Canada and using esim

[Collie]

Hello, visiting Canada will be installing an esim for data. Data roaming off, Wi-Fi calling on. 
Will be calling uk ( home ) numbers either using WhatsApp or over Wi-Fi. 
will be calling local ( Canadian numbers ) using Wi-Fi calling. 
Will I be charged for making phone calls ? I believe not to uk numbers but what about local ?

Thanks. 

[PeteG]

Hello. 

Canada is one of our Go Roam Extra destinations. You can use Go Roam there on contracts, and unlock access to your allowances for £7 each day you use it. You can opt to purchase a Go Roam Extra Pass instead which will work out cheaper. Those passes can be found in the Add On section of the App. 

Having go Roam active will give you access to up to 3000 minutes of calls back to the UK. It's worth noting that WiFi calling generally doesn't work while Roaming, so your phone will likely need access to the mobile network while making normal voice calls.

Local calls within Canada will be charged at a rate of £1.40 per minute to land lines and mobiles.

Only contract users currently have access to Go Roam Extra. If it's a Pay As You Go eSIM you intend on getting, you won't have access to Go Roam Extra, and won't be able to take advantage of the benefits mentioned above. 

Pete. 

[Collie]

Hi Pete, in going for 30 plus days so the go roam cost would be £200 or more. I’m buying an esim data only ( not from three this is additional to my physical three SIM card ). The way it works is that data roaming is switched off and it will use the esim data for WhatsApp etc. what I’m trying to establish is if i use WhatsApp to call a local number then I will be using the esim data. What happens if I have Wi-Fi calling enabled and call the number just using phone feature ( not WhatsApp ) will it work? Will I be charge ? 

[PeteG · Accepted solution]

WiFi calling is not supposed to work abroad. However, if for some reason it does connect, calls placed over WiFi calling are treated the same as calls made over the mobile network. You would be charged the same local rate as you would be if you made the call with WiFi calling turned off. 

Pete.

[tarantella]

Wifi-Calling only works in the UK, as far as I know

[Collie]

Do you know if the call will ignore call over wifi then and use the cellular network, therefore I’ll be charged the call rate that three set for Canada or will the call fail ? 

[PeteG]

Hi. 

WiFi calling won't work abroad in the same way it does in the UK. 

Any calls made using your Three SIM to a local Canadian number would be charged normally, even if you're on WiFi. It would be best to use a service like WhatsApp for those kinds of calls instead. 

Pete.

[MZone]

If you make a call using your Three number in Canada over the cellular network you will be charged the applicable Three roaming rate. Using what’s app and Facebook messenger for example uses data either cellular or WiFi. If connected to WiFi you wouldn’t be charged for that. 

[tarantella]

I honestly don't know.

@JonathanB : do you know the answer to this ?

[MZone]

Have a look at h the roaming guide here.