To stay in touch with fellow travellers, family and friends while you’re away, set up WhatsApp before leaving home, and arrange your travel eSIM in advance if you would like mobile internet without relying on Wi-Fi.
1. Obtaining and setting up an eSIM
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that you install on your phone. A travel eSIM lets you use mobile internet at your destination for maps, email, WhatsApp and other apps.
Many travel eSIMs provide data only: they do not include a phone number, regular phone calls or text messages. WhatsApp messages and calls work through the internet.
Check with your current mobile provider first
Before buying an eSIM, ask your current phone provider whether your existing plan includes roaming at your destination, or how much it would cost to add a travel package. Confirm whether the price is per day or for the whole trip, what data, calls and texts are included, and whether there are any extra charges or limits.
Compare that cost with a travel eSIM. A travel package through your current provider may be simpler to use, while an eSIM may offer better value.
Before purchasing
Check that your phone supports eSIMs and is unlocked. Ask your mobile provider if you are unsure.
Choose a plan that covers your destination—or all countries you will visit.
Check the amount of data, number of days included, currency charged and whether top-ups are available.
Check when the plan starts. Some begin when installed; others begin when they first connect to a supported network at your destination. This determines how early you should install it.
Purchase your eSIM
Visit your chosen provider’s official website or download its app. One example is Airalo. Search for your destination and select a suitable package.
Create an account and complete your purchase.
Save your confirmation and installation instructions so you can find them easily.
Install your eSIM before you depart
Connect to reliable Wi-Fi and follow your provider’s instructions. You may be able to install it directly through the provider’s app, scan a QR code or enter installation details manually.
Typical phone settings are:
iPhone: Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data → Add eSIM.
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
Other Android phones: Look under Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs. Menu names vary.
If you need to scan a QR code, display it on another device or print it. Give the eSIM a clear name, such as “Travel.” Follow the package’s activation policy and keep your home line selected for use in Canada until departure.
Start using it at your destination
Turn on your travel eSIM.
Select Travel as the line for mobile or cellular data.
Enable data roaming for the travel eSIM if the provider requires it.
Turn off automatic cellular data switching, if your phone offers it.
To avoid your Canadian line connecting abroad, turn that line off. If you need to keep it active for calls or texts, check your carrier’s charges first—turning off data roaming alone does not prevent call or text charges.
Allow a few minutes for the eSIM to connect, then test it by opening a webpage with Wi-Fi turned off.
Remember: roaming may need to be ON for your travel eSIM, while your Canadian line should be OFF unless you intend to use it.
While travelling
Check your remaining data in the provider’s app.
Use Wi-Fi for large downloads, app updates and photo backups.
Download maps over Wi-Fi for use offline.
If the eSIM does not connect, check that it is selected for mobile data and review the provider’s roaming and network instructions. Restart your phone or contact the provider over Wi-Fi before deleting the eSIM.
When you return to Canada, turn your Canadian line back on, select it for mobile data and turn off the travel eSIM.
2. Downloading and setting up WhatsApp
WhatsApp lets you send messages, share photos and make voice or video calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data. You can continue using your usual Canadian number in WhatsApp, even when your internet connection comes from a travel eSIM. We use WhatsApp to share information while we are travelling.
Download the app before departure
Open the App Store on an iPhone or Google Play Store on an Android/Samsung phone.
Search for WhatsApp Messenger and tap Get or Install. Choose WhatsApp Messenger rather than WhatsApp Business.
Open the app and follow the setup prompts.
Select Canada (+1) and enter your regular mobile phone number.
Enter the verification code sent to your phone. Complete this step while your Canadian number can still receive texts or calls.
Add your name and, if you wish, a profile photo. Allow notifications so you can see incoming messages. Allow microphone and camera access if you want to make calls.
Join the trip group
When your trip organizer sends a WhatsApp group invitation link:
Open the link on the phone where WhatsApp is installed.
Send a brief hello so the organizer knows you are connected.
Members of a standard WhatsApp group can see one another’s phone numbers. Please keep other travellers’ contact information private.
Send messages and make calls
Send a message: Open WhatsApp, select a person or group, type your message and tap Send.
Share a photo: Tap the + or attachment icon and select your photo.
Make a voice call: Open a person’s chat and tap the phone icon.
Make a video call: Open a person’s chat and tap the video-camera icon.
Use the call buttons inside WhatsApp when you want an internet call. Calls made through your phone’s regular Phone app use your mobile carrier’s service.
WhatsApp works over Wi-Fi or your travel eSIM’s data connection. Video calls use more data than messages or voice calls. Keep WhatsApp registered to your Canadian number; you do not need to change it when you activate your travel eSIM.
3. Using a VPN While Travelling
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds a layer of privacy by encrypting the connection between your device and the VPN service. It can be useful when using shared Wi-Fi at hotels, airports and cafés. A VPN does not provide internet access: you still need Wi-Fi, an eSIM or a mobile travel plan.
Obtain and install a VPN before departure
Choose an established VPN provider. One example is Proton VPN, which offers free and paid options. Compare features, subscription costs and renewal terms before choosing. Visit the provider’s official website and follow its download links, or find its official app in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Tap Get or Install, open the app and follow the account setup instructions.
Allow the app to add a VPN configuration when your phone requests permission. This is part of the normal setup process.
Tap Connect, Quick Connect or the equivalent button. Wait until the app shows that the VPN is connected.
Open a webpage to test the connection before leaving home.
Use it during your trip
Connect to the hotel or airport Wi-Fi and complete any Wi-Fi sign-in page first. Then open your VPN app and connect.
Check that the app shows Connected before browsing.
If the connection is slow, try another server or the app’s automatic server selection.
If the VPN prevents a Wi-Fi sign-in page from opening, temporarily disconnect it, complete the sign-in and reconnect.
Continue to use trusted websites, strong passwords and two-step verification. A VPN does not protect you from scam links or make an unsafe website trustworthy.
Before-you-go checklist
☐ Check the costs and terms of the travel plan available from your existing phone plan.
☐ Confirm that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIMs.
☐ Purchase a travel eSIM and check its activation policy.
☐ Install it at the appropriate time and save the instructions.
☐ Download WhatsApp and verify your Canadian phone number.
☐ Join the trip’s WhatsApp group when invited.
☐ Send a test message or make a test WhatsApp call.
☐ Pack your charger and a portable power bank.
☐ Download and install your chosen VPN app.
☐ Sign in and test that it connects successfully.