Overview of Bell’s international roaming options
When you travel abroad, Bell provides three main options to help keep you connected. These options are designed to cater to different types of travellers: occasional tourists, regular international business professionals, or even digital nomads.
Roam Better: What it is and how it works
Roam Better is a Bell travel add-on. With Roam Better, you can stay connected when travelling outside of Canada with unlimited talk and text, plus you can use the data from your plan, for a daily fee. You only need to add Roam Better once; it stays on your account, so you'll be covered for future trips.
Here's what you should know:
- You will only be charged on the days you use your phone to make or receive a call, send a text message or use data.
- Available in the U.S. and over 200 destinations worldwide.
- Activation is simple: just text ROAM to 8000 or use the MyBell app.
- Beyond 5 GB of data usage per day, speeds are up to 512 Kbps for the rest of the day. Data speeds reset at 12:00 a.m. (ET) daily.
- Daily expiry is at 11:59 p.m. (ET), not your local time.
Who is it for? Roam Better is perfect for travellers who want to stay flexible, use their phone just like at home, and avoid the hassle of buying local SIM cards.
Travel Passes: What they are and how they work
Travel Passes are another type of Bell travel add-on Bell roaming option. With Travel Passes, you can stay connected when travelling outside of Canada with unlimited talk and text, plus you can use the data from your plan. Enjoy multiple days of continuous coverage with a one-time upfront charge. A Travel Pass can reduce the cost of roaming compared to a daily roaming fee.
Here's what you should know:
- Activation is simple via the MyBell app or text-to-add options.
- A Travel Pass is activated immediately once you add it and can be used for the duration included in the pass. Make sure you add the pass the day your trip starts, before you arrive.
- The pass is valid until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the date it expires. You can confirm the expiry date anytime in MyBell by checking the My travel features section.
- Travel Passes are compatible with Roam Better and take priority over Roam Better when travelling in an eligible destination (i.e., if you're using an active Travel Pass in an eligible destination, you won't be charged the Roam Better fee for the duration of your pass).
- Once the pass expires, you revert to your regular roaming option – Roam Better or pay-per-use rates.
Who is it for? Travel Passes are a cost-effective option for travellers who want to use their phone daily just like at home and avoid the hassle of buying local SIM cards.
Pay-per-use roaming
If you don't activate Roam Better or a Travel Pass or have a plan that includes roaming, pay-per-use roaming charges will apply for calling and texting, but pay-per-use data roaming is no longer available as of May 1, 2026.
Here’s what you should know:
- Voice charges are billed per minute and text messages are billed per outgoing message (incoming text messages are free). Rates vary by zone.
- Roaming is not available on Prepaid plans.
- All roaming services (data, calling and texting) are not available on cruise ships or on flights.
Important: Review Bell's available roaming options before you travel to help avoid unexpected charges.
Why choose Bell roaming over a third-party eSIM?
While third-party travel eSIMs can seem like a convenient option, Bell's roaming services offer a more seamless, secure and reliable experience for staying connected abroad. Here are the key advantages of sticking with Bell on your travels:
- Keep your number: Use your existing phone number to make and receive calls and texts. This makes it easy to stay connected with family and friends.
- Immediate connectivity: Your phone will automatically and securely connect to one of our trusted partner networks as soon as you arrive at your destination. There's no need to scan QR codes or manually configure settings through a new app.
- Simple activation: Activating Roam Better or a Travel Pass is effortless. You can do it directly through the MyBell app or by sending a simple text message before you go.
- Unified billing: All your roaming charges appear on your regular Bell Mobility bill, making it easy to track your expenses without worrying about separate payments or foreign transaction fees.
How to prepare your phone before travelling
Before stepping on that plane, make sure your phone is ready for international use. This can prevent billing shocks and technical issues.
Step 1: Choose your roaming option
Whether you're already a Bell customer or currently using another provider, understanding your roaming options before travelling is essential. When it comes to international travel, Bell offers Roam Better, Travel Passes and plans that include roaming.
Consider the following when choosing your roaming option:
- Your destination.
- Duration of your stay.
- Frequency of phone use.
- Need for high-speed data.
Step 2: Activate a travel add-on
- Use the MyBell app or Bell website.
- To add Roam Better, text ROAM to 8000.
- Check for the short codes to activate a Travel Pass.
Tip: Activate your add-on before you leave Canada to avoid any issues.
Step 3: Enable data roaming
On your phone:
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Enable Data Roaming
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Roaming
Step 4: Monitor your usage abroad
Keep track of usage with:
- Notifications from Bell about usage or throttling
- MyBell, the MyBell app, or your phone's built-in data tracker
Step 5: Enjoy your travel
With everything set, you stay connected while travelling. Access all your favourite social media platforms, check maps or make calls with no interruptions.
You can discover more tips and check roaming options in our support article.
Where can you use Bell roaming services?
Bell roaming services are available in over 230 destinations worldwide, including:
- United States
- Mexico
- Europe
- Caribbean destinations
- Asia
- Oceania
- Africa and the Middle East
Use the Bell coverage map
Before travelling, use the Bell coverage map to:
- Check if your destination is supported.
- Confirm what networks are available.
- Determine if 4G or 5G is offered in your destination.
The map is an essential tool to plan how you'll stay connected.
Tips to avoid unexpected charges while abroad
Even with the right add-on, here are a few expert tips to avoid unwanted charges:
Turn off data roaming
If you plan on using Wi-Fi or don’t want to use your phone immediately once arriving, make sure data roaming is turned off.
Use airplane mode strategically
When you’re not using your phone, switch to airplane mode to cut all connections. Then, re-enable Wi-Fi manually if needed.
Use Wi-Fi when available
For data-heavy activities (e.g., video streaming, large downloads), connect to Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes or airports.
Disable background data
Prevent certain apps (e.g., email, social media) from syncing in the background by adjusting your phone’s settings.
Know the limits of pay-per-use roaming
If roaming isn’t included in your plan or you forget to activate a travel add-on, pay-per-use roaming will apply for calling and texting. Also, keep in mind that pay-per-use data roaming is no longer available. If you’ll be calling or texting a lot, or if you want to use data, make sure to explore our travel add-ons.
Conclusion
With Bell's international roaming options, you don't have to worry about staying connected abroad. You can use your own phone number when travelling, making it easy for family and friends to stay in touch.
Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, you can use your phone just like at home, with the best roaming options tailored to your trip.
To recap:
- Roam Better: Great for flexible, all-in-one access while travelling.
- Travel Passes: Enjoy multiple days of continuous coverage with a one-time upfront charge.
- Pay-per-use: Available for calling and texting; pay-per-use data roaming is no longer available as of May 1, 2026.
Take a few minutes to choose the right option, set up your phone, and review your destination coverage – then travel with peace of mind, knowing Bell has your back.
