Canada / US Roaming

[Darkbob]

I see Telus has a Canada/US plan that allows roaming in the USA.  This isn't the older EasyRoam where you pay $7 per day.  This is a new plan called the "Canada-US" plan.  This is what the web site says:

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International plans Canada-US

Canada-US plans let you use your voice and data plan the same in the US as you would at home. Plus, save even if you only travel to the US once in a while, but still make frequent calls to the US. Two countries, one plan, zero worries.

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I spend my time 50/50 in Canada and the USA although I'm Canadian so this seems like the perfect plan for me.  I just want to be sure there's no "gotchas" before I drive south for 6 months.

I spoke to the in-store CSR and also an on-line CSR and both assured me there were no time limits on this plan.  You should be able to buy this plan then go to the US for 6 months and keep on using your phone just like you were back in Alberta.

I have a similar plan from a US provider (T-Mobile "No Borders" plan) that I'm on right now.  They use very similar wording to sell the plan but in practice once you have been out of the US for 2 months you start getting nasty texts from T-Mobile threatening to cut you off for violating the terms of service.

I can't seem to find the actual Telus "terms of service" (legal fine print) on this Telus Canada-US plan so I'm asking for anybody with actual experience using the plan while out of Canada for an extended period.  Does it really work?  Any nasty bills or surprises?

Thanks in advance.

[NFtoBC · Accepted solution]

The T&C for the plans state: 

"TELUS reserves the right to withdraw offer at any time without notice. Customers are required to stay on this plan for the duration of their term or will automatically be charged a $100 service fee. A data add-on is required for primary lines on the account. SIM not included. Consumer accounts only. Services are only available to the subscriber(s) with a Your Choice Canada-US plan. Subscriber must remain a Canadian resident. Taxes and pay-per-use charges (including long distance, roaming and additional airtime beyond the coverage of your Canada-US plan) are extra."

Other terms and conditions are here.

It seems the only requirement is you remain a Canadian Resident.  You may find it cheaper to get a VoIP phone number for your callers to reach you, and have it forward to whichever device you may use, and get the best value plan for your needs as you travel.

[Syaoran]

I have never had any issues with T-Mobile about my usage in Canada.  There are times I am up here for 6 to 8 months at a time and on the rare occasion, even longer.  I have had my current plan for the last 5 years, which includes roaming in Canada and Mexico with everything working the same as if I was in the US.  If I switch from cellular to WiFi Calling though and then back to cellular while up here, I get a text saying, "Welcome to Canada.  Your plan works the same, just like home.".  I had a buddy on a similar plan go to the UK for 4 years to study overseas before he returned to the US.  Not once have I heard of the messages you mention and he stayed for the full 4 years without coming back and forth.  Have you tried contacting Customer Service about those messages?  T-Mobile's customer service is nothing short of excellent.

[TwitchyPuppy]

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@Darkbob wrote:

I see Telus has a Canada/US plan that allows roaming in the USA.  This isn't the older EasyRoam where you pay $7 per day.  This is a new plan called the "Canada-US" plan.  This is what the web site says:

--------------------------------------

International plans Canada-US

Canada-US plans let you use your voice and data plan the same in the US as you would at home. Plus, save even if you only travel to the US once in a while, but still make frequent calls to the US. Two countries, one plan, zero worries.

--------------------------------------

I spend my time 50/50 in Canada and the USA although I'm Canadian so this seems like the perfect plan for me.  I just want to be sure there's no "gotchas" before I drive south for 6 months.

I spoke to the in-store CSR and also an on-line CSR and both assured me there were no time limits on this plan.  You should be able to buy this plan then go to the US for 6 months and keep on using your phone just like you were back in Alberta.

I have a similar plan from a US provider (T-Mobile "No Borders" plan) that I'm on right now.  They use very similar wording to sell the plan but in practice once you have been out of the US for 2 months you start getting nasty texts from T-Mobile threatening to cut you off for violating the terms of service.

I can't seem to find the actual Telus "terms of service" (legal fine print) on this Telus Canada-US plan so I'm asking for anybody with actual experience using the plan while out of Canada for an extended period.  Does it really work?  Any nasty bills or surprises?

Thanks in advance.

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This plan allows usage to Canada and US as if you were in Canada. It’s literally THAT simple 😉