Unlock the World: Your Comprehensive Guide to Using Verizon in Other Countries
Ever dreamt of sharing that breathtaking sunset photo from Santorini or calling your family from the bustling streets of Tokyo without breaking the bank? Using your Verizon phone abroad might seem daunting, filled with fears of exorbitant roaming charges. But fear not, intrepid traveler! With a little preparation and the right plan, you can stay connected almost anywhere the world takes you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Travel Planner – Where Are You Going and For How Long?
Before you even think about packing your bags, the first and most crucial step is to know your destination(s) and the duration of your trip. This isn't just about booking flights; it's the cornerstone of choosing the right Verizon international plan. Are you jetting off for a quick weekend getaway to Canada, or embarking on a month-long backpacking adventure across Europe and Asia? Your answer will significantly influence which option is best for you.
Why is this so important? Verizon offers different plans tailored to various travel needs, and selecting the wrong one could lead to unexpected and hefty charges. Don't let a surprise bill ruin your post-vacation glow!
Step 2: Understanding Your Verizon International Options
Verizon offers a few primary ways to stay connected internationally. Each has its own benefits and ideal use cases. Let's break them down:
Sub-heading 2.1: TravelPass – The Flexible Daily Option
Verizon's TravelPass is arguably the most popular and convenient option for many travelers, especially those on shorter trips.
How it works: For a daily fee, TravelPass lets you use your existing domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations. You're only charged for the days you actually use your phone abroad.
Cost: Generally, it's $12 per day in most countries. For Canada and Mexico, it's a more affordable $6 per day.
What you get:
Unlimited talk
Unlimited text
Unlimited data, with high-speed data typically capped at 0.5 GB to 5 GB per 24-hour session, then unlimited data at 3G speeds. (Note: Specific data allowances can vary, so always check for your destination!)
Best for: Short trips (typically 9 days or less) where you need consistent connectivity without committing to a full monthly plan. It's also great if your usage is sporadic.
Sub-heading 2.2: International Monthly Plan – The Budget-Friendly Long-Term Solution
If your travels extend beyond a week or so, the International Monthly Plan might be a more cost-effective choice.
How it works: This is a fixed monthly fee that provides a set amount of talk, text, and high-speed data for a 30-day period.
Cost: Approximately $100 per month per line.
What you get:
Unlimited text messaging
250 minutes of talk
20 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds.
Best for: Longer trips (9 days or more) where you anticipate consistent usage. If you project using TravelPass for more than 8-9 days, the monthly plan often becomes the more economical choice.
Sub-heading 2.3: Pay As You Go – The Option to Avoid (Unless You Absolutely Have To!)
This is the default option if you don't add a specific international plan. Unless it's an emergency or you truly plan to use your phone for almost nothing, avoid Pay As You Go at all costs!
How it works: You pay per minute for calls, per text message sent/received, and per MB of data used.
Cost: Rates vary wildly by country but can be extremely expensive. We're talking dollars per minute for calls and dollars per MB for data. A few minutes of Browse or a quick photo upload could lead to a massive bill.
Best for: Absolutely no one who plans to use their phone in any meaningful way abroad. Seriously, reconsider!
Sub-heading 2.4: Specialized Passes – Cruise and In-Flight Daily Passes
For specific travel scenarios, Verizon offers tailored daily passes:
Cruise Daily Pass: Stay connected while on board participating cruise ships. This typically costs around $30 per line per day and includes a limited amount of high-speed data (e.g., 500 MB), some talk minutes, and unlimited texts.
In-flight Daily Pass: For use on participating international flights, usually around $20 per line per day, offering unlimited 3G data.
Step 3: Preparing Your Device and Account Before You Depart
Once you've chosen your plan, it's time to get your phone and Verizon account ready for international travel. Don't skip these steps!
Sub-heading 3.1: Verify Device Compatibility
Crucial Check: Ensure your phone is a 4G or 5G World Device. Older CDMA-only devices will not work outside the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands. Most modern smartphones are world devices, but it's always good to double-check.
