Hi all,
First off, wanted to say thanks for all of the helpful Montreal forum posters--I've been using City-Data quite a bit as I prepare to move to Montreal Jan. 1.
So here's the deal: I'm moving to Montreal for five months. I've found an apartment and will be continuing freelance writing so I'm not looking for a local job (not that I could get one anyway, between my lack of decent French and proof of citizenship).
Now I'm trying to figure out the best option for using my Verizon iPhone 5 in Canada. Ideally I'd like to:
--keep my phone number/phone
--be able to make local and US calls and texts
--have a decent amount of data--1GB or so/month
I will need to make frequent lengthy phone calls to the uS--an hour-plus--for phone interviews. Data is not as important, since I can connect to Wi-Fi, but I like having it for GoogleMaps and email on the go.
Here's what I have deduced for options so far:
--Get on the Verizon Canada plan, which allows for 1000 minutes roaming/month for $15, and the Verizon Global program for $25/100MB. Text messages charged at domestic rate.
International Trip Planner
--Get a Rogers (or some other local) SIM card. Allows for 500 GB/month at $25, unlimited local texts, local calls .25/minute.
mrsimcard.com - Rogers Canada Prepaid Sim Cards.
--Get Skype North America, which allows for unlimited calls to Canada/US at $2.99/month.
Skype Calling Rates - Cheap international calls & low-cost calling plans
Looking at that, I think it makes sense to get a SIM card for data and local texts/calls and use Skype for longer US phone calls.
Does this make sense? Does anyone have any recommendations or tips for using US phones in Canada? The best deal for a local SIM card? Any help would be appreciated as I want to make sure I have this set before moving. Many thanks!