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MEMBER BENEFITS & RESOURCES FOR SNOWBIRDS
Exclusive 5% discount for Snowbird Advisor members!
Save on Phone Plans for Snowbirds!
Get exclusive members-only pricing on Canada - U.S. and Canada - U.S. - Mexico phone plans for snowbirds.
*This offer is only available to individuals who have been Snowbird Advisor members for at least 30 days and have a Snowbird Advisor member account. To access phone plan pricing and information, you must be signed in to your Snowbird Advisor account.
If you do not have a Snowbird Advisor member account, you can create one here .
IMPORTANT - New Eligibility Requirement: You must be a Snowbird Advisor member for at least 30 days to be eligible for this offer.
Snowbird Advisor has partnered with TELUS to provide our members with exclusive pricing on Canada - U.S. and Canada - U.S. - Mexico unlimited mobile roaming plans.
Through this partnership, Snowbird Advisor members finally have access to robust mobile roaming plans at affordable prices from a top-tier Canadian mobile provider that meet the unique needs of snowbirds.
Please see the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.
If you have questions about this program , are experiencing issues accessing the program, or need contact information for TELUS customer support agents familiar with this program , most of your questions are answered in the FAQ section below .
Please avoid calling TELUS' regular customer support number , as TELUS' regular customer support agents may not be familiar with the details of this program. Instead, please read the FAQ section for information on how to contact a specially trained TELUS agent who can assist you.
Snowbird Advisor members have two great Canada - U.S. unlimited mobile roaming plans and one amazing Canada - U.S. - Mexico unlimited mobile roaming plan to choose from 1 , depending on your high-speed data needs:
Canada + U.S. UNLIMITED ROAMING Talk, Text and Data
30GB at 5G+ speeds 2
$ - Sign in for Pricing - $
2 Speeds reduced to up to 512Kbps thereafter
100GB at 5G+ speeds 2
Canada + U.S. + Mexico UNLIMITED ROAMING Talk, Text and Data
150GB at 5G+ speeds 2
Additional Features:
The above plans also include the following features:
Voicemail 25, Call Display, Conference Calling, Call Waiting and Pay-per-use Call Forwarding
Under our agreement with TELUS, mobile plan pricing and details can only be accessed by signing in to your Snowbird Advisor member account and visiting the TELUS landing page .
You can sign in or create an account below:
Already have a Snowbird Advisor member account?
Don't have a Snowbird Advisor member account?
1 Full plan details, including pricing, terms and conditions, and how to get a plan, are available on the TELUS portal for Snowbird Advisor members, which can be accessed after logging in to your Snowbird Advisor member account.
Which phone number should I call if have questions or want to sign up for TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program?
Snowbird Advisor members should call TELUS’ dedicated phone lines for exclusive partner programs to speak with TELUS agents who have been specially trained to provide assistance with the Snowbird Advisor program.
You can view these dedicated phone numbers by signing in to your Snowbird Advisor member account and viewing this page while signed in.
Please do NOT call TELUS’s general customer support line for information about the exclusive Snowbird Advisor program, as agents on the general support line may not be familiar with this exclusive program and will not be able to assist you.
The TELUS agent I spoke to said they are not aware of the Snowbird Advisor TELUS program. What should I do?
Instead , Snowbird Advisor members should call TELUS’ dedicated phone lines for exclusive partner programs to speak with TELUS agents who have been specially trained to provide assistance with the Snowbird Advisor program.
I am an existing TELUS mobility client. Am I eligible for the Snowbird Advisor program and who do I contact?
Snowbird Advisor members who are existing TELUS mobility clients are eligible for the TELUS Snowbird Advisor program. However, existing TELUS mobility clients:
- Are not eligible for monthly billing credits offered under the Snowbird Advisor program, and
- Will incur a one-time fee of $50 to transfer from a consumer plan to a Snowbird Advisor plan.
If you are an existing TELUS mobility client looking to transfer your current TELUS rate plan to a Snowbird Advisor plan, please call TELUS’ dedicated phone line for exclusive partner programs for existing TELUS mobility clients.
You can view this dedicated phone number by signing in to your Snowbird Advisor member account and viewing this page while signed in.
Who is eligible for TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program?
Individuals who have been Snowbird Advisor members for at least 30 days and who have created a Snowbird Advisor member account are eligible to enroll in TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program.
Do I need to be a Snowbird Advisor employee or have an “@snowbirdadvisor.ca” email address to enroll in TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program?
No. You do NOT need to do any of the following to enroll in TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program:
- Be a Snowbird Advisor employee
- Have an “@snowbirdadvisor.ca” email address
- Provide your employment history
- Receive a code from Snowbird Advisor.
If you are receiving inaccurate information about accessing the program we kindly ask that you do NOT call TELUS’s general customer support line, as agents on the general support line may not be familiar with this exclusive program and will not be able to assist you. Instead , Snowbird Advisor members should call TELUS’ dedicated phone lines for exclusive partner programs to speak with TELUS agents who have been specially trained to provide assistance with the Snowbird Advisor program.
Can I enroll my spouse, partner or family members in the TELUS Snowbird Advisor program using my Snowbird Advisor member account?
If you have a Snowbird Advisor member account, you can enroll your spouse, partner or family members in the TELUS Snowbird Advisor member plan using your membership. However , all of their services will appear on a single bill under your name .
If your spouse, partner or family members require separate bills under their own names , they would need to create their own free Snowbird Advisor member account here.
Do I need to verify with TELUS that I am a Snowbird Advisor member?
Yes. TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program is available exclusively to Snowbird Advisor members. The process to verify your Snowbird Advisor membership with TELUS is fast, simple and done online through the TELUS portal by completing the following steps:
- If you don’t already have a Snowbird Advisor member account, create your free account here .
- Sign in to your Snowbird Advisor member account here.
- While signed in to your Snowbird Member account, visit the TELUS landing page here.
- From the TELUS landing page , click on the “ Visit TELUS Portal ” button.
- Once you have clicked through to the TELUS Portal, fill in the information requested by TELUS and click the “ Submit” button .
By completing the steps above, your Snowbird Advisor membership will be verified with TELUS and you will be eligible to enroll in the program. You will also be able to access the TELUS portal where you can view program details, pricing and offers and connect with the dedicated TELUS team to enroll in the program.
PLEASE NOTE: You must click through to the TELUS portal from the TELUS landing page on the Snowbird Advisor website while signed in to your Snowbird Advisor member account for your Snowbird Advisor membership to be verified by TELUS. If you visit the TELUS portal from any other source, TELUS will not be able to verify your Snowbird Advisor membership.
I am getting an error message on the TELUS portal when I try to verify my Snowbird Advisor membership. What should I do?
Some Snowbird Advisor members previously reported encountering an error message on the TELUS portal when attempting to submit their information to TELUS to confirm their Snowbird Advisor membership.
TELUS has informed us that this issue has been resolved .
However, if you do receive an error message on the TELUS portal, please contact TELUS directly by email at the email address provided when viewing this page while signed in to your Snowbird Advisor member account .
Why don’t you publicly display plan pricing and contact details for TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program?
TELUS’ Snowbird Advisor program is available exclusively to Snowbird Advisor members and is not available to the public.
Accordingly, to view plan pricing and dedicated support phone numbers , Snowbird Advisor members must sign in to their member accounts and visit the TELUS landing page on the Snowbird Advisor website while signed in.
How does billing work if I enroll in a TELUS Snowbird Advisor mobility plan?
Please note that Snowbird Advisor is not responsible for TELUS billing, as your billing account is set up directly with TELUS. Accordingly, for any billing-related questions, please contact the TELUS care team at at the phone number provided when viewing this page while signed in to your Snowbird Advisor member account .
In addition, you can find some important details below regarding billing for your TELUS account :
- Billing cycles: Your billing cycle will begin on the day your SIM card is shipped, as the SIM card is shipped active. Please note that SIM cards can take up to 10 days to be received.
- Pro-rated charges: On your first bill, you can expect prorated charges. This means you will be charged from your activation date plus your first month in advance. Please note, activation credits may appear on your first or second bill.
- Bill Credits: If you are eligible for billing credits (i.e. the $5 monthly bill credit for 24 months on new mobility activations), in most cases the billing credit should begin appearing on your first bill. However, billing credits are applied manually and in some cases may not appear until your second bill , in which case your billing credit will go for 24 months from the date it is applied .
- Additional billing questions: If you have any additional billing questions, you can contact the TELUS care team at the phone number provided when viewing this page while signed in to your Snowbird Advisor member account .
Can I use a connected device (tablet or smartwatch) on my plan?
You can add a plan for a connected device (such as a tablet or smartwatch) to share data with your TELUS mobility plan for an additional monthly fee.
TELUS currently offers the following three connected device add-on plans:
- Unlimited Canada-Wide Connected Plan
- Unlimited Canada-U.S. Connected Plan
- Unlimited Canada-U.S.-Mexico Connected Plan
Please note that the Unlimited Canada Wide Connected Plan does NOT cover roaming or usage on connected devices outside of Canada. Accordingly, regular roaming charges will apply if using this plan for your connected devices in the U.S., Mexico, or any other country outside Canada .
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Decades of first hand Mexico tourism information from me, "Mexico" Mike Nelson.
Decades of first hand mexico tourism information from me, "mexico" mike nelson., canadian solutions for mexico cell coverage.
Home » Canadian Solutions for Mexico Cell Coverage
Some of our Canadian customers have requested information on Canadian solutions for Mexico cell coverage. Apparently, their cell phones from home didn’t work in Mexico. We investigated and found out what you need to know if you want to use your Canadian cell phone in Mexico.
Canadian Carriers
The Big 3 carriers and the popular smaller ones work in Mexico. Those customers who experienced difficulties probably didn’t activate an international roaming plan before they left.
All cell phone companies have remarkably similar plans, except for Fido, which offers a freebie. The one thing they all have in common is that you have to “activate” an international plan before you leave Canada. Mostly you can do this online or through your phone via a menu or text. If you do not activate a plan, you might as well sign over your house to the phone company because international calling without a plan is the equivalent of information highway robbery.
