Ask Slashdot: Mobile Data In Canada For a US Citizen?

macwhizkid writes "I'm traveling to Canada for a week in July with youth group, and need a way to post blog updates on the trip and send back photos. I'll be staying on an island accessible only by boat, so a hard-wired connection is out of the question. I have a Verizon voice + data plan, and I've heard all the horror stories of multi-thousand dollar international data roaming charges. What I'd like to do is get 1-2 GB of data (5 GB would be great) to use on a Canadian provider's network for a reasonable fee (say, less than $100 total) as a wireless hotspot set-up. I have both a CDMA iPhone and a GSM iPad, so I really just need a micro-SIM or a way to register the IMIE. It appears that both Rogers and Bell offer 'pay as you go' data plans (Rogers has a particularly attractive iPad option), but there are conflicting reports as to whether a U.S. credit card can be used to buy service. I can't believe I'm the first U.S. citizen to want mobile data in Canada. So, has anyone done this successfully? Is there another option I'm not considering?"

Comments

Dear Americans

[Anonymous Coward]

We're full, fuck off.

Tethered.

[westlake]

I'll be staying on an island accessible only by boat.

For one damn week, kick the habit. Ditch the tech and enjoy your time with these kids.

Re:Tethered.

[plover]

Only a few short years ago, parents got along just fine when the kids went off to summer camp, and didn't worry that the kids wouldn't trouble them with phone calls home and constant SMSs and emails. Matter of fact, Mom and Dad would usually call this time period "vacation".

There are two reasons kids go to summer camp. Only one is for the kids.

I agree with the GP. Unplug. It'll be best for all of you.

Re:Island only accessible by boat..

[BitterOak]

..Make sure it has cell network coverage first.

As a Canadian, I can tell you that unlike the US, cellphone coverage in Canada isn't universal. There are regions where there is simply no coverage. Make sure, before you invest in one of these plans, that there is coverage where you'll be. Probably the first thing you do is talk to some of the islanders and ask what they use. Maybe someone living there will even let you share their wireless!