How do I use my mobile device outside Canada and how much will it cost?

You can use your Bell device in over 230 destinations worldwide.

Make a selection below to find out more about Roam Better – with home data. With Roam Better – with home data, you can use the data from your Mobility rate plan plus get unlimited talk and text for $13/day in the U.S. and $16/day in over 200 international destinations. You only pay for the days that you use your device while roaming. You can also check network and coverage information for your destination.

Travelling with your mobile device

When you power on your device, it will select a network for you. If you’re having trouble connecting to a network, try turning off your device, waiting 5 minutes, turning it back on and waiting 5 more minutes. Your device network operator or network selection mode needs to be set to automatic. If you want to change the network you're using, use manual network selection. For instructions on how to change the network, consult the user guide for your device or the tutorials in our mobile device support section – just select your device from the drop-down menu.

Note: to avoid connection issues in the future, you should always set network selection to automatic before travelling back to Canada or to your next destination.
You'll receive a welcome message from Bell with the standard roaming rates in that country. You'll also receive a warning message if your data roaming usage reaches a certain volume.

When travelling without a travel add-on, the costs can add up especially when it comes to data. Try the following tips on managing your data:

Use Wi-Fi when available
If you don't plan to use data, disable data services on your phone. For instructions, consult your user guide or the device tutorials from our smartphone support section.
Avoid using data-intensive applications such as web surfing, video streaming or downloading large email attachments.

Find more tips on how to reduce data use on your smartphone or iPhone.

Online through MyBell

On the go with the MyBell app.

Please note that roaming usage received from international partners can be delayed.

To make an international call while abroad, you need to add a "+" symbol in front of the number you’re dialling. To get the "+" symbol on your mobile phone, hold the "0" key for a few seconds until "+" appears on the screen.

Press and hold the 1 key.
If prompted, enter your 10-digit mobile phone number.
When prompted, enter your voicemail password.

Note: roaming rates apply.

To send a text message, you need to add a "+" symbol in front of the number you’re texting.

To reach emergency services while roaming, dial 1-1-2.

Note: We recommend you turn on your phone's screen lock to prevent accidental or unauthorized use. You'll still be able to call emergency services (such as 1-1-2) if needed.

View coverage for cruise lines (PDF 190.33 KB)

Contacting Bell when travelling abroad

You can contact Bell while travelling abroad using the following numbers:

Chat with us
From a Bell mobile phone: +1 514 420-7748
From a landline phone in the U.S.: 1 800 667-7626

Note: the "+" represents the international dialling code. To get the "+" symbol on your mobile phone, hold the 0 key for a few seconds until "+" appears on the screen.

If you plan to travel, we suggest you set up a PIN on your account. It allows us to verify your identity more quickly, should you need to contact us while abroad.

Set up a PIN

My Bell phone was stolen/lost while travelling

If your phone or SIM card is lost or stolen while you're travelling, use the contact methods above to report it to us immediately to avoid being held responsible for fraudulent charges. You can also log in to MyBell to report your device as lost and temporarily suspend your service.

What to expect on your bill

If you don’t have Roam Better – with home data, you'll be billed according to the pay-per-use rates applicable to your destination when you make or receive a call, send a text or use data.
To calculate your out-of-bundle usage, see the billing details provided on your bill.
Voice calls and data while roaming are reflected through the use of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates time.
SMS while roaming are reflected through the use of Eastern Time (ET).

For destinations not covered by Roam Better, you'll be billed according to the pay-per-use rates applicable to your destination when you make or receive a call, send a text or use data. Roam Better customers require a Data Travel Pass to use data in destinations not covered by Roam Better.
Voice calls and data while roaming are reflected through the use of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates time.
SMS while roaming are reflected through the use of Eastern Standard Time (ET).

If you have Roam Better – with home data

Roam Better – with home data

The Roam Better – with home data feature includes unlimited talk and text in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and over 200 international destinations and back to Canada. Plus, use the data from your account while travelling. Available with most monthly plans and Small Business plans.
Beyond 5 GB, speeds are up to 512 Kbps for the rest of the day, suitable for light web browsing, email and messaging.† Data speeds reset at 12:00 a.m. (ET) daily. If you use up the data in your rate plan and want to continue using data, data overage charges of your plan will apply.
See the Roam Better FAQ for rates and other details.

Roam Better – with 500 MB

Note: this feature can no longer be added as of March 9, 2023.

The Roam Better- with 500 MB feature includes unlimited calling and unlimited sent and received text messages in Roam Better destinations and back to Canada. Plus, you get 500 MB, valid each day until 11:59 p.m. (ET) with no impact to the data included in your account.
If you use up your 500 MB of daily roaming data, you will automatically receive a notification that includes the option to purchase another 500 MB of daily roaming data for $6 in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or for $8 in international Roam Better destinations. All additional data expires at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the day the data was purchased. Your daily data allowance will refresh with a new allotment of 500 MB at 12 a.m. (ET) the following day.
See the Roam Better FAQ for rates and other details.