Mexican Carriers
We find the best cell phone plans for an extended stay in Mexico come from Mexican carriers. The two top carriers are Telcel and Movistar.
You’ll need an additional phone–either locked to them in Mexico or an unlocked GSM phone that allows you to insert your current Sim card and their new one.
You can buy very inexpensive cell phones locked to either carrier at Walmart, Soriana, Best Buy, or OXXO convenience stores, from kiosks in shopping malls (if they are open), or from stand-alone cell phone stores in downtowns.
American Carriers
Some Canadians get American cell phones because their plans are less expensive than the Canadian companies if they call Mexico and the USA. We will follow up with an article on American cell phone carriers too.
Canadian Solutions for Mexico Cell Coverage: But I Like My Phone!
But you already have a nice, shiny new, expensive cell phone with all your family, friends, and contacts in it. You don’t want to buy a new phone. That’s okay. We’ll tell you what to do.
Keep Your Phone, Get A Plan
Here are some solutions from the Big 3—Rogers, Bell, or Telus, and three smaller companies.
Rogers —Their “Roam Like Home” plan might be good for short trips, but it’s only good for 15 days and is pricey. $8.00 a day in the US and $12 in Mexico. They have a $ 5-a-month add-on for US & International calls, but it’s only good for calls originating in Canada. So, you can call Mexico but cannot call from within Mexico.
Bell —Their “International” plan offers unlimited talk and text, plus you can use data from your account for $12 a day in Mexico and $8.00 a day in the USA. You can call to and from Mexico. There do not appear to be (at the time of writing) any time limitations.
Telus —Their “Easy Roam” plan is remarkably like Bell’s. $12 a day for Mexico. $8 for the USA.
Fido –“Fido Roam” changes the same as the others, BUT only charges you for the first 15 days of roaming. After that, they say the rest of your billing cycle is paid by them.
Virgin Mobile —has a “Roam Sweet Roam” plan with unlimited talk & text, and use the data from your plan for $8.00 a day the USA or $12.00 a day in Mexico. I should point out that Virgin uses a CDMA network, and you cannot transfer your information to an unlocked GSM phone. I tried.
Koodo Mobile —has what they call the “Easy Roam” plan for (you guessed it) $8.00 USA, $12.00 Mexico. It is not unlimited like the others. You use the data plan you signed up for.
Canadian Solutions for Mexico Cell Coverage Conclusion
For a short trip, adding a plan to your existing phone contract is probably the easiest solution. It is way more expensive than getting a Mexican phone or getting a dual sim card phone. But it’s easy to do. When you get back, some plans require you to cancel the plan, others say they can figure out that you are back in Canada. Regardless, make sure you know the rules before you get a plan.
If you are going to stay in Mexico for a month or a season, the Canadian plans cost several times what a Mexican or even an American plan costs. Fortunately, an upcoming article will cover other alternatives, including dual sim card phones. Stay tuned…
- August 5, 2022
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Telus 30 Day Travel Pass: Your Ultimate Mobile Plan for Travelers
If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how important it is to stay connected to the internet. From booking flights and accommodations to navigating new cities and staying in touch with loved ones, having a reliable mobile plan is essential. This is where Telus 30 Day Travel Pass comes in.
Features of Telus 30 Day Travel Pass
Telus 30 Day Travel Pass is a mobile plan designed specifically for travelers. It offers the following features:
Unlimited Data
With Telus 30 Day Travel Pass, you get unlimited data to use in over 100 destinations worldwide. This means you can browse the internet, use social media, and stream videos without worrying about running out of data.
Global Coverage
The plan covers over 100 destinations worldwide, including the United States, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This means you can use your phone just like you would at home, without any additional roaming charges.
Flexible Duration
The plan is available for 30 days, which makes it perfect for long trips. You can activate the plan before you leave and enjoy uninterrupted access to the internet for the duration of your trip.
Easy Activation
Activating Telus 30 Day Travel Pass is easy. You can do it online or through the Telus app, and you don’t need to change your SIM card or phone number.
Benefits of Telus 30 Day Travel Pass
Using Telus 30 Day Travel Pass has several benefits, including:
Cost Savings
With Telus 30 Day Travel Pass, you don’t need to worry about expensive roaming charges or buying a new SIM card in each country you visit. The plan offers affordable rates that can save you money on your mobile bill.
Convenience
Having a reliable mobile plan while traveling can make your trip more convenient. You can use your phone to book flights, accommodations, and activities, and stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have unlimited data and global coverage can give you peace of mind while traveling. You don’t need to worry about finding a Wi-Fi hotspot or running out of data in the middle of your trip.
Limitations of Telus 30 Day Travel Pass
While Telus 30 Day Travel Pass is a great mobile plan for travelers, it does have some limitations, including:
Network Coverage
While the plan covers over 100 destinations worldwide, the network coverage may not be as strong as it is in your home country. This can affect the speed and reliability of your internet connection.
Device Compatibility
Not all devices are compatible with Telus 30 Day Travel Pass. Before activating the plan, make sure your device is compatible and unlocked.
My Personal Experience with Telus 30 Day Travel Pass
I recently traveled to Europe for a month and decided to use Telus 30 Day Travel Pass. Activating the plan was easy, and I didn’t experience any issues with my internet connection during my trip. I was able to use my phone just like I would at home, and I didn’t have to worry about expensive roaming charges. Overall, I would highly recommend Telus 30 Day Travel Pass to any traveler.
How to Activate and Manage Telus 30 Day Travel Pass
Activating and managing Telus 30 Day Travel Pass is easy. Here’s how to do it:
To activate Telus 30 Day Travel Pass, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your Telus account online or through the Telus app. 2. Select the Telus 30 Day Travel Pass option. 3. Choose the destination you’ll be visiting. 4. Pay for the plan using your preferred payment method. 5. Wait for the confirmation message.
To manage Telus 30 Day Travel Pass, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your Telus account online or through the Telus app. 2. Select the Telus 30 Day Travel Pass option. 3. Check your data usage and remaining days. 4. Renew the plan if needed.
Countries Where Telus 30 Day Travel Pass is Available
Telus 30 Day Travel Pass is available in over 100 destinations worldwide, including:
– United States – Mexico – Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom) – Asia (China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam) – Australia
Telus 30 Day Travel Pass is a great mobile plan for travelers who want to stay connected while on the go. It offers unlimited data, global coverage, and flexible duration, making it perfect for long trips. While it does have some limitations, such as network coverage and device compatibility, the benefits far outweigh them. I highly recommend Telus 30 Day Travel Pass to any traveler looking for a reliable and affordable mobile plan. This article was posted on the website Trvlldrs: trvlldrs.com.
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Roaming in Mexico: A Visitors Guide to Costs for Each Provider
I strongly believe in the value of keeping in touch with other people, especially while travelling. After writing a recent guide on roaming costs I was curious how much it costs specifically to use roaming in Mexico to stay in touch with people - both in Mexico and back home. I put together this guide on how much it costs people from around the world to roam in Mexico.
Roaming in Mexico is typically free for anyone coming from the US on major providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. This includes data, texts, local calls, and calls back to the States. For visitors arriving from Canada, the UK or Australia expect to pay about the equivalent of approximately 150-200 pesos per day.
For the major providers from each country, the table below contains details on how much roaming in Mexico costs (all in your home currency):
In this guide to roaming in Mexico I've looked at how much it costs to roam your phone into Mexico if you're coming from each of these countries (click to skip ahead):
From Canada
From australia.
All currencies I use in these further details are the local ones (i.e. $10 under the section for United States means USD, and $12 under the Canadian section means CAD).
In general, it can be cheaper to get a local SIM card on arrival in Mexico. Unless you’re an American with one of the many US plans that include roaming in Mexico.
From the United States
Roaming in Mexico is typically included if you have an unlimited plan from one of the larger cell providers. Including:
- AT&T: Free on many Unlimited plans, otherwise $10/day
- T-Mobile: Free
- Verizon: Many plans are free though some attract a charge of $5/day
I found that most of the plans with the big providers including roaming in Mexico at no additional cost. If your plan does not include roaming in Mexico, it can be cheaper to buy a local SIM card on arrival - particularly if you’re staying more than a few days.
I’ve looked at further details on what’s included for each of the big providers when you roam their plans into Mexico:
Many of AT&T’s Unlimited plans include Mexico roaming at no additional cost. This includes the Unlimited Starter plan.
That means when roaming in Mexico with AT&T you get:
- Data: Same as your plan back home
- Talk: Unlimited calls to Mexican numbers, unlimited calls to the States
- Texts: Unlimited texts to Mexican and US numbers (except for ‘advanced’ messaging, which is not available)
On a few other plans, Roam Mexico or Roam North America (which includes roaming in Mexico) is an add-on you have to buy. On plans that aren’t Unlimited it seems you have to buy the International Roaming Pass ($10/day) 1 .
Roaming in Mexico with T-Mobile is free if you have an Essentials or a Magenta plan.
The Essentials plan when used for roaming in Mexico includes:
- Data: Unlimited, at 2G speeds
- Talk: Unlimited
- Text: Unlimited
The Magenta plan when used for roaming in Mexico includes:
- Data: Up to 5GB at 4G speeds (then unlimited 2G)
I reached out to T-Mobile to confirm - unlimited calls includes both calls to Mexican numbers while you’re in Mexico and calls back to the States 2 .
Roaming in Mexico with Verizon costs $5/day, or free if you have a Start, Play, Do or All Unlimited plan. A TravelPass can be added on to your plan and you’ll only be charged for the days you use it 3 .
The TravelPass includes:
- Data: 500mb full speed and then a slower speed after that
- Talk: As per your plan at home
- Text: As per your plan at home
I couldn’t find how much the speed slows down to and I’m not personally with Verizon myself. Please reach out if you’ve experienced it, I imagine it slows down based on network congestion rather than to a fixed speed.
To activate the TravelPass with Verizon, text Travel to 4004 . More information is available on their website here .
