Do American cell phones work in Canada?

[Maeisgood]

I have an iPhone, I live in America, and I'm going to Toranto soon, will my cell phone work up there?

 

[Inquisitus]

Didn't you know? Phones don't work in the cold. You have to use a can & string!

Seriously though, yeah, it'll work. It'll probably be expensive as you'll be roaming.

 

[Axcell]

It will work ONLY if your phone is unlocked.
Also, you'd have to be on a specific network for it to work as different networks operate on different frequencies. Who is your current provider?

 

[BigJimbo]

Roaming will kill you. Another way America screws you over. In 80% of this earth people buy unlocked phones. Easy as switching your SIM card. In America the idiots who sell mobile/cell phones don't even realize that their phones are locked. Best bet is to buy an unlocked phone. Then you simply buy a Sim card when you arrive. Problem is finding an unlocked phone in America! Easier buying porn or drugs in America than buying an unlocked phone. The big phone stores you see would NEVER sell unlocked phones. I will say that Canadian stores push locked phones but almost all of them will sell you the same phone that is unlocked. Same goes for most of Eastern Europe.

 

[Inquisitus]

It will work ONLY if your phone is unlocked.
Also, you'd have to be on a specific network for it to work as different networks operate on different frequencies. Who is your current provider?

You mean if you're planning to use a Canadian SIM right?

Canadian carriers use the same frequencies as US carriers with respect to the iPhone 3G and above. If you're using the original iPhone, then you're limited to Fido, Rogers, and Seven Eleven (who i think roams on Rogers).

@ Maeisgood,
If you want to use Canadian SIM cards and pay Canadian prices, you have to unlock your phone.

If you're using it with your current US provider, be prepared to pay handsomely for roaming, especially data.

 

[Maxtro]

It seems you might want to look into jailbreaking your phone.

 

[Maeisgood]

It is an iPhone that uses AT&T.

 

[COD]

att automatically switches to rogers when U are in Toronto......appropriate charges will apply. Ask your phone company provider for a 30 day out of country plan..........it will save you money if U plan on using your phone while in Canada

 

[BigJimbo]

I am taking it that none of the teenagers on here travel outside of America. If you did you would know that everyone goes with an unlocked phone.

 

[Maeisgood]

When at&t switches to Rogers, does it happen automatically and perfectly every time, or is it spotty and hard to catch? Does it fade in and out?

 

[Inquisitus]

Automatic and seamless though you'll probably get a text telling you you're on a Canadian network. Just note, Toronto is like any large city. You may have issues connecting during the busy periods but you will have signal.