US–Canada West Coast Road Trip: Seattle–Vancouver–Banff–Calgary

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US–Canada West Coast Road Trip: Seattl...

US–Canada West Coast Road Trip: Seattle–Vancouver–Banff–Calgary

30 Oct 2025

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US–Canada West Coast Road Trip: Seattle–Vancouver–Banff–Calgary

This us canada road trip itinerary stitches together Pacific city vibes, alpine highways and big-mountain national parks in one neat arc from Seattle to Vancouver, then inland to Banff and Calgary. Expect three border environments in a single trip: urban 5G cores, forested highways with spotty service, and mountain passes where your phone will drop to “No Service” between towns. The key to a stress-free drive is planning your connectivity as carefully as your fuel stops: set up a cross‑border eSIM before you start, know when to toggle roaming, and configure a reliable in‑car hotspot so everyone stays connected even when one phone loses signal. Below you’ll find a practical route, realistic drive times, the best windows to go, and hands‑on telecom tips (including mountain coverage workarounds) tailored to this exact corridor. If you’re travelling as a pair, family, or convoy, we’ve added steps and checklists to make hand‑offs at the border and in the Rockies simple.

Who this itinerary suits and when to go

  • Best for: First‑time visitors, photographers, hikers, road‑trippers who want cities + mountains without backtracking.
  • Ideal season: Late May to early October for clear roads and long daylight. Winter is beautiful but brings snow/ice and intermittent closures; confirm vehicle/tyre requirements in WA/BC/AB.
  • Pace: 7–12 days. Add nights in Vancouver and Banff if hiking or detouring to Whistler or the Icefields Parkway.

Connectivity snapshot: - Cities (Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary): fast 5G is common. - Main corridors (I‑5, Hwy 1/5, Trans‑Canada): mostly LTE/5G with brief dead zones. - Parks and passes (Yoho/Banff, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse): service is sparse; plan for offline maps.

For SIM options by country, browse Destinations.

Route at a glance (7–12 days)

1) Seattle (1–2 nights) - Explore: Pike Place, Ballard, ferry to Bainbridge. - Connectivity: Set up your plan before you land. If you’re starting stateside, a local Esim United States plan works well for day one. - Drive to Vancouver: 230 km / 145 miles (2.5–3.5 hrs). Add time for the Peace Arch border.

2) Vancouver (2–3 nights) - Explore: Stanley Park seawall, Granville Island, North Shore hikes. - Connectivity: If you want seamless data across the border without SIM swapping, activate Esim North America before you leave Seattle. It covers both the US and Canada and handles the hand‑off on arrival.

3) Optional detour: Sea‑to‑Sky to Whistler (add 1 night) - Drive: Vancouver to Whistler 120 km / 75 miles (1.5–2 hrs). Stunning views; spotty stretches near Britannia and between bays. - Return to Vancouver or continue inland via Highway 99/97 to rejoin the Trans‑Canada (adds time).

4) Vancouver to Kamloops or Salmon Arm (1 night) - Drive: 350–470 km / 220–290 miles (3.5–5.5 hrs) via Hwy 1 or Coquihalla (Hwy 5). - Tip: Coquihalla is faster but higher elevation; Hwy 1 is scenic through Hope and the Fraser Canyon.

5) Kamloops/Salmon Arm to Lake Louise/Banff (2–3 nights) - Drive: 420–500 km / 260–310 miles (4.5–6 hrs). - Explore: Lake Louise early morning, Moraine Lake shuttle, Banff Avenue, Bow Valley Parkway.

6) Banff to Calgary (1 night or fly out) - Drive: 125 km / 78 miles (1.25–1.75 hrs). - Explore: Inglewood eateries, Peace Bridge, National Music Centre. - Fly out of YYC or return car.

Planning more regions later in the year? Check our regional eSIMs for Europe, including Esim Western Europe, Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain.

Connectivity that “just works” across the border

The simplest choice: one plan for both countries

  • Use Esim North America to cover the US and Canada in a single profile. It removes border‑day SIM swaps and auto‑selects partner networks on both sides.
  • If you’ve already purchased a Esim United States plan for earlier legs, you can keep it active in Seattle and switch to a North America plan the night before you cross.

Pro tip: - Download and install your eSIM over Wi‑Fi before you travel. Most eSIM QR codes expire once scanned; install but keep mobile data “off” until you need it.

Roaming toggles and network selection: exactly what to tap

Crossing USA → Canada (Peace Arch or Pacific Highway): 1) Before you reach the border, open your phone’s mobile settings. 2) iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service > tap your North America eSIM > turn on Data Roaming. Android (Pixel/Samsung): Settings > Network & Internet / Connections > SIMs > toggle Roaming on for the eSIM. 3) Turn on Automatic network selection. 4) After you enter Canada, wait up to 2 minutes. Your status bar should show a Canadian partner network and data will resume.

Crossing Canada → USA (Banff/Calgary to Seattle return): 1) Keep Data Roaming on for the North America plan. 2) Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds then off after crossing; your device will reacquire a US network faster. 3) If signal sticks, manually select a network, then switch back to Automatic.

Avoid bill shock: - If you carry a physical SIM from home, set it to “Data Off/No Roaming” for the entire trip. Use only your eSIM for data.

Mountain coverage: what to expect and how to beat dead zones

  • Expect “no service” pockets along the Coquihalla, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and between Lake Louise and Banff on backroads.
  • Multi‑carrier coverage helps: North America plans typically roam onto major networks in both countries, improving your odds of signal at the edge of coverage.
  • In parks, even the best network can’t fill every valley. Rely on offline maps and downloaded media. Don’t plan critical uploads in the mountains; batch them for towns (Revelstoke, Golden, Canmore).

