Planning an international trip is exciting, but for many Canadians, the thought of sky-high mobile roaming bills can cast a shadow over the adventure. For years, plans like Telus Easy Roam and Rogers Roam Like Home have been the default option, offering convenience at a steep price. But what if there was a way to get reliable, high-speed data abroad without draining your travel budget?
Welcome to the world of travel eSIMs. In 2025, it’s easier and cheaper than ever to ditch expensive daily roaming fees. This guide breaks down the real costs and shows you how an eSIM can save you hundreds on your next vacation. Ready to travel smarter? Explore Yoho Mobile’s flexible eSIM plans and see how much you can save.
The High Cost of Convenience: Understanding Telus & Rogers Roaming
Canadian carriers have simplified roaming with daily flat-fee plans. Telus Easy Roam and Rogers Roam Like Home operate on a similar principle: for a fixed daily charge, you can use the data, talk, and text from your domestic plan while abroad.
Here’s the catch – the cost. As of late 2024, these fees are typically:
- $14 per day in the United States.
- $16 per day in over 200 other international destinations.
While this sounds simple, the charges add up at an alarming rate. A two-week trip to Europe could cost you $224 ($16 x 14 days) just to use your own phone plan. For extended trips, the cost becomes astronomical. This convenience trap is one of the biggest hidden expenses for Canadian travelers, a fact often highlighted by consumer advocates like the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) who monitor international roaming costs.
The Smarter Alternative: How Travel eSIMs Give You Control
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. It allows you to activate a cellular plan from a provider like Yoho Mobile without needing a physical SIM card. Instead of paying a daily fee to ‘rent’ your home plan, you buy a pre-paid data package for your destination at near-local rates.
The advantages are clear:
- Massive Cost Savings: You pay a one-time fee for a specific amount of data (e.g., 10GB for 30 days) instead of a daily charge.
- Flexibility: Yoho Mobile’s flexible plans let you customize your package. Choose the exact amount of data, number of days, and countries you need. You only pay for what you’ll actually use. Build your perfect travel plan now!.
- Total Control: Since it’s prepaid, there are no surprise bills. If your data runs low, you can easily top it up manually. With features like Yoho Care, you’re never left stranded, ensuring you have backup connectivity even if your main plan runs out.
2025 Cost Showdown: Roaming vs. eSIM for Your Next Trip
Let’s put the numbers head-to-head. Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for common Canadian travel scenarios. This comparison clearly answers questions like, “What is the Telus Easy Roam cost for 2 weeks in Europe?”
| Travel Scenario | Telus Easy Roam / Rogers Roam Like Home Cost | Approx. Yoho Mobile eSIM Cost (10GB Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Trip to New York | $70 ($14 x 5 days) | ~$15 |
| 14-Day Vacation in Italy & France | $224 ($16 x 14 days) | ~$30 (Europe Regional Plan) |
| 30-Day Trip to Mexico | $480 ($16 x 30 days) | ~$45 |
As you can see, the savings are staggering, especially for longer trips. For what you’d pay for just two days of roaming in Mexico, you could get enough eSIM data for an entire month.
Beyond Cost: The Hidden Advantages of a Travel eSIM
While saving money is a huge draw, eSIMs offer more than just a lower price tag. They provide a fundamentally better travel experience.
One of the best features of a dual SIM iPhone or Android device is the ability to use an eSIM for data while keeping your Canadian SIM active for calls and texts. This means you can browse maps and social media using your cheap Yoho Mobile data, while still receiving important calls and SMS messages (like bank verification codes) on your regular number. Just be sure to turn off data roaming on your primary SIM to avoid any accidental charges.
Installation is also incredibly simple. For iOS users, you don’t even need to scan a QR code; after purchase, you just tap ‘Install’ in the Yoho Mobile app, and your phone’s system guides you through the 1-minute setup. Before you go, it’s always a good idea to check if your device is eSIM-ready.
How to Switch and Save with Yoho Mobile
Making the switch from expensive carrier roaming fees to an affordable travel eSIM is a simple, three-step process:
- Choose Your Plan: Visit the Yoho Mobile website, select your destination(s), and choose the data package that fits your trip duration and needs.
- Install Your eSIM: Follow the simple on-screen instructions. As mentioned, on an iPhone, it’s just a few taps—no technical skills required.
- Activate Upon Arrival: Once you land at your destination, turn on your eSIM line in your phone’s settings, enable data roaming for the eSIM, and you’re instantly connected to a local network.
Not sure if it’s right for you? You can even test out the service before your big trip. Try Yoho Mobile for free and experience the convenience for yourself!.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Rogers Roam Like Home worth it for long trips?
For trips longer than a few days, Rogers Roam Like Home and Telus Easy Roam become extremely expensive. A 30-day trip would cost nearly $500. A travel eSIM from Yoho Mobile for the same duration would typically cost under $50, making it a much more economical choice for any trip lasting a week or more.
Q2: What’s the cheapest way for Canadians to get data in the US?
By far, the cheapest way for Canadians to get data in the US is by using a travel eSIM. Plans from Yoho Mobile offer generous data packages for a fraction of the $14/day charged by major Canadian carriers, giving you high-speed connectivity without the high price.
Q3: Can I keep my Canadian phone number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes, absolutely. Most modern smartphones are dual SIM capable. You can set your Yoho Mobile eSIM as your primary data source while keeping your Canadian physical SIM or eSIM active to receive calls and text messages on your original number. This offers the best of both worlds: cheap data and full access to your primary line.
Q4: How do I avoid all Telus roaming charges in Mexico?
To completely avoid Telus roaming charges in Mexico or anywhere else, you should purchase a travel eSIM for your destination before you leave. Then, go into your phone’s settings, select your Telus SIM, and ensure that ‘Data Roaming’ is turned off. This guarantees your phone will only use the prepaid eSIM for data.
Conclusion: Your Wallet Will Thank You
The verdict for 2025 is clear. While Telus Easy Roam and Rogers Roam Like Home offer a simple solution, their high daily costs are a relic of the past. For the modern Canadian traveler, a travel eSIM provides the same, if not better, connectivity for a fraction of the price.
By embracing eSIM technology, you gain control over your spending, enjoy the flexibility of customized plans, and travel with the peace of mind that you won’t face a shocking bill when you return home. Make your next trip abroad remembered for the memories, not the roaming fees.
Stop overpaying. Explore Yoho Mobile’s affordable eSIM plans for your next destination today!
