klm wrote: To the OP, go to verizonwireless web site and click on plans. You will see the plan that includes Canada. Look at the map for coverage, you will see lots of "no coverage" along the way to Alaska, but some cell service in places. You will have to decide whether it is worth it to temporarily switch plans. As I replied earlier, I did go to a verizon store, and the rep was very knowledgeable and provided me with a pamphlet and additional info that she jotted down. Safe travels, Kathy
We also did exactly this. I also installed a "Wilson Trucker's Antenna" on top of the motorhome and also a 3 watt Wilson Cellular amplifier with hopes that this combination will help in the areas that the typical cell phone lacks capability. I realize that we won't have full coverage while in Canada, but every little bit helps.
We live out on the far edges of the Southern California Mojave Desert and sometimes the mountains get in the way. I've tested my new system and it does seem to help a lot. We'll see about Canada.
Ron
I too, think PavementPilot was a little outta line. A deep breath once in a while helps a lot. US people who have never been to Canada really don't know exactly what to expect and will ask some what seems like very dumb questions; however, they are just ignorant due to never have visited before. I have made three trips and have enjoyed every one greatly and the people are very neighborly and pleasant, but the first time, I too was very hesitant and really didn't know what I was going to find. Heading back in three days...
Ron & Sandie
'08 Safari Simba SBD35
86 Toy 4x4 P/U for Toad.
Tow Bar: Sterling
Brakes: Unified
Toys:
Yamaha 660R Raptor (mine)
Honda 350ES Rancher (hers)
64 Fairlane w/351c - 4sp
Both Fed CS Retirees
Hobbies:
DW's: Quilting
Mine: DW
The problem in Americans not knowing or understanding what Canada is about generally was explained to me clearly last winter by a very intelligent American teacher.He said the American education system does not spend very much time at all on Canadian culture and history.He was amazed that we were taught all the States,capitals,etc.in school.Sometimes we do get a little sensitive about what we percieve to be ignorance about our country,but truthfully if you don't know it happens.I think a call to your existing cell provider to expand your plan to include Canada will work.Canada has more cell phones per person population then the U.S.A.Can you imagine not being neighbors.
I had this problem when we were in western Canada in 2005. Our Verizon cell was not useable, and the pay phones ate up minutes like they were free (33 minutes just to dial the phone). Fortunately my mom has internet access so we are trying Skype this year. I hope it works. My daughter, however, will have very limited internet access so I will probably by a Canadian calling card and try that for contacting her or have my mom contact her and pass news and information along until we have cell service again. We had no problem finding pay phones in 2005 as we traveled as most campgrounds had them. Hopefully that will still be the case.
OP, Seems to be a lot of misinformation here, perhaps because it has changed.
Go to the Verizon web site and search on Nationwide plus Canada. You can check the coverage maps and rates which are an additional $20/month. Verizon told me to call to start the Canadian coverage and stop it after one or more months.
A friend has the Wilson dual band antenna and amp and he gets calls and when I can't. He also has the inside panel antenna so his phones and laptops are wireless. He's told people to stand outside his rig and make calls.
2 things, WiFi is fairly common now in the nicer private parks, Cell phone coverage is also pretty good as they tend to be more around population centers, and second Provincial Parks cel phone coverage is much spottier, mostly because they tend to be away from population centers
Depending on how much you talk, it may be worth buying a prepaid. When I roam to the US I don't bother even though it is extremely expensive. But then I use my phone for business and my number is my main contact.
2008 Itasca Sunova 35J Class A
1997 TJ Sahara, hard and soft tops and AC
Held together via Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar and stopped by US Gear Unified Brake system.
Offline
