How to keep your Canadian number when you move abroad
Updated October 30, 2026
Moving abroad doesn't mean giving up your Canadian cell number. You can keep it, and you'll probably want to. Banks, the CRA and apps like WhatsApp often send their codes to it.
There are three main ways to keep it. Stay on your Canadian plan, keep a cheap prepaid plan active, or bring your number to an app like NumberNest. Each has its own costs and risks.
Can I keep my Canadian number if I move abroad?
Yes. You can take your cell number to another provider as long as the service is still active. The CRTC says not to cancel your service before you switch. A cancelled number may be gone for good.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Monthly cost | Messages and codes | Calls | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay on your Canadian plan | Your plan, plus roaming | Arrive on your phone | Ring on your phone, roaming fees apply | Paying for a plan you barely use |
| Cheap prepaid plan | A small plan or top-up | Arrive while the SIM is in a phone | Ring on your phone, roaming fees apply | Losing the number if the account lapses |
| Bring your number to NumberNest | $5.99 | Arrive in the app | Ring in the app over the internet | Not open yet, join the waitlist |
Stay on your Canadian plan
The simplest option. Nothing changes, and your number keeps working.
The catch is cost. You keep paying for minutes and data you won't use. Abroad, most Canadian plans charge a daily roaming fee or sell a travel pass. Rogers, for example, lists a daily fee for each destination. Check your provider's roaming page for the country you're moving to.
Some providers let you suspend your plan while you're away. Ask yours what it costs and how long it can last.
Keep a cheap prepaid plan
Move your number to a prepaid plan before you go, then keep the SIM in a phone abroad. If your phone takes two SIMs, you can use it next to your local one.
You have to keep the account going, though. A prepaid account that isn't topped up or renewed gets suspended. If it stays that way, the account closes and the number goes back to the provider.
- The rules differ by provider. Fido, for example, lets you restore an expired balance if you refill within 7 days of your anniversary date.
- Find your provider's rules before you leave, and set a reminder well before each deadline.
- Keep some money on the account. Using your phone abroad costs more than at home.
Bring your number to NumberNest
NumberNest keeps your Canadian number in an app, so you don't need a Canadian plan or a Canadian SIM.
- Messages and pictures arrive in the app, on your phone and on the web.
- Calls ring in the app over the internet, wherever you are.
- Missed calls go to voicemail, and you can read each one as text.
- It costs $5.99 a month for each number, including tax.
To bring your number, you give NumberNest your account number with your current provider, the account holder's name and address, and your latest bill. The transfer moves your number across, and your old plan ends. Calls move first. Texts usually follow within minutes, but can take up to 2 business days.
NumberNest isn't open yet. Join the waitlist to hear when it opens for Canadian numbers.
Bank codes and logins
This is the main reason most people keep their number. Before you go:
- List the accounts that text you a code. Banks, the CRA, PayPal, Google and WhatsApp are common ones.
- Check each one can still reach you. Some let you switch to an app or email instead of texts.
- Don't cancel your Canadian number until you've moved every account off it, or moved the number somewhere that keeps it.
Wherever your number ends up, send yourself a test code from each important account before you leave.
Things to do before you leave
- Decide which option suits you.
- Find your account number. It's on your bill or in your online account. You'll need it to move your number.
- Turn on roaming or add a travel pass if you're keeping a Canadian SIM.
- Note down your provider's full customer service number, in case you need to call them from abroad.
- Set a reminder to top up or renew a prepaid plan before its deadline.
Common questions
Can I keep my Canadian cell phone number if I move abroad?
Yes. Keep your Canadian plan, keep a prepaid plan active, or bring the number to an app like NumberNest.
How do I keep my phone number active while abroad?
Keep paying your plan, or top up or renew a prepaid plan before its deadline. Each provider has its own rules, so check yours before you go.
What's the cheapest way to keep a Canadian number?
Bring it to an app like NumberNest for $5.99 a month. Your number stays active with no SIM, no plan and no reminders. A prepaid plan can cost less, but you lose the number for good if the account lapses.
What happens if my number is cancelled?
It usually can't be moved after that, and it can be given to someone else. Don't cancel your plan before the number has moved.
Can I move my number once I'm already abroad?
Yes, as long as it's still active. You'll need your account number, which is on your bill or in your online account.