MileCheckWill your US phone work in Canada?
Your phone can work across the border if the device and plan support it. Check coverage and the price for your particular line before leaving. The carrier’s name alone does not answer the question.
Facts checked September 2026. Every number links to its source; prices and rules change, so confirm the day you travel.
Check the plan, then the daily option
Prices reviewed September 24–25, 2026, in US dollars. Check the exact line in your account.
| Carrier | Included Canada coverage | Paid option |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Its page includes Canada with Simplicity and Unlimited plans. | Eligible other plans can use TravelPass at US$6 per line per day, plus taxes and fees. After 5 GB in a session, data drops to 3G speeds for the rest of that session. |
| AT&T | AT&T says every Unlimited plan includes Canada talk, text and data. | Where eligible and needed, International Day Pass is US$12 for the first line per 24-hour period. Confirm Canada is not already included. |
| T-Mobile | Qualifying plans include Experience More and several Go5G, Magenta and ONE plans. Data allowances and reduced speeds vary. | Its current 1 Day International Pass is US$10 for 2 GB and calling for up to 24 hours, on a qualifying plan. |
Verizon TravelPass · AT&T Canada inclusion · AT&T International Day Pass · T-Mobile Canada and Mexico benefit · T-Mobile International Pass.
What starts a charge?
Verizon TravelPass can start when you call, send a text or use data, including background app data. AT&T charges its pass for qualifying usage in a 24-hour period. Turning off data roaming alone does not block voice calls or every possible charge.
Read the high-speed allowance and long-stay terms. T-Mobile says these benefits are not for extended international use. Check the extended-use limit for your plan.
Verizon TravelPass · AT&T International Day Pass · T-Mobile Canada and Mexico benefit.
The network can change before the border
Your phone can connect to the other country’s network near the border. Bell explicitly warns about Canadian phones picking up a US network while still in Canada. Check the displayed network rather than waiting for the customs booth.
If you do not want cellular roaming, change the settings before approaching the border. Ask your carrier about manual home-network selection. It can leave you without ordinary service when that network is out of range.
Airplane mode and Wi-Fi
For a Wi-Fi-only trip, turn on airplane mode and then enable Wi-Fi. Check that cellular service remains off, including any second SIM. This also means ordinary cellular calls and texts will not arrive.
Do not assume your carrier’s Wi-Fi Calling is an internet call with no charge. Check its billing rules or use an internet messaging app over Wi-Fi. Turn airplane mode off if you need to attempt a cellular emergency call.
Download the route before leaving
In Google Maps, download the full driving area while online. Offline driving navigation needs the route inside the downloaded area. Offline maps do not supply live traffic or alternative routes.
Save your accommodation address and the kilometre-marker guide for your route. Read the border-crossing checklist before leaving.
Driving into Canada · Driving into the US · Phone use in Canada · Phone use in the US · Canada hub · US visitor-driving guide · Find your mile marker · Cross-border rental rules
British Columbia · Alberta · Ontario · Quebec · Nova Scotia · Northwest Territories.
I-5 at Blaine · Border wait times.
911 still needs a connection
The CRTC says a cellphone without a service subscription can still reach basic wireless 911. That does not create coverage where no compatible network is reachable. Do not rely on any handset working everywhere.
In an emergency, try 911. Give your location in words, including the road, direction and a known marker. Prepare those details before you need them.
Know exactly where you are — live
Your mile marker shows even offline. Live DOT alerts and the nearest camera on your route are part of MileCheck Premium and need a connection to update. Runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
Questions, answered
Does the carrier name tell you the price?
No. Check the plan and add-ons on your particular line.
Does switching off data roaming stop every charge?
No. Calls and texts can also be charged.
Can you roam before physically crossing?
Yes. Check the network displayed near the border.
Can you use Wi-Fi in airplane mode?
Yes. Enable Wi-Fi and check that cellular service stays off.
Do downloaded maps include live traffic?
No. Google Maps offline areas do not provide live traffic.
Does 911 work with no network?
A cellular 911 call needs a usable connection. Having no subscription is different from having no coverage.
Driving into Canada · Driving into the US · Phone use in Canada · Phone use in the US · Canada hub · US visitor-driving guide · Find your mile marker · Cross-border rental rules
Border wait times · Report your location.
Kilometre-marker guides. British Columbia · Alberta · Ontario · Quebec · Nova Scotia · Northwest Territories.
New York mile markers · New York cameras · Washington mile markers · Washington cameras.