Oh, planning an international trip and looking to keep those Verizon Travel Pass charges at bay? You've come to the right place! Many travelers, like yourself, have navigated the sometimes tricky waters of international roaming, and with a bit of planning, you can definitely avoid those unexpected fees.
Verizon's Travel Pass, while convenient for some, can quickly add up, especially on longer trips. At $12 per day (or potentially more if it triggers for multiple lines or extended use), a two-week vacation could cost you over $150 just for phone service! But fear not, there are several smart strategies that Redditors and seasoned travelers swear by. Let's dive into how you can keep your travel budget happy and stay connected without breaking the bank.
Step 1: Understand How Travel Pass Works (and How it Catches You!)
Before we talk about avoiding it, it's crucial to understand what triggers Verizon Travel Pass. It's not just making calls or actively using data. Even a seemingly innocent background refresh, a silent SMS, or an incoming voicemail notification can activate the daily charge. Many users on Reddit have reported being charged even when they thought their phone was in airplane mode or data roaming was off.
What Triggers Travel Pass:
Making or receiving a call: Even a brief ring can activate it.
Sending a text message (SMS): This is a common culprit.
Using any cellular data: This includes background app refreshes, email syncs, push notifications, and even apps you didn't think were using data.
Receiving a voicemail notification: Your phone might use a tiny bit of data to check for new voicemails.
"Silent" SMS messages: These are behind-the-scenes messages your phone exchanges with the network, which can trigger the charge.
The key takeaway here is: if your Verizon SIM/eSIM connects to an international cellular network at all for usage (even minimal), Travel Pass can be triggered for that 24-hour period.
Step 2: The Most Recommended Strategy - eSIMs for Data
This is by far the most popular and cost-effective method among Reddit users to avoid hefty Verizon Travel Pass charges. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a local carrier or an international data provider without needing a physical SIM card.
Sub-heading: Why eSIMs are a Game Changer for Travelers
Cost-Effective: eSIM data plans are often significantly cheaper than Verizon's Travel Pass, especially for more than a few days of travel. You can find plans with generous data allowances for a fraction of the cost.
Convenience: You can purchase and activate an eSIM before you even leave home, or once you land with Wi-Fi. No need to hunt for local SIM card stores.
Dual SIM Capability: Most modern smartphones (especially iPhones and many Androids) support Dual SIM, meaning you can have your Verizon line active and an international eSIM active simultaneously. This is crucial for receiving calls/texts to your primary Verizon number over Wi-Fi.
Step 2.1: Choosing an eSIM Provider
There are many reputable eSIM providers. Some popular ones frequently mentioned on Reddit include:
Airalo: Very popular for its wide range of country-specific and regional plans. Easy to use app.
Ubigi: Another solid option with good coverage.
Holafly: Offers unlimited data plans for certain regions, which can be great for heavy data users.
Local eSIMs: Many local carriers in your destination country offer their own eSIMs, often at the best rates. You'll need to research these specifically for your destination.
Step 2.2: The Step-by-Step eSIM Setup Process (Crucial for Avoiding Charges!)
This is where many people get tripped up, leading to unexpected charges. Follow these steps precisely:
Before you leave home (or on Wi-Fi at your destination):
Purchase your eSIM: Download the provider's app or visit their website. Select your destination and the data package you need.
Install the eSIM: Follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider. This usually involves scanning a QR code or entering details manually in your phone's cellular settings. Do NOT activate it yet if you're doing this before landing.
Once you land at your international destination:
Turn on Airplane Mode: This is your absolute first line of defense! Make sure your phone is in airplane mode as soon as you exit the plane or before it connects to any foreign network.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Find a reliable Wi-Fi network (airport, hotel, cafe).
Go to your phone's Cellular/Mobile Data Settings:
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans.
For Android: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (or Mobile network).
Activate your newly installed eSIM: Turn it "On" and set it as your Primary Data SIM.
Crucially, configure your Verizon line:
Turn OFF Cellular Data for your Verizon line. This is not enough on its own to prevent charges, but it's a necessary step.
Turn OFF "Data Roaming" for your Verizon line. Again, a good safety measure, but not foolproof.
Consider turning "OFF" your Verizon line entirely: This is the most surefire way to prevent any accidental Travel Pass triggers. If you turn it off, you won't receive calls or texts to your Verizon number (unless you're on Wi-Fi Calling, explained next). You can usually toggle it back on when needed for specific actions (like a 2FA text if you're on Wi-Fi).
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your Verizon line (if not already): Go to your Verizon line's settings and ensure "Wi-Fi Calling" is enabled. This is key! When connected to Wi-Fi (using your eSIM for data if needed), your Verizon calls and texts will route over Wi-Fi, not triggering Travel Pass. This allows you to receive calls and texts to your US number without incurring charges, as long as you're connected to Wi-Fi. Many Redditors confirm that if your Verizon SIM is active but "Wi-Fi Calling" is enabled and your data is routed through the eSIM, your Verizon calls/texts will use the eSIM's data as if it were Wi-Fi, without triggering Travel Pass.
Monitor Usage (Initially): Keep a close eye on your Verizon account for the first day or two to ensure no unexpected Travel Pass charges appear. If they do, immediately review your phone settings.
Step 3: Alternative Verizon Strategies (Less Ideal, but Options)
While eSIMs are the gold standard, here are other approaches, some of which might still involve Verizon directly:
Sub-heading: Upgrading Your Verizon Plan Temporarily
Some Redditors suggest a temporary plan change:
Switch to Unlimited Ultimate: Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan often includes significant international roaming benefits (e.g., 10GB of high-speed data per month, unlimited talk and text in many countries). If you're traveling for an extended period or value the convenience of your Verizon number fully working, temporarily switching to this plan for the month you travel and then downgrading when you return can be more cost-effective than daily Travel Pass fees. Check current plan details and any potential loss of device credits when changing plans.