How to check: You can usually find this information in your phone's settings or on Verizon's website by entering your device model.
Sub-heading 3.2: Add Your Chosen International Plan
This is perhaps the most important pre-trip step to avoid bill shock.
Via My Verizon App or Website:
Sign in to your My Verizon account.
Navigate to the "International plans" or "Manage International Services" section.
Select "Add new plan" (or "Change plan" if one is already active).
Follow the International Trip Planner guide, entering your destination(s) and travel dates.
Select your desired plan (TravelPass, International Monthly Plan, etc.) for each line you wish to enable for international use.
Confirm the changes.
By Text Message:
For TravelPass, simply text TRAVEL to 4004. It will be automatically added to your line.
For Cruise Daily Pass, text CRUISE to 4004.
Important Note: TravelPass is automatically added to lines with some newer Unlimited plans (like Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome). Always verify your plan details.
Sub-heading 3.3: Enable Roaming on Your Device
Even with an international plan, your phone needs to be set up to use international networks.
For iPhones:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Cellular.
Tap on Cellular Data Options.
Toggle Data Roaming to ON.
For calls, also ensure Voice Roaming is turned on.
For Android phones (steps may vary slightly by model):
Go to Settings.
Tap on Network & internet (or "Connections").
Tap on Mobile network.
Toggle Roaming (or "Data roaming") to ON.
Sub-heading 3.4: Consider Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection, even if you don't have cellular service. This can be a fantastic way to save money!
Enable it before you leave:
iPhone: Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling > Toggle On.
Android: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Calling (or similar path).
Test it out: Make a Wi-Fi call before you travel to ensure it works correctly. Calls made over Wi-Fi to US numbers are typically free, even from abroad.
Sub-heading 3.5: Download Offline Maps and Content
Save Data: Before you leave, download offline maps for your destination (Google Maps allows this). Also, download movies, music, and e-books to avoid streaming and consuming valuable data while abroad.
Step 4: Upon Arrival in Your Destination Country
You've landed! Now it's time to connect.
Sub-heading 4.1: Restart Your Phone
This is a surprisingly effective step. Upon arrival, simply turn your phone completely off and then back on. This helps your device register with the local network.
Sub-heading 4.2: Monitor Your Usage
Even with a plan, it's wise to keep an eye on your data usage.
My Verizon App: The app allows you to track your usage in real-time.
Text Alerts: Verizon often sends text messages notifying you when your TravelPass session has started or when you've reached certain data thresholds. Pay attention to these!
Step 5: Making Calls and Sending Texts Internationally
Knowing how to dial correctly is key when you're abroad.
Sub-heading 5.1: Calling Back to the US
Using the "+" symbol: This is the easiest method. On your smartphone keypad, press and hold "0" until the "+" symbol appears. Then, dial "1" (the US country code) followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
Example: To call a US number (123) 456-7890, you would dial
+11234567890
Using the international exit code: If the "+" method doesn't work for some reason, you can also dial "011" (the international exit code from most countries), then "1" (US country code), followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
Sub-heading 5.2: Calling Within the Country You're Visiting
Simply dial the local phone number as you normally would if you were a local in that country. You usually don't need to add any special codes.
Sub-heading 5.3: Calling Other International Numbers (from a Third Country)
Again, use the "+" symbol followed by the country code of the destination country, then the local phone number.
Example: If you're in France and want to call a UK number, you'd dial
+44followed by the UK number.
Sub-heading 5.4: Sending Text Messages
To US numbers: Text as you normally would, using the 10-digit US number.
To international numbers: Use the "+" symbol followed by the country code and then the local number.
Step 6: Tips for Managing Data and Avoiding Extra Charges
Data can be the biggest culprit for unexpected international charges. Here's how to be savvy:
Sub-heading 6.1: Leverage Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
Always connect to Wi-Fi when it's available and reliable. This is especially true for data-intensive activities like streaming, large downloads, or video calls. Many hotels, cafes, and public places offer free Wi-Fi.
