Calling mobile phones in Iceland with Verizon can feel like navigating a geothermal field – exciting, but with a few hot spots you need to be aware of! This lengthy guide will walk you through all your options, break down the costs, and help you make the best decision for your trip.
Step 1: Are You Ready for an Icelandic Adventure (and its Communication Needs)?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Verizon's international plans, let's get you thinking about your communication habits while traveling. Are you a frequent caller, constantly updating friends and family back home? Or do you mostly rely on Wi-Fi for messages and occasional urgent calls? Your usage patterns will significantly influence the most cost-effective option for you.
Consider these questions:
How long will you be in Iceland? A quick weekend trip will have different needs than a two-week exploration.
How much will you need to call? Will you be making quick calls to local guides, or lengthy conversations with loved ones?
Will you rely more on data or voice calls? Many travelers primarily use data for messaging apps and navigation, making voice calls less critical.
Are you traveling alone or with others? Sharing a mobile hotspot can be a great way to save.
Once you have a rough idea of your needs, you're ready for Step 2!
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| How Much Does It Cost To Call Mobile Phones In Iceland Verizon |
Step 2: Understanding Verizon's International Roaming Options
Verizon offers several ways to stay connected in Iceland, each with its own pricing structure. It's crucial to understand these options to avoid bill shock upon your return.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Verizon TravelPass – The Daily Convenience
The Verizon TravelPass is perhaps the most popular option for travelers due to its simplicity.
How it works: When you use your phone (make or answer a call, send a text, or use data) in a TravelPass country like Iceland, a 24-hour session automatically activates.
Cost: It costs $12 per line, per day in Iceland.
What's included:
Unlimited talk within Iceland and back to the US.
Unlimited text messaging (sent and received).
5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session. After 5 GB, data speeds are reduced to 3G for the remainder of the session.
Good to know:
You are only charged on the days you use your device in Iceland. If you don't use your phone for a day, you aren't charged for TravelPass for that day.
If you call a country other than the US or Iceland, you'll be charged as if you were in the US and calling that country (standard international long distance rates apply).
Some Verizon Unlimited plans (like Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome) may include TravelPass days, so check your plan details!
Sub-heading: Option 2: International Monthly Plan – For Longer Stays
If you're planning a more extended stay in Iceland (typically 9 days or longer), the International Monthly Plan might be more economical than TravelPass.
Cost: Approximately $100 per line, per month.
What's included:
250 minutes of talk time (to Iceland and back to the US).
Unlimited text messaging.
Unlimited data (with 20 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds).
Overages: If you exceed the 250 minutes, additional calls are charged at $0.25 per minute.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Pay As You Go – The Risky Business
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
If you don't activate TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan, you'll be subject to Pay As You Go rates, which can be very expensive and lead to a shockingly high bill. This is generally not recommended for anything more than emergency use.
Call Cost (Iceland): Approximately $1.79 per minute.
Data Cost: Approximately $2.05 per MB. This can add up incredibly fast – a single photo upload could cost several dollars!
Text Message Sent: Approximately $0.50 per message.
Text Message Received: Approximately $0.05 per message.
Step 3: Activating Your Chosen Plan
Once you've decided which plan suits your needs, activating it is straightforward.
Sub-heading: Activating TravelPass
Via Text: The easiest way to add TravelPass is by texting the word TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone before you leave or once you arrive in Iceland.
My Verizon App/Online: You can also add TravelPass through the My Verizon app or by logging into your account on the Verizon website. Navigate to your international plans section.
Sub-heading: Activating the International Monthly Plan
You can typically add this plan through the My Verizon app or by logging into your account on the Verizon website. Look for "International Plans" or "International Travel."
Step 4: Making Calls to Mobile Phones in Iceland (and Elsewhere)
Now that your plan is active, let's talk about actually making those calls.
Sub-heading: Calling within Iceland (Local Numbers)
If you have TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan, calls within Iceland are typically included within your plan's minutes/unlimited talk.
Dialing: Usually, you'll just dial the local Icelandic phone number directly. The country code (+354) is generally not needed for calls within the country.
Sub-heading: Calling back to the US
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Both TravelPass and the International Monthly Plan include calls back to the US.
Dialing: Dial 1 followed by the 10-digit US phone number (e.g., 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Sub-heading: Calling other International Countries (Not US or Iceland)
This is where it gets a little trickier and can incur additional charges.
If you call a country other than the US or Iceland while on TravelPass, you'll be charged as if you were in the US and calling that specific country. This typically means you'll pay Verizon's standard international long distance rates (pay-per-minute, or if you have a separate international calling plan).
Verizon also offers Global Choice ($10/month for 300 minutes to a chosen country, including Iceland at $0.05/minute) and Global Calling Plus ($15/month for unlimited calls to landlines in 60+ countries and mobiles in 30+ countries, with discounted rates to others). These are typically for calling from the US to international destinations, but they can apply if you're calling a third country while in Iceland on TravelPass and are charged as if calling from the US.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Usage
To avoid any surprises on your bill, it's crucial to monitor your usage while abroad.
