How do I use my mobile device outside Canada and how much will it cost?

When you turn on your device, it will automatically connect to the strongest available network.

Connectivity troubleshooting tips:

• Restart your device: Turn off your device, wait five minutes, turn it back on, and wait another five minutes. This can often resolve temporary connectivity problems.
• Toggle airplane mode: Turn airplane mode on and off. This can force your device to reconnect to the network.
• Disable data saving features: Disable “Low Data Mode” on iOS devices or “Data Saver” on Android devices. While these features are helpful for conserving data, they can sometimes interfere with connectivity.
• Check the network selection setting: To ensure the best possible network connection, especially when travelling to a new destination, set your device’s network selection setting to “Automatic.” This allows your device to automatically connect to the strongest available network and avoids connection issues. If you want to change the network you’re using, use manual network selection. For instructions on how to change the network, consult the user guide for your device or the tutorials in our mobile device support section – just select your device from the drop-down menu.

Roaming information:

When travelling outside of Canada, you’ll receive a welcome message from Bell with the standard roaming rates for your destination. You’ll also receive a warning message if your data roaming usage reaches a certain volume.

When travelling without a travel add-on, the costs can add up especially when it comes to data. Try the following tips on managing your data:

• Use Wi-Fi when available
• If you don't plan to use data, disable data services on your phone. For instructions, consult your user guide or the device tutorials from our smartphone support section.
• Avoid using data-intensive applications such as web surfing, video streaming or downloading large email attachments.

Find more tips on how to reduce data use on your smartphone or iPhone.

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Please note that roaming usage received from international partners can be delayed.

To make an international call while abroad, you need to add a "+" symbol in front of the number you’re dialling. To get the "+" symbol on your mobile phone, hold the "0" key for a few seconds until "+" appears on the screen.

1. Press and hold the 1 key.
2. If prompted, enter your 10-digit mobile phone number.
3. When prompted, enter your voicemail password.

Note: roaming rates apply.

To send a text message, you need to add a "+" symbol in front of the number you’re texting.

To reach emergency services while roaming, dial 1-1-2.

Note: We recommend you turn on your phone's screen lock to prevent accidental or unauthorized use. You'll still be able to call emergency services (such as 1-1-2) if needed.

Starting June 19, 2025, all roaming services for Consumer customers (data, calling and texting) will no longer be available on cruise ships and on flights. Customers should speak to their cruise line or airline for Wi-Fi access options.

• If you don’t have Roam Better – with home data or a Travel Pass, you'll be billed according to the pay-per-use rates applicable to your destination when you make or receive a call, send a text or use data.
• To calculate your out-of-bundle usage, see the billing details provided on your bill.
• Voice calls and data while roaming are reflected through the use of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates time.
• Text messages sent while roaming are reflected through the use of Eastern Time ET.

• For destinations not covered by Roam Better, you'll be billed according to the pay-per-use rates applicable to your destination when you make or receive a call, send a text or use data. Roam Better customers require a Data Travel Pass to use data in destinations not covered by Roam Better.
• Voice calls and data while roaming are reflected through the use of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates time.
• SMS while roaming are reflected through the use of Eastern Standard Time ET.

If you have Roam Better – with home data

Roam Better – with home data

• The Roam Better – with home data feature includes unlimited talk and text in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and over 200 international destinations and back to Canada. Plus, use the data from your account while travelling. Available with most monthly plans and Small Business plans.
• Beyond 5 GB, speeds are up to 512 Kbps for the rest of the day, suitable for light web browsing, email and messaging.† Data speeds reset at 12:00 a.m. ET daily. If you use up the data in your rate plan and want to continue using data, data overage charges of your plan will apply.
• See the Roam Better FAQ for rates and other details.

Roam Better – with 500 MB

Note: this feature can no longer be added as of March 9, 2023.

• The Roam Better- with 500 MB feature includes unlimited calling and unlimited sent and received text messages in Roam Better destinations and back to Canada. Plus, you get 500 MB, valid each day until 11:59 p.m. ET with no impact to the data included in your account.
• If you use up your 500 MB of daily roaming data, you will automatically receive a notification that includes the option to purchase another 500 MB of daily roaming data for $6 in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or for $8 in international Roam Better destinations. All additional data expires at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the day the data was purchased. Your daily data allowance will refresh with a new allotment of 500 MB at 12:00 a.m. ET the following day.
• See the Roam Better FAQ for rates and other details.

Travel Passes offer flexible roaming options and include unlimited talk and text, plus data from your rate plan, while travelling in eligible destinations. Available with most monthly plans.

You’ll be billed for each Travel Pass you add to your account.

• The pass is compatible with Roam Better and takes priority over Roam Better when travelling in an eligible destination (i.e., if you’re using an active Travel Pass in an eligible destination, you won’t be charged the Roam Better fee).
• The pass is activated immediately once you add it to your account, and it expires on the last day (7-day or 14-day duration) at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
• Once the pass expires, you revert to your regular roaming option (e.g., Roam Better or pay-per-use rates).

To get travel add-ons and learn more, enter your destination in the search box above.

To pay your bill while travelling, choose one of the options below:

Online through MyBell:

• Not yet registered for MyBell? Find out how
• Learn how to pay your mobile bill
• Learn how to pay your One Bill
• Manage your services online

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