Myself, my Partner and a friend are headed to the US and Canada for almost 3 weeks for a holiday.
We'd like to get some temporary sims so we can remain in contact while there. We don't need much data (less than 500 meg would be oodles) and we won't need many minutes or texts, we will need to find each other, run google maps, the occasional text.
So any suggestions ?
T Mobile
You can activate international roaming before you leave Australia, but remember to turn off the mobile data, use it for sms only which will cost you about 50 cents per sms, or if free Wi Fi available in hotels, just use WhatsApp to send and receive the massage.
Canada is incredibly expensive for phone service and prepaid is a hassle to set up. I've done it in the past on trips (before the US sims had roaming in Canada included) and it's a lot of effort (Telus wouldn't accept non-Canadian credit cards etc)
T-Mobile and AT&T in the US have plans that allow roaming in Canada and are your best value (you will need to start your trip in the US and buy sim there).
Have a look at:
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Prepaid_SIM_with…
This site give a good overview of prepaid options.
I'd recommend just getting either T-Mobile or AT&T on a prepaid plan that includes Canada, you'll likely be spending around $65 per line for the month. (It will include unlimited calls and way more data than you are looking for but when you add the cost of a cheaper, non roaming to canada plan as well as a sim for canada you will see this is the easiest and cheapest option)
It's easy to get set up in the states, if you're in a major city just pop into the local T-Mobile or AT&T store and they can set you up (often if there is a $5-$10 fee for the sim card they usually waive it).
Alternatively if you are in a smaller area, just go to the closest walmart or target and you can pick up a prepaid starter kit with minimal fuss. When i've lacked wi-fi to set up the account i've just asked the salesperson at target if they can activate it, they have always been really good about activating the sims so that they are up and running before you leave the store.
Don't forget in Canada to have 1. poutine 2. a beaver tail 3. maple sugar 4. a harvey burger (the veggie burger is particularly good)!
Have a fun trip.
I was just in the US for 2 months, I tried both T-Mobile and AT&T, and I would say AT&T had better service. I was in major cities and out camping as well. $65/month per SIM is a good estimate, they'll probably have a range of plans you can choose from.
T mobile