So, you're looking to connect with someone in the Emerald Isle from the good ol' US of A, and you're a Verizon customer. Excellent choice! While it might seem a bit daunting to figure out international calling rates, especially with all the different plans and options, don't worry, we're going to break it down for you. By the end of this lengthy guide, you'll be a pro at understanding Verizon's international calling costs to Ireland and choosing the best option for your needs.
How Much Does It Cost to Call Ireland from the US with Verizon? A Comprehensive Guide
The cost of calling Ireland from the US with Verizon can vary significantly based on your current plan, how often you call, and whether you opt for an international calling plan or pay-as-you-go rates. Let's dive into the details.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Call Ireland From The Us Verizon |
Step 1: First Things First – Do You Even Have an International Calling Need?
Before we even get into the nitty-gritty of costs, let's figure out your calling habits. Are you planning a brief, one-time call to say hello to a distant relative? Or do you have regular, perhaps even daily, conversations with friends, family, or business associates in Ireland? Your answer to this question will largely determine which option is most cost-effective for you.
Occasional Caller (Rare calls, short duration): You might be fine with pay-per-minute rates, but be prepared for them to add up quickly.
Frequent Caller (Regular calls, longer durations): An international calling plan will almost certainly save you money in the long run.
Traveler to Ireland (You'll be in Ireland, not just calling from the US): This is a different ballgame altogether, involving international roaming plans. We'll touch on this briefly but focus primarily on calling from the US.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Let's proceed!
Step 2: Understanding Verizon's International Calling Options
Verizon offers several ways to call internationally from the US, each with its own pricing structure.
Sub-heading 2.1: Pay-As-You-Go (Standard International Dialing)
This is the default option if you don't have any international calling plan added to your Verizon account. It's convenient for very infrequent and very short calls, but it can quickly become expensive.
Cost for Ireland: While specific pay-per-minute rates can vary, based on available information, calling Ireland from the US without an international plan can be around $1.79 to $2.99 per minute. This is a significant cost, so be very mindful of your call duration if you go this route.
How it works: You simply dial the international access code, Ireland's country code, the area code, and then the local number. We'll cover the exact dialing instructions in Step 3.
Best for: Someone who truly only needs to make a single, very brief call in an emergency, or someone who is absolutely certain they will not make more than a minute or two of international calls in a billing cycle.
Sub-heading 2.2: International Calling Plans (Add-ons for US-based Calling)
For anyone who anticipates making more than just a few minutes of calls to Ireland, adding an international calling plan is almost always the more economical choice. Verizon offers a few options here:
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Global Choice ($10/month per line): This plan is often the most cost-effective for calling a specific country regularly.
What it includes for Ireland: With Global Choice, you get 300 minutes per month to call Ireland (and many other countries at $0.05/minute).
After 300 minutes: If you exceed the 300 minutes to Ireland within a month, you'll be charged a reduced rate of $0.05 per minute for calls to Ireland.
Other benefits: This plan also offers discounted calling rates to over 220 other countries.
Best for: Individuals who primarily call Ireland and anticipate needing up to 5 hours of talk time per month. The $0.05/minute rate after the included minutes is very attractive compared to pay-as-you-go.
Global Calling Plus ($15/month per line): This plan provides a broader range of unlimited calling benefits.
What it includes: Unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries. While specific details for Ireland are often bundled, this plan generally covers Ireland.
Discounted calls: It also offers discounted rates to over 160 other countries.
Best for: Users who call a wider variety of international destinations, or who make very frequent and long calls to Ireland and other supported countries where unlimited calling applies.
Global Calling ($5/month per line): This plan is more basic, mainly focused on Mexico and Canada.
What it includes: Unlimited calls from the US to Mexico and Canada, and discounted calls to 220+ countries.
For Ireland: While it gives discounted rates, it's generally not the best choice if Ireland is your primary international calling destination, as Global Choice specifically offers dedicated minutes for a chosen country like Ireland.
