Can anyone give us some pointers in using our mobile phones for our trip to Alaska this year.
We land in Vancouver then seven nights cruise finishing in Whittier. We then fly into Seattle for a few days before
travelling back to Perth.
What are the best options for sim cards and prices. We need the phone for booking taxis,using maps and calling
each other when we get lost in the stores.
Any info would be welcome
albannach
Firstly, you need to have a SIM before you board. I made the mistake of thinking I could buy one at the first port we reached…you can’t. Try to avoid buying/using a Canadian specific sim whilst you are in Vancouver. Canada is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy a prepaid sim. If you must, have a look at the Lucky sim…(we needed it for 5 weeks skiing too - black spots are a bigger issue than Australia) but roaming is likely to be a better option. Verizon or AT&T has slightly better coverage in port towns in Alaska. We used AT&T in July 2022 and had reasonable coverage throughout - but not going up the inside passage and not on the Klondike pass. I have now purchased an OPTUS prepaid sim for our next 3 month trip (trans-Pacific to Hawaii next month) which allows you to top up zone 1 data and other services as you need them, rather than daily roaming.
I will also be getting g a Verizon eSIM off the internet again as soon as we arrive Hawaii.
Also, Simcorner and other internet retrailers like them do have specials from time to time, on (AT&T) sims delivered to your address in Australia before you go, if you want to avoid an eSim, or shopping when you get there. I do like, and regularly use, these as it saves time and effort when you get there.
Sim cards for US and Canada
in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
Posted
Firstly, you need to have a SIM before you board. I made the mistake of thinking I could buy one at the first port we reached…you can’t. Try to avoid buying/using a Canadian specific sim whilst you are in Vancouver. Canada is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy a prepaid sim. If you must, have a look at the Lucky sim…(we needed it for 5 weeks skiing too - black spots are a bigger issue than Australia) but roaming is likely to be a better option. Verizon or AT&T has slightly better coverage in port towns in Alaska. We used AT&T in July 2022 and had reasonable coverage throughout - but not going up the inside passage and not on the Klondike pass. I have now purchased an OPTUS prepaid sim for our next 3 month trip (trans-Pacific to Hawaii next month) which allows you to top up zone 1 data and other services as you need them, rather than daily roaming.
I will also be getting g a Verizon eSIM off the internet again as soon as we arrive Hawaii.
Also, Simcorner and other internet retrailers like them do have specials from time to time, on (AT&T) sims delivered to your address in Australia before you go, if you want to avoid an eSim, or shopping when you get there. I do like, and regularly use, these as it saves time and effort when you get there.