Are you ready for your next international adventure but worried about staying connected with your Verizon service? Fear not! Turning on international data with Verizon is a straightforward process, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're ready to share your travel experiences, navigate unfamiliar streets, and stay in touch with loved ones back home.
Let's dive in and get you connected!
Understanding Verizon's International Data Options
Before we get to the "how-to," it's crucial to understand Verizon's main international data offerings. This will help you choose the best plan for your travel needs and avoid unexpected charges. Verizon primarily offers:
TravelPass: This is Verizon's most popular international option. It allows you to use your existing domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances for a daily fee ($12/day in most countries, $6/day in Canada and Mexico). A 24-hour session starts automatically when you use your device in a TravelPass country. After 5GB of high-speed data, speeds are reduced to 3G for the remainder of the session.
International Monthly Plan: Ideal for longer trips (9 days or more), this plan offers a set amount of high-speed data (typically 20GB), unlimited text, and 250 minutes for a monthly fee ($100/month).
Pay As You Go: This is the default option if you don't add an international plan. Be warned: these rates are significantly higher per minute, text, and MB of data, and can lead to very expensive bills.
Cruise Daily Pass / In-Flight Daily Pass: Specialized plans for connectivity on cruise ships and participating international flights, respectively.
Most users will find TravelPass to be the most convenient and cost-effective option for typical travel.
Step 1: Engage with Your Travel Plans & Device Check
Before you even think about touching your phone settings, let's talk about your trip! Where are you headed? How long will you be gone? Knowing this will significantly influence which Verizon international data option is best for you.
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Destination's Coverage and Your Device's Compatibility
Not all devices or plans are "world-ready" by default. This is a critical first step to avoid disappointment when you arrive.
Check Your Device:
Most newer smartphones (4G LTE or 5G capable) are "World Devices" and are compatible with international networks. If you have an older phone, it's worth verifying.
You can typically check your device's compatibility on the Verizon website using their Trip Planner tool.
Verify Coverage in Your Destination:
Visit Verizon's International Travel page or use their Trip Planner tool (easily found by searching "Verizon Trip Planner").
Enter your destination country (or countries if you're visiting multiple).
The tool will show you:
Which international plans are available for that specific country (e.g., TravelPass, Monthly Plan, Pay As You Go rates).
The daily or monthly costs associated with those plans.
Any specific notes about coverage or speed limitations in that region.
Pro-tip: Print out or save the results of your Trip Planner search. It's handy to have while traveling!
Step 2: Choosing and Adding Your International Plan
Once you know where you're going and that your device is compatible, it's time to select and activate your international data plan.
Sub-heading: Activating TravelPass (Most Recommended)
This is the simplest and most common method for activating international data with Verizon.
Via the My Verizon App (Recommended for convenience):
Ensure your My Verizon app is up to date to access the latest features.
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Log in to your account.
Depending on your app version, tap the "Account" or "Mobile" tab.
Navigate to the "Plans & Devices" section, or look for an option like "Manage International Plans" or "International."
Select the line you wish to add the international plan to.
Look for an option to "Add new plan" or "Change plan" under international services.
Choose "Travel Plan" (this refers to TravelPass).
Follow the on-screen prompts, confirming your destination(s) and travel dates if requested.
Confirm the changes. It may take up to 15 minutes for the changes to reflect on your account.
Via the My Verizon Website:
Go to
www.verizon.com/myverizon From the left-hand menu, navigate to "Plans" or "Manage Plan."
Look for "International plans" or a similar option.
Select "Add new plan" or "Change plan."
Follow the prompts for adding a "Travel Plan" (TravelPass).
Confirm your selection.
By Text Message (Quickest for TravelPass):
Simply text the word "TRAVEL" to 4004 from your Verizon phone.
Verizon will send you a confirmation message, often asking you to confirm that you want to activate TravelPass. Respond as instructed.
This method is incredibly convenient if you're short on time or already at the airport.
Sub-heading: Activating the International Monthly Plan
If you've determined that the Monthly Plan suits your longer trip better:
Via the My Verizon App or Website:
Follow the same initial steps as for TravelPass (login to My Verizon app/website, navigate to "International plans").
Instead of "Travel Plan," look for the "$100 International Monthly Plan" or similar monthly international bundle.
Select it and follow the prompts to activate, choosing whether you want it to be a one-time activation or to renew monthly.
Confirm the changes.
Step 3: Configuring Your Device Settings for International Data
Adding the plan to your account is one part, but you must ensure your phone is set up to use international data.
Sub-heading: Enabling Data Roaming on Your Smartphone
This is a crucial step! Even with TravelPass activated, your phone won't use international data if roaming is turned off.
For iPhone Users:
Go to Settings.
Tap Cellular.
Tap Cellular Data Options.
Toggle Data Roaming to the ON position (it will turn green).
For Android Users:
Go to Settings.
Tap Connections (or "Network & Internet," depending on your device).
Tap Mobile Networks.
Toggle Data Roaming to the ON position.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Device Settings
Turn off Wi-Fi Assist / Wi-Fi Calling (Optional but Recommended): While Wi-Fi calling can save you money, if your Wi-Fi connection is spotty, your phone might silently switch to cellular data, potentially triggering a TravelPass session or Pay As You Go charges if you don't intend to use data. Consider turning this off while roaming to be completely safe.
