FAQ / WIFIPEDIA

Service & Booking Questions

What is WifiBuddy.ca Service?

WifiBuddy.ca is a service that is a hybrid of mobile communication networks and specialized equipment to provide our customers with Wifi service

How many countries does WifiBuddy.ca service cover?

Covering more than 100 countries and regions now and we are still expanding the coverage.

How early in advance should I book?

To ensure unit availability, we recommend customer to complete your booking at least 7 days prior to the rental start date. The standard booking deadline is an order/booking must be made at least 3 days prior to the rental start date. If you choose courier service as your pick up method, an order/booking must be made at least 10 business days prior to the rental start date . For last-minute order request, please contact us ASAP so we can check the product availability, we will be contacting you via email.

Is WifiBuddy.ca suitable for corporate clients and customers who travel frequently ?

Yes, it is. We provides a professtional platform for management. The monthly fee is charged according to the amount of data usage, which could be more economical and saving the data usage.

What is the rental rates for a WifiBuddy.ca device?

Based on the 8 packages and the region. The details are shown on the home page.

What if I need to cancel my order?

For Pocket WiFi devices - In the event that the client needs to unexpectedly cancel their service, as long as we have 6 calendar days notice before the rental starts, there will be no fee. If we've already shipped the package and the user cancels their order, there will be a 50% fee to cover our loss of use. For eSIM and SIM Cards - Due to the contracts we have with our providers, we're unfortunately unable to make any refunds once the order has been placed.

What kinds of payment options are available?

We offer credit card, debit card, and numerous other payment options. We also welcome various currencies so you can avoid international transaction fees.

Do you offer long-term plans for people staying longer?

Yes! Please get in touch via email and we can discuss the most helpful plan for your needs.

Pocket WiFi Questions

What is the "Cloud SIM Wifi Device?"

Still using the traditional SIM-card-pocket-WiFi when having trips? WifiBuddy introduces you the latest WiFi technology – Cloud Sim Pocket Wi-Fi – featuring SIM-free, Cloud SIM technology requires no local SIM card around the world!

What is "Cloud Sim Pocket Wi-Fi"?

Powered by Cloud Sim technology, it is the world's first pocket WiFi with no local SIM cards needed around the world, allowing travelers to access the Internet without local SIM cards and roaming charges.

How it works?

Its Cloud SIM technology helps the device to upload a SIM card from the existing database automatically, and this becomes the cloud for communication via data traffic. When user's location is detected, the cloud will deliver the signals provided by the specific ISP in the area. Hence, users can enjoy the best-ever internet surfing experience.

How do I use the WifiBuddy.ca service?

When you arrive at your destination, simply turn on the device switch. It will automatically search the local 4G network for the best suitable connection. It may take a few minutes to establish a connection the first time you turn on the device at your destination.

What's the battery life on the devices?

They're good for roughly 8 to 12 hours of use, depending on the model and how many people are connected. Like any battery-powered device, continual use will shorten the battery life, and inconsistent use will lengthen it. We include chargers with the device.

How big is the device?

Our most common model is compact and portable, designed for easy travel.

What kinds of speeds can I expect?

Generally speaking it's safe to expect 10-50Mbps on 4G/LTE, and up to 2 or 3Mbps on 3G. Please note that network traffic (especially weekends, holidays or emergency scenarios) can affect speeds. Large obstructions such as certain buildings, being deep underground, or other congestion, can also reduce speeds.

How many devices can I connect?

Up to 5 smart devices can be connected to the internet simultaneously.

What other devices are supported?

Our Pocket Wifi supports most smart phones, iPad / Tablet or Laptops.

What is WifiBuddy.ca's Quality of Service?

The devices need to be able to connect and receive the 3G/4G network and provide the local service. The actual speed or performance of the service will vary and is affected by the local network coverage provided and other external operating environmental forces can affect the performance.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes you will need to pay a deposit of CAD 150 when collecting the device.

What will happen if I return the device late?

If the device is returned a day after the scheduled return date, a daily fine of CAD$150 will be imposed. If the device is returned after 7 days of the scheduled returned date, the deposit of CAD150 will be forfeited as compensation. The cost of using mobile data during that period before the return will be payable by the customer.

What is the coverage like?

WifiBuddy.ca partners with the biggest local network operators to ensure that you always have the best and fastest connections available to you. WifiBuddy.ca runs in roaming auto mode. When you arrive at your destination, the WiFi device will automatically select and connect to the strongest signal of the local network provider. As with all mobile broadband services, the actual speed will be affected by several external factors. Some remote or poor reception areas may not have internet services. Having the WifiBuddy.ca device connected to multiple devices might also slow down the internet speed.

Is there coverage on a cruise or out at sea?

While WifiBuddy.ca offers excellent coverage on land, the "out at sea" coverage will depend on the distance out at sea and the cruise location – the closer to land, the more likely there will be coverage. Our pocket wifi devices will surely be connected while docked at the destination country that WifiBuddy.ca offers service to. ***ALASKA IS COVERED***

What about coverage in the Canadian Rockies and mountain areas?

Cell phone reception in the mountains can be unreliable, it's particularly spotty outside of the town site areas. There can be long stretches where there is no service such as the popular Icefields Parkway route (Hwy 93N) from Lake Louise to Jasper. Don't assume you will be able to get cell phone reception while hiking. The emergency number to call in the mountains and throughout Canada is 911. So unless Banff & Jasper Parks upgrades their network to have wifi coverage, otherwise all cell phones & all wifi will have no signal.

eSIM Questions

Are all the eSIM plans unlimited data?