Roaming a Canadian cell plan into Mexico typically costs about $12 per day. This typically gets you either access to your monthly plan, or additional data, along with unlimited talk and text in Mexico and back to Canada. In particular:
- Rogers, for $12/day your monthly plan quota is used
- Telus, for $12/day your monthly plan data is used but you get unlimited talk and text
- Bell, for $12/day you get an additional 500mb of data and then unlimited but slow data, and you get unlimited calls and text to Mexico and Canada
I’ve included further details for each of these major providers below.
Rogers’ Roam Like Home includes Mexico for $12 per day. Using Roam Like Home means that you can use:
- Data: Deducted from your monthly plan
- Talk: Deducted from your monthly plan
- Text: Deducted from your monthly plan
Calls can be used on Canadian numbers (just like normal) and to regular Mexican numbers as well.
Each day (and therefore $12 charge) counts as the calendar day ending at 11:59pm Eastern Time, regardless of where you are actually roaming. You’re only charged on calendar days when you make/receive a call, send a text, or use data (so receiving texts does not trigger Roam Like Home charges) 4 . Roaming is capped at 15 days per monthly bill - I usually advise if you’re looking to stay more than a few days in any country you should try your best to pick up a local SIM card.
Telus has its Easy Roam plan which costs $12 per day for use in Mexico. This means you can use:
- Talk: Unlimited to calls to Canada and Mexico
- Texts Unlimited to any phone number in the world
Easy Roam is activated as soon as you use roaming data, send a text, or make or answer a call. It is then active for 24 hours from that time.
Easy Roam is capped at $180 per billing cycle which equates to 15 days in Mexico 5 . I usually advise to pick up a local SIM card if you’re planning to stay more than a few days.
Roaming in Mexico on Bell is included on their Roam Better plan. For Mexico, this costs $12 per day and includes:
- Data: 500mb full speed then slowed down to 512kbps for the remainder of the day (by Eastern Time)
- Talk: Unlimited calls to Mexican and Canadian phone numbers
- Texts: Unlimited
Enrol by texting ROAM to 8000 . You can do this before you leave Canada as you’ll only be charged for each day you call, text, or use data when in Mexico 6 .
From the United Kingdom
Typical roaming costs if you’re visiting Mexico with a phone from the UK are:
- Vodafone: £6/day to use your own allowances
- EE: Free on EE Max pay monthly plans, otherwise around £4.80/day for some data
- O2: £4.99/day for extra quota to be used in Mexico.
Further details for each provider are included below. These are the popular providers that support roaming at a decent rate. While I looked at other providers such as GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile, I really couldn’t find a circumstance where they represented good value roaming in Mexico.
I found that typically it’s only calls and texts back to the UK that are included, calling and texting Mexican numbers may attract international call rates.
Vodafone UK
Roaming with Vodafone in Mexico costs £6/day for most people, or free if you have the Unlimited Max or Red Entertainment plans.
Allowances are:
- Data: Your plan allowance, or 25GB/month if you have an unlimited plan
- Calls: Your plan allowance - this means calling the UK is typically free, but calling Mexican numbers will likely cost international rates
- Texts: Your plan allowance - noting that texts to international numbers (even Mexican numbers) may attract international charges
Roaming is also available on pay as you go plans, but at a casual rate (think 12p per megabyte!) - I wouldn’t recommend it.
The £6/day charge only applies on days when you use data on your phone, make a call, or send a text (receiving calls or texts do not trigger the daily charge) 7 .
If you have an EE Max plan, then roaming to Mexico is included at no additional charge. The allowances for the EE Max plan are:
- Data: For pay monthly plans you get the greater of your plan allowance or 50GB; for pay as you go you get the greater of your plan allowance or 25GB
- Calls: Your plan allowance when calling the UK; £1.80 to call other numbers (seemingly including Mexican numbers)
- Texts: Your plan allowance when texting the UK
If you’re on a pay monthly plan that isn’t EE Max , then you can buy 500mb of data for £6. Calls can be purchased at the rate of £10 for 60 minutes.
Roaming is available on pay as you go plans, though I wouldn’t recommend it (incredibly expensive!). 400mb of data costs £4 by add-on 8 .
O2’s Travel Bolt On is available in Mexico and costs £4.99. The Travel Bolt On allowances are:
- Data: Unlimited, though speed may vary
- Calls: 120 minutes to be used on Mexican numbers or calls back to the UK
- Texts: 120 texts to be used on Mexican numbers or messages back to the UK
Data, calls, and texts are NOT deducted from your allowances in the UK. I haven’t experienced O2’s roaming data speed (my only UK experience is with Vodafone), but I imagine it will be usable but not fast.
The Travel Bolt On is only available on pay monthly plans.Text O2TRAVEL to 23336 to get started. This should be done at least 24 hours before you need it and you’ll only be charged for the days you use it 9 .
Roaming in Mexico typically attracts these costs for Australians:
- Telstra: $10/day for 500mb and unlimited calls and SMS
- Vodafone: $5/day to use your Australian quota
- Optus: $10/day for 1GB and unlimited calls and SMS
More details on each of these included below.
Telstra offers an International Day Pass for $10 per day that covers Mexico. It includes:
- Data: 500mb/day
- Calls: Unlimited calls to standard Mexican phone numbers
- SMS: Unlimited texts to standard Mexican phone numbers
Telstra doesn’t actually state that calls to Australia are part of the International Day Pass, though I’d take a guess they’re included. All quotas are in addition to your normal monthly plan 10 .
Vodafone Australia
Vodafone Global Roaming is available in Mexico for $5/day. This includes:
- Data: Use your own plan quota
- Calls: Use your own plan quota
- SMS: Use your own plan quota
Roaming is activated automatically once you use your phone in Mexico 11 .
Optus has a $10/day Roaming Pass available for use in Mexico. This includes:
- Data: 1GB per day
- Calls: Unlimited
- SMS: Unlimited
Data is in addition to your plan allowance in Australia. If you have a plan with roaming allowances included, as soon as these are used up, Optus will roll you over onto this Roaming Pass 12 .
Optus doesn’t say where the calls can be made. I’d take a guess they include calls to Australia and Mexico when roaming in Mexico.
Roaming Pass is activated in the Optus App and may take up to 48 hours to activate (though you’ll only be charged on days you use it).
How to Beat Roaming Costs
Some of the ways I’ve found to beat roaming costs include:
- Buying a local SIM card
- Using Skype or apps to make phone calls (on that local SIM card, or using WiFi)
- Setting up VOIP to make phone calls
Buying a local SIM card is my favourite, it lets me call and be called in the country I’m visiting. If I’m staying in a country more than a few days I will buy a local SIM card.
I wrote a whole guide about each of these steps, you can check it out here: alternatives-to-roaming
AT&T Roaming in Mexico
T-Mobile roaming rates
Verizon roaming plans
Rogers roam like home details
Telus Easy Roam details, they explicitly mention receiving calls
Bell Roam Better details, unlimited incoming calls is explicitly stated
Vodafone UK roaming details for pay monthly and pay as you go
EE roaming details by country
O2 Travel bolt on details
Telstra International Day Pass inclusions
Vodafone Australia roaming details
Optus roaming pass for those on a plan
Tags: roaming communication mexico
- ← Roaming in Canada: A Visitors Guide to Costs for Each Provider
- Roaming in Europe: A Visitors Guide to Costs for Each Provider →
Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.
I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.
Telus Offers 200GB Canada-US-Mexico Plan to Some Customers
Telus finally added Mexico to its Canada-US roaming plan this week , joining Bell and Rogers in doing so.
Now, it appears Telus is offering this Canada-US-Mexico 5G plan to some customers as a loyalty offer, but with 33% more data.
“Unlimited CAN-US-MEX 200 5G+ with 200GB of high-speed shareable data for $95/mo. Visit telus.com/myoffer for more details. Offer ends on 11/30/2023,” said the apparent text message from Telus to one RFD user, who has one line with the company. Typically these offers are doled out to retain customers and also drive up the price of averagely monthly bills, for investor metrics.
The Telus website advertises this North America roaming plan for $105 per month with 150GB of data. But this loyalty offer ramps it up to a whopping 200GB.
If you’re a Telus customer you may want to check your text messages for this special offer if you’re looking for this North American roaming plan with 200GB of data.
Other articles in the category: Telus
Rogers, Telus and Bell CEOs Summoned to Testify in Front of MPs
Public Mobile’s $34/50GB CAN-US Offer Gets an End Date
Public Mobile’s $34/50GB CAN-US Plan Now for Existing Users
Travelling soon? Get ready to pay higher cellphone roaming rates
Roaming fees are a major source of revenue for telecom giants.
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Two of Canada's biggest telecom providers are raising the fees they charge customers when they use their devices outside of Canada.
Starting March 8, Telus will charge customers $14 a day when they roam on their devices in the United States, and $16 a day when they do so internationally. That's an increase from $12 and $15, respectively. Customers of the Telus-owned discount brand Koodo will see a similar fee hike.
Rival Bell is making a similar move starting the following day, raising its U.S. roaming rate from $12 to $13, and going from $15 to $16 internationally. Those increases will also be in effect at Bell-owned subsidiaries including Virgin Mobile.
There's no indication that Rogers has similar plans to raise roaming rates, but as it stands, customers at Rogers and its flanker brands including Chatr and Fido pay $12 to roam in the U.S. and $15 internationally.
CBC News reached out for comment to all three companies for this story, asking for an explanation for the move.
A spokesperson for Telus said the company needed more time to respond.
Bell cited Statistics Canada data showing that overall wireless prices have declined in the past year, despite "price increases from our suppliers" and "increasing costs to our business," without elaborating.
Rogers outlined the company's roaming rates, but declined comment as to whether they had increased recently or were about to.
High prices
Canadians pay some of the highest telecom bills in the world, according to numerous international reports . Multiple federal governments have pressured providers to bring prices down, especially for basic plans with limited data, and while official data shows wireless prices have come down by some metrics , that's not the case for high-end packages.
A recent report by CBC's consumer affairs program Marketplace found that, on average, Canadians pay seven times more for a gigabyte of data than people in Australia, 25 times more than people in Ireland and France, and 1,000 times more than people in Finland.