Sub-heading 2.3: International Travel Plans (for using your phone in Ireland)
It's crucial to distinguish between calling from the US to Ireland and using your phone while traveling in Ireland. If you're going to Ireland, you'll want to consider Verizon's international travel options:
TravelPass ($12/day per line): This popular option allows you to use your existing Verizon plan's talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries, including Ireland, for a daily fee. The 24-hour session only activates on days you use your phone abroad.
Includes: Unlimited talk, text, and data (with a high-speed data cap of 5GB per 24-hour session, then unlimited at 3G speeds).
Best for: Shorter trips to Ireland where you want the convenience of using your regular phone number and plan.
International Monthly Plan ($100/month per line): Ideal for longer trips (9 days or more).
Includes: Unlimited data (20GB high-speed, then 3G), unlimited text, and 250 minutes of talk.
Best for: Extended stays in Ireland where you need significant data and calling minutes.
Pay As You Go (when roaming internationally): If you don't opt for TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan while in Ireland, you'll be charged per-minute, per-text, and per-MB for data.
Cost for Ireland (roaming): Expect charges around $1.79 per talk minute, $0.50 per sent text, and $0.05 per received text, plus $2.05 per MB for data. This is highly expensive and should be avoided if possible.
Important Note on Unlimited Plans: Some higher-tier Verizon Unlimited plans, like Unlimited Ultimate, may include certain international calling or roaming benefits. Always double-check your specific plan details on My Verizon or by contacting customer service, as these inclusions can change. For example, Unlimited Ultimate includes unlimited international data, talk, and text in 210+ countries, with specific high-speed data limits.
Step 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Ireland from the US
Regardless of your plan, the dialing process remains the same. Here's how to dial Ireland from the US:
Sub-heading 3.1: The Dialing Sequence
To successfully call a landline or mobile phone in Ireland from the United States, you need to follow a specific dialing sequence:
Dial 011 (The U.S. Exit Code): This tells your phone carrier that you are making an international call.
Dial 353 (Ireland's Country Code): This is the unique code for Ireland.
Dial the Area Code (1-2 digits): Ireland uses geographic area codes. For example:
Dublin: 1
Cork: 21
Galway: 91
Limerick: 61
If you're calling a mobile number, the mobile prefix (usually 8x) acts as the "area code" in this sequence.
Dial the Local Phone Number (Typically 7 digits): This is the individual's specific phone number.
Sub-heading 3.2: Putting it All Together (Examples)
To call a landline in Dublin: Dial 011 - 353 - 1 - XXX XXXX
To call a mobile number in Ireland: Dial 011 - 353 - 8X - XXX XXXX (where 8X is the mobile prefix)
Sub-heading 3.3: Pro Tip for Mobile Phones!
If you're dialing from a mobile phone, you can often simply press and hold "0" until a "+" sign appears, then proceed with the country code and local number (e.g., +353 1 XXX XXXX or +353 8X XXX XXXX). The "+" sign automatically inputs the correct international exit code for your location. This is often easier and more reliable than remembering the "011" exit code.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
Step 4: Activating or Managing Your Verizon International Plan
If you decide to add an international calling plan or a travel pass, here's how you can typically do it:
Sub-heading 4.1: Through My Verizon Online or the My Verizon App
Log In: Access your account on the My Verizon website or through the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Navigate to Plans/Features: Look for sections related to "Plans," "Add-ons," "International," or "Travel."
Select Your Line: If you have multiple lines, choose the specific line you want to add the international plan to.
Browse and Add: Explore the available international calling or travel plans (like Global Choice, TravelPass, etc.) and select the one that fits your needs.
Confirm: Review the details and confirm the addition of the plan. You'll usually receive a confirmation text message.
Sub-heading 4.2: Via Text Message (for TravelPass)
For TravelPass, you can often activate it by simply texting the word TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone before you leave the US or even once you arrive in a TravelPass country. It will automatically activate when you use your phone in a supported country.
Sub-heading 4.3: Contacting Verizon Customer Service
If you prefer speaking to someone or encounter any issues, you can always call Verizon Customer Service by dialing 611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204. They can assist you in adding the appropriate international feature to your account.
