Author: The Buchanans Rolling Down The Road

What can be said, about a crusty old curmudgeon, with no fixed address … not much I guess.

One Year Later: Why We Switched to Public Mobile for RV Cellular Service

Reliable cellular service is critical for how we travel and live on the road. Between navigation, reservations, banking, staying in touch with family, and running our online work, our phones are not optional — they are infrastructure.

About a year ago, we made a significant change: we switched our cellular service from Rogers to Public Mobile. After twelve months of real-world use across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, here’s an honest breakdown of why we switched, what we’ve saved, and what you should know — good and bad — if you’re considering Public Mobile.

What We Were Using Before: Rogers

Prior to switching, we were on a Rogers Canada/US/Mexico plan that included:

  • Unlimited calling and texting
  • Coverage in Canada, the United States, and Mexico
  • 90GB of shared data between two phones

The Cost

  • Approximately $90 per phone
  • $180 per month total for two phones

While coverage was generally solid, the cost was high — especially considering how closely we monitor data usage and how often we’re moving.

Why We Started Looking for an Alternative

As full-time travelers, we’re always evaluating recurring expenses. Cellular service is one of the largest monthly costs for anyone living on the road.

We wanted:

  • Canada / US / Mexico coverage
  • Predictable monthly pricing
  • Enough data for daily use without constantly worrying about overages
  • A plan that made sense financially

That search led us to Public Mobile.

Our Current Setup: Public Mobile

We switched both phones to Public Mobile and selected identical plans for each device.

What We Get Now (Per Phone)

  • Unlimited calling
  • Unlimited texting
  • Canada / United States / Mexico coverage
  • 60GB of data per phone

The Cost

  • $39 per phone per month
  • $78 per month total for two phones

No contracts. No surprises.

The Savings: What Switching Really Changed

This is where the decision really justified itself.

Monthly Comparison (Two Phones)

  • Rogers: ~$180 / month
  • Public Mobile: $78 / month

Monthly Savings

  • $102 saved every month

Yearly Savings

  • $1,224 saved per year

That’s real money — enough to cover fuel, campground stays, maintenance, or travel experiences instead of disappearing into a phone bill.

Coverage & Performance After One Year

This is the most important question: does it actually work?

After a year of use:

The Good

  • Coverage has been solid in Canada and the United States
  • Mexico coverage has worked reliably for calling, texting, and data
  • Call quality has been clear
  • Data speeds have been perfectly usable for everyday tasks
  • No unexpected roaming charges

For normal phone use, navigation, messaging, email, and general browsing, we haven’t felt handicapped by the switch.

The Trade-Offs (What You Should Know)

Public Mobile isn’t perfect — and it’s important to understand what you’re giving up.

Potential Downsides

  • No in-store support (online/self-serve model)
  • Limited customer service options compared to major carriers
  • Data speeds may not match premium-tier plans in congested areas
  • No phone financing — bring your own device

For us, these trade-offs were acceptable. And the yearly savings will cover the expense of a phone upgrade. We value cost control and coverage more than premium add-ons or in-person support.

Why Public Mobile Works Well for RVers

For travelers and RVers, Public Mobile makes a lot of sense:

  • Predictable monthly cost
  • International coverage without complicated roaming plans
  • Enough data per phone to avoid constant monitoring
  • Easy budgeting for long-term travel

We pair this service with other connectivity solutions depending on where we’re parked, but as a primary phone service, it’s been reliable.

Final Thoughts: Would We Switch Again?

Yes — without hesitation.

After a year on Public Mobile, the service has proven reliable enough for our needs, and the cost savings alone make it worth it. We don’t feel like we downgraded — we feel like we stopped overpaying.

If you’re currently on a high-cost Canada/US/Mexico plan and don’t need premium extras, Public Mobile is absolutely worth considering.

As always, this isn’t sponsored — just a real-world review based on how we travel and live on the road.

Day 3040

Canadian Travelers: How to Cross into the U.S. in Your Motorhome (First Quarter 2026 Update)

Introduction

Planning a road trip from Canada to the United States in your motorhome? Whether you’re heading south for a winter escape or a long adventure, crossing the border requires preparation. In 2026, new rules and compliance measures have changed the experience for Canadian travelers. Here’s your complete guide to ensure a smooth journey.

1. Required Documents for Travelers

Every person in your motorhome must have proper identification. Missing paperwork can lead to delays or denied entry.

• Canadian Passport: Valid for the entire duration of your stay.

• NEXUS Card: Speeds up processing at designated lanes but does not exempt you from new biometric rules.

• Driver’s License: For driving in the U.S.

• Consent Letter for Minors: If traveling with children and one parent is absent.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical coverage.

2. Vehicle Documentation

• Registration and Proof of Ownership: For your motorhome and any towed vehicles.

• Insurance: U.S.-valid coverage. Mexican insurance ends at the U.S. border.

• Rental Agreement: If renting an RV, include written permission to cross into the U.S.

3. Pet Requirements

Bringing your cat? Here’s what you need:

• Health Certificate: Not federally required but recommended.

• Rabies Vaccination Proof: Some states require it.

• Secure Carrier: For inspection at the border.

4. Recent Changes for 2026

• Biometric Photo Collection: All non-U.S. citizens, including Canadians, are photographed at entry and exit. No age exemptions—children and seniors included.

• Device Screening: Expect possible inspections of phones and laptops.

• Extended Stay Registration: If staying over 30 days, you may need to register electronically with USCIS (Form G-325R). Some travelers are asked to obtain Form I-94 at the border (fee: $30 USD, fingerprinting, photo).

Some clarification: if not issued an I-94 at the time of crossing the border and this can be checked on line at U.S. customs and border protection if not on file one week after crossing a G-325R should be completed if you will exceed 30 days in the States here is where your register for that USCIS for information and registration. I hope that helps clear some of the mud. So cross the border as normal then check for an I-94 if none there then complete the G-325R.

5. Food Restrictions at the Border

Declare all food items. Failure to declare can result in fines up to $1,000. Here’s what you need to know:

Prohibited Items

• Meat and Meat Products: Fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, or canned (including pork, beef, poultry).

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Most are banned due to pest risks (e.g., avocados, mangoes, citrus, tomatoes).

• Raw Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, soft cheeses.

• Eggs and Raw Egg Products.

Allowed Items

• Commercially Packaged & Processed Foods: Canned goods, sealed jars, baked goods, candies, condiments.

• Dried Goods: Beans, nuts, dried fruits (like raisins).

• Powdered Milk and Hard Cheeses: Shelf-stable only.

6. Quick Tips for a Smooth Crossing

• Cross at an official port of entry during daylight hours.

• Keep passports, NEXUS cards, and vehicle documents handy.

• Remove prohibited items before approaching the border.

• Be ready for biometric photo and possible device screening.

• Declare everything—especially food and pets.

Conclusion

Crossing into the U.S. in your motorhome as a Canadian traveler is straightforward if you prepare. With new biometric rules and compliance requirements, planning ahead is essential. Follow this guide, and your adventure will start stress-free.

This was the process when I prepared to cross from Mexico to the United States of America the last week of January 2026, please check at your time of crossing as the present administration has made numerous changes.

Day 3037