Practical workarounds: - Download Google Maps offline areas for WA, Lower Mainland BC, and Banff/Yoho. - Pre‑cache AllTrails routes, and take screenshots of shuttle times. - Queue photo backups for hotel Wi‑Fi to save data.

Set up a reliable car hotspot

Option A: Use your phone’s hotspot 1) Name your hotspot uniquely (avoid “iPhone”/“Galaxy”) and set a strong password. 2) Enable “Maximise Compatibility” (iOS) or 2.4 GHz sharing if other devices struggle to connect. 3) Plug your phone into the car’s USB to avoid battery drain; hotspots use more power than normal browsing. 4) Keep the hotspot device by a window for better signal; your passengers can tether to it.

Option B: Dedicated LTE router in the car 1) Insert an eSIM‑capable router or MiFi with your North America plan. 2) Mount it high on the window or dash; consider a small external antenna for mountainous stretches. 3) Share the SSID with travel companions so navigation, music and laptops connect automatically.

For families and small teams travelling in convoy, centralising connectivity through one plan can save money and admin; see For Business for pooled data options.

Practicalities: border, rentals, navigation and park passes

  • Border documents: Carry passport and, if driving a rental, the rental agreement. Allow extra time at weekends and holidays; Peace Arch queues can add 30–90 minutes.
  • Car rental across the border: Confirm US–Canada travel is permitted and add the free cross‑border note to your contract. Ensure roadside assistance covers both countries.
  • Fuel and charging: Fuel is readily available on main routes; in remote stretches, top up by half‑tank. EVs can complete this route but plan fast‑charging stops (Vancouver, Hope, Merritt, Kamloops, Golden, Canmore, Calgary).
  • Tolls: Seattle has selective toll facilities; Vancouver and Trans‑Canada segments on this route are toll‑free. No toll roads inside Banff, but you must display a valid Parks Canada pass when in the park.
  • Navigation: Use a blend—online maps in cities and offline maps in parks. Save hotel addresses and emergency contacts to your notes app.
  • Money: Tap‑to‑pay is universal in both countries. Dynamic currency conversion can be poor value; opt to pay in local currency.

If you’re a hotel, rental, or tour operator along this corridor and want to offer travellers pre‑loaded eSIMs or in‑car Wi‑Fi, our Partner Hub has integration options.

Day‑by‑day: a practical us canada road trip itinerary

Day 1–2: Seattle - Morning: Pike Place, waterfront loop. - Afternoon: Kerry Park viewpoint, Fremont/Wallingford. - Evening: Catch sunset at Alki Beach; pre‑install your eSIM and test hotspot on hotel Wi‑Fi. - Connectivity check: Verify your Esim United States or Esim North America plan, enable hotspot, download offline maps for WA and BC.

Day 3–5: Vancouver - Morning: Cycle Stanley Park seawall. - Afternoon: Capilano or Lynn Canyon; book timed entries if needed. - Evening: Sunset at Kitsilano or English Bay. - Connectivity check: Before border day, toggle roaming on (see steps above). In Vancouver, expect strong 5G—good time for backups and app updates.

Day 6: Vancouver to Kamloops/Salmon Arm - Stop: Hope for coffee, Bridal Veil Falls short walk. - Note: Expect patchy service on the Coquihalla; let travel companions know you may be offline for stretches. Keep the hotspot phone by the window.

Day 7–9: Lake Louise & Banff - Early start: Lake Louise before 7am to secure parking or shuttle. - Midday: Moraine Lake via official shuttle; offline tickets/screenshots help when coverage drops. - Evening: Banff town, Bow Falls, Vermilion Lakes. - Connectivity check: Download next‑day trail maps the night before. Signal improves around Lake Louise village and Canmore.

Day 10–11: Calgary - Morning: Check out from Banff, stop at Canmore for coffee. - Afternoon: Calgary sights (East Village Riverwalk, Studio Bell). - Departure: YYC has good airport Wi‑Fi; top up or extend your eSIM if returning via the US.

Budget and time‑saving tips

  • Travel shoulder season (June or September) for easier parking in Banff and lower rates.
  • Combine city groceries with park days; food costs rise in resort towns.
  • Book accommodations with parking included in Seattle and Vancouver to avoid daily fees.
  • Data plan sizing: Expect 1–2 GB/day if you stream maps, social, and music. With a hotspot for multiple devices, budget 3–5 GB/day. Download playlists and maps on Wi‑Fi to cut this in half.

Pre‑trip checklist

Documents and vehicle - Passport, driving licence, rental agreement with cross‑border permission. - Parks Canada pass (buy online to save time). - Tyre and weather check for mountain passes in season.

Connectivity - Install Esim North America and test on Wi‑Fi. - Set home SIM to “data off” for the trip. - Download offline maps for WA, BC, and Banff/Yoho. - Name and secure your hotspot SSID/password.

Safety and comfort - Power: 12V adaptor, cables for each device, portable battery. - Essentials: Water, snacks, paper map backup, basic first‑aid, headlamp. - Winter add‑ons: Warm layers, scraper, gloves, blanket.

FAQ

1) Do I need separate eSIMs for the USA and Canada? - No. For this route, a single Esim North America plan is the simplest option. If you already have a Esim United States plan, you can switch to a North America plan for Canada days.

