Pokefi: the Secret to Saving on Mobile Data in Canada and Abroad!

Mr. Thrifty wants to let you in on one of his top-secret travel tips: Pokefi.

Pokefi is a pocket-sized mobile data device that offers you global data connectivity. You can buy different data packs which you prepay and activate online. No subscription necessary. No SIM necessary.

Pokefi handheld mobile data 4G in Canada — Pokefi is compact and light

It’s great to use while travelling as it eliminates roaming charges as well as the need for a local SIM. You can land in a foreign country, turn on your Pokefi, and be connected to the local 4G/LTE data network within seconds. It supports up to 8 devices.

Pokefi currently operates in most countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. It’s being rolled out to over 100 countries (see current country coverage in the FAQ below).

And the rates? They offer different data packs, with the most popular option being US$15 for 5GB of data, valid for 2 years. How does US$3 per GB compare to your current data service in Canada? You can also opt for unlimited 1-day or 5-day passes, or a US$6/1GB pack that’s valid for 10 years.

But the hidden trick is that it can be used right here in Canada to sidestep local mobile carriers. Pokefi in Canada works on the Rogers network.

And combined with other free or low-cost online calling services like Google Voice, WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram etc. you could use Pokefi to completely eliminate the need for a Canadian mobile phone account. Mr. Thrifty has direct experience with this hack, as he hasn’t had a Canadian mobile number for more than 2 years.

Intrigued? We’ll walk you through some of the more salient FAQs about Pokefi below:

How much does the device cost?

The device is priced at US$169 inclusive of 5GB of data and is available directly from Pokefi’s website [link]. Worldwide shipping is free. They also sell accessories such as an extra battery, a carrying case, plug converters, a dedicated charger, etc.

Pokefi is also available through a network of online and offline retailers. Mr. Thrifty bought his on Lazada in Thailand.

How do Pokefi’s mobile data fees compare to prevailing Canadian mobile data fees?

As of May 2021, Pokefi offered the following data packs:

US$15 for 5GB of data (valid for 2 years)
US$6 for 1GB of data (valid for 10 years)
US$15 for a 5-day pass (valid for 3 months)
US$6 for a 1-day pass (valid for 3 months)

Where does Pokefi work?

The following is a list of countries where Pokefi works (as of October 2019, the most recent update of their website available as of May 2021).

ESTABLISHED COUNTRY NETWORK

The Americas
Canada
United States (includes Alaska & Hawaii, excludes Guam & Saipan )

Europe & Middle East
Albania, Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey Islands, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City

Asia-Pacific
Australia, Cambodia, China (standard is no VPN services, option to purchase China VPN package), Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

ROLLOUTS UNDERWAY (could be unstable)

The Americas
Argentina, Columbia, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin

Europe & Middle East
Armenia, Bahrain, Belgium, French West Indies, Isle of Man, Israel, Jersey Islands, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, Qatar, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirate

Asia
Bangladesh, Brunei, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Africa
DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Mayotte, Mozambique, South Africa, Reunion, Tanzania

Is Pokefi a stable company? How long has it been in business? Does Pokefi offer a warranty?

Mr. Thrifty first became aware of Pokefi because it was being issued to in-flight staff at a major international airline. It’s a good sign that people who travel for a living swear by Pokefi.

Pokefi is a brand under the umbrella of SmartGo Worldwide Inc., a Hong Kong based company. Not much is available through online sources but here is a video interview with the founder, Tony Cheung: https://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/asia-pacific/talking-trmarketplace-video-series-tony-cheung-founder-smartgo/195194

According to its website, “Pokefi (except batteries) sold by SmartGo Worldwide Inc. is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase or service activation date (whichever is earlier). Battery related products warranty is six (6) months, other SmartGo products warranty is one (1) year.”