Yes, all of our eSIMs provide unlimited data, however, depending on the length and plan you select, it is possible to exceed the LTE-speed allowance, in which case you'll be slowed down to 3G speeds. There are never any overage charges.

How do I connect my device?

Connecting simply requires a few clicks on the settings menu to complete once you've received your QR code from us. We include instructions in the email with more information.

What kind of speeds can I expect?

Depending on network traffic, location, and other factors, there is a large range of data speeds you can expect to experience. Our partners provide premium networks and generally offer 5-50Mbps on 4G+, and 0.5-3Mbps on 3G.

If I exceed my data limits, what happens?

Depending on your plan, you'll be slowed down to 3G speeds. Plans with 'Daily Limits' are refreshed every day at midnight, but plans without daily limits can be used at your own pace. Once exceeded, you'll be slowed down to 3G speeds for the rest of the trip.

What are the coverage areas?

Generally speaking, most places there are people globally, our network partners provide coverage. We cover 100+ countries and regions with coverage in 99%+ of populated areas.

Can I use tethering to connect other devices? Can I share with my friends?

Yes, most of the eSIMs we provide can use tethering, but please keep in mind that using multiple devices can consume data allowances quickly if you're not careful. Please also be aware of background app refresh settings that may consume data unbeknownst to you.

Is my phone/device compatible with these eSim cards?

Generally you can check in Settings > Connections > Sim Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan. If this appears, and you've confirmed with your manufacturer, then eSim should work on your phone. Not many phones made before 2019 offered eSim, so please confirm.

Can I top up my plan?

Currently we don't offer topping up, so please select the most suitable plan for your needs.

Is tax included in the price?

Yes, our prices are all-inclusive.

Do we need to return anything after using it?

No need to make any returns. Just switch your sim card settings back to your home country's, and you'll be set!

Can I make phone calls back to my family and friends back home?

Only using services that use data, such as Facetime, WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, etc.

Can I scan the QR code to install the esim on multiple devices?

No, the QR code will only work on one device, and after it's been scanned, it's 'used up' and can't be re-scanned.

SIM Card Questions

Are all the SIM cards unlimited data?

Yes, all of our sim cards provide unlimited data, however, depending on the length and plan you select, it is possible to exceed the LTE-speed allowance, in which case you'll be slowed down to 3G speeds. There are no overage charges.

How do I connect my device?

You'll need to make a few settings changes using the instructions we send in your package. Simply put, after installing the sim card into your device, you need to change the APN in the settings menu.

What kind of speeds can I expect?

Generally speaking it's safe to expect 5-50Mbps on LTE, and up to 2 or 3Mbps on 3G. Please note that network traffic (especially weekends, holidays or emergency scenarios) usually push the networks harder, causing slower conditions. Large obstructions such as certain buildings, being deep underground, or other congestion, can also reduce speeds.

If I exceed my data limits, what happens?

None of our plans have any overage charges. If you exceed your limit, you're slowed down to 3G speeds. We've experienced 3G during our testing that was pretty much the same speed as the LTE connection, but we've also experienced times when it was very slow. Please choose the right plan for your data needs.

What are the coverage areas?

Generally speaking, most places there are people globally, our network partners provide coverage. We cover 100+ countries and regions with coverage in 99%+ of populated areas.

Can I use tethering to connect other devices? Can I share with my friends?

Yes, the SIM cards we provide can use tethering, but please keep in mind that using multiple devices can consume data allowances quickly if you're not careful. Please also be aware of background app refresh settings that may consume data unbeknownst to you.

What size are the sim cards?

All our SIM cards are NANO-SIZE SIMs, but you can also use them in standard sim size devices. However, we do have adapters that we can provide for switching sizes, and those kits also include a sim card removal pin.

Is my phone/device compatible with these sim cards?

Your phone will need to be unlocked for sim use, and it will be a good idea to confirm with your phone's manufacturer. Generally a quick search can help you see if your phone will work with global SIM cards.

Can I top up my plan?

Unfortunately with sim cards we don't offer any top-up services, so we recommend choosing a data plan that provides plenty of leeway for your needs.

Is tax and shipping included in the price?

Yes.

Do we need to return anything after using it?

No need to return anything for sim card orders. You can keep your sim card as a memento of your trip, or simply dispose of it.

Can I make phone calls back to my family and friends back home?

Only using services that use data, such as Facetime, WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, etc.

Is there any activation required?

Once you put the card in your device and change the settings, it will activate and connect to the network for you.

Can we use the sim card in other devices like a watch or pocket wifi device?

The SIM cards we provide are mainly used for phones. We don't recommend attempting to use one in pocket wifi devices that are designed for another country.

Shipping & Pickup Questions

Where can I pick up my device?

We have store pickup locations in Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Victoria. You can also choose courier delivery to your address.

How does courier delivery work?

If you choose courier service as your pickup method, an order/booking must be made at least 10 business days prior to the rental start date. We'll deliver to your specified address.

What's included in the package?

For Pocket WiFi: We include the device, charger, cables, instructions, and a convenient case. For SIM cards: We include the SIM card, instructions, and any necessary adapters if requested.

How do I return the device?

For store pickup customers, return to the same store location. For courier delivery, we provide return instructions and prepaid return options.

Can you deliver to my hotel or AirBNB?

Yes, we can deliver to hotels and AirBNB locations. Please make sure someone will be available to receive the package, or we can arrange delivery to a nearby pickup point.