Using a payphone in Canada

How to use a Canadian payphone?

No signal? No problem, eh. Payphones across Canada are still ready to help you reach who you need. Here’s how to use them—from picking up the receiver to making your call—anywhere in the Great White North.

Locating a phone booth

Payphones remain available in select locations across Canada, providing reliable access to voice service when a mobile phone isn’t available or convenient. You can commonly find payphones in:

• Airports, bus terminals, and train stations

• Hospitals and healthcare centres

• Shopping malls and retail complexes

• Government and municipal buildings

• Hotels, convenience stores, and gas stations

• Central areas of small towns and rural communities

While many areas now rely primarily on mobile service, our network partners continue to maintain payphones in key public spaces across the country to ensure dependable communication for everyone.

Phone booths you will see

Depending on the model of payphone that you come across, the operation instructions may be slightly different between each booth. Here are some of the most common phone booths you may find in Canada:

Nortel payphones

Operating the phone booth

To place a call using a payphone, you will need the following below:

• Payphone booth

• Payment (50¢ for local calls or calling card)

• Number to dial

How to place a call:

1. To begin, lift the receiver and listen for a dial tone. (You may need to deposit money to hear)

2. Dial the number and listen for a prompt to deposit payment.

*If the number you are dialing is in the same calling area, you may only have to enter the seven digits (456-1234). Local calls must be placed in the same calling area.

3. When you are finished your call, simply return the receiver back to the phone to complete the call.

*If your call doesn't successfully connect, your deposited money may be returned to you in the coin return. For more information about getting a refund, please contact the payphone's operator directly.