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eSIM vs. Canadian Roaming for Snowbirds (2025 Cost Guide)

Robin
Nov 03, 2025

Every year, as the Canadian winter sets in, thousands of “snowbirds” flock south to sunny destinations like Florida, Arizona, and California. While planning this annual migration, one recurring headache is figuring out the most cost-effective way to stay connected. For years, the default options have been carrier roaming plans like Rogers’ Roam Like Home or Telus’ Easy Roam. But in 2025, there’s a smarter, more affordable way to manage your long-term USA data needs: an eSIM from Yoho Mobile.

Are you tired of worrying about surprise roaming bills? It’s time to explore a solution that puts you in control. Discover flexible and affordable USA data plans designed for snowbirds today.

The Traditional Roaming Trap: Why Daily Fees Add Up

Canadian carrier roaming plans sound convenient on the surface. For a flat daily fee, you can use the data, talk, and text from your existing Canadian plan while in the US. However, for a snowbird staying for one, two, or even six months, these costs quickly become astronomical.

  • Rogers Roam Like Home: Typically costs around $12 per day. While it’s capped per billing cycle, a two-month stay can easily add over $400 to your bills.
  • Telus Easy Roam: Often costs up to $15 per day, with similar caps that still result in huge expenses for long-term stays.

Let’s do the math for a 90-day trip. Even with billing cycle caps, you could be looking at paying between $400 and $550 just for the privilege of using your own plan. This is the classic definition of “bill shock,” and it’s an unnecessary expense that can cut into your travel budget.

Infographic comparing the significantly lower cost of a Yoho Mobile eSIM versus traditional Canadian roaming plans like Rogers Roam Like Home for a 90-day trip.

The Smart Alternative: How eSIMs Revolutionize Snowbird Connectivity

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. It allows you to add a second cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. For Canadian snowbirds, this technology is a game-changer.

You can keep your Canadian physical SIM active to receive calls and texts on your primary number, while using a prepaid USA data eSIM from Yoho Mobile for all your internet needs—browsing, navigation, video calls, and streaming—at a fraction of the cost.

This is the best data plan for snowbirds in the USA because it offers complete freedom. With Yoho Mobile’s flexible plans, you aren’t locked into a daily rate. You buy a block of data for a set duration (e.g., 50GB for 90 days), giving you total control and predictability over your spending. Before you leave, you can check if your device is compatible on our eSIM compatible devices list.

A Head-to-Head Cost Comparison for a 3-Month Stay

Let’s imagine a typical snowbird, Pat, who is spending 90 days in Florida and needs about 15GB of data per month.

  • Scenario 1: Using Telus Easy Roam

    • Cost: $15/day, capped at $300 per billing cycle. Over 3 months, this could easily reach $500-$600+.
    • Data: Pat is limited to the data from their Canadian plan.
  • Scenario 2: Using a Yoho Mobile eSIM

    • Cost: Pat purchases a long-term USA plan, for example, 50GB valid for 90 days. This would cost significantly less—often under $100 total.
    • Data: A generous 50GB bucket to use as needed over the entire trip.

The savings are undeniable. That’s hundreds of dollars that can be spent on enjoying your winter escape, not on outrageous roaming fees.

A happy Canadian snowbird couple enjoying their winter stay in Florida while easily managing their affordable data with a Yoho Mobile eSIM.

Beyond Cost: The Yoho Mobile Advantage

Choosing an eSIM isn’t just about saving money; it’s about a better, more modern travel experience.

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Don’t pay for what you don’t need. With Yoho Mobile, you can build a plan with the perfect amount of data and duration for your trip, whether it’s 30 days or 180.
  • Ultimate Peace of Mind with Yoho Care: Worried about running out of data unexpectedly? With Yoho Care, you’re never truly disconnected. Even if your main data package is used up, we ensure you have backup access for essential services.
  • Instant & Easy Setup: Get your plan online before you even leave Canada. For iOS users, installation is incredibly simple: after purchase, just tap the “Install” button in our app or email, and your iPhone will guide you through the 1-minute setup—no QR code scanning needed! Android users can get set up quickly with a simple QR code scan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I keep my Canadian phone number while using a Yoho Mobile eSIM?

Yes, absolutely. By keeping your Canadian SIM active (either physical or eSIM), you can continue to receive calls and SMS texts on your regular number. You simply set the Yoho Mobile eSIM as your primary source for cellular data in your phone’s settings.

What is the best long-term USA data plan for Canadian snowbirds?

The best plan is one that offers a large data bucket over a long validity period, rather than a daily fee. Yoho Mobile specializes in these flexible plans, allowing you to buy data for 30, 60, 90 days, or more, which is far more economical than any Canadian roaming option.

Is an eSIM better than Telus Easy Roam for a winter in Florida?

For a long-term stay, an eSIM is overwhelmingly better. A Telus Easy Roam alternative like Yoho Mobile can save you hundreds of dollars over a multi-month trip. It provides more data for less money and eliminates the risk of bill shock, making it the superior choice for any snowbird.

How do I know if my phone is compatible with an eSIM?

Most smartphones manufactured since 2018 are eSIM-compatible, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many Samsung Galaxy models. You can check our complete and up-to-date eSIM compatible device list to be sure.

Conclusion: Travel Smarter, Not Harder

For Canadian snowbirds, the choice for 2025 is clear. Daily roaming fees from providers like Rogers and Telus are an outdated and expensive way to stay connected during your winter in the US. By switching to a flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use eSIM from Yoho Mobile, you can enjoy massive savings, gain complete control over your data usage, and travel with the peace of mind that you’ll never face another shocking phone bill.

Ready to make the switch to smarter travel connectivity? Explore Yoho Mobile’s USA eSIM plans now and start your worry-free winter getaway connected and in control.