2) Will I have data in the mountains? - Expect gaps. Major highways have good LTE/5G, but parks and passes have dead zones. Use multi‑network eSIMs, keep roaming on, and rely on offline maps between towns.

3) How do I avoid roaming charges on my home SIM? - Turn off Mobile Data and Data Roaming on your physical/home SIM, and use only your eSIM for data. Keep your home SIM enabled for calls/texts if needed, but ensure mobile data is off.

4) Can I work remotely on this trip? - In cities: yes, speeds are excellent. On the road and in parks: schedule around patchy coverage. Use a car hotspot and batch uploads in Vancouver, Kamloops, Canmore, and Calgary. Teams should consider shared data via For Business.

5) What data speed should I expect? - Cities: 100–500+ Mbps on 5G. Highways: 10–100 Mbps on LTE/5G. Mountains: variable, sometimes none. Plan critical calls for town stops.

6) I’m continuing to Europe after Calgary—what’s the easiest SIM plan? - For multi‑country coverage, see Esim Western Europe, or country plans like Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain. Browse all options by region on Destinations.

Next step: Set up seamless coverage before you go. Grab your cross‑border plan here: Esim North America.

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Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Planning a south america itinerary 3 weeks through the high Andes? This route stitches together Peru’s Sacred Valley, Bolivia’s La Paz and Salar de Uyuni, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and northern Argentina’s quebradas or Mendoza wine country—often by long-distance bus and a couple of short flights. Connectivity is different at altitude: coverage is strong in cities but drops in high passes and salt flats; bus Wi‑Fi is patchy; border towns can be blackspots. The smart move is an eSIM with multi‑country coverage, backed by offline maps, offline translations, and a simple routine for crossing borders by bus without losing service. Below you’ll find a practical, connectivity-first itinerary; checklists to prep your phone, apps and documents; and on-the-ground tips for staying online where it matters: booking transport, hailing taxis, backing up photos, and navigating when the signal disappears.If you’re transiting via Europe or North America, you can also add a layover eSIM to stay connected door-to-door. Start with our country list on Destinations, then follow the steps, and you won’t waste time chasing SIM shops at 3,500 metres.The 3‑week Andes route at a glanceWeek 1: Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) - Fly into Cusco (or Lima then connect). - Base in Cusco; day trips to Pisac/Chinchero/Maras–Moray. - Train to Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu visit; return to Cusco or continue to Puno/Lake Titicaca.Week 2: Bolivia and Chile (La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama) - Bus/collectivo via Copacabana to La Paz. - Fly or overnight bus to Uyuni. - 3‑day Uyuni–altiplano tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).Week 3: Chile and Argentina (Atacama to Salta or Mendoza/Buenos Aires) - Choose: - North: San Pedro to Salta/Jujuy by bus; fly to Buenos Aires. - Or South: San Pedro–Calama flight to Santiago; bus or flight to Mendoza; onward to Buenos Aires.Connectivity notes (quick): - Cities: generally strong 4G/4G+; 5G in major hubs (Santiago, Buenos Aires). - Altitude/rural: expect long no‑signal stretches (Uyuni, altiplano passes, Paso Jama). - Bus Wi‑Fi: often advertised, rarely reliable. Plan to be offline onboard. - Border regions: networks switch; a multi‑country eSIM avoids sudden loss.eSIM vs local SIMs for a 4‑country tripFor a route with multiple borders and remote legs, eSIM wins on time and reliability.What a multi‑country eSIM gets you: - One plan across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina (check coverage per country on Destinations). - No passport/SIM registration queues at kiosks. - Keep your home number active on the physical SIM for calls/SMS codes. - Instant top‑ups if you burn data on photos or navigation.When a local SIM still helps: - Long stay in one country with heavy data use (e.g., a month in Buenos Aires). - Dead zones where a different local network performs better (rarely worth the hassle on a 3‑week pace).Practical approach: - Use an eSIM as your primary data line across all four countries. - If you find a specific local network far better in one region, add a cheap local SIM and keep the eSIM as backup.Device readiness checklist (before you fly)1) Check eSIM compatibility and SIM‑lock status on your phone.2) Buy and install your eSIM while on home Wi‑Fi. Keep a PDF/printed copy of the QR code.3) Label lines clearly (e.g., “eSIM Andes Data”, “Home SIM”).4) Turn on data roaming for the eSIM; leave roaming off for your home SIM to avoid charges.5) Set up dual‑SIM rules: data on eSIM; calls/SMS default to home SIM if needed.6) Download offline: Google Maps/Organic Maps for all target regions; language packs (Spanish at minimum); bus/air tickets; hotel confirmations.7) Cloud backups: set to upload on Wi‑Fi only; pre‑create shared albums for travel companions.8) Test tethering/hotspot with your laptop/tablet.If you’re transiting popular hubs, consider a short layover eSIM: - USA connections: add an Esim United States or a broader Esim North America.- Europe connections: Madrid/Barcelona? Use an Esim Spain. Paris or Rome? See Esim France and Esim Italy. Multi‑country layovers? Try Esim Western Europe.City‑by‑city connectivity notesCusco & the Sacred Valley (Peru)Coverage: Good in Cusco city; variable in high villages (Maras/Moray) and along Inca Trail approaches.Tips: Download Sacred Valley maps offline; pin viewpoints and ruins. most taxis use WhatsApp—save your accommodation’s number.Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes: Patchy to none at the citadel. Upload your photos later; don’t rely on live ticket retrieval.Lake Titicaca: Puno and CopacabanaPuno: Reasonable 4G; bus terminals crowded—screenshot QR tickets.Crossing to Copacabana: Expect a signal drop around the border; have directions saved offline.La Paz (Bolivia)Good urban 4G; the cable car network has decent signal but tunnels do not.Yungas/“Death Road” tours: Mountain valleys cause dead zones—share your emergency contacts with the operator, carry a charged power bank, and don’t plan remote calls.Uyuni and the Altiplano (Bolivia to Chile)Uyuni town: OK 4G; ATMs finicky—use Wi‑Fi for banking apps.Salt flats/lagunas: Assume offline for most of the 3‑day tour. Guides often carry satellite phones; agree a pickup time/place in San Pedro and preload your map route.San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)Town: Solid 4G; accommodations often have Wi‑Fi but speeds vary.Geysers, Valle de la Luna: Offline navigation essential; sunrise trips start before mobile networks wake up in some areas.Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza/Buenos Aires (Argentina)Salta/Jujuy: Good city coverage; quebradas have long no‑signal sections.Mendoza: City 4G/5G; vineyards outside town can be patchy.Buenos Aires: Strong 4G/5G; ideal for cloud backups and large downloads before you fly home.Border crossings by bus: step‑by‑stepThe big ones on this route: Peru–Bolivia (Puno/Copacabana), Bolivia–Chile (Uyuni–San Pedro via Hito Cajón), Chile–Argentina (Paso Jama to Salta or Los Libertadores to Mendoza).How to keep service and sanity:1) The day before:- Top up your eSIM data.- Confirm your plan includes both countries you’re entering/leaving.- Download offline maps for both sides of the border and your town of arrival.- Save bus company WhatsApp and terminal address offline.2) On departure morning:- Keep a paper copy or offline PDF of tickets, insurance, and accommodation proof.- Charge phone and power bank; pack a short cable in your daypack.3) On the bus:- Don’t count on bus Wi‑Fi. Keep your eSIM as primary, but expect drops near mountain passes.- If your phone supports it, enable “Wi‑Fi calling” for later when you reach accommodation Wi‑Fi.4) At the border posts:- Data may be unavailable. Keep QR codes and booking numbers offline.- After exiting one country and entering the next, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to re‑register on the new network.- If the eSIM doesn’t attach, manually select a network in Mobile Settings.5) Arrival:- Send your accommodation a quick WhatsApp when you’re back online.- Recheck your eSIM’s data roaming is on; confirm you’re on an in‑country network, not a weak roaming partner.Pro tips: - Dual profiles: If your eSIM allows, keep a secondary profile for a different network in the same country—helpful in border towns.- Cash buffer: Some border terminals don’t accept cards; download a currency converter for offline use.Offline survival kit (5‑minute setup)Maps: Download regions for Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro, Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.Translations: Download Spanish for offline use; add phrasebook favourites (bus tickets, directions, dietary needs).Documents: Save PDFs of passports, tickets, hotel addresses; star them for quick access.Rides: Screenshots of pickup points; pin bus terminals and hotel doors.Entertainment: Podcasts and playlists for long bus legs, set to download on Wi‑Fi only.Altitude and your tech: what changesCoverage gaps lengthen: Fewer towers at high altitude; valleys can block signal. Assume offline on remote excursions.Batteries drain faster in cold: Keep your phone warm and carry a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).Hotel Wi‑Fi may be congested: Schedule big uploads (photo backups, app updates) for big-city stays like Santiago or Buenos Aires.GPS still works offline: Your blue dot shows on offline maps without data—preload everything.Data budgeting for 3 weeksTypical traveller usage across this route: - Messaging/Maps/Bookings: 0.2–0.5 GB/day- Social and photo sharing: 0.3–0.7 GB/day- Occasional video calls/streaming: 0.5–1.0 GB/dayFor a mixed-use trip, plan 15–25 GB for 3 weeks. Heavy creators should double it and upload over hotel Wi‑Fi when possible. If you work remotely, consider a higher‑capacity plan and a backup eSIM; see our guidance on For Business.Practical route with transport and connectivity cuesDays 1–4 Cusco base: Strong city signal; day trips may be spotty—go offline-ready.Days 5–6 Machu Picchu: Expect no service at the ruins; sync tickets ahead.Days 7–8 Puno to La Paz via Copacabana: Border signal drop; re‑register networks after crossing.Days 9–11 Uyuni tour to San Pedro: Treat as offline; charge nightly; carry spare cables.Days 12–14 San Pedro: Stable in town; tours offline; top up data before Paso Jama.Days 15–17 Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza: Good urban 4G; rural patches are offline.Days 18–21 Buenos Aires: Strongest connectivity of the trip; clear your uploads and map downloads for the flight home.Partnering and stopover extrasHospitality and tour operators in the Andes: help your guests stay connected—explore co‑branded solutions via our Partner Hub.Transatlantic flyers: test your eSIM setup on a layover with an Esim United States or Esim Western Europe before hitting high-altitude blackspots.FAQs1) Do I need a local SIM in each country?No. A multi‑country eSIM covering Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is simpler and works well for a 3‑week pace. Consider a local SIM only if you’ll spend longer in one country and want the absolute best regional coverage.2) Will my WhatsApp number change with an eSIM?No. WhatsApp is tied to your registered number, not your data line. Keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS (roaming off if you wish), and use the eSIM for data—WhatsApp continues as normal.3) Can I hotspot to my laptop or camera?Yes. Enable tethering on your eSIM. Mind your data: cloud backups and OS updates can burn gigabytes—set them to Wi‑Fi only or schedule in big cities.4) What if there’s no signal on the Uyuni/Atacama legs?That’s expected. GPS still works offline. Pre-download maps and translations, carry a power bank, and sync plans with your tour operator before departure.5) Will I get roaming charges at borders?If you’re using a multi‑country eSIM with coverage in both countries, you won’t incur extra roaming fees from your home carrier. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid accidental use.6) I’m connecting via Europe or the US—worth getting a layover eSIM?Yes. It’s an easy way to test your setup and stay reachable. Try Esim North America or country options like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy for common hubs.Next step: Browse South America coverage options and build your plan on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025
Canada eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Coverage, Roaming, Speeds

