How to Access CRA My Account While Traveling Abroad

To access CRA My Account while traveling abroad, you must be able to receive a multi-factor authentication (MFA) code via SMS or use a pre-generated passcode grid. The most reliable and cost-effective method for Canadians is to keep your primary SIM active for WiFi Calling to receive texts for free, while using a travel eSIM for all your cellular data needs to avoid the $15-per-day roaming fees from home carriers.\n\nFor many Canadians, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account portal is an essential tool for managing taxes, benefits, and personal information. However, the security measures that protect your data can become a significant hurdle when you cross the border. Whether you are a snowbird spending the winter in the United States or a family exploring Europe, staying connected to the CRA is a common necessity. The challenge lies in the fact that the CRA requires a one-time security code sent to a Canadian mobile number, which can trigger massive roaming charges if you aren't careful.\n\n## The Challenge of CRA 2FA Abroad\n\nMulti-factor authentication (MFA), often referred to as 2FA, is mandatory for CRA My Account. When you attempt to log in, the system sends a six-digit code to your registered mobile phone. If you are using a standard Canadian plan from Rogers, Bell, or Telus, your phone will likely connect to a local tower in your destination. The moment your phone receives that text message while on a foreign network, your carrier may automatically trigger a daily roaming fee, which can range from $12 to $16 per day.\n\nFor a snowbird spending months in Florida or Arizona, these costs are unsustainable. Even for a short trip to the United Kingdom, paying $15 just to check a tax notification is frustrating. Furthermore, SMS delivery isn't always guaranteed on international networks, especially in more remote areas. If the text doesn't arrive, you are locked out of your account, which can be a major problem if you have a deadline to meet.\n\n## The Dual SIM Strategy with MapleSim\n\nA travel eSIM from MapleSim offers a sophisticated solution to this problem. Most modern smartphones allow you to run two SIMs simultaneously: your physical Canadian SIM and a digital eSIM. By using this setup, you can designate your Canadian SIM to handle only calls and texts via WiFi Calling, while your MapleSim eSIM handles all the heavy lifting for data.\n\nBefore you depart, it is essential to check if your phone is compatible with eSIM technology. Most iPhones from the XR onwards and many newer Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices support this feature. By using a data-only eSIM, you ensure that your phone isn't constantly searching for expensive data roaming from your home provider. Since these are data-only plans, they do not come with a local phone number, which is actually an advantage for this specific use case—it keeps your Canadian number primary for your CRA security alerts.\n\n### Setting Up WiFi Calling\n\nWiFi Calling is the secret weapon for the savvy Canadian traveler. It allows your phone to send and receive texts and calls over a data connection (like a hotel WiFi or your travel eSIM) as if you were still in Canada. When WiFi Calling is active, receiving an SMS for a CRA security code is typically free, as it doesn't count as international roaming.\n\n1. Enable WiFi Calling in Canada: You must turn this feature on in your phone settings while you are still on your home network. Carriers often require a Canadian address for emergency services (E911) to activate it.\n2. Manage Your SIMs: When you arrive at your destination, keep your Canadian SIM turned on but disable "Data Roaming" for that specific line. Set your MapleSim eSIM as the primary source for "Cellular Data."\n3. Stay Connected: Your phone will use the data from the eSIM to provide a connection for the Canadian SIM to "stay home" via WiFi Calling. This allows the CRA text to arrive without the $15 daily fee.\n\n## Regional Connectivity Realities\n\n### Traveling in the United States\n\nFor snowbirds heading south, the connectivity landscape in the US is generally excellent. If you are following our Saguaro National Park Hiking and Visitor Travel Guide or lounging in Scottsdale, you will find robust 5G and LTE coverage. However, US carriers have recently retired their 3G networks, which means older Canadian phones that don't support VoLTE may struggle to receive texts. Using a travel eSIM ensures you have a modern data handshake with local towers, which helps maintain the bridge for your Canadian 2FA texts.\n\n### Exploring Mexico\n\nMexico is a top destination for Canadians, but carrier reliability can vary. If you are using our Oaxaca City Mexico Cultural Travel and Foodie Guide to plan a trip, you should know that while cities have great coverage, rural areas can be spotty. In Mexico, having a reliable data-only eSIM allows you to use messaging apps and access the CRA portal without relying on the often-congested hotel WiFi. This is particularly important for those staying in boutique hotels or rentals where the internet might not be secure enough for financial transactions.\n\n## Comparing Roaming Options for Canadians\n\n| Feature | Rogers/Bell/Telus Roaming | MapleSim eSIM + WiFi Calling |\n| :--- | :--- | :--- |\n| Daily Cost | $12 - $16 per day | Fraction of the cost |\n| CRA 2FA Reliability | Good, but expensive | Excellent and affordable |\n| Data Limits | Uses home bucket | Local high-speed data |\n| Hidden Fees | High risk of overages | No hidden fees |\n| Local Number | Uses Canadian number | Data only (No local number) |\n\n## The Passcode Grid: Your Ultimate Backup\n\nIf you are worried about technical issues or traveling to a region with extremely poor cellular service, the CRA offers a backup called the "Passcode Grid." This is a downloadable PDF that contains a series of unique codes. When you log in, instead of sending an SMS, the CRA will ask for a specific coordinate on your grid (e.g., "What is the code at B3?").\n\nWe highly recommend downloading and printing this grid before you leave Canada. It requires no cellular signal and no battery life to use. Combining a printed passcode grid with a MapleSim eSIM for your general internet needs provides the most secure and reliable way to manage your taxes from abroad. You can find the option to generate this grid under the "Security Settings" once you are logged into your CRA My Account.\n\n## Installation and Setup Tips\n\nOnce you have verified your device, the guide on how it works will walk you through the installation. For most users, it involves scanning a QR code sent to your email. \n\n* iPhone Users: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Once installed, label it "Travel." Set the Travel line for Cellular Data and your Canadian line for Default Voice Line.\n* Android Users: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add More. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code. Ensure "Switch mobile data automatically" is turned off to prevent your Canadian SIM from using expensive data.\n\n## Troubleshooting Common Issues\n\nSometimes, even with the best setup, the CRA text might be delayed. This is often due to the local carrier's routing. If you don't receive the code within two minutes, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off. This forces your phone to re-establish a connection with the local tower. If you are using a VPN, ensure it is set to a Canadian server; the CRA website sometimes blocks IP addresses from countries with high fraud rates. A travel eSIM provides a local IP address which is generally more trusted than a public hotel WiFi IP.\n\n## The bottom line\n\nYou don't need to pay $15 a day just to stay compliant with the CRA. By preparing before you leave—enabling WiFi Calling, downloading your passcode grid, and installing a MapleSim travel eSIM—you can access your account securely and affordably. This setup keeps your Canadian number active for those crucial 2FA alerts while giving you the freedom to use high-speed data for maps, photos, and travel planning without the dreaded bill shock when you return home.