Where to Buy a SIM Card at Montreal Airport?

When you land at the Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), buying a SIM card is one of the easiest ways to stay connected right away. Whether you’re visiting Canada for tourism or business, there are various places within and around the airport where you can easily get a local SIM card.

1. Convenience Stores and Kiosks in the Arrivals Area

Once you exit the customs and baggage claim area, there are a couple of convenience stores and kiosks in the arrivals hall that sell prepaid SIM cards. At Montréal–Trudeau Airport, options for buying physical SIM cards directly inside the arrivals area are very limited and not guaranteed. Unlike some international airports, YUL does not have official carrier stores from Rogers, Bell, or Telus in the terminal, and convenience stores such as Relay generally do not consistently sell SIM cards.

Prices for prepaid SIM cards in Canada are relatively high, typically ranging from CAD $40 to $70 for basic plans with limited data.

2. Mobile Carrier Stores Near the Airport

In case you have spare time or just wish to have more choices, you can simply take a short taxi or Uber ride (around 10-15 minutes) to the local shopping centre like Carrefour Angrignon or Fairview Pointe-Claire. There are official carrier stores in these malls, consisting of Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Koodo, and Virgin Plus.

The employees of the store will be able to assist in configuring your SIM card, selecting the most appropriate prepaid plan to use during the stay, and even with eSIM activation in case your phone allows it.

3. eSIM Options

In case your smartphone is eSIM compatible, then you do not need to purchase a physical SIM card at all. Purchase an eSIM online before or after landing with such providers as Airalo, Nomad, or Ubigi.

These online SIMs enable you to activate mobile data instantly without going to a shop. Plans begin as low as 5-15 USD with several gigabytes of data, which is suitable for the short-term visitor. Nevertheless, the majority of eSIMs do not come with a Canadian phone number, but only with data that might be important if you need to make local calls or receive SMS messages.

4. What You Need To Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Montreal Airport

The following are the key items that you need to prepare in case you intend to purchase a SIM card at Montreal Airport:

Passport/ID - For prepaid SIM cards, identification is usually not required in Canada. A passport may only be requested for postpaid plans or special promotions.
Travel dates- You should inform the carrier of your inbound and outbound travel dates in Canada in order to make the SIM available at the right time. Prepaid SIM cards are usually valid for 30 to 90 days.
Device - ensure that your phone is unlocked and capable of accepting a nano-SIM card that is the general size and is used in Canada. Dual/ triple SIM cards also accept it.
Money- You will require Canadian dollars to buy the SIM and money to top up the SIM. The use of cards is possible, but it is also good to carry some cash for airport kiosks/stores.
Selection of the carrier – Choose whether you require a postpaid SIM from the major brands or a prepaid SIM that is not bound by contract. Check network coverage for the areas you’ll be visiting
Activation - SIMs typically take a few minutes to activate. Keep your passport handy, as some carriers may need to verify your ID during activation.
WiFi – Save any apps necessary to your phone it needs cellular data to activate.

With the correct ID, device, and payment, the SIM card at Montreal Airport will be fast and hassle-free — a convenient step after a long flight. It is also beneficial to have a rough itinerary so staff can recommend the most suitable plan for your stay.

In Summary

At Montréal–Trudeau Airport, purchasing a physical SIM card immediately after arrival can be difficult due to limited in-terminal options. For most travelers, the easiest solutions are either using an eSIM or visiting a nearby shopping mall such as Fairview Pointe-Claire to access official carrier stores.

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