Canada eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Coverage, Roaming, Speeds

Travelling to Canada in 2025 and want fast, reliable data without the roaming bill? An eSIM is the simplest way to get online as soon as you land in Toronto, Montréal or Vancouver. This guide explains how eSIM works in Canada, which networks and cities deliver the best speeds, how to set up at the airport (YYZ/YVR), and what to expect on coverage outside the big cities. You’ll also find checklists, troubleshooting tips, and options if you’re crossing into the United States or touring Europe on the same trip.Canada’s mobile networks are modern and extensive, with widespread 5G in and around major cities and strong LTE fallback almost everywhere people live. For most visitors, a prepaid data-only eSIM delivers the best value and flexibility. Keep your home SIM for calls/2FA, and let your Canada eSIM handle data and hotspot. Read on for a traveller-first, no-nonsense overview of eSIM Canada in 2025.Why use an eSIM in Canada in 2025Instant connectivity on arrival (no queues, no plastic SIM).Better value than most home roaming packages.Dual-SIM convenience: keep your number active for calls/SMS, run travel data on eSIM.Hotspot/tethering support for laptops and tablets.Easy top-ups and plan changes during your trip.If your itinerary includes the USA or Mexico, consider a regional plan such as Esim North America. For multi-country planning elsewhere, browse Destinations.Canada networks, coverage and where speeds are bestThe “Big Three” carriersRogersBellTelusAll three operate dense 5G in major metros with extensive LTE beyond. Bell and Telus share infrastructure across much of the country; performance is often similar in the same location. Expect strong indoor coverage in cities; rural and remote areas rely mostly on LTE and may have spotty service between towns or in national parks.City speed snapshots (typical experience)Real-world speeds vary by device, plan, network load and location. As a rule of thumb in 2025:Toronto (YYZ area): 5G typically 150–400 Mbps down / 15–50 Mbps up; peaks >1 Gbps possible outdoors on mid‑band. Latency ~20–35 ms.Montréal (YUL area): 5G typically 120–350 Mbps / 10–40 Mbps; strong coverage on island and key suburbs. Latency ~20–40 ms.Vancouver (YVR area): 5G typically 140–380 Mbps / 10–45 Mbps; robust downtown and North Shore. Latency ~20–35 ms.Indoors, on subways, in stadiums or at festivals, speeds may dip during busy periods. LTE fallback remains very usable (often 30–100 Mbps down in cities).Outside citiesHighways and small towns: good LTE, occasional 5G in larger hubs.National parks and remote routes: expect patchy coverage and LTE only; download offline maps in advance.What plan type do you need?Canada-only eSIM: best for trips that stay within Canada and want maximum local data value.North America eSIM: good if you’ll cross into the USA (Niagara Falls, Seattle/Vancouver corridor, Montréal–Vermont) or continue to Mexico. See Esim North America.USA side-trip: if you only need US service for a few days, a separate Esim United States can be more cost‑effective.Continuing to Europe after Canada? Regional and country plans include Esim Western Europe, Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain. For company trips, centralised billing and team controls are available via For Business. Agencies and resellers can explore the Partner Hub.Step-by-step: Set up your eSIM CanadaBefore you flyCheck device compatibility- iPhone XS/XR or newer, most Google Pixel 3+ and Samsung Galaxy S20+ support eSIM. Dual eSIM is standard on current flagships.- Ensure your phone is unlocked.Choose your plan- Pick Canada-only for best value, or Esim North America if crossing borders.Install the eSIM profile- Follow the QR code or in‑app instructions. Installation ≠ activation; most plans auto‑activate on first connection in Canada or on the plan’s start date.Label and set defaults- Name the line “Canada eSIM”. Set it as “Mobile Data”. Keep your physical SIM as “Primary” for calls/SMS if needed.Enable data roaming on the eSIM line- Required to allow access to partner networks.Prepare offline essentials- Download Google/Apple Maps for your cities, airline apps, transit apps, and any tickets/passes.Pro tips: - Turn on Wi‑Fi Calling for your home line to receive calls over data without roaming. - Add your eSIM to a second device (if supported by plan) or carry a download copy of the QR as backup.On arrival at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR)Disable Airplane Mode but keep Mobile Data off momentarily.Connect to free airport Wi‑Fi (follow airport prompts).Turn on your “Canada eSIM” line for Mobile Data and ensure Data Roaming is ON.Set Network Selection to Automatic; 5G ON (if supported).Toggle Mobile Data ON and wait ~30–60 seconds for registration.If no data after a minute:- Toggle Airplane Mode ON/OFF; or restart the phone.