Wall Communications Inc. publishes an annual report on Canadian telecom services and, while this year's version has not yet been released, on the whole company founder Gerry Wall says the public perception that wireless prices keep going up is unfair, as providers have created many more low-cost plans targeting basic users.
"At the very, very low level — I think you can say it's relatively affordable in Canada," he said. "It's when you get up into sort of the mid-level and the higher-level plans that Canada doesn't look as good."
A service such as roaming is one of those high-level perks, and prices are going up because consumers have shown that they want that service, Wall says.
"When I look at [those companies'] annual reports ... they do point to the fact that that people are traveling a lot more," he said.
"If you look back three or four years, all the Big Three were charging considerably lower per-day roaming fees for Canada and U.S. ... I expect it goes up every year and it will continue as traveling continues."
Wireless mobile plan costs around the world
Last summer, the European Union passed a law which will ensure that cellphone customers in the EU are entitled to the same quality and price for wireless service when they travel in Europe as they get from their domestic carriers.
But Canadian wireless users have no such legal protection.
Canada's telecom providers spend billions of dollars every year to grow, maintain and improve their networks, expenditures that have made the country's wireless networks, on the whole, more robust than those in other countries. Cellular users bear the brunt of those costs and improvements in higher bills, but none of those costly infrastructure expenses — on things like cellphone towers and new spectrum — are a factor for roaming internationally, when calls piggyback on existing networks for a small fee.
Keldon Bester, an analyst on competition policy and co-founder of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project, says it's hard to know if the carriers are facing some sort of cost increase that would justify the rise in roaming rates, since the deals that they sign with their international partners are a closely guarded secret.
"[They can say] 'Our partners are are demanding this of us and and we're trying our best but we can't really do anything,'" said Bester, "but because we don't have access to these roaming agreements we really can't test the validity of that."
He says it's not hard to imagine that the major telecom providers may see roaming costs as a way to boost revenue without as much of the scrutiny they face for their domestic plans.
- Marketplace Why are Canadians' cellphone bills higher than other countries?
- Canada's big wireless companies spend nearly $9B on new 5G spectrum
- Rogers takeover of Shaw will make it bigger but also better for all, CEO tells lawmakers
"It's a situation where consumers have even fewer options than they might domestically," he said. "It's like buying food at a sports arena — they've got you ... your options are really limited, so there's an opportunity to squeeze more out of the consumer."
Janine Rogan has felt that squeeze first hand.
On a recent trip to Mexico, she was hit by a roaming charge of more than $100 from her telecom provider, Telus. "From a consumer perspective kind of feels like price gouging," she said. "They're just trying to make every possible dollar they can off of us."
She has plans to travel to Europe this summer, and given her recent experience, she says there's no way she will use her phone normally while she's there, and will instead get a short-term phone plan from a local provider for a fraction of the cost.
"It's always amazed me how cheap it is to get a SIM card over there and just pop it in while you're traveling," she says. "To see that they're not allowing roaming charges while Canada's increasing them just makes the average person's phone bill go up [by] an exorbitant amount that really isn't necessary."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Senior Business Writer
Pete Evans is the senior business writer for CBCNews.ca. Prior to coming to the CBC, his work has appeared in the Globe & Mail, the Financial Post, the Toronto Star, and Canadian Business Magazine. Twitter: @p_evans Email: [email protected]
With files from the CBC's Reid Southwick and Sophia Harris
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Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News release
Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.
February 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – Ottawa – Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.
As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems.
The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change. Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labour pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.
Canada supports ongoing travel, tourism and business with Mexico. We will continue to work with the Government of Mexico to strengthen our regular pathways to immigration, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts to support a system of managed migration as well as to support those in need of protection. Canada is expanding its network of visa application centres in Mexico to better serve these clients. Today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, while preserving mobility for Mexican citizens who want to come to Canada.
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a vital example of the mutually beneficial migration that we seek to promote regionally and globally. Canada is ready to work with Mexico to build on this program, through the modernization of a new SAWP bilateral agreement, to offer Mexican workers new opportunities, through the incorporation of year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood and primary food processing into the program. This will benefit workers and businesses on both sides of the Canada–Mexico relationship.
Canada is continuously monitoring the impacts of its visa policies for both visa-exempt and visa-required countries, as well as asylum claim trends. These challenges are not limited to one country. Any adjustment to Canada’s travel requirements are made to preserve the integrity and sustainability of our asylum and immigration systems.
More information about these changes, including for people in transit or with upcoming flights, is available on IRCC’s website .
“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick facts
Asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure. The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant.
In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims made that year from all nationalities around the world. The country’s asylum claim rate has risen significantly since the visa was first lifted in 2016 (from 260 claims in 2016 to 23,995 claims in 2023).
All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA —if they are eligible.
Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA).
Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.
The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements .
Related products
- Link to News Release in Spanish
Contacts for media only:
Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]
Media Relations Communications Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]
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Mexico SIM Cards: The Best Options For Travelers
We often receive this question from our Spanish Immersion Retreat members: “Where can I buy a SIM card in Mexico?” As a Mexican/gringo couple living in Mexico for the past ten years, we have tried multiple service providers in Mexico as well as eSIM options. In this article, we will provide everything you need to know about how to get a SIM card in Mexico, including where to buy one and the best options available to ensure you stay connected during your travels.
Why do you need a Mexico SIM card for your trip?
A local SIM card in Mexico offers numerous benefits for tourists, including reliable connectivity, affordable rates, and ease of use. With a local SIM card, you can easily navigate your way around, make reservations at restaurants, post updates on social media, and keep in touch with your loved ones back home (the majority of plans discussed in this article offer both domestic and international outgoing calls to the U.S. and Canada).
Avoid international roaming charges
International roaming charges can be exorbitant, and using a prepaid Mexico SIM card can help you avoid these unnecessary costs. With a prepaid SIM card for Mexico, you’ll have access to affordable data and call packages that ensure you don’t need to worry about costly roaming fees during your trip.
Stay connected with unlimited data and calls, and stay safe
Many Mexico SIM card providers offer unlimited data and calls within the country, ensuring you’re always reachable and have access to vital information throughout your trip. Having a SIM card is also useful in emergencies, helping you stay safe while you explore the beautiful sights of Mexico.
To learn more about safety in Mexico, check out our article Is Mexico Safe? For a trip of up to 30 days, this perk can be invaluable for staying connected and protected as you travel. Don’t forget to consider travel insurance as well; we recommend SafetyWing for comprehensive coverage.
Locked Phones: What You Need to Know
Before purchasing a SIM card, ensure your phone is unlocked. A locked phone means it’s restricted to a specific provider and won’t work with another company’s SIM card. If you’re leasing your phone, it’s likely locked, but you can have it unlocked at a specialized shop or by paying off the device in full.
There are shops in Mexico that specialize in unlocking phones; however, this approach demands additional effort on your part and results may vary.
Bypassing Locked Devices with a Mobile Hotspot
One solution for locked phones is using a mobile hotspot. These devices allow you to insert a SIM card and create a Wi-Fi network for your other devices. Consider purchasing a SIM card-compatible hotspot, like the GlocalMe , to stay connected while in Mexico.
Where can you buy a Mexican SIM card?
Purchasing a sim card at the airport.
One convenient option to buy a Mexico SIM card is at the airport upon arrival. In cities like Mexico City and Cancun, you’ll find kiosks and stores selling SIM cards from providers such as Telcel, Movistar Mexico, and AT&T Mexico. While this option offers immediate connectivity, prices may be double or more vs purchasing outside the airport. That could mean a 50-100 peso difference (~$3-6 USD).
Buying a SIM card at a local store
Another option is to buy a Mexico SIM card at a local store such as Soriana, Chedraui or an OXXO convenience store, which are ubiquitous throughout the country. Here, you’ll find a range of prepaid SIM cards at competitive prices. Just ensure you have an unlocked phone first.
If you’ve already decided which provider you’d like to use, you can also search for an AT&T, Movistar, or Telcel store near you. These providers tend to have multiple branches in cities throughout Mexico.
Ordering a Mexico SIM card online
You can also buy your SIM card online before your trip, with providers often shipping the cards to your home country. This way, you can arrive prepared and have your phone set up and ready to go as soon as you land. However, this option usually entails extra shipping fees and may require longer waiting periods.
A more convenient alternative to purchasing a physical SIM card online is opting for an eSIM using Airalo . This way, you don’t need to wait for a physical SIM to arrive in the mail or plan much in advance. eSIMs can be set up in minutes and are ready to use as soon as you land in Mexico. By choosing an eSIM with Airalo , you can avoid extra shipping fees and eliminate the waiting period associated with ordering a physical SIM card. However, expect to pay a bit more for the convenience, as a 15-day 2 GB data plan with Airalo costs $15 USD, whereas a comparable plan with Telcel costs just over $11 USD.
Where to Buy an eSIM
Purchasing an eSIM online is an easy and convenient option for those looking to stay connected during their travels. Major Mexican providers such as Telcel , Movistar , and AT&T now offer eSIM options on their websites. To buy an eSIM from these providers, visit their respective websites and follow the instructions to purchase and activate your eSIM plan.
Warning : While these carriers advertise eSIM options, it’s important to note that eSIMs are generally not available on prepaid plans. Always check the fine print or consult with customer service to ensure that the eSIM option is available for the type of plan you are interested in.
However, for frequent travelers, third-party apps like Airalo , DENT , and Nomad might be a more convenient choice. These apps streamline the process of purchasing eSIMs for multiple countries, making it a breeze for travelers on-the-go. Once you set up your account with one of these apps, getting an eSIM for your next destination is as simple as selecting your desired plan and completing the purchase.
To use Airalo , DENT , or Nomad , download the app from your device’s app store, create an account, and browse the available eSIM plans for Mexico or any other country you plan to visit. These apps offer a range of plans catering to different needs and durations, ensuring you find the perfect plan for your trip.
Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code or activation details to install the eSIM on your smartphone, and you’ll be ready to stay connected throughout your travels.
What are the best SIM card options for Mexico?
When considering a SIM card for your trip to Mexico, you’ll likely come across several providers, including Telcel, Movistar, AT&T, and Bait. We’ll evaluate each of them here.
