Because many Americans have visited Canada regularly (those on the West Coast and in the Northeast seem to venture in and out of Canada almost at will) I think there is a perception that Canada is almost an extension of the U.S. They speak English (except in Quebec), the money looks like ours and is usually worth nearly the same as an exchange and we seem to just breeze through the border for a quick trip to British Columbia (I've been there a half dozen times) often. With the Olympics coming up in 2 years, Canada is going to get even more travelers from the States, so I intend to be blogging about Canada and offering advice about Canadian travel until then.
One of my early travel tips to Canada has to do with using the internet, cell phones and Air Cards. I came across a warning about using an AT&T AirCard from a blog post about overseas roaming charges in general. It is an informative post itself - but the bi-story about the son who racked up a $19,000 bill on AT&T while using the Internet really hit home.
Along with the relaxed feeling we gain from easy entry into Canada seems to come with a reassurance that everything works like it does in the US. Turns out not to be true - AT&T (and perhaps MOST cell phone companies) consider Canada as INTERNATIONAL travel. So you can easily rack up a bill of hundreds of dollars just roaming the Internet if your service is through an access card because you are now paying International fees. The above story shows the son used the internet 21 times only (to send photos and emails mostly) and yet was charged thousands of dollars.
In fairness, AT&T appeared to be contemplating the situation but that may only be to provide relief to this particular family. My advice is to ASK your provider about international rates in Canada - whether it be to use the cell phone or the internet with a connect card. I am guessing it would be cheaper to BUY one in Canada (even a phone for that matter) and service for a month rather than pay $19,370 plus just to send photos and emails. (Of course the reverse may be true as well - Canadian companies may consider connecting to the US as international charges too so you don't gain anything).
"O Canada, we stand on guard for thee." are the last 2 lines to Oh Canada and it appears WE should stand on guard for thee indeed, on guard for getting ripped by our own American companies! I'll try to keep apprised of the situation and offer solutions as they appear.
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