Buying Public Mobile eSIM before Arrival in Canada

[NJNV9299]

Hello everyone,

I will be permanently moving to Canada (specifically Toronto) next week for a job. I have been browsing cell phone plans and Public Mobile seems the best value for money for me, especially as I want a prepaid plan with significant data allowance. I was considering buying an eSIM before my arrival in Canada, so I am all set to use calls and data on my arrival. I also need to provide my phone number that I will eventually use to my workplace and other entities (like the bank).

Would you recommend I purchase the eSIM before my arrival in Canada, are there likely to be any issues if I purchase it now itself? For context I am currently based in Ireland and I understand that the eSIM will probably not be activated here itself, but I wanted a Canadian number before my arrival, which I intend to use going forward after my arrival too.

Secondly, I wanted to go through an eSIM route as my phone only has one slot for a physical SIM. Do you see any challenges starting off with an eSIM?

Third, the Public Mobile app is not currently available on the Irish playstore and I will not be changing my PlayStore country for a few weeks at least as I need access to a few Irish/EEA apps - can I manage my account (activation, top ups etc) via the website without the app?

Many thanks

[Handy1]

@NJNV9299  I think physical SIM card better and more reliable then eSIM can pick these up at Telus Koodo store or order from Amazon 

Find SIM card Find a store near to you | Public Mobile

Amazon

Public Mobile Prepaid SIM Prepaid Phone - (Universal/SmartPhones), Packaging May Vary : Amazon.ca: E...

but be aware depending where your from and what phone you have it might not  work with PM and in that case you need a phone from the North American market to work . I was going to help friend join PM 2 days ago they have phone from Gana and PM sim and Telus sim would not work in their  phone so they in the process now of buying Canadian . Version phone to join public 

[hairbag1]

@NJNV9299 

additionally...you need a bank card from Canada to successfully activate a new PM account. Once you get to Canada, you can get a Vanilla MC/Debit card and will need customer support help to get you going.

[eddieO]

@NJNV9299 unfortunately you will need the Public Mobile app to complete the activation process, you can start the account signup from the website but you will not be able to activate from the website. If you have another device, like a tablet or a friend or relative's phone you could try installing the app on there to complete activation, assuming they have there App Store set to Canada

[hTideGnow]

hi @NJNV9299 

you can buy esim ahead but you wouldn't be able to test and confirm if the activation was successfully

and one thing, you have to activate PM with Public Mobile app and PM app only able to download with app store set to Canada.  So, if your app store is not currently set to Canada, you won't be able to download it.  (But if you have  Android , you can sideload the app)