- Confirm the APN auto-filled (usually automatic).Run a quick speed test and map load to confirm all is working.Keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS, but ensure the data line is your eSIM.Real-world performance and expectationsIn Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver you can expect fast 5G for streaming, video calls and hotspotting. UHD streaming is fine but consider data use (7–12 GB per hour).On trains and highways, speeds can fluctuate with cell handoffs and terrain; video calls usually hold on LTE but drop quality if congestion is high.Stadiums, conventions and festivals can saturate cells; plan ahead (offline tickets, maps). Early mornings and late evenings are less congested.Latency for common tasks: - Web and messaging: responsive at 20–50 ms. - Video calls: stable at 30–80 ms (prefer 720p/1080p to conserve data). - Gaming on the go: playable for casual titles; competitive gaming varies by location.Tethering and working on the roadHotspot/tethering: supported on mainstream devices and plans. Ideal for laptops and tablets.Remote work: VPN, Slack/Teams, cloud sync all work smoothly on 5G/LTE; expect 2–5 GB/day for typical office workloads with calls.Battery: 5G and hotspot drain faster. Carry a power bank if you’re navigating all day.Troubleshooting quick fixesIf you can’t get online: - Check the right line is set for Mobile Data and Data Roaming is ON (for the eSIM, not your home SIM). - Toggle Airplane Mode or reboot the device. - Switch Network Selection to Automatic; if still no joy, try manual selection of another available network. - Ensure 5G is enabled; if unstable, force LTE/4G temporarily. - Confirm APN auto-configured; if not, re‑install the eSIM profile from your QR or app. - Reset Network Settings as a last resort (this removes saved Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth). - Verify you haven’t hit a plan data cap or device data limit.Costs, usage and ways to save dataStreaming: lower video quality to 480p/720p on mobile data.Maps: download offline areas; live traffic works with minimal data once maps are cached.Social apps: disable auto‑play for videos and stories.Cloud: pause photo auto‑upload on mobile data; allow on Wi‑Fi only.Hotspot: set OS updates and large downloads to Wi‑Fi only.Avoid bill shock: don’t enable data on your home SIM abroad unless you intend to roam.Alternatives: physical SIM or airport countersAirport kiosks and high-street shops sell physical SIMs, but: - Prices are often higher than prepaid eSIMs. - You’ll queue, show ID, and spend time configuring APN. - Some counters keep shorter hours or have limited language support.An eSIM installed before fly day gives you one less task on arrival.Useful links for multi-country tripsBrowse all regions: DestinationsUSA-only side trips: Esim United StatesCross-border coverage: Esim North AmericaEurope add-ons: Esim Western Europe, Esim France, Esim Italy, Esim SpainTeams and corporate travel: For BusinessResellers/affiliates: Partner HubFAQ: eSIM Canada1) Will my phone work with eSIM in Canada?Most recent iPhones (XS/XR or newer), Google Pixels (3 or newer), and Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Flip/Fold from 2020 onward support eSIM. Your device must be unlocked. Check your model’s eSIM support in Settings before purchase.2) Do Canada eSIMs include voice minutes and SMS?Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Use apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Skype) for calls and messages. You can keep your physical SIM active for receiving calls/SMS from banks and contacts.3) What speeds should I expect?In Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver, typical 5G download speeds range from roughly 120–400 Mbps with peaks higher outdoors. LTE is widely available and fast enough for browsing, maps, and video calls. Speeds vary by network, device, signal strength and congestion.4) Will I have coverage in national parks and remote areas?Major highways and towns have LTE. Remote roads and some park areas can be patchy or have no service. Download offline maps and key info before you head out.5) Can I use my eSIM in the United States too?Only if your plan includes the US. Choose a regional plan like Esim North America for cross-border trips, or add a separate Esim United States for a US side-trip.6) Can I hotspot my laptop from an eSIM?Yes—tethering/hotspot is supported on mainstream devices and plans. It consumes more data; monitor usage if you’re doing video calls or large downloads.Next step: Choose a Canada-ready regional plan and be online when you land. Start with Esim North America.

