Canadian pay as you go phones

[nfotiu]

Every time I go to Canada I seem to run up a $300 cell phone bill. Are there some good options for a pay as you go type phone in Canada that I could use to call and receive calls from the US? I think my roaming fees are about $1/minute, so it would have to end up being cheaper than that to be worthwhile. What are the options and where do you buy them?

Thanks

[STeeLy]

If your phone uses the GSM network. Fido (GSM network) has prepaid that runs you about 30 cents/min calling the US.

[GreenHardHat]

I think they sell cheap phones at 7-11. I've never used them, but it might be what you are looking for.
http://speakout7eleven.ca/

[nfotiu]

Thanks for the replies. My phone is verizon, so no sim cards. I just called them though, and it looks like I can roam free in Canada and have free long distance to Canada for an extra $20/month. Sounds like that is my best bet.

[STeeLy]

I would agree the $20 is probably your best bet... You could probably cancel it when you're not using it that month either... they should let you do that I think

[FurnaceFace]

Originally Posted by GreenHardHat

I think they sell cheap phones at 7-11. I've never used them, but it might be what you are looking for.
http://speakout7eleven.ca/

I have one of those as my phone use is casual. I love it since the minutes don't expire for a year, which might be good for nfotiu. Most of the other plans expire every 30 days.

[Calgaryborn]

Originally Posted by nfotiu

Thanks for the replies. My phone is verizon, so no sim cards. I just called them though, and it looks like I can roam free in Canada and have free long distance to Canada for an extra $20/month. Sounds like that is my best bet.

I only get 450 minutes in Canada roaming on my verizon plan. Are you sure yours is unlimited?

[Tower]

I've been thinking about dropping my cell phone and getting an Apple Touch. Using the wi-fi I can make calls over the interwebs. No long distance ever.