Step 5: Monitor Your Usage and Avoid Surprises!
Even with an international plan, it's wise to keep an eye on your usage.
My Verizon App/Online: Regularly check your usage details in the My Verizon app or online portal. This will show you how many minutes you've used from your international plan allowance.
Text Alerts: Verizon may send you text alerts when you're nearing your plan limits or when a TravelPass session begins/ends. Pay attention to these.
Wi-Fi Calling: When available, consider using Wi-Fi Calling for international calls. While Verizon typically charges the same rates for Wi-Fi calls as regular international calls (meaning your international plan would apply), it can be a reliable option when cellular service is weak or unavailable.
Step 6: Considering Alternatives to Traditional Calling
While this guide focuses on Verizon, it's worth noting that there are often cheaper or even free alternatives for communicating with people in Ireland, especially if they have smartphones and internet access.
Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, Viber, and Zoom allow for free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data. This is often the most cost-effective way to communicate internationally.
eSIMs for Travelers: If you're traveling to Ireland, consider purchasing a local eSIM (digital SIM card) for data. This can provide cheap data, which you can then use for calling apps. Companies like Airalo or Holafly offer eSIMs for various durations.
Google Voice: You can make calls to international numbers (including Ireland) through Google Voice, often at very competitive rates. You'll need to set up a Google Voice account and add credit.
By understanding all these options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your communication needs and budget. Good luck connecting with your friends and family in Ireland!
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to calling Ireland from the US with Verizon, starting with 'How to', along with quick answers:
How to check my current Verizon international calling rates to Ireland?
You can check your specific rates by logging into your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app, or by visiting Verizon's international calling rates page and entering "Ireland" as the destination country.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account for Ireland?
You can add an international calling plan like Global Choice directly through the My Verizon app or website under "Plans" or "Add-ons," or by texting the specific plan keyword (e.g., "TRAVEL" for TravelPass, or the country keyword for Global Choice) to 4004. You can also call Verizon customer service.
How to dial a mobile number in Ireland from the US using Verizon?
Dial 011 (US exit code) + 353 (Ireland country code) + mobile prefix (e.g., 8X) + 7-digit mobile number. Alternatively, on a mobile phone, hold '0' for '+' and dial +353 8X XXX XXXX.
How to avoid high costs when calling Ireland from the US on Verizon?
The best way is to add an international calling plan like Global Choice for $10/month, which gives you 300 minutes to Ireland. Alternatively, use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp or Skype for free communication over data.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
How to determine if my Verizon plan includes international calling to Ireland?
Check your specific Verizon plan details in My Verizon online or the app. Higher-tier Unlimited plans, such as Unlimited Ultimate, may include certain international calling benefits. Otherwise, you'll likely need an add-on plan.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling to call Ireland from the US with Verizon?
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your device in your phone settings. When connected to Wi-Fi, your calls to Ireland will use your international plan minutes or pay-per-minute rates, just as if you were on cellular, but leveraging your Wi-Fi connection.
How to know if I'm being charged pay-per-minute rates when calling Ireland?
If you haven't added an international calling plan to your Verizon account, you will automatically be charged Verizon's standard pay-per-minute international rates, which are significantly higher than plan rates.
How to send an international text message to Ireland from the US with Verizon?
Simply send a text message as you normally would, using the international dialing format (+353 followed by the mobile number). Many Verizon plans include unlimited international texting, but if not, standard rates typically apply (e.g., $0.25 sent, $0.05 received).
How to call Ireland cheaply if I'm not a Verizon customer?
Consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, Google Voice, or dedicated international calling apps. These services often offer very low per-minute rates or free calls over Wi-Fi/data.
How to check my international usage on Verizon while traveling in Ireland?
If you're using a TravelPass or International Monthly Plan while in Ireland, you can monitor your data, talk, and text usage through the My Verizon app or website. You'll also receive text alerts from Verizon regarding your usage.
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