Sub-heading: The "Airplane Mode + Wi-Fi Calling Only" Method (Risky but Possible)
This method aims to avoid all cellular connections from Verizon:
Keep your phone in Airplane Mode at all times when not on Wi-Fi.
Manually re-enable Wi-Fi only after activating Airplane Mode.
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your Verizon line before you leave the US.
The Risk: The challenge is that a brief accidental disablement of Airplane Mode, or a glitch where your phone briefly connects to a cellular tower, can trigger a Travel Pass charge. This method requires constant vigilance.
Sub-heading: Suspending Your Verizon Line (Extreme Measure)
This is generally not recommended for most travelers unless you absolutely do not need your Verizon number for the duration of your trip.
Temporarily Suspend Service: You can suspend your Verizon line through your account. This will prevent any charges, but also means your phone number will be completely inactive, and you won't receive calls or texts. This is usually done for lost or stolen phones, or extended leaves. Check Verizon's policy on temporary suspensions and any associated fees.
Step 4: Physical SIM Card Alternatives (If Your Phone Doesn't Support eSIM)
If your phone doesn't have eSIM capability, you'll need a physical SIM.
Sub-heading: Buying a Local SIM Card at Your Destination
Pros: Often the cheapest option for data and local calls/texts.
Cons: Requires finding a reputable vendor, potentially dealing with language barriers, and physically swapping your SIM card (meaning your Verizon number is completely inactive unless you have a dual-SIM phone and install a physical local SIM alongside your Verizon eSIM, which is less common).
Process:
Remove your Verizon SIM card: Keep it in a safe place!
Purchase a local SIM card: At the airport, a local phone store, or convenience store.
Insert the local SIM card.
Configure APN settings (if necessary): Sometimes, you'll need to manually enter Access Point Name (APN) settings for data to work. The vendor or a quick online search can provide these.
Step 5: Post-Trip Actions
Once you're back home, remember to:
Revert Verizon Settings: If you toggled off your Verizon line, remember to turn it back on.
Deactivate eSIMs: You can usually remove or deactivate the international eSIM from your phone's settings to free up space or simply keep your settings tidy.
Check Your Bill: Always review your first Verizon bill after international travel to ensure no unexpected Travel Pass charges slipped through. If you find any, contact Verizon customer service and explain the steps you took to avoid them.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to turn off Verizon Travel Pass?
You can usually turn off Travel Pass from your Verizon account online by navigating to your plan or international services settings for each line. Look for "remove plan" or "disable TravelPass." Alternatively, you can call Verizon customer service and ask them to remove it from your line.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling abroad without Travel Pass?
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your Verizon line before you travel. While abroad, ensure your phone is in Airplane Mode, then manually turn on Wi-Fi and connect to a Wi-Fi network. With Wi-Fi Calling active, your calls and texts to and from US numbers will route over Wi-Fi, avoiding Travel Pass charges.
How to avoid Travel Pass charges with an iPhone?
On an iPhone, the best way is to use an international eSIM for data. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans. Turn off "Cellular Data" and "Data Roaming" for your Verizon line, and consider turning off the entire Verizon line (toggle "Turn On This Line" to off). Then, set your eSIM as the primary data line. Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled for your Verizon line.
How to use an international eSIM with a Verizon phone?
First, ensure your Verizon phone is unlocked. Purchase and install the international eSIM through the provider's app or website. Once in the foreign country, enable Airplane Mode, connect to Wi-Fi, activate the eSIM for data, and disable cellular data and roaming for your Verizon line. Crucially, enable Wi-Fi Calling on your Verizon line.
How to keep my US number active while avoiding Verizon roaming?
Use a dual SIM phone (physical SIM + eSIM or dual eSIM) or a phone with eSIM capability. Keep your Verizon line active, but turn off its cellular data and roaming. Install and use an international eSIM for all your data needs. With Wi-Fi Calling enabled on your Verizon line, you'll still receive calls and texts to your US number over the eSIM's data connection (which the phone treats as Wi-Fi).
How to know if my Verizon phone is unlocked for international SIMs?
Verizon phones are typically unlocked automatically after 60 days of active service. If you're unsure, you can call Verizon customer service and ask if your specific device is unlocked for international use.
How to manage 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) while traveling?
If you're relying on an eSIM for data and have your Verizon line off, 2FA texts might not come through easily. The best approach is to use Wi-Fi Calling on your Verizon line (as described above). Alternatively, set up 2FA with an app-based authenticator (like Google Authenticator) or email/alternative methods before you travel.
How to check my data usage abroad on Verizon?
If you do use Travel Pass, you can check your data usage through the My Verizon app or by logging into your account on the Verizon website. This helps you monitor if you're close to exceeding any daily limits.
How to avoid accidental Travel Pass triggers?
The most effective way is to disable your Verizon line entirely in your phone's cellular settings when abroad, and use a local eSIM for data. If you need your Verizon number for calls/texts, ensure Airplane Mode is on and you are connected to Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi Calling enabled for your Verizon line.
How to downgrade my Verizon plan after returning from international travel?
You can change your Verizon plan back to your previous or a lower-cost plan through the My Verizon app or website. Often, you can choose for the change to take effect immediately or at the start of your next billing cycle. Be mindful of any potential warnings about losing device credits, though Redditors often report these warnings are often false if you're downgrading to a qualifying plan like Unlimited Plus from Ultimate.