Important Note:
- TELCEL does not offer an eSIM option for prepaid plans.
- BAIT currently does not offer an eSIM option.
Telcel: Best coverage and plans
Telcel is the largest provider in Mexico, offering the best coverage throughout the country. A Telcel SIM card ensures that you’ll have a reliable connection in most regions while enjoying various data and call packages. Telcel also offers tourist-specific plans tailored to short-term travel needs.
Telcel offers a range of Amigo Sin Límite plans, which include data, unlimited minutes and SMS, and access to popular social media platforms. Plans range from 1 day (50 MB data for $10 MXN) to 30 days (6 GB data for $500 MXN). Some plans also include roaming in the United States and Canada.
When we were with Telcel, we usually opted for the $200 MXN Amigo Sin Límite plan, which is good for 30 days and includes 3 GB of data and unlimited calls and texts within Mexico and to the U.S. and Canada.
We would be remiss not to mention that although Telcel is known for having the best coverage within Mexico, our experience and anecdotes from others suggest that prepaid plan data may deplete more quickly than one might anticipate. [Wags finger] Sneaky, sneaky, Telcel.
Movistar Mexico: More data and app benefits
Movistar Mexico is another popular choice for travelers, offering a range of prepaid SIM cards and data plans that provide more data and app benefits compared to Telcel. Their GigaMove plans range from 6 GB to 22 GB of data, with additional perks like unlimited minutes and SMS, access to social media, music, gaming, and mobility apps such as Waze, Google Maps, and Uber that don’t count against your data usage. Prices start at $235 MXN/month for the 6 GB plan and go up to $419 MXN/month for the 22 GB plan. Some plans also include international roaming with 8 GB of data.
While Movistar’s coverage may not be as extensive as Telcel, it still caters to most tourist hotspots, making it an attractive option for those seeking more data and app benefits during their stay in Mexico.
AT&T Mexico: Unlimited social and data packages
AT&T Mexico offers competitive plans with unlimited social media, unlimited calls and texts, and attractive data packages ranging from 500 MB to 3 GB, along with additional data for video streaming on platforms like YouTube and Netflix. While coverage might be less extensive compared to Telcel, AT&T Mexico is a viable option for travelers who prioritize staying connected on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and enjoy streaming videos on the go.
Bait: Prepaid Cell Phone Service with Great Coverage and Speed
Another option for travelers in Mexico is Bait, a prepaid cell phone service with excellent coverage and speed using 4G LTE technology. Bait is available exclusively through Walmart and Sam’s Club in Mexico, providing an alternative for those who prefer to shop at these establishments.
Bait offers recharge options ranging from 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, to 200 pesos, catering to various budgets and usage needs. They also provide significantly more data for each peso spent compared to the competition. For instance, with Telcel, 200 pesos will grant you 3.5 GBs of data, whereas with Bait, the same 200 pesos will provide 20 GBs. This equates to nearly six times the amount of data for the same price!
However, it’s essential to note that Bait only works on devices compatible with band 28. Before purchasing the service, check your device’s compatibility by visiting https://bit.ly/checkImei.
Verify that your device is compatible with Bait by following these steps:
- Visit btz.mx/check or scan the QR code.
- Enter your device’s IMEI number. You can obtain your IMEI by dialing *#06# on your device.
- If your device is compatible, congratulations! You can now use Bait. However, if you receive a response indicating “Voz app,” you’ll need to download the free app from the Play Store to make calls.
How much does a Mexico SIM card cost?
The cost of prepaid SIM cards in Mexico varies depending on the provider, the plan chosen, and the amount of data and call minutes desired. Generally, you can expect to spend around $10-30 USD for a SIM card with data, call services, and a 30-day validity.
Understanding data and call package pricing
Data and call packages for prepaid SIM cards vary across providers, with Telcel and AT&T Mexico tending to be slightly more expensive than Movistar Mexico. For our needs, an unlimited plan like Telcel Amigo Sin Límite, costing $200-300 MXN per line, typically provides ample calls and data for an entire month. Carefully review the specific plan details and pricing structure to determine the best option for your travel needs.
Unsure about how to understand Mexican pesos? Check out our article, All About Mexican Pesos .
Telcel Package Costs
Telcel offers a variety of packages for different budgets and usage preferences ranging from 10 to 500 pesos. These packages are part of the “Paquete Amigo Sin Límite” line, which provides data, minutes, and messaging across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
- Basic Plan – Amigo Sin Límite 10: For $10 MXN, this 1-day package includes 50 MB of data, unlimited calls and SMS, and unlimited WhatsApp messaging in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
- Middle Plan – Amigo Sin Límite 100: For $100 MXN, this 15-day plan provides 1.3 GB of data, unlimited calls and texts, unlimited WhatsApp messaging, and access to national social networks in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
- Most Data – Amigo Sin Límite 500: This 30-day plan costs $500 MXN and offers 6 GB of data, unlimited calls and texts, unlimited WhatsApp messaging, and access to national social networks, plus 500 MB for the Claro Música app (a music streaming app) in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
These Telcel packages ensure that you can find a plan that fits your budget and usage needs during your stay in Mexico.
Movistar Package Costs
Movistar offers a variety of GigaMove packages for different budgets and usage preferences, with prices ranging from $235 to $419 MXN per month. These packages provide data, minutes, and messaging in Mexico, as well as access to various apps that don’t count against your data usage.
- Basic Plan – GigaMove 6 GB: For $235 MXN per month, this plan includes 6 GB of data (8 GB for an 18-month commitment), unlimited calls and SMS, and unlimited access to social networks, music, gaming, and mobility apps such as Waze, Google Maps, and Uber in Mexico.
- Middle Plan – GigaMove 14 GB: For $309 MXN per month, this plan provides 14 GB of data (16 GB for an 18-month commitment), unlimited calls and texts, and the same unlimited access to social networks, music, gaming, and mobility apps as the Basic Plan in Mexico.
- Most Data – Plan ilimiDatos: This plan costs $419 MXN per month and offers unlimited data for browsing, social networks, music and video apps, gaming, and mobility apps, as well as unlimited calls and SMS in Mexico. Additionally, it includes 8 GB of international roaming data and unlimited minutes and SMS while roaming.
Like Telcel, all the plans are 5G compatible, ensuring faster internet speeds where 5G is available.
AT&T Package Costs
AT&T offers a variety of packages for different budgets and usage preferences, with prices ranging from $50 to $200 MXN. These packages provide data, minutes, and messaging in Mexico and the United States, as well as access to social networks and video streaming platforms.
- Basic Plan – $50: For $50 MXN, this 5-day package includes 500 MB of data, unlimited social media, and unlimited calls and SMS in Mexico and the United States.
- Middle Plan – $100: For $100 MXN, this 14-day plan provides 1.5 GB of data, 0.75 GB for video, unlimited social media, and unlimited calls and SMS in Mexico and the United States.
- Most Data – $200: For $200 MXN, this 30-day plan offers 3 GB of data, 1.5 GB for video, unlimited social media, and unlimited calls and SMS in Mexico and the United States.
All “para video (for video)” data refers to data used to consume video on the following platforms:
- Facebook Watch
- Prime Video
All “unlimited social media” includes:
All plans include unlimited calls and SMS in Mexico and the United States.
Bait Package Costs
Bait offers a variety of Mi Bait packages for different budgets and usage preferences, with prices ranging from $10 to $300 MXN. These packages provide data, minutes, and messaging in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, as well as access to social networks.
- Basic Plan – Mi Bait $10: For $10 MXN, this 1-day package includes 100 MB of data, 200 MB for social networks, and unlimited calls and SMS in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
- Middle Plan – Mi Bait $100: For $100 MXN, this 15-day plan provides 20 GB of data (10GB at max speed and 10 GB at reduced speed) and includes unlimited calls, SMS, and navigation on social networks in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
- Most Data – Mi Bait $300: This 30-day plan costs $300 MXN and offers 20 GB internet access (you can even tether your phone to any of your other devices with this plan), including unlimited calls, SMS, and navigation on social networks in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Bait’s Mi Bait packages cater to a range of preferences and provide ample data and access to social networks, making it a convenient option for travelers who want to stay connected while visiting Mexico, the United States, or Canada. Plans and pricing occasionally change. Click here to see the most up to date options.
Choosing the best plan for your trip duration
Consider the duration of your trip when choosing a Mexico SIM card, as packages usually include a validity period. Opt for a plan that meets your connectivity requirements and matches your trip’s length to avoid additional top-ups or hidden costs.
Topping Up Your SIM Card
To top up your SIM card with more data, talk, and text, regardless of the provider (Telcel, Movistar, AT&T, etc.), visit any OXXO convenience store and ask, “¿Tienes recargas de…?” or “Quiero hacer una recarga de…” followed by your chosen provider’s name.
After this, the cashier will ask how much money you want to add to your card by asking “¿de cuánto?” or simply “¿cuánto?” Choose from the available packages for a mix of data, talk, and text. If you only need data, ask for “solo internet.”
We usually just say “200 (doscientos) pesos” when purchasing a Telcel plan, referring to the “Amigo Sin Límite 200” plan.
The cashier will typically ask you to pay first, and then they’ll request your phone number twice to ensure that they’re crediting the correct account. By familiarizing yourself with these simple Spanish phrases, you’ll find it easy to add minutes and data to your phone plan in Mexico, regardless of the service provider you choose.
Topping up your eSIM is a simple and convenient process, ensuring that you always have sufficient data and calling credit during your travels. While the process may vary slightly between eSIM providers, here’s a general outline of how to top up your eSIM using an app like Airalo :
- Check eSIM Rechargeability: Before you purchase an eSIM, ensure it’s rechargeable by checking the “Additional Information” tab. This is important because not all eSIMs can be topped up.
- Log into Your Account: Access your eSIM provider’s app or website and sign in to the account you used to purchase your eSIM.
- Navigate to ‘My eSIMs’: Locate the “My eSIMs” section or a similar tab to view all your active eSIMs.
- Select ‘Top Up’: Tap on the “Top Up” option for the eSIM you wish to add more credit or data to, and choose the desired top-up package.
