topic Re: Cell phone in Canada? in Community Chat

Cell phone in Canada?

granddi — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 03:10:59 GMT

We are going to Niagara, Canada and need to find out about using US cell phone in Canada. We have ATT and IPhones so I'm guessing that I need to check with ATT? Any experiences or suggestions.

I have been reading about that the bridge can sometimes be congested for hours. Any tips for travel.

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

Snowpuppy — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 03:23:15 GMT

You'll probably be charged for either roaming or international calls you make. When I worked in Detroit, sometimes my phone thought I was across the bridge in Windsor.

My Canadian friends have Verizon.

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

Alter Ego — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 04:19:06 GMT

Call AT&T. My understanding is that their customers now get free roaming in Canada and Mexico included, but you need to activate it for each phone. I spoke to them almost a year ago, so I'm most familiar with the Mexico portion, didn't need to worry about Canada, but I believe it was later added. This was a result of the Directv merger (or so I was told.)

I'm editing to say that I may be incorrect. I just went on AT&Ts website and only see Mexico. Thought I also saw Canada included on other website. At any rate, you should call. If you NEED an international plan, it may cost you. My apologies if I was incorrect!! (I even did a very quick google search before I answered! Should have just gone to the source directly)

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

sunshine45 — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 04:17:56 GMT

posted by att....5/24/16

Hello Community!

One of the most common discussions in the community is regarding traveling/calling to Canada and Mexico.

If you are planning a trip soon, please take a look at this link with details about calling to and from Canada and Mexico. We have some amazing new plans and features that make it easier than ever!

If you've registered your account at myAT&T, you can add the international plan online as well.

Tim, Community Specialist

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

henderson — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 16:01:47 GMT

We had no problem crossing the bridge from Niagara, NY to Canada, it was a few weeks ago during the week. Make sure you have your passport. Customs will ask where you are from, why are you here, how long you're staying and where you are now staying (name of hotel), also do you have any guns. They are very serious and not friendly, so don't try to have any other conversations with them. Also, don't take any pictures. I had my camera out once to take a picture of the customs booth (this was in Vermont crossing over into Canada) and they approached the car and threatened to take my camera away! Also, when returning to the states they will ask what you purchased. There was a car ahead of us and they got pulled over to be inspected.

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

terrier3 — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 18:48:24 GMT

I live in Buffalo and travel into Canada a lot...it's literally 5 minutes away, right over the Niagara River.

Many cell phone plans now include Canada & Mexico. Even before that, I never had any issue with roaming charges in Niagara Falls, Canada. Back in the day, the closer I would get to Toronto, the more likely that roaming would kick in.

There are 3 main bridges into Canada...the Peace Bridge (in Buffalo), Rainbow (in Niagara Falls) and Lewiston Queenston (north of Falls).

Here is a link you can use to check times at each bridge:

http://www.niagarafallsbridges.com/index.php/services/traffic-conditions

The Peace Bridge is the furthest away, but the road to the Falls in scenic, with picnic and picture spots along the way (probably a 20-30 minute ride).

The Rainbow is the closest and has a magnificent view of the Falls and the Gorge.

The Lewiston Queenston Bridge is usually the longest wait, in my experience.

Have fun!

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

granddi — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 18:21:23 GMT

@terrier3 wrote:
I live in Buffalo and travel into Canada a lot...it's literally 5 minutes away, right over the Niagara River.
Many cell phone plans now include Canada & Mexico. Even before that, I never had any issue with roaming charges in Niagara Falls, Canada. Back in the day, the closer I would get to Toronto, the more likely that roaming would kick in.
There are 3 main bridges into Canada...the Peace Bridge (in Buffalo), Rainbow (in Niagara Falls) and Lewiston Queenston (north of Falls).
Here is a link you can use to check times at each bridge:
http://www.niagarafallsbridges.com/index.php/services/traffic-conditions

The Peace Bridge is the furthest away, but the road to the Falls in scenic, with picnic and picture spots along the way (probably 1 20-30 ride).
The Rainbow is the closest and has a magnificent view of the Falls and the Gorge.
The Lewiston Queenston Bridge is usually the longest wait, in my experience.
Have fun!

Thanks so much. I called ATT and said no problem but will have some roaming charges. Which bridge would be the quickest entry? or does it just vary from day to day?

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

granddi — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 18:24:08 GMT

@granddi wrote:

@terrier3 wrote:
I live in Buffalo and travel into Canada a lot...it's literally 5 minutes away, right over the Niagara River.
Many cell phone plans now include Canada & Mexico. Even before that, I never had any issue with roaming charges in Niagara Falls, Canada. Back in the day, the closer I would get to Toronto, the more likely that roaming would kick in.
There are 3 main bridges into Canada...the Peace Bridge (in Buffalo), Rainbow (in Niagara Falls) and Lewiston Queenston (north of Falls).
Here is a link you can use to check times at each bridge:
http://www.niagarafallsbridges.com/index.php/services/traffic-conditions

The Peace Bridge is the furthest away, but the road to the Falls in scenic, with picnic and picture spots along the way (probably 1 20-30 ride).
The Rainbow is the closest and has a magnificent view of the Falls and the Gorge.
The Lewiston Queenston Bridge is usually the longest wait, in my experience.
Have fun!
Thanks so much. I called ATT and said no problem but will have some roaming charges. Which bridge would be the quickest entry? or does it just vary from day to day?

Well I just checked your link so that answers my question......just check and see! Cant wait for our trip few days after Labor Day.

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

terrier3 — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 18:47:16 GMT

It definitely varies from day to day. It can be affected by everything from a Canadian holiday to a major concert or a Bills/Sabres game.

That's why you should check out the link...they have pretty up to date information.

If you are approaching the Falls from either the Thruway or the 190 (Niagara section), there are also billboards that update border crossing times.