Sub-heading 6.2: Adjust App Settings
Disable Background App Refresh: Many apps refresh content in the background, consuming data without you even knowing. Turn this off in your phone's settings.
Turn off Automatic Updates: Prevent your device from downloading app or system updates automatically over cellular data.
Lower Streaming Quality: If you must stream, opt for lower video quality settings.
Sub-heading 6.3: Consider a Local SIM or eSIM (Alternative Option)
For very long trips or if you need extensive data and local calling at potentially lower rates than Verizon's plans, consider:
Local Physical SIM Card: Purchase a prepaid SIM card at your destination. This provides you with a local number and local rates. Your phone must be unlocked by Verizon to use another carrier's SIM.
eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can purchase and activate a local data plan digitally from providers like Airalo or Holafly. This is often more convenient than finding a physical SIM and allows you to keep your Verizon line active for calls/texts while using the eSIM for data.
Sub-heading 6.4: Turn Off Cellular Data When Not Needed
If you're really trying to conserve data, simply turn off cellular data in your phone's settings when you don't actively need internet access.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don't go perfectly. Here are quick fixes for common problems:
No Service:
Restart your phone. This often resolves connectivity issues.
Check "Data Roaming" is enabled in your phone settings.
Manually select a network: In your phone's cellular settings, you can often manually choose from available local networks. Try connecting to a different one.
Verify your international plan is active on My Verizon.
Can't Make or Receive Calls/Texts:
Ensure you're using the correct dialing format (e.g., "+" and country code).
Check your plan includes talk and text in that country.
Confirm Voice Roaming is enabled.
Slow Data Speeds:
This is often normal after exceeding your high-speed data allowance on TravelPass or the Monthly Plan, as speeds are throttled to 3G.
Try connecting to Wi-Fi.
If you're on TravelPass, a new 24-hour session will reset your high-speed data allowance.
Step 8: Returning Home – What to Do With Your Plan
TravelPass: You don't need to do anything! TravelPass stays on your line, but you're only charged on days you use it outside the US. It won't incur charges when you're back home.
International Monthly Plan: This plan typically expires after 30 days unless you chose for it to renew monthly. If you don't want it to renew, ensure you remove it from your line via My Verizon.
Cruise/In-flight Daily Passes: These are automatically removed after their 24-hour session ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my Verizon phone will work in a specific country? You can use Verizon's International Trip Planner on their website or app. Enter your destination and device to see available services and rates.
How to add an international plan to my Verizon line? Log into My Verizon (app or website), go to the "International plans" section, and follow the prompts to add your desired plan. Alternatively, for TravelPass, text TRAVEL to 4004.
How to avoid high data charges while using Verizon internationally? The best ways are to use Wi-Fi whenever possible, adjust app settings to disable background data usage, download content offline, and consider a local SIM or eSIM for extensive data needs.
How to make a call to the US from another country with Verizon? Dial "+" (by pressing and holding 0) followed by "1" (the US country code), then the 10-digit US phone number.
How to turn on data roaming on my Verizon phone? For iPhones: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming (On). For Android: Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Roaming (On).
How to check my Verizon international data usage? You can check your usage through the My Verizon app or by logging into your account on the Verizon website.
How to use Wi-Fi calling with Verizon abroad? Enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings before you leave. When connected to Wi-Fi, your calls and texts will use the Wi-Fi network instead of cellular roaming.
How to decide between TravelPass and the International Monthly Plan? If your trip is 9 days or less, TravelPass is usually more cost-effective. For trips longer than 9 days, the International Monthly Plan often offers better value.
How to get technical support from Verizon while abroad? You can chat with Verizon support online via their website or app, or call them from your Verizon phone (standard international rates may apply if not on an international plan, or use Wi-Fi calling).
How to use an eSIM for international travel with my Verizon phone? If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase a local data plan from an eSIM provider (like Airalo or Holafly) and activate it digitally, allowing you to use local data rates while keeping your Verizon line active for calls/texts.