If there is no “Top Up” button or it doesn’t work, this may indicate that the eSIM is non-rechargeable or that the network carrier has changed. In such cases, you’ll need to purchase a new eSIM.
Note: If the top-up doesn’t activate automatically, try restarting your phone and toggling airplane mode on and off to re-establish the connection. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to contact your eSIM provider’s support team for assistance.
Can I use my US SIM card or eSIM card in Mexico?
Roaming with a us sim card.
Using a US SIM card in Mexico is possible through international roaming, but the roaming fees can quickly add up if your carrier doesn’t include it in their plans. While an increasing number of US companies, such as T-Mobile, offer “unlimited” phone and data service for travelers visiting Mexico, catering specifically to those staying for less than a month at a time, not all providers have the same policy.
For example, Verizon doesn’t include international roaming for Mexico in their standard plans. Instead, they offer a “TravelPass” for $5 USD/day, or you can choose to pay as you go with voice calls at $0.99/min and data at $2.05/MB. Make sure to contact your provider before you travel to Mexico to find out if they offer any roaming packages at a reasonable price or if additional fees will apply.
Using an eSIM card while traveling in Mexico
If your phone supports eSIM cards, you can use an eSIM for your trip to Mexico. Many Mexican providers now offer eSIM cards, which can save you from carrying a physical SIM card. However, be aware of fees and activation processes associated with using eSIM cards in Mexico.
Alternatives to using a traditional SIM card
If you’d prefer not to use a traditional SIM card or eSIM card, alternative options include renting a portable Wi-Fi device or relying on public Wi-Fi spots in your travel destinations. While these methods may not provide the convenience of a local SIM card, they are worth considering depending on your travel preferences.
How to Install an eSIM
To install an eSIM on your Android or iOS device, follow these general steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on your phone.
- Select “Network & internet” or “Connections.”
- Tap on “Mobile network” or “SIM card manager.”
- Choose “Add” or “Add eSIM” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “Mobile Data” or “Cellular.”
- Select “Add Data Plan” or “Add Cellular Plan.”
- Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider or manually enter the details.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and the process may vary slightly depending on your device model and software version. For more in-depth and up-to-date instructions, we recommend visiting the Airalo website or consulting the support documentation from your eSIM provider.
Using eSIMs in Mexico
In this section, we’ll explore eSIMs as an alternative to physical SIM cards for travelers heading to Mexico. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that you can quickly activate with various carriers. They are built into modern iPhones and Android phones, making it easier for travelers to access cellular services without hunting for a physical SIM card upon arrival.
Pros of eSIMs:
- Instant activation: With eSIMs, you don’t need to search for a cell phone store to buy a physical SIM card. You can activate your eSIM when connected to Wi-Fi and have cellular service immediately after leaving the airport.
- Potentially cheaper and faster: eSIM providers may offer lower prices per gigabyte and better speeds compared to your home carrier’s international roaming plans.
- No need to swap SIM cards: eSIMs eliminate the hassle of removing and keeping track of physical SIM cards while traveling.
Cons of eSIMs:
- Limited device compatibility: eSIM technology is only available in newer smartphones made on or after 2018.
- Coverage limitations: Some eSIM providers may not support all countries or regions, so you might need to research your destination beforehand.
- Limited Availability: Not all local telecommunication companies fully support eSIM technology
Here are three eSIM providers to consider for your trip to Mexico: Airalo, Dent, and Nomad.
- Airalo : This provider supports a wide range of countries, including Mexico, and offers competitive prices. However, prices can increase when purchasing regional or global plans instead of single-country plans.
- Dent : Based on blockchain technology and its own cryptocurrency, Dent supports 71 countries and offers data plans that can last up to 365 days. You can buy and sell unused data in their marketplace, potentially getting lower prices per gigabyte.
- Nomad : While not as affordable as Airalo or Dent, Nomad provides coverage in Mexico and can be a viable option for some travelers. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for specific regional support or plan features.
eSIMs offer a convenient and affordable alternative to physical SIM cards for travelers visiting Mexico. By exploring providers like Airalo, Dent, and Nomad, you can find a suitable eSIM plan to stay connected during your trip.
What We Recommend
Based on our experience, research, and analysis of various options available to travelers visiting Mexico, we recommend the following solutions based on individual needs and the length of stay:
Short-term travelers (1-2 weeks) – Airalo eSIM
For those planning a short trip to Mexico and primarily needing data for work, social media, or navigation, an eSIM with Airalo is the most convenient option. The app is user-friendly, rates are reasonable, and the convenience is unparalleled. However, keep in mind that only modern smartphones support eSIM technology, such as iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards.
If you’re already using an eSIM, don’t worry! iPhones can accommodate eight or more eSIMs and support the use of two phone numbers simultaneously. For those with Samsung, Google, Huawei, or other Android devices, the number of eSIMs you can install and activate at once may vary. Generally, most Android phones allow for five to seven eSIMs, with one being active at a time.
Longer-term travelers (more than 2 weeks) – Telcel
If you’re planning to stay in Mexico for an extended period and require the ability to make phone calls within the country or to the US or Canada, Telcel is the best choice. Their plans are easy to recharge, offering better rates than eSIMs. However, you’ll need to locate a Telcel or authorized vendor to purchase a SIM chip.
Important Note: Telcel does not offer an eSIM option for prepaid plans.
Keep in mind that Telcel SIMs require plan activity to remain active. As long as you maintain a valid prepaid plan, your SIM will stay active. However, if your plan expires, you’ll have a 180-day grace period to purchase a new prepaid plan. Failing to do so within this time frame will result in your SIM expiring.
Temporary or Permanent Residents – BAIT
For those with temporary or permanent residency in Mexico , Bait offers the most value. With Bait, you’ll receive more data than Telcel for the same price, and they offer discounts for purchasing 3, 6, or 12-month packages. This option is ideal for residents looking for a more long-term and cost-effective solution.
Important Note: Bait currently does not offer an eSIM option.
Useful Tips and Tricks
Keep your mexican phone number handy.
When you purchase a SIM card in Mexico, it will come with a Mexican phone number. Keep this number safe, as you’ll need it every time you recharge your SIM card. Remember that Mexico’s country code is +52. This means that if you use your Mexican number with friends outside of Mexico, you’ll need to make sure they enter “+52” before your ten digit phone number.
Tip For Techy iPhone Users
I like to use keyboard shortcuts on my phone to help me recall my Mexico number quickly on the fly. If you use Apple products, you can program this on MacOS by going to System > Keyboard > Text and add your “Replace” text with the shortcut you want to use (I use “;mx”) and enter your new phone number in the “With” column.
Now, when you type your shortcut (Ex: “;mx”), on your phone, your Mexican phone number will automatically pop up.
A Simple Solution
For a more basic solution, send an email to yourself with the number or write it down in a “notes” app on your phone so you can access it easily. Just be sure to tag the email or note with something descriptive and memorable.
International Plans: Double-Check Coverage
If you already have an international plan with your home country provider, check the specifics of the coverage. Some plans may only include limited data, talk, and text, making a local SIM card a more convenient option.
Travel Tip: Bring a SIM Card Ejector Tool
When traveling to Mexico, bring a SIM card ejector tool , such as a safety pin, paper clip, or earring, to easily swap out your SIM cards.
In conclusion, the best option for staying connected while in Mexico depends on your travel duration, connectivity needs, and the type of device you have. By considering these factors and choosing the appropriate solution from the options above, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free communication experience during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
To buy a SIM card in Mexico, visit a telco store such as Telcel, Movistar, or AT&T, or go to a kiosk at an airport in Mexico or an Oxxo store. You can also buy them online before traveling. Be sure to bring your passport and always buy from an authorized seller.
Yes, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for Mexico, such as Telcel or Movistar Mexico, through authorized online sellers before your travel. This way, you can receive your SIM card in the USA, Canada, or your home country and start using it as soon as you arrive in Mexico.
The cost of a SIM card in Mexico varies depending on the carrier, plan, and data inclusions. In general, the price range for a prepaid sim card starts from around $2.50 to $5 USD for the sim card itself, and $10 to $50 USD for a bundle including calls, texts, and data.
Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar are the most popular carriers in Mexico, offering prepaid SIM cards with different plans and coverage. The best prepaid card depends on your usage requirements and the area you will be visiting. However, Telcel is widely recognized for its extensive coverage in Mexico.
Yes, you can use an international SIM card while traveling in Mexico. However, international SIM cards usually have higher costs compared to buying a local Mexican SIM card. Make sure to check the rates and coverage offered by your international SIM provider before traveling.
To activate your Mexico SIM card, follow the instructions provided by the carrier. This may involve inserting the card into your phone, restarting the phone, and dialing a specific number or sending an SMS to register your account. Ensure your phone is unlocked to accept a Mexico SIM card.
Many phones from the USA and Canada will work in Mexico, provided they are unlocked and compatible with Mexican mobile network standards. Check with your phone manufacturer or your local carrier to ensure your phone is unlocked and ready for use in Mexico with a Mexico SIM card.
Yes, many carriers offer prepaid sim cards with unlimited data plans. Check the offers from the main mobile carriers (Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar) in Mexico for the latest information on unlimited data packages.
Yes, you can buy a sim card at the Cancun airport directly after arrival. There are kiosks and shops for Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar carriers where you can purchase your prepaid sim card. Be prepared to show your passport for registration purposes.
Yes, all major carriers in Mexico support eSIM technology, including AT&T Mexico , Movistar , and Telcel Mexico . Check with your eSIM-compatible phone manufacturer and the Mexican carrier to ensure compatibility and available plans for eSIM use in Mexico.
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Biden and Trump to hold competing trips to the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday
President Joe Biden will make a rare visit to the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, the same day former President Donald Trump is also expected to visit the southern border.
"Biden will travel to Brownsville, Texas to meet with U.S. Border Patrol agents, law enforcement officials and local leaders," the White House said in a statement.
