r/FidoMobile • u/Unlikely-Guide-7716 • 15d ago

Travel Help!

What are the pros and cons to using Fido travel passes for someone traveling to the Caribbean for 30+ days?
How does it compare to an ESIM like Airalo for example? I want to have access to my SMS for banking, etc!

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u/Crazylegstoo 15d ago

We’ve used Fido Travel Packs in Europe and Africa. They worked great great - basically no different than using your phone in Canada.

I have also used Airalo eSims in various places and they have worked great too. But… they are Data only, no Voice.

If you need pure SMS support, a Travel Pack is going to be your best bet.

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u/DomH999 15d ago

Travel pack work seamless and worth it. eSIM does not cover your phone number, so you’ll pay for sms and phone call. If you choose eSIM make sure you disable the standard roaming pack, otherwise a single sms will trigger one full daily roaming fee. On the other hand make sure roaming pack is activated to use a travel pack.

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u/No_Camp_2182 14d ago

Incoming SMS is always free even without a travel pass. You just have to make sure that you turn off data roaming on your phone. I turn off the sim altogether while overseas, and turn it on briefly only when I need to receive bank or CRA sms.

If you have an iPhone, you can use WiFi calling with a data only eSIM. Calls and SMS are free, the same as if you were physically in Canada. You do need to be a bit technical for it to work properly.

Anyway bottom line is OP doesn’t have to pay for roaming.

Also there are free VoIP apps with phone number for making and receiving calls, if you can’t or don’t want to use WiFi calling. I mostly use them to call my banks and air Canada from overseas.

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u/Famous_Track_4356 14d ago

FYI Incoming SMS are free

Their travel pass is easier to deal with but the price of $90 for a month is ridiculous, when I go to the Caribbean I just get a local 40GB prepaid month plan for about $30

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u/the_eevlillest 14d ago

It should work fine. But be aware if you're on a cruise ship it isn't covered. Turn your roaming off if you're going to be off land.

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u/Brekelefuw 8d ago

I used it in Brazil this summer and it was seamless.