My Verizon App: The My Verizon app is your best friend. It allows you to check your data, talk, and text usage in real-time.
Text Notifications: Verizon will often send you text messages when a TravelPass session begins, when it's about to expire, and if you're approaching your high-speed data limit. Pay attention to these alerts!
Step 6: Alternative Options to Consider (Beyond Verizon)
While Verizon offers convenient options, it's worth knowing about alternatives that might be more cost-effective for certain users.
Sub-heading: Local Icelandic SIM Card or eSIM
How it works: Purchase a local SIM card or an eSIM from an Icelandic carrier (like Siminn, Vodafone, or Nova) upon arrival. This gives you an Icelandic phone number and local rates for calls, texts, and data.
Cost: Often significantly cheaper than Verizon's roaming plans for heavy data users or longer stays. You can find prepaid plans with generous data allowances for around $20-$40 USD.
Pros: Cost-effective, local number for convenience.
Cons: Your primary Verizon number won't work unless you have a dual-SIM phone, and you'll need to swap physical SIMs or configure an eSIM.
Sub-heading: Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot (e.g., Trawire)
How it works: Rent a portable Wi-Fi device in Iceland that provides internet access for multiple devices.
Cost: Around $8-$10 per day.
Pros: Connects multiple devices, dedicated internet, can be cheaper than individual TravelPass for families/groups.
Cons: Another device to carry and charge, relies on cellular signal for its own connection.
Sub-heading: Relying on Wi-Fi and Messaging Apps
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
How it works: Use free Wi-Fi available at hotels, cafes, and attractions for all your communication needs via apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Messenger, etc.
Cost: Essentially free (beyond what you pay for your regular Wi-Fi access).
Pros: No international roaming charges, easy for messaging.
Cons: Limited to Wi-Fi availability, not suitable for urgent calls outside of Wi-Fi zones, your US number won't receive calls/texts unless Wi-Fi calling is enabled and reliable.
Step 7: Final Tips for a Smooth Communication Experience
Download Offline Maps: Before you go, download offline maps of Iceland (e.g., Google Maps) so you can navigate even without a data connection.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling: If your Verizon plan supports it, enable Wi-Fi calling before you leave. This allows you to make and receive calls/texts over Wi-Fi, using your regular number, without incurring roaming charges.
Turn off Data Roaming (if not using TravelPass/Monthly Plan): If you opt for a local SIM or are strictly relying on Wi-Fi, turn off data roaming on your phone's settings to prevent accidental Pay As You Go charges.
Notify Verizon of Travel: While not always strictly necessary with TravelPass, it's generally a good idea to inform Verizon of your travel dates to avoid any potential security flags on your account.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," to help you further plan your communication in Iceland with Verizon.
How to check if my Verizon plan includes international roaming benefits?
Check your plan details on the My Verizon app or website, or call Verizon customer service. Some unlimited plans include TravelPass days or roaming in Canada/Mexico, but Iceland typically requires a separate add-on.
How to activate Verizon TravelPass for my trip to Iceland?
Text TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone before or upon arrival in Iceland, or add it via the My Verizon app or website.
How to avoid high data charges in Iceland with Verizon?
Activate TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan. If not using these, turn off cellular data roaming on your phone and rely on Wi-Fi or a local SIM/eSIM.
How to make calls to Icelandic mobile phones using Verizon TravelPass?
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
With TravelPass active, simply dial the local Icelandic phone number directly. The country code (+354) is usually not required for calls within Iceland.
How to call back to the US from Iceland with Verizon?
Dial 1 followed by the 10-digit US phone number (e.g., 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX) if you have TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan.
How to know if I'm being charged for TravelPass?
A 24-hour TravelPass session begins automatically when you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data. Verizon will usually send you a text notification when a session starts and when it's about to end.
How to get more high-speed data if I run out with TravelPass?
Verizon will often send you a text offering to purchase additional high-speed data (e.g., 2 GB for $10) during your TravelPass session if you've used your initial 5 GB.
How to keep my Verizon number active while using a local Icelandic SIM card?
If your phone supports dual SIM (physical SIM + eSIM), you can keep your Verizon physical SIM active for calls/texts to your US number while using an Icelandic eSIM for data and local calls. Otherwise, your Verizon number will only work over Wi-Fi calling or if you swap back your SIM.
How to manage my Verizon international plan from Iceland?
Use the My Verizon app or log into the Verizon website from a Wi-Fi connection to manage your plans, check usage, or make changes.
How to contact Verizon customer service while in Iceland?
You can dial 00 800-50050099 from your Verizon phone while in Iceland to reach Verizon's international support team toll-free.
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