How do I use my 4G or LTE mobile phone outside Canada and how much will it cost?
Travelling with your 4G or LTE device
1. When you power on your device, it will select a network for you. If you want to change the network you're using, you can select a network through the "manual network selection" option on your phone. For instructions on how to change the network, consult your user guide or the device tutorials from our smartphone support section. Just select your device from the drop-down menu.
2. You'll receive a welcome message from Bell with the standard roaming rates in that country. 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.
Online through MyBell
On the go with the MyBell app.
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.
- Press and hold the 1 key.
- If prompted, enter your 10-digit mobile phone number.
- 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 on an HSPA or GSM network, 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.
Contacting Bell when travelling abroad
You can contact Bell while travelling abroad using the following numbers:
- From a Bell mobile phone: +1 514 420-7748
- From a landline phone in the U.S.: 1 800 667-7626
Note: the "+" represents the international dialling code. To get the "+" symbol on your mobile phone, hold the 0 key for a few seconds until "+" appears on the screen.
If you plan to travel, we suggest you set up a PIN on your account. It allows us to verify your identity more quickly, should you need to contact us while abroad.
My Bell phone was stolen/lost while travelling
If your phone or SIM card is lost or stolen while you're travelling, report it immediately by calling one of the numbers above to avoid being held responsible for fraudulent charges.
What to expect on your bill
- You'll be billed according to the pay-per-use rates applicable to your destination country.
- 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.
- SMS while roaming are reflected through the use of Eastern Standard Time (ET).
- You'll be billed according to the Travel Passes you've chosen. See what Travel Pass are available for each travel destination.
- 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).
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.
- Access the data from your account while travelling at maximum download speeds for up to 1 GB of data usage per day. Beyond 1 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.
- Important: effective July 14, 2022, the rate for Roam Better – with home data will increase from $10 to $12 per day when roaming in the U.S.
Roam Better – with 500 MB
- 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 $10 in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or for $15 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 a.m. (ET) the following day.
- See the Roam Better FAQ for rates and other details.
- Important: effective July 14, 2022, the rate for Roam Better – with 500 MB will increase from $10 to $12 per day when roaming in the U.S.
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