"He will discuss the urgent need to pass the Senate bipartisan border security agreement, the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border in decades," the statement said. "He will reiterate his calls for Congressional Republicans to stop playing politics and to provide the funding needed for additional U.S. Border Patrol agents, more asylum officers, fentanyl detection technology and more."
Two sources familiar with Trump's planning told NBC News that he Trump will deliver remarks at Eagle Pass, Texas, which is about 330 miles from Biden's stop.
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the White House is sending Biden to the border because, she claimed, he's "losing terribly" in the 2024 race. "Biden’s last-minute, insincere attempt to chase President Trump to the border won’t cut it," she said.
Commenting on his plans after a campaign meeting in New York on Monday, Biden told reporters, “I’ve been planning on going Thursday.
“What I didn’t know is my good friend is apparently going,” he added, referring to Trump.
Biden declined to comment when asked whether he would be meeting with migrants during the trip.
Biden last visited the border in Jan uary 2023 , which was his first trip there as president.
His rare visit to the southern border comes as Trump and Republicans continue to attack his administration's handling of migrants crossing into the U.S.
Immigration is certain to be a key issue in the general election cycle as GOP candidates ramp up those attacks on the president and Democrats, while Biden has scolded Republicans for failing to take legislative action to address the influx of migrants.
An NBC News poll from January found that 57% of registered voters said Trump would handle securing the border better, while 22% said the same for Biden. The same poll found that 48% of people said they would trust Biden to treat immigrants humanely, while 31% said the same of Trump.
Earlier this month, Senate Republicans killed a bipartisan border security and foreign aid bill whose key negotiator was Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla. Republicans ultimately decided to sink the legislation after some urging by Trump.
And as Senate Republicans dashed any hopes for meaningful congressional action to improve the situation at the border, the GOP-controlled House narrowly impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his handling of the border in a 214-213 vote.
For their part, many Republicans have argued that Biden has executive authority to address the migrant crisis using executive authority.
Last week, NBC News reported that the administration is considering taking unilateral action that would make it more difficult for migrants to pass the initial screening process for asylum at the southern border and would quickly deport migrants who recently came to the U.S. who don’t meet the criteria.
Although Trump's administration enforced several strict immigration policies, including using Title 42 to expel more migrants, some of the highest border crossing numbers in years were recorded during his presidency.
In 2019, for example, border crossings by undocumented migrants hit a 12-year high, the Department of Homeland Security said at the time.
Rebecca Shabad is a politics reporter for NBC News based in Washington.
Kelly O’Donnell is Senior White House correspondent for NBC News.
Garrett Haake is NBC News' Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent. He also covers the Trump campaign.
Monica Alba is a White House correspondent for NBC News.
Olympia Sonnier is a field producer for NBC News.
Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.
Bell adds Mexico to its Canada/U.S. plans
The company's $105/mo ultimate 155 plan is also discounted to $75/mo right now.
Bell has changed up the two Canada/U.S. mobile plans it offers, adding Mexico to the mix.
The carrier offers ‘Ultimate 150’ and ‘Ultimate 155’ plans with 150GB and 155GB of 5G data, respectively. The plans previously offered access to calling, texting, and data in Canada and the U.S., but as of September 12th, both plans include Mexico at no extra cost. Additionally, the Ultimate 155 plan is on sale, though it’s not clear for how long.
That’s a fairly significant addition to the plans given the high cost of roaming. Bell currently charges $13/day for U.S. roaming and $16/day for international roaming. Frequent travellers can rack up significant savings with one of these Ultimate plans compared to a cheaper plan with the regular roaming package.
Bell’s Ultimate 150 and 155 plans with Canada/U.S./Mexico access.
The Ultimate 150 plan costs $100/mo, while the 155 plan costs $75/mo (usually $105/mo). Both plans include access to Bell’s 5G+ network at the carrier’s “fastest available 5G+ speeds” followed by unlimited use at speeds of up to 512Kbps beyond the data allotment. The plans also include unlimited international texting and HD video streaming, which Bell says is up to 1080p quality. Both plans are only available for new activations, though the Ultimate 150 plan is only for bring-your-own-phone (BYOP) customers, while the Ultimate 155 is available with device upgrades.
Customers can also get 24 months of free Crave Basic with Ads with these plans.
While the overall prices of the plans didn’t change, it’s worth noting that Bell did tweak the discounts offered to customers who choose to get either of these plans and bundle them with the company’s home services. Bell still offers the $30/mo bundle discount, but it dropped the additional $5/mo bill credit from the Ultimate 150 plan and the $10/mo credit from the Ultimate 150 plan.
You can view the plans here .
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Biden and Trump plan to make dueling trips to the U.S.-Mexico border
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President Biden and former President Trump will make dueling trips to the Mexican border in Texas on Thursday after congressional talks on a deal to rein in illegal migration collapsed, according to people familiar with the plans.
The visits underscore immigration’s central importance in the 2024 presidential race and how much Biden and Trump are seeking to use the nation’s broken system to their political advantage.
Biden will travel to Brownsville, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, an area that often sees large numbers of border crossings, said three people who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the president’s plans before they had been announced.
He will meet border agents and discuss the need for bipartisan legislation, the people said. It would be his second visit to the border as president. He traveled to El Paso in January last year.
Senators reach a deal on border policy bill. Now it faces an uphill fight to passage
Senate negotiators have reached a deal on a proposal to overhaul the asylum system at the U.S. border with Mexico
Feb. 2, 2024
Trump, for his part, will head to Eagle Pass, Texas, about 325 miles away from Brownsville, another hot spot in the state-federal clash over border security, according to three other people who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans.
The number of people who are illegally crossing the U.S. border has been rising for complicated reasons that include climate change, war and unrest in other nations, the economy, and cartels that see migration as a cash cow.
The administration has been pairing crackdowns at the border with increasing legal pathways for migrants designed to steer people into arriving by plane with sponsors, not illegally on foot to the border. But U.S. policy right now allows for migrants to claim asylum regardless of how they arrive. And the numbers of migrants flowing to the U.S-Mexico border have far outpaced the capacity of an immigration system that has not been substantially updated in decades. Arrests over illegal crossings fell by half in January, but there were record highs in December.
Biden has excoriated Republicans for abandoning the bipartisan border deal after Trump came out in opposition to the plan to tighten asylum restrictions and create daily limits on border crossings. Trump, meanwhile, has dialed up his anti-immigrant rhetoric, suggesting migrants are poisoning the blood of Americans.
Migrant arrests are up along the border in California and dropping in Texas. Why?
Migrant arrests near Texas plummeted in January compared to the same month a year ago, but they soared at entry points in California and Arizona.
Feb. 26, 2024
Trump’s campaign says Biden’s plan to visit the border is a sign that the president is on the defensive over immigration and the issue is a problem for his reelection effort. Biden’s camp says it’s House Republicans who are on the defensive, after Trump flatly said he told GOP legislators to tank the bill that would have funded border agents and other Homeland Security authorities. The New York Times first reported the travel.
While he continues to criticize Republicans for legislative inaction, Biden is considering executive actions to help discourage migrants from coming to the U.S. Among the actions under consideration by Biden is invoking authorities outlined in Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which give a president broad leeway to block entry of certain immigrants into the United States if it would be “detrimental” to the national interest.
But without changes to law, any executive action taken by the administration that cracks down on border crossings is likely to be challenged in court. The White House has informed some lawmakers on Capitol Hill that Biden will not announce an executive order on immigration during his border trip Thursday, according to a person familiar with the conversations.
According to an AP-NORC poll in January, concerns about immigration climbed to 35% from 27% last year. Most Republicans, 55%, say the government needs to focus on immigration in 2024, while 22% of Democrats listed immigration as a priority. That’s up from 45% and 14%, respectively, compared with December 2022.
World & Nation
White House weighing executive actions on the border — with immigration powers used by Trump
The administration is exploring options that President Biden could deploy without congressional approval, officials said.
Feb. 21, 2024
Trump is again making immigration the centerpiece of his campaign, seizing on images of migrants sleeping in police stations and in hangars as proof that Biden’s policies have failed. He’s made frequent trips to the border as a candidate and president.
During his 2016 campaign, he traveled to Laredo, Texas, in July 2015 for a visit that highlighted how his views on immigration helped him win media attention and support from the GOP base. Since leaving office he’s been to the border at least twice, including to pick up the endorsement of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
The failure of the border bill this month has caused the Homeland Security Department, which controls the border, to assess its priorities and shift money between its agencies to plug holes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is considering slashing detention beds to 22,000 from 38,000 and reducing deportation flights. That would mean more migrants released into the U.S. who arrive at the border.
Biden, meanwhile, visited the border only once, and he did not come into contact with any migrants. Rather, he inspected Customs and Border Protection facilities and walked a stretch of border wall. During negotiations on the border bill, he suggested he’d shut down asylum if given the power , a remarkable shift to the right for Democrats who are increasingly concerned by the same scenes of migrants encampments, and are asking the administration to speed up work authorizations so families who have arrived can at least seek employment.
More to Read
Opinion: Is Biden about to close the border in the name of election year politics?
Feb. 29, 2024
325 miles apart, Biden and Trump tour border, highlighting immigration as an election issue
Kamala Harris was tapped to fix the immigration crisis. Then the problem shifted
Feb. 5, 2024
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Biden and Trump both plan trips to the Mexico border Thursday, dueling for advantage on immigration
W ASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will make dueling trips to the U.S-Mexico border on Thursday, as both candidates try to turn the nation’s broken immigration system to their political advantage in an expected campaign rematch this year.
Biden will travel to Brownsville, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, an area that often sees large numbers of border crossings, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. He will meet border agents and discuss the need for bipartisan legislation. It would be his second visit to the border as president. He traveled to El Paso in January last year.
“He wants to make sure he puts his message out there to the American people," Jean-Pierre said.
Trump, for his part, will head to Eagle Pass, Texas, about 325 miles or 520 kilometers away from Brownsville, another hotspot in the state-federal clash over border security, according to three people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans.
Biden, speaking in New York on Monday, said he had planned to head to the border on Thursday and didn't know “my good friend apparently is going," too. The White House announcement of the trip came after Trump’s plan to visit the border had been reported. The president declined to say whether he would meet with migrants on the trip.
