What is the time limit for using T-Mobile SIM cards in Canada?

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My solution worked out great - the T-Mobile plan is indeed the cheapest option for getting 4+ gigabytes of data with occasional roaming in the US, at least if you want a prepaid plan with no long-term commitments. Haven't received any warnings after 1 year and 4 months of heavy usage, so I'm pretty sure their T&C's are not enforced in practice. The only issue is that not every Canadian has international calls/texting, but Whatsapp/Viber is widespread enough for it to be a non-issue. If you really do need a Canadian number, register a virtual one on Anveo.

Upvote:2

I just called the T-mobile customer service. The kind lady explained that if I wanted to use the sim card for extended periods of time (months) in Canada it won't be terminated as long as I keep it active.

As a T-mobile Pay-As-You-Go customer, you would have to keep some balance on the account to use service for 30 days. Then after that, the account would continue for another 30 days as long as there are funds in it. However, you will have to activate it once in the US before you can use it in Canada.

On the other hand for a monthly plan, for the US only it's $45 and if you want to include Canada & Mexico too it's $50 for what you mentioned. The service will automatically renew at the end of 30 days provided there is enough balance in your account. And it will continue to do so as long as you are paying the $50 before the 30 days complete.

It seems that line in the TOC is to keep the corporate company on the safe side of legal matters.

Upvote:3

I was told by the representative before leaving the US that the plan would be terminated after a few months of full-time data roaming.

I got a warning message with this link for using too much T-Mobile in Canada.

  • post-paid plan
  • message came after about 6 weeks of full time roaming

too much roaming warning text

I heeded this warning and bought a Canadian data plan because I didn't want to lose my (legacy priced) T-Mobile plan.

It is unclear what further action they would take if I didn't reduce the roaming usage.

For a cheap Canadian plan it's worth noting that Fizz now charges $32 CAD for 4 GB including roaming to the States: not sure yet what "fair usage" limits, if any, they're imposing on the roaming part.

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