HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile: which eSIM is better in 2026?

Mint Mobile's international data comes as add-on passes with a set amount of data, not as unlimited data. For example, its 10-day Minternational Pass costs US$20 for 10GB and covers 180+ countries. HelloRoam offers both fixed data packages and unlimited daily data plans on local partner networks in popular destinations like the US, Mexico, the UK, and Japan, and speeds depend on the local network.

Mint Mobile plans are built for US residents and need a US address to sign up, so check Mint Mobile's own site for any age-based offers. For international travel, HelloRoam is a straightforward option for travellers of any age: no contract, no monthly fee, and 24/7 WhatsApp support in your own language if you need help while you're away.

A Mint Mobile eSIM runs on a US domestic plan and cannot be used as an independent international travel eSIM. The Minternational Pass provides roaming in 180+ countries, but it is an add-on to a US plan, not a standalone travel eSIM. HelloRoam is a dedicated travel eSIM covering 185+ countries with no US plan required and plans starting at CA$1.44.

eSIMs are an excellent choice for travellers because they activate instantly, connect to local 4G and 5G networks, and cost far less than international add-ons from Rogers, Bell, or Telus. HelloRoam eSIM covers 185+ countries from CA$1.44 with no daily fees. Mint Mobile's Minternational Pass charges US$5 per day on top of a monthly US plan, so a dedicated eSIM is the better option for most trips.

A HelloRoam eSIM does not make you easier to track than a physical SIM or any carrier plan. All SIM technology, including eSIM and physical SIM cards from Rogers, Bell, or Telus, connects to cell towers using the same standard protocols. HelloRoam eSIM profiles use GSMA encryption in every one of our 185+ countries, providing strong protection against unauthorised access.

Switching between eSIM profiles is straightforward on any modern eSIM compatible phone. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular, and choose which line handles data. On Android, open Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIM Manager. Travellers typically keep their Rogers, Bell, or Telus plan active for calls and switch data to HelloRoam when they fly out of YYZ, YVR, or another Canadian airport.

HelloRoam eSIM plans are fully prepaid with no contracts and no monthly fees. You buy a plan only when you need travel data. Mint Mobile's international passes need an active Mint Mobile plan, which is a monthly US subscription, and a US address. For travellers who want flexibility without an ongoing subscription, HelloRoam's pay-as-you-go model is the better approach.

Most modern smartphones support multiple eSIM profiles. iPhones from the XS onward can hold more than one eSIM, the iPhone 13 and later can run two at once, and most Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer models support multiple eSIMs. Travellers can keep their Rogers, Bell, or Telus plan on one line and add HelloRoam as a second line for travel data. This lets you receive Canadian calls and texts while using HelloRoam for affordable data in 185+ countries.

HelloRoam supports hotspot sharing on all plans, so you can share your data connection with a laptop, tablet, or travel companion's phone. Mint Mobile's Minternational Pass has limited hotspot sharing abroad. Turn on Personal Hotspot on your phone and connect your other devices. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed, so purchase the plan for the phone you carry.

If your plan supports top-ups, you can top up your eSIM in the HelloRoam app during your trip, as long as the plan has not expired. Open the app, pick the eSIM you already have, and choose a top-up: the data loads straight onto it, with no new QR code to scan. Plans start at CA$1.44 worldwide. This makes HelloRoam a flexible option for longer holidays from Canada.

HelloRoam eSIM works on any unlocked, eSIM-compatible Android phone, including models purchased through Rogers, Bell, or Telus. Most recent Android flagship phones support eSIM, including most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Google Pixel 4 and newer, and recent models from OnePlus and Motorola. Check that your device is unlocked before adding a HelloRoam eSIM for travel.

Not all Samsung phones support eSIM. Most Galaxy S20 and newer flagship models include eSIM support, along with the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series, but the S20 FE and S21 FE do not. Budget Samsung A-series phones generally do not support eSIM. To check, go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager on your Samsung device. HelloRoam works on any Samsung phone that supports eSIM, whether purchased in Canada or elsewhere.

If your plan supports top-ups, you can add data in the HelloRoam app at any point before the plan expires. Choose a top-up for the eSIM you already have, and the data loads straight onto it, so your connection continues without a new QR code. If your plan cannot take a top-up, buy a new plan for the same country. HelloRoam plans start at CA$1.44.

You can purchase a HelloRoam eSIM plan online from anywhere in Canada before your departure. Buy the plan on the HelloRoam website, receive the QR code by email, install the eSIM on your phone, and activate it when you arrive at your destination. The whole process takes less than five minutes and means you are connected the moment you land, with no need to hunt for a local SIM at the airport.

Rogers, Bell, and Telus all support converting physical SIM accounts to eSIM on compatible phones. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes through the carrier app or customer support. Once your Canadian carrier is on eSIM, your physical SIM slot is free, and you can add a HelloRoam eSIM for travel data in 185+ countries without paying Mint Mobile's US$5 per day international charges.

HelloRoam is one of the best international eSIM options for travellers, with fixed data plans in 185+ countries, unlimited daily plans in most destinations, and no monthly subscription. Plans start from CA$1.44. You can buy an eSIM online from HelloRoam in under 5 minutes without a store visit. Mint Mobile is not designed for international use and charges US$5 per day for roaming through its Minternational Pass. Other strong options include Airalo (200+ countries, mostly fixed data) and Holafly (200+ destinations, unlimited data). All three work on eSIM-compatible phones, including iPhone XS and newer and most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE). Check your exact model before you buy.