31 Oct 2025
Mexico City Speed Test: MEX Airport, Polanco, Centro Histórico

Mexico City Speed Test: MEX Airport, Polanco, Centro Histórico

Mexico City is sprawling, vertical, and dense. Steel-framed malls, packed indoor markets, and long concourses at MEX can make mobile performance swing wildly even within a few metres. This mexico city mobile speed test focuses on three places most travellers hit in a 48-hour window: MEX International Airport (both terminals), Polanco’s outdoor/indoor mix, and the Centro Histórico including covered markets. We ran multiple passes at different times of day and captured latency, download, and upload to create an open, copyable CSV dataset you can use in your own planning.Headlines: Telcel’s 5G footprint gave the most consistent top-end performance in Polanco and the Zócalo area. AT&T offered usable—sometimes very good—speeds but fell back to LTE more often indoors. Movistar tended to lag outdoors and struggled most in metal-roofed markets. Inside the markets, all networks dropped sharply; positioning yourself near entrances or skylights frequently doubled speeds.Before you book a plan, scan our quick location-by-location notes and the step-by-step checklist below. If you’re combining Mexico with the US or Canada, consider a regional option like Esim North America. For onward Europe travel, compare Esim Spain, Esim France, Esim Italy, or Esim Western Europe. See all countries on Destinations.At-a-glance resultsTelcel 5G led in open-air Polanco and around the Zócalo: median 180–260 Mbps down, 25–45 Mbps up.AT&T 5G was present in pockets; when on LTE, expect 20–60 Mbps down, 8–20 Mbps up.Movistar generally 4G LTE in these areas: 8–40 Mbps down, 2–12 Mbps up.Indoors with heavy metal roofing (markets), all carriers dropped below 15 Mbps; Telcel held a small edge.MEX Airport: usable but congested; 10–40 Mbps down typical at peak times.Methodology and scopePeriod: Multiple runs over two weekdays and a weekend day, morning to late evening.Devices: iPhone 15 Pro and Pixel 8 (to smooth out device/radio differences). Dual-SIM when possible; independent runs per SIM.Apps: Ookla Speedtest primary; cross-checked with Fast.com for throughput sanity checks.Metrics: Download, upload (Mbps), latency (ms), radio tech reported by device (5G NSA or LTE).Locations: MEX T1/T2 public landside areas; Polanco (open avenues, parks, and inside Antara/Palacio de Hierro); Centro Histórico (Zócalo area, Alameda, indoor markets).Notes: Results are snapshots, not guarantees. Building materials, crowd density, handset bands, and roaming partners can alter outcomes. Carriers tested: Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar.For context on other countries and bundles, browse Destinations. If you’re coordinating teams, our solutions on For Business may help.Results by locationMEX Airport (Terminals 1 and 2)Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall: Congested. LTE common for AT&T/Movistar; Telcel 5G present but variable. Expect 10–35 Mbps down during peak arrivals; late evenings improve slightly.Terminal 2 Food Court and check-in: Better line-of-sight gives Telcel 5G an advantage (often 80–150 Mbps). AT&T LTE in the 20–40 Mbps range; Movistar 10–20 Mbps.Gates and corridors: Performance fluctuates as you move between glass façades and deep interior sections. Step closer to windows for a quick lift.Practical takeaway: Sync maps and offline media on Wi‑Fi before boarding. If your work depends on uploads, avoid relying on the gate area at peak times.Polanco (avenues, parks, and malls)Outdoors (Ejército Nacional, Parque Lincoln): Telcel 5G excelled, commonly 200–350 Mbps down with sub‑25 ms latency. AT&T’s 5G cells offered 120–200 Mbps where available, otherwise LTE around 40–80 Mbps. Movistar LTE acceptable for navigation and social but rarely above 50 Mbps.Inside Antara/Palacio de Hierro: Speeds dropped but stayed serviceable. Telcel 5G often persisted (120–220 Mbps). AT&T sometimes fell to LTE (20–60 Mbps). Movistar often in low double digits.Practical takeaway: For heavy tasks (video calls, large downloads), step outdoors or near mall atriums.Centro Histórico (Zócalo, Alameda, side streets)Outdoors: Telcel 5G solid around the Zócalo and Alameda (150–260 Mbps). AT&T mixed—some 5G pockets; LTE generally 30–70 Mbps. Movistar LTE 15–40 Mbps, occasional dips in narrow streets.Indoors (cafés, stone buildings): Attenuation is significant. Even Telcel 5G can drop to LTE or lose capacity in deep interiors.Practical takeaway: Position near windows for calls. Pre‑download ride‑hailing and translation packs.Indoor markets: Mercado de San Juan and La CiudadelaMetal roofing, dense stalls, and reflective surfaces punish high frequencies. Expect the biggest decline here.Mercado de San Juan: Telcel often fell back to LTE with single‑digit uploads. AT&T/Movistar could dip below 10 Mbps total throughput.La Ciudadela: Slightly better near entrances and central corridors; speeds still modest.Practical takeaway: If you plan to pay or message vendors, move towards entrances or courtyards. Enable offline payments or carry a small cash cushion.The dataset (open CSV)Copy and paste the CSV below into your own sheet or code workflow. All speeds in Mbps; latency in ms; local time (CDT). Indoor=Y/N indicates deep indoor spot versus outdoor/semi‑open.Columns: timestamp,location,spot,carrier,radio,latency_ms,download_mbps,upload_mbps,indoor,notes2025-04-12 08:35,MEX T1,Arrivals Hall,Telcel,5G,28,95,18,Y,Peak arrivals2025-04-12 08:42,MEX T1,Arrivals Hall,AT&T,LTE,41,22,9,Y,Congested2025-04-12 08:47,MEX T1,Arrivals Hall,Movistar,LTE,55,12,5,Y,Roaming variance2025-04-12 12:10,MEX T2,Food Court,Telcel,5G,24,142,25,N,Clear sightlines2025-04-12 12:16,MEX T2,Food Court,AT&T,LTE,36,35,12,N,Midday2025-04-12 12:21,MEX T2,Food Court,Movistar,LTE,48,15,6,N,Midday2025-04-13 10:05,Polanco,Parque Lincoln,Telcel,5G,18,327,45,N,Sunny open area2025-04-13 10:10,Polanco,Parque Lincoln,AT&T,5G,24,183,35,N,Stable2025-04-13 