cost analysis is clear: a travel eSIM is not just a cheap alternative; it’s a smarter, more flexible, and vastly more affordable way to stay connected abroad.
By embracing eSIM technology from providers like Yoho Mobile, you regain control over your spending, enjoy robust connectivity backed by features like Yoho Care, and save hundreds of dollars that are better spent on your actual vacation.
Don’t overpay for data. Switch to a Yoho Mobile eSIM for your next trip and travel with confidence and cash to spare!