With over 12 million subscribers, Sprint is one of the largest wireless communication service providers in the United States. As a Sprint customer, you might be wondering if you can call Canada without incurring additional charges. After all, Canada is just a stone’s throw away from the US, and many Americans have friends, family, or business associates living in the Great White North. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Sprint’s international calling plans and rates to help you understand whether it’s free to call Canada with Sprint.
Understanding Sprint’s International Calling Plans
Sprint offers various international calling plans and add-ons to cater to different customer needs. These plans aim to provide cost-effective solutions for customers who frequently call or text international numbers. Here are the key international calling plans offered by Sprint:
Sprint Global Roaming
Sprint Global Roaming is a convenient and affordable way to stay connected while traveling abroad. With this feature, you can enjoy unlimited data and texting in over 185 countries, including Canada, at no additional charge. However, voice calls are not free and will incur a per-minute charge, which varies depending on the country you’re calling.
Sprint International Calling Plan
The Sprint International Calling Plan is a monthly add-on that allows you to make discounted calls to over 100 countries, including Canada. This plan costs $5 per month and offers competitive per-minute rates for international calls.
Sprint Unlimited Premium Plan
The Sprint Unlimited Premium Plan is a high-end plan that includes unlimited data, talk, and text, as well as international features like unlimited calling and texting to Canada and Mexico, plus 200MB of high-speed data roaming in these countries.
Calling Canada with Sprint: What’s the Cost?
Now that we’ve discussed Sprint’s international calling plans, let’s focus on the specific costs associated with calling Canada.
Standard International Rates
Without an international calling plan or add-on, Sprint’s standard international rates apply. For Canada, the per-minute rate is $0.59 for voice calls, and $0.20 for text messages sent. Receiving text messages is free.
Sprint International Calling Plan Rates
With the Sprint International Calling Plan, the per-minute rate for calling Canada is $0.25. This is significantly lower than the standard international rate. However, you’ll need to add this feature to your plan for an additional $5 per month.
Sprint Unlimited Premium Plan Rates
If you’re on the Sprint Unlimited Premium Plan, you can enjoy unlimited calling and texting to Canada, as well as 200MB of high-speed data roaming, at no additional cost.
Additional Fees and Taxes
When calling Canada with Sprint, you should be aware of additional fees and taxes that might apply.
International Long-Distance Charges
Sprint may charge international long-distance fees for calls made to Canada, depending on your plan. These fees are usually levied on a per-minute basis and can add up quickly.
Roaming Fees
If you travel to Canada and use your Sprint phone while roaming, you may incur roaming fees. These fees can be steep, especially for data usage.
Taxes and Surcharges
Taxes and surcharges may apply to your international calls, depending on your location and the type of call you’re making.
Free Alternatives to Calling Canada with Sprint
While Sprint offers various international calling plans and add-ons, you might be looking for free alternatives to call Canada. Here are a few options:
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services
VoIP services like Skype, Google Voice, or Vonage allow you to make voice calls over the internet. You can use these services to call Canada at competitive rates or even for free, depending on the provider and your plan.
Messaging Apps
Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Apple iMessage enable you to send text messages, make voice or video calls, and share media with friends and family in Canada without incurring additional charges from Sprint.
International Calling Cards
International calling cards are prepaid cards that offer discounted rates for international calls. You can purchase these cards online or at retail stores and use them to call Canada at lower rates than Sprint’s standard international rates.
Conclusion
While it’s not entirely free to call Canada with Sprint, the carrier offers various international calling plans and add-ons to help you stay connected with friends, family, or business associates in Canada at competitive rates. By understanding Sprint’s international calling plans and rates, as well as exploring free alternatives, you can make informed decisions about how to manage your international calling needs.
| Plan | Per-Minute Rate | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard International Rates | $0.59 | N/A |
| Sprint International Calling Plan | $0.25 | $5 |
| Sprint Unlimited Premium Plan | Unlimited | $Included with plan |
By carefully reviewing the options and considering your international calling needs, you can find a solution that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Is it free to call Canada with Sprint?
Calling Canada with Sprint is free for most users. As of 2015, Sprint eliminated international roaming charges in Canada, making it possible for Sprint customers to roam freely in Canada without incurring additional fees. This means that Sprint customers can make calls, send texts, and use data in Canada just like they would in the United States, without worrying about extra charges.
However, it’s essential to note that some older plans may not include free calling to Canada. If you’re unsure about your specific plan, it’s best to check with Sprint directly to confirm whether you’ll be charged for calling Canada.
Do I need to add an international plan to call Canada?
No, you don’t need to add an international plan to call Canada with Sprint. As mentioned earlier, Sprint has eliminated international roaming charges in Canada, which means you can use your existing plan to make calls, send texts, and use data in Canada without incurring additional fees. This applies to all Sprint customers, regardless of their plan type.
However, if you plan to travel to other countries outside of Canada and Mexico, you may need to consider adding an international plan to avoid high roaming charges. Sprint offers various international plans and add-ons that can be added to your account to make international travel more affordable.
Will I be charged for receiving calls in Canada?
No, you won’t be charged for receiving calls in Canada with Sprint. As part of Sprint’s free international roaming in Canada, you can receive calls, texts, and use data in Canada without incurring additional fees. This applies to both personal and business accounts.
However, it’s essential to note that you may be charged for receiving calls from other countries outside of Canada and Mexico, depending on your plan. If you’re unsure about your specific plan, it’s best to check with Sprint directly to confirm.
Can I use my data in Canada with Sprint?
Yes, you can use your data in Canada with Sprint. Sprint’s free international roaming in Canada includes data usage, which means you can access the internet, check your email, and use your favorite apps on your device just like you would in the United States.
However, it’s essential to note that data speeds may be slower in Canada compared to the United States. Additionally, some data-intensive activities like streaming may be restricted or throttled to ensure a smooth network experience for all users.
Will I be charged for sending texts in Canada?
No, you won’t be charged for sending texts in Canada with Sprint. As part of Sprint’s free international roaming in Canada, you can send texts to Canadian numbers without incurring additional fees. This applies to both personal and business accounts.
However, it’s essential to note that some premium texts or special messages may incur additional charges, regardless of the country you’re in. If you’re unsure about specific texting charges, it’s best to check with Sprint directly to confirm.
Can I make calls to Canadian numbers from the United States?
Yes, you can make calls to Canadian numbers from the United States with Sprint. You can dial Canadian numbers directly from your Sprint device, and the call will be treated as a domestic call. This means you won’t incur any additional international charges.
However, it’s essential to note that some Canadian numbers may require a special dialing sequence or code to reach them from the United States. You can check with the person or organization you’re trying to reach to confirm their specific dialing instructions.
Do I need to notify Sprint before traveling to Canada?
No, you don’t need to notify Sprint before traveling to Canada. Sprint’s free international roaming in Canada is automatically available to all eligible customers. You can simply pack your device and travel to Canada without worrying about additional fees or setup.
However, it’s essential to ensure that your device is compatible with Canadian frequencies and that you have a working SIM card before you travel. You can check with Sprint directly to confirm your device’s compatibility and make any necessary adjustments before your trip.