10:15,Polanco,Parque Lincoln,Movistar,LTE,39,38,12,N,Consistent2025-04-13 16:30,Polanco,Antara (indoors),Telcel,5G,22,212,30,Y,Mall atrium2025-04-13 16:35,Polanco,Antara (indoors),AT&T,LTE,34,57,18,Y,Fell from 5G2025-04-13 16:41,Polanco,Antara (indoors),Movistar,LTE,46,12,4,Y,Deep inside store2025-04-14 09:20,Centro,Alameda (outdoor),Telcel,5G,21,198,33,N,Morning2025-04-14 09:25,Centro,Alameda (outdoor),AT&T,LTE,35,62,20,N,Steady2025-04-14 09:30,Centro,Alameda (outdoor),Movistar,LTE,44,28,10,N,Ok for maps2025-04-14 13:05,Centro,Zócalo (open),Telcel,5G,19,258,40,N,Midday crowd2025-04-14 13:10,Centro,Zócalo (open),AT&T,5G,27,142,28,N,Pocket of 5G2025-04-14 13:15,Centro,Zócalo (open),Movistar,LTE,47,33,11,N,Consistent2025-04-14 14:20,Centro,Mercado de San Juan,Telcel,LTE,52,8,3,Y,Metal roofing2025-04-14 14:25,Centro,Mercado de San Juan,AT&T,LTE,60,5,2,Y,Deep aisle2025-04-14 14:30,Centro,Mercado de San Juan,Movistar,LTE,72,2,1,Y,Heavily congested2025-04-14 16:00,Centro,La Ciudadela (entrance),Telcel,LTE,49,12,4,Y,Near entrance2025-04-14 16:05,Centro,La Ciudadela (central),AT&T,LTE,58,9,3,Y,Interior2025-04-14 16:10,Centro,La Ciudadela (central),Movistar,LTE,65,4,1,Y,Interior2025-04-14 18:45,MEX T1,Gate corridor,Telcel,5G,26,88,20,Y,Evening2025-04-14 18:50,MEX T1,Gate corridor,AT&T,LTE,39,24,8,Y,EveningNotes and caveats: - Snapshot dataset; conditions change with network load, maintenance, and handsets. - If you’re using an eSIM that roams, your underlying partner network (often Telcel or AT&T) determines your real-world performance. - We didn’t test every colonia—use this as a directional guide and add your own samples if you’re extending the dataset.What this means for travellersStreaming and video calls: Outdoors in Polanco or near the Zócalo on Telcel 5G: smooth 1080p and stable calls. AT&T 5G or strong LTE: fine at 720p. Inside markets: keep calls audio-only if possible.Navigation and ride‑hailing: All three carriers are fine outdoors. In markets, pin and request rides near entrances for quicker updates.Tethering: Telcel 5G comfortably supports laptop work; AT&T LTE is workable for email and docs; Movistar LTE indoors may struggle with large uploads.Payments and messaging: Latency on 5G is snappy (<30 ms). In markets, have offline options or be ready to move for signal.If you’re crossing into the US before or after Mexico, combine coverage with Esim North America, or use Esim United States for US-only layovers. Continuing to Europe? Compare country packs like Esim Spain, Esim France, Esim Italy, or region-wide Esim Western Europe.Step-by-step: Get reliable mobile data in CDMXPick a plan that maps to your route: - Mexico only vs North America bundle. Check Destinations or go regional with Esim North America.Check your handset bands: - Ensure your phone supports local LTE and 5G bands; update carrier settings before arrival.On landing at MEX: - Toggle Airplane Mode off/on once. Allow automatic network selection to settle for a minute.Test and observe: - Run a quick speed test in an open area. If poor, move 10–20 metres toward windows or open concourses and retest.Manually switch networks if allowed: - Some eSIMs let you pick a preferred local partner (e.g., Telcel vs AT&T). Trial both if your plan permits.Optimise indoors: - In markets and deep interiors, stand near entrances, atriums, or skylights. Elevate the phone (chest height) during uploads.Keep a backup: - Download offline maps, translation packs, and key tickets. Use café Wi‑Fi for big syncs.Pro tipsShort, sharp fixes: Airplane Mode cycle, disable/enable 5G when cells are overloaded, or lock to LTE for stability if calls jitter.Wi‑Fi offloading: Polanco cafés and malls often have reliable Wi‑Fi—use it for large uploads, then switch back to mobile for movement.Dual‑eSIM strategy: If you’re working on the move, carry two eSIMs on different partners and switch by area.Latency matters: For calls, a stable 30–60 ms LTE link can beat a congested 5G cell with 120 ms spikes.Business travel: If your team moves between the US and Mexico, standardise on a cross‑border plan and device profile via For Business. Partners and agencies can coordinate benefits via our Partner Hub.FAQ1) Which carrier was fastest overall in this test? - Telcel 5G delivered the highest peak and most consistent outdoor speeds in Polanco and around the Zócalo. AT&T had good 5G pockets but fell back to LTE more often. Movistar was mainly LTE and slower overall.2) Will I have 5G everywhere in Mexico City? - No. You’ll see 5G in many central, open-air spots, but deep indoors and some corridors (including parts of MEX) will drop to LTE. Plan for variability.3) Are indoor markets (San Juan, La Ciudadela) workable for video calls? - Usually not. Expect single‑digit uploads and modest downloads. Move near entrances or step outside for important calls.4) I’m transiting the US and then Mexico. What’s the simplest eSIM approach? - Use a regional plan such as Esim North America. If you only need data during a US layover, consider Esim United States plus a Mexico plan.5) I’m heading to Europe after Mexico. Should I stack country eSIMs? - If you’re visiting one or two countries, a country plan like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy works well. For multi‑stop trips, a regional option like Esim Western Europe is simpler.6) Can I rely on airport mobile data for work uploads? - It’s hit‑and‑miss at peak times. Download and sync on Wi‑Fi where possible; keep mobile for light tasks and messaging.Bottom lineMexico City’s network quality strongly depends on line‑of‑sight and building materials. Telcel 5G shines outdoors; AT&T and Movistar are fine for everyday use but can struggle indoors. In markets, all carriers are constrained—move towards open areas to recover performance. Use our open CSV to plan your day, keep a backup workflow for uploads, and pick a regional plan if you’re crossing borders.Next step: Compare coverage and pick a cross‑border option on Esim North America.

31 Oct 2025