cellphone question
 

okay, this might be a totally ignorant question, but here goes...

can someone tell me if my American (Verizon) cellphone will work in Canada, specifically in the Maritime provinces? I know in Europe I'd need a different sim card, but what about in Canada?


also, if my phone works, or if I were able to lease one, can anyone tell me what the coverage is like on PEI? is it pretty good?

thanks!

china_cat, don't know about the Maritime provinces, but my Verizon phone works well in British Columbia through Calgary, times we've been there.

I'd be surprised if you didn't have Verizon roaming coverage in PEI, or for that matter, most of Canada. You do not need a sim card, as the various systems in Canada are the same as in the U.S. Coverage in PEI will be through one of the regional (Aliant) or national systems (Rogers, Telus etc). For more see http://www.comparecellular.com/cover...s_step1.asp?l=

thanks for the info. It does look like I should be able to make outgoing calls, as long as there is coverage in the area. I think to get incoming calls I may need to get Verizon to turn on international roaming. although their web site is thoroughly confusing on this point.

laverendrye, the coverage maps are kind of interesting. It looks like the tip of PEI where my rental house is may stick right out of the coverage area for Aliant, and maybe also Telus. I may have to wait and see.

china_cat, Verizon classifies Canada as like USA, only roaming at 69 cents/minute. You do not need international roaming.

I would advise you to keep your phone switched off if you do not have a plan which allows you to make calls without roaming charges. Use a prepaid phone card for landlines instead.

I had a Rogers digital one rate plan for work which let me make a call for 25 cents a minute (Canadian) with no roaming charges while working in the US. You would need a similar plan from Verizon.