The quick answer for iPhone 13 owners
Every iPhone 13 — mini, standard, Pro and Pro Max — is eSIM-capable. Apple lists eSIM support across the iPhone 13 line, and the phones also support Dual SIM with an eSIM plus a physical nano-SIM. That means you can keep your home line in the tray or as your primary eSIM, and add a travel eSIM as a second line for data in Canada.
You do not need to visit a shop, queue at a kiosk or swap plastic. You install the eSIM as a QR code or activation code, usually before you leave home, and it sits quietly until you switch it on.
How to check your iPhone 13 in under a minute
Open Settings → General → About. Scroll to the field labelled Carrier Lock or look for Available SIM / Digital SIM information. On an iPhone 13 you should see an IMEI listed under the eSIM section. If you see two IMEI numbers, one is the physical SIM and one is the eSIM.
A faster route: dial *#06#. If a second IMEI appears, your phone has eSIM hardware. You can also check Settings → Cellular — if you see Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, you are ready.
If you are still unsure, our guide Will your phone take an eSIM? Check in a minute walks through the same steps with screenshots.
What to buy for a trip to Canada
iPhone 13 owners travelling to Canada should buy the Canada eSIM. It is a data plan built for travellers, installed before departure and activated when you land. You keep your home number for calls and texts, and use the Canada eSIM for maps, messaging apps, ride-hailing and bookings.
If your trip also touches the United States or Mexico, look at the eSIM North America: One Plan for the USA, Canada and Mexico instead — one plan across the three countries. For a Canada-only itinerary, the Canada eSIM is the simpler choice.
| Situation | What to buy |
|---|---|
| Canada only, iPhone 13 | Canada eSIM |
| Canada + USA + Mexico | North America plan |
| Arriving at Toronto Pearson | Toronto airport (YYZ): arriving and getting online |
| Checking your phone first | Will your phone take an eSIM? |
Installing the eSIM on an iPhone 13
- Buy the plan and wait for the QR code or activation details by email.
- Connect to Wi-Fi at home.
- Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code, or enter the activation code manually.
- Label the line something obvious, such as “Canada travel”.
- Leave it switched off until you land, then turn it on and enable Data Roaming for that line.
Fuller steps live in our Install the eSIM and Switch the eSIM on after you land guides.
Common snags and how to avoid them
- “No SIM” or no signal after landing. Check that the Canada line is selected for mobile data, and that data roaming is on for that line only. See eSIM not connecting.
- QR code lost. It arrives by email; if you cannot find it, the Refunds and lost QR codes page explains what to do.
- Calls and texts. Your home line keeps working for calls and SMS if your plan allows it. The travel eSIM handles data.
- Battery. Two active lines use a little more power. Switching off the travel line when you are on hotel Wi-Fi helps.
Where the iPhone 13 fits alongside newer models
The iPhone 13 supports eSIM in the same way as the iPhone 14 and 15 for travel purposes. The practical difference is that US models from the iPhone 14 onwards dropped the physical SIM tray, while the iPhone 13 still has one. For a traveller, that is an advantage: you can keep a physical SIM from home and add the travel eSIM as a second line.
If you are weighing up a Canada trip with other stops, our eSIM Canada: Plans, Coverage and Prices for Travellers covers the plan options in more detail.
What the Canada eSIM covers
The Canada eSIM is designed for travellers arriving in Canada, from Toronto and Vancouver to the Rockies. It is a data plan: you use it for maps, messaging, email, bookings and ride-hailing. It does not replace your home number for calls and texts unless your home plan supports Wi-Fi calling or roaming.
For a Rockies itinerary, our Banff eSIM: Staying Connected in the Rockies and the Parks is a useful companion read.
Before you fly: a short checklist
- Confirm your iPhone 13 shows Add eSIM in Settings.
- Buy the Canada eSIM.
- Install it on Wi-Fi at home.
- Label the line clearly.
- Leave it off until you land.
- On landing, switch it on and enable data roaming for that line.
- Test with a quick map search or message.
If anything goes wrong, the Help centre has setup and troubleshooting guides for installation, activation and connection problems.
