Phones & SIMs
Best SIM for students from India (2026)
Which plan to pick, how much data you really need, and how to get your Canadian number before you leave home — in plain words.
Written by the Canadian Plans team
Plan advisors in Surrey, BC
Checked against carrier plan pages
October 2026
8 min read · Prices as of October 2026
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Student from India at airport arrivals, phone in hand
On this page
Quick answer
Most students from India do well with 75 to 100 GB of data a month. Order 1 to 3 weeks before your flight so your Canadian number is ready for your bank and college forms. Plans start at $35 a month (CAD, plus tax), and you don't need a Canadian credit history.
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Student from India at airport arrivals, phone in hand
What students really need
In your first month you’ll give your phone number to your bank, your college portal, landlords and part-time employers. That’s why the number matters more than the data on day one.
- A Canadian number before you fly
- 75–100 GB of data for maps, WhatsApp and video calls home
- International texting to India
- No Canadian credit history needed
- eSIM support, if your phone is unlocked
Compare student plans
Every plan includes 1,000 international minutes, and there’s nothing to pay upfront.
Fido
75 GB · Best for everyday use
★ Most popular
Rogers
100 GB · Best for video calls home
Rogers Canada + USA
120 GB · Best for heavy streaming and USA trips
USA roaming incl.
| Plan | Data | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fido | 75 GB | $35/mo | Everyday use |
| Rogers ★ | 100 GB | $40/mo | Video calls home |
| Rogers Canada + USA | 120 GB | $50/mo USA roaming incl. | Heavy streaming and USA trips |
Prices in CAD, before tax, as of October 2026. ★ Most popular with students.
Most students pick
Rogers · 100 GB$40/mo + taxRogers · 100 GB · $40/mo + tax
Is your phone eSIM-ready?
Pre-arrival plans are eSIM only — nothing to ship and nothing to wait for. Your phone needs to be unlocked and support eSIM; most recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models do. Here’s how to check.
iPhone
Settings → General → About → look for “EID” or “Digital SIM”.
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Screenshot: iPhone Settings › General › About, with the EID row highlighted
Android
Settings → Connections → SIM manager → look for “Add eSIM”.
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Screenshot: Android Settings › SIM manager, with “Add eSIM” highlighted
How to order from India
Pick your plan on our pre-arrival page.
Add your arrival date and city. An advisor asks for documents only if needed.
An advisor calls or emails you to confirm. You don’t pay anything online.
Land, switch on, and you’re online before baggage claim.
Keep your Indian SIM active on a cheap plan — Indian banks and UPI still send OTPs to it.
FAQ
Can I open a Canadian bank account with a pre-arrival number?
Yes — most banks only need a Canadian number to send you a verification code. Your pre-arrival number works for this before you land.
Do I need a SIN to get a phone plan?
No. To order you need your passport, your study permit or letter of introduction, your arrival date and city, and an email address.
Can I switch plans after I arrive?
Yes. You can change your plan after the first month if you use more or less data than expected.
Will my Indian phone work in Canada?
It will if your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. Check the phone settings or send us the model before ordering.
What ID do I need to order?
Your Indian passport and your study permit, letter of introduction, visa or COPR. A clear photo or PDF of each is enough.
When do I pay?
Nothing is paid online. Once your number is active, your first bill comes from Rogers or Fido, and an advisor walks you through the date before anything is billed.
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Sources: Rogers, Fido and Chatr plan pages, checked 5 October 2026.