Background App Refresh: Many apps refresh in the background, using data. This can trigger a TravelPass session even if you're not actively using your phone. To avoid this, you can:
Turn off Background App Refresh in your phone's settings (under General > Background App Refresh on iPhone, or individual app settings on Android).
Or, simply keep your cellular data off when you don't actively need it and rely on Wi-Fi when available.
Automatic Network Selection: Your Verizon World Device is typically set to "Global" or "International Mode" by default, allowing it to automatically select an international network. It's generally best to leave this on "Automatic" to ensure your phone connects to the strongest available network. If you encounter issues, you might explore manual network selection, but it's rarely necessary.
Step 4: Arriving at Your Destination & Monitoring Usage
You've landed! Now it's time to put your preparation to the test.
Sub-heading: Connecting to the Local Network
Reboot Your Phone: Once you arrive, a simple restart of your phone can often help it connect to the local network more quickly.
Wait for Connection: It may take a minute or two for your phone to register with the local carrier. You should see the name of the local network appear at the top of your screen.
Verizon Confirmation Text: If you have TravelPass enabled, you'll typically receive a text message from Verizon shortly after you make or receive a call, send a text, or use data, notifying you that a 24-hour TravelPass session has begun and when it will end.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Data Usage
My Verizon App: The My Verizon app is your best friend for monitoring international data usage. You can see your current usage, how many TravelPass sessions you've used (if applicable), and track your data consumption against any plan limits.
Text Alerts: Verizon sends alerts when your international data usage reaches certain thresholds (e.g., $250, $500, etc., for Pay As You Go, or nearing high-speed data limits for TravelPass/Monthly Plans). Pay attention to these!
Device Settings: Your phone's built-in data usage monitor (found in Cellular/Mobile Data settings) can also give you an idea of your consumption, though it won't differentiate between domestic and international use.
Step 5: Returning Home & Managing Your Plan
When your trip concludes, you might wonder what to do with your international plan.
Sub-heading: No Need to Disable TravelPass
One of the great features of TravelPass is that you don't need to remove it when you return home. You are only charged on days you use your device in a TravelPass country. So, once you're back in the U.S. and using your domestic service, TravelPass simply remains on your line, ready for your next international adventure without incurring any charges.
Sub-heading: Managing Monthly International Plans
If you opted for the International Monthly Plan and chose for it to renew, you'll need to manually remove it if you don't wish to continue it for the following month. You can do this via the My Verizon app or website, similar to how you added it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Verizon international data, with quick answers:
How to check if my device is a "World Device" with Verizon?
You can verify if your device is compatible by using Verizon's online Trip Planner tool or by contacting Verizon customer service. Most modern smartphones (4G LTE or 5G capable) are world-ready.
How to know if TravelPass is already on my Verizon line?
You can check in the My Verizon app by going to your plan details or the "International plans" section. TravelPass is automatically added to some Unlimited plans (e.g., Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Welcome). You can also text "TRAVEL" to 4004, and Verizon will inform you if it's active.
How to avoid being charged for TravelPass if I only use Wi-Fi abroad?
To ensure you're not accidentally charged, turn off "Data Roaming" in your phone's cellular settings before you arrive at your destination and keep it off when you're connected to Wi-Fi. Background app refreshes can trigger a TravelPass session if data roaming is enabled.
How to get more high-speed data with TravelPass if I exceed the 5GB limit?
If you exceed the 5GB high-speed data limit in a 24-hour TravelPass session, your speeds will be reduced to 3G. Verizon may send you a text message offering the option to purchase an additional 2GB of high-speed data for an extra fee (e.g., $5 in Mexico/Canada, $10 in other TravelPass countries).
How to make calls while traveling internationally with Verizon?
When making calls outside the US, you'll generally need to dial the international access code (often by holding down '0' until a '+' appears), followed by the country code, and then the local phone number. When calling back to the U.S., you'll dial +1, then the 10-digit number.
How to contact Verizon customer service while outside the US?
You can reach Verizon's Global Support Team by dialing +1-908-559-4899 from a landline (toll charges may apply). Some countries also have toll-free numbers for Verizon support, which you can find on Verizon's international support pages.
How to check my international data usage while abroad?
The best way to monitor your usage is through the My Verizon app. It provides real-time updates on your data consumption and TravelPass session status. Verizon also sends text alerts for significant usage milestones.
How to use my phone on a cruise ship with Verizon?
For cruise travel, Verizon offers a specific "Cruise Daily Pass" plan for a daily fee, which provides a limited amount of high-speed data, calls, and texts. Standard TravelPass or Monthly International Plans do not work on cruise ships.
How to ensure my voicemail works while traveling internationally?
In some countries, you may need to access your voicemail differently. Verizon provides specific instructions on how to check your voicemail while traveling internationally on their support website. It often involves dialing a specific number and entering your password.
How to remove an International Monthly Plan once I return home?
If you activated the International Monthly Plan with automatic renewal, you can remove it via the My Verizon app or My Verizon website by navigating to the "International plans" section and selecting the option to remove the plan for your line.