The trips underscore immigration’s central importance in the 2024 presidential race, for Republicans and increasingly for Democrats, particularly after congressional talks on a deal to rein in illegal migration collapsed.
Biden has excoriated Republicans for abandoning the bipartisan border deal after Trump came out in opposition to the plan to tighten asylum restrictions and create daily limits on border crossings. Trump, meanwhile, has dialed up his anti-immigrant rhetoric, suggesting migrants are poisoning the blood of Americans.
The number of people who are illegally crossing the U.S. border has been rising for years because of complicated reasons that include climate change, war and unrest in other nations, the economy, and cartels that see migration as a cash cow.
The administration has been pairing crackdowns at the border with increasing legal pathways for migrants designed to steer people into arriving by plane with sponsors, not illegally on foot to the border. Under a recent Biden administration rule, many migrants are presumed ineligible for asylum if they arrive illegally between ports. It depends on the circumstances of their arrival, including whether they are single adults or families.
The numbers of migrants flowing to the U.S-Mexico border have far outpaced the capacity of an immigration system that has not been substantially updated in decades. Arrests for illegal crossings fell by half in January, but there were record highs in December.
Trump's campaign says Biden's plan to visit the border is a sign that the president is on the defensive over immigration and the issue is a problem for his reelection effort. Trump's campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said Biden was chasing Trump and is responsible for the “worst immigration crisis in history.”
Biden's camp says it's House Republicans who are on the defensive, after Trump flatly said he told GOP legislators to tank the bill that would have funded border agents and other Homeland Security authorities. The New York Times first reported the travel.
While he continues to criticize Republicans for legislative inaction, Biden is considering executive actions to help discourage migrants from coming to the U.S. Among the actions under consideration by Biden is invoking authorities outlined in Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which give a president broad leeway to block entry of certain immigrants into the United States if it would be “detrimental” to the national interest.
But without changes to law, any executive action taken by the administration that cracks down on border crossings is likely to be challenged in court. The White House has informed some lawmakers on Capitol Hill that Biden will not announce an executive order on immigration during his border trip on Thursday, according to a person familiar with the conversations.
“There is no executive action that would have done what the Senate bipartisan proposal would have done,” Jean-Pierre said. “Politics got in the way.”
According to an AP-NORC poll in January , concerns about immigration climbed to 35% from 27% last year. Most Republicans, 55%, say the government needs to focus on immigration in 2024, while 22% of Democrats listed immigration as a priority. That’s up from 45% and 14%, respectively, compared with December 2022.
Trump is again making immigration the centerpiece of his campaign, seizing on images of migrants sleeping in police stations and in hangars as proof that Biden’s policies have failed. He’s made frequent trips to the border as a candidate and president.
During his 2016 campaign, he traveled to Laredo, Texas in July 2015 for a visit that highlighted how his views on immigration helped him win media attention and support from the GOP base. Since leaving office he’s been to the border at least twice, including to pick up the endorsement of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Biden, meanwhile, visited the border only once, and he did not come into contact with any migrants. Rather, he inspected Customs and Border Protection facilities and walked a stretch of border wall. During negotiations on the border bill, he suggested he'd shut down asylum if given the power, a remarkable shift to the right for Democrats who are increasingly concerned by the same scenes of migrants encampments , and are asking the administration to speed up work authorizations so families who have arrived can at least seek employment.
The failure of the border bill this month has caused the Homeland Security Department, which controls the border, to assess its priorities and shift money between its agencies to plug holes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is considering slashing detention beds to 22,000 from 38,000 and reducing deportation flights. That would mean more migrants released into the U.S. who arrive at the border.
Miller reported from New York.
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Travel with Easy Roam and stay connected for less. Access data from your plan and get unlimited talk and texts for $14 per day in the US and $16 per day in 200+ other countries.*. Only pay for the days you use data, talk, send a text or check voicemail.
Easy Roam: Frequently asked questions. Learn how to set up your mobile device for Easy Roam and tips to manage roaming while travelling. Self-serve only. Please note that this is an online-only task that can easily be done using either My TELUS online or the app.
Our support section offers detailed advice and tips on how to get the most out of travelling with your device. Enjoy worry-free roaming with TELUS. Use your Unlimited for Business monthly rate plan for just $14 per day in the US and $16 per day in 200 international destinations.
John Quintet. Telus has finally added an unlimited Canada-US-Mexico plan to its slate of offerings, joining rivals Rogers and Bell. The Unlimited Canada-US-Mexico 5G+ plan costs $105 per month for bring your own device customers and included unlimited talk, text and data use in North America. The 150GB of data included offers 5G speeds at up to.
*NEW - Canada - U.S. - Mexico plan now available!* Snowbird Advisor is thrilled to announce that we have partnered with TELUS to provide our members with exclusive pricing on Canada - U.S. and Canada - U.S. - Mexico unlimited mobile roaming plans. Through this partnership, Snowbird Advisor members finally have access to robust mobile roaming plans at affordable prices from a top-tier Canadian ...
Telus Canada-US Travel Plans and Prices. Telus Easy Roam solutions make traveling easy. Once upon a time, taking your cell phone south of the border resulted in huge fees, and we've all heard horror stories of returning from vacation to a phone bill over $1,000. With Easy Roam, Telus charges you only $14/day for trips to the US, Puerto Rico ...
Data: $5.00 per MB. Calls: $1.60 per minute. Text: $0.75 per text. See the following for International Pay-per-use rates Terms and Conditions. Rates are subject to change. Voicemail notification may not be available in all travel destinations.
List of Partners (vendors) Telus' Canada-U.S. plan can now be used in Mexico. The company added the country to its $105/month unlimited plan. The addition hasn't led to a price increase. The ...
Here are some solutions from the Big 3—Rogers, Bell, or Telus, and three smaller companies. Rogers —Their "Roam Like Home" plan might be good for short trips, but it's only good for 15 days and is pricey. $8.00 a day in the US and $12 in Mexico. They have a $ 5-a-month add-on for US & International calls, but it's only good for ...
I highly recommend Telus 30 Day Travel Pass to any traveler looking for a reliable and affordable mobile plan. This article was posted on the website Trvlldrs: trvlldrs.com. Address: Apt. 558 5356 Beahan Meadows, Port Jeffry, LA 46077-9923. Phone: +423 (583) 204-6612 x91296. If you're a frequent traveler, you know how important it is to stay ...
Typical roaming costs if you're visiting Mexico with a phone from the UK are: Vodafone: £6/day to use your own allowances. EE: Free on EE Max pay monthly plans, otherwise around £4.80/day for some data. O2: £4.99/day for extra quota to be used in Mexico. Further details for each provider are included below.
International mobile network coverage map. To confirm the network coverage and speed for your travel destination, select the destination to which you are travelling on the interactive map below. You may also enter a specific address to see network availability in the areas that you will be visiting. : Coverage shown is approximate and actual ...
T-Mobile's unlimited plans include unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, although the high-speed allowances are different. The Essentials Plan includes unlimited 2G speeds over the border, whereas Magenta and Magenta Plus feature 5GB of 4G LTE then unlimited 2G. The nice thing about T-Mobile is that you get a guaranteed high ...
Learn how to use your TELUS mobile device when travelling abroad with this handy guide. Find out how to activate Easy Roam, check rates and coverage, and avoid unexpected charges. Download the PDF now.
Telus finally added Mexico to its Canada-US roaming plan this week, joining Bell and Rogers in doing so. Now, it appears Telus is offering this Canada-US-Mexico 5G plan to some customers as a loyalty offer, but with 33% more data.
Options. on 01-26-2023 03:19 PM - edited November by dru. With Easy Roam, you can utilize your current rate plan's data & minutes and stay connected while traveling. Below are some steps on how to add Easy Roam as well as important points to consider when using it.
On a recent trip to Mexico, she was hit by a roaming charge of more than $100 from her telecom provider, Telus. "From a consumer perspective kind of feels like price gouging," she said.
Talk, text and use your plan's data just like you do at home. Additional add-ons. $5/month International Long Distance Saver. Save up to 95% on calls from Canada to over 220 countries. $14/day US Easy Roam. Use texts, minutes, and data just as you would at home on your monthly plan. $16/day International Easy Roam.
Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world's most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our ...
Self-serve only. Please note that this is an online-only task that can easily be done using either My TELUS online or the app. Travelling abroad? Get travel coverage and set up Easy Roam conveniently. Activate Easy Roam, track data usage and add data top-ups anytime, anywhere with the My TELUS app. Get the My TELUS app.
Basic Plan - GigaMove 6 GB: For $235 MXN per month, this plan includes 6 GB of data (8 GB for an 18-month commitment), unlimited calls and SMS, and unlimited access to social networks, music, gaming, and mobility apps such as Waze, Google Maps, and Uber in Mexico. Middle Plan - GigaMove 14 GB: For $309 MXN per month, this plan provides 14 ...
Get more news on. President Joe Biden will make a rare visit to the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, the same day former President Donald Trump is also expected to visit the southern border. "Biden ...
The company's $105/mo Ultimate 155 plan is also discounted to $75/mo right now. Bell has changed up the two Canada/U.S. mobile plans it offers, adding Mexico to the mix. The carrier offers 'Ultimate 150' and 'Ultimate 155' plans with 150GB and 155GB of 5G data, respectively. The plans previously offered access to calling, texting, and ...
Biden and Trump plan to make dueling trips to the U.S.-Mexico border In this combination of photos, President Biden, left, speaks on Aug. 10, 2023, in Salt Lake City, and former President Trump ...
Our support section offers detailed advice and tips on how to get the most out of travelling with your device. Get more help. Enjoy worry-free roaming for business with TELUS. Use your Unlimited for Business plan for $14/day in the US and $16/day in 200 international destinations.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will make dueling trips to the U.S-Mexico border on Thursday, as both candidates try to turn the nation's broken ...
Learn about the steps to pausing your Mobility service while you're out of the country for 1 month or longer. Learn about accessibility at TELUS. Learn about roaming charges, how to avoid unexpected roaming charges while travelling or near the US border, and information for travelling across Canada.