Imagine this: You've finally booked that dream vacation, tickets are confirmed, bags are almost packed, and your wanderlust is at an all-time high! But then a tiny, nagging thought creeps in: how am I going to stay connected without racking up a monstrous phone bill? Fear not, fellow traveler! Verizon's TravelPass is here to save the day, allowing you to use your phone just like you do at home in over 210 countries and destinations worldwide. No more scrambling for local SIM cards or hunting for unreliable Wi-Fi hotspots!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Verizon TravelPass, from understanding how it works to activating it and maximizing your savings.
Your Global Connection: A Deep Dive into Verizon TravelPass
Verizon TravelPass is a convenient and flexible international roaming solution that allows you to use your existing Verizon domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances for a set daily fee when you travel abroad. This means no complicated international plans to sign up for monthly, and no shocking bills upon your return. You're only charged on the days you actually use your device in a TravelPass-eligible country.
Key Benefits of TravelPass:
Simplicity: Use your phone as usual. No need to change your number or manage different apps for communication.
Cost-Effective for Shorter Trips: For trips under 9-10 days, TravelPass is often more economical than a monthly international plan.
Daily Charge: You're only billed for the days you use the service, offering flexibility.
Widespread Coverage: Available in over 210 countries and destinations.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Roam? Understanding TravelPass Eligibility and Costs
Before you even think about packing, the very first thing you need to do is check if TravelPass is right for you and your destination! This crucial initial step will save you headaches and unexpected charges later.
Step 1.1: Confirm Your Destination is Covered
Verizon TravelPass boasts extensive coverage, but it's essential to verify that your specific travel destination is on the list.
Action: Head over to the official Verizon TravelPass country list on their website. A quick search for "Verizon TravelPass eligible countries" will lead you there.
Why it matters: If your country isn't covered, TravelPass won't work, and you'll be subject to standard pay-as-you-go international roaming rates, which can be very expensive.
Step 1.2: Know the Daily Cost
The daily fee for TravelPass depends on your destination:
$6/day in Mexico and Canada.
$12/day in other TravelPass countries (including India, where you are located, and most other popular international destinations).
Important Note: If you have certain Verizon Unlimited plans (like Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome), talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada might already be included at no extra cost. Always verify your specific plan details!
Step 1.3: Understand Data Allowances
With TravelPass, you generally get your domestic plan's talk and text allowances. For data:
You receive 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session.
After you hit the 5 GB limit, your data speeds will be reduced to 3G speeds for the remainder of that 24-hour session. You can continue to use unlimited data at these slower speeds.
Need more high-speed data? Verizon will often send you a text offering an additional 2 GB of high-speed data for $5 (Mexico/Canada) or $10 (other TravelPass countries) for that session.
Step 2: Let's Get You Connected! Activating Verizon TravelPass
Activating TravelPass is straightforward and can be done in a few ways. It's highly recommended to do this before you leave the US to ensure a seamless connection upon arrival.
Step 2.1: Through the My Verizon App (Recommended)
This is often the easiest and most convenient method.
Download and Log In: Ensure you have the My Verizon app installed on your smartphone and are logged into your account.
Navigate to International Services:
Tap the "Account" tab (usually at the bottom).
Select "International" or "International Plans & Services".
You might see a "Trip Planner" option. This is a great tool to select your destination(s) and travel dates.
Add TravelPass:
Look for an option to "Add new plan" or "Manage international plans."
Select "TravelPass" from the available options.
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your selection and apply it to your desired line(s).
Confirm the changes. It may take up to 15 minutes for the changes to reflect on your account.
Step 2.2: Via the My Verizon Website
If you prefer using a computer or don't have the app readily available:
Go to My Verizon: Visit Verizon's official website (
www.verizon.com Access International Services:
Hover over "Plans" or "My Plan" and look for "International" or "International Travel."
Similar to the app, you'll likely find a "Trip Planner" or "Manage International Services" section.
Add TravelPass: Select TravelPass and follow the prompts to add it to your line(s).
Confirm: Review the details and confirm the addition.
Step 2.3: By Text Message (Quick & Easy!)
For a super fast activation, especially if you're already traveling and realize you need it:
Simply text the word TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone.
You'll receive a confirmation message.
Step 2.4: Contact Verizon Customer Service
If you encounter any issues or prefer speaking to a representative:
Before you travel: Dial *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
While traveling internationally: Dial +1-908-559-4899 (this call is free from your Verizon Wireless phone even without TravelPass active, but verify with Verizon). You can also find country-specific toll-free numbers on Verizon's international support guide (available on their website).
Step 3: You've Arrived! Using TravelPass Abroad
Once you land in your TravelPass-eligible country, getting connected is almost automatic.
Step 3.1: Enable Roaming on Your Device
This is a critical step to ensure your phone connects to the local network.
For iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
For Android: Steps may vary slightly by device, but generally go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
Step 3.2: Receive Your Welcome Text
Upon connecting to a local network in a TravelPass country, you'll receive a welcome text message from Verizon. This text will confirm that TravelPass is active, inform you of the daily fee, and explain when your 24-hour session begins and ends.
Step 3.3: Start Using Your Phone!
A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically starts when you:
Make or answer a phone call.
Send a text message.
Use data (this can include background app refreshes, email syncing, or app/device software updates, so be mindful!).
You're only charged the daily fee for those 24-hour periods in which you use your device. If you don't use your phone on a particular day, you won't be charged for TravelPass for that day.
Step 3.4: Manage Your Usage and Stay Informed
Monitor Data: Keep an eye on your data usage through the My Verizon app or website. You'll receive alerts when you're approaching your high-speed data limit.
Calls: You can call within the country you're visiting and also back to the US. International long-distance calls to other countries (not the one you're in or the US) will be charged at standard international rates.
Texts: Sending and receiving texts is generally included within your TravelPass session.
Voicemail: To check voicemail, dial +1 then your 10-digit mobile number. Interrupt the greeting by pressing # (pound key) and follow the prompts.
Step 4: Home Sweet Home! Managing TravelPass After Your Trip
One of the great advantages of TravelPass is its "set it and forget it" nature.
Step 4.1: No Need to Deactivate Immediately
You do not need to remove TravelPass from your line when you return to the US. You are only charged on days you use your device in a TravelPass country. There's no charge when you're in the US, so it can remain on your account for your next international adventure!
Step 4.2: Removing TravelPass (If Desired)
If you still wish to remove it for any reason:
My Verizon App/Website: Navigate to the international plan section as you did for activation and choose the option to "Remove plan" for TravelPass. You can usually select an effective date for removal (e.g., Today or Next Bill Cycle).
Customer Service: Call Verizon customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon TravelPass
Here are 10 common questions to help you navigate your Verizon TravelPass experience:
How to check if my device is compatible with TravelPass?
Most modern smartphones are World Devices and compatible. You can check your device's compatibility on the Verizon website under their International Trip Planner or by contacting customer support.
How to avoid accidental TravelPass charges?
To avoid accidental charges, ensure "Data Roaming" is turned OFF on your device before you arrive in a TravelPass country if you do not intend to use the service immediately. Also, be aware that background data usage can trigger a session. Consider enabling Airplane Mode and using Wi-Fi only, or temporarily turning off cellular data entirely if you're unsure.
How to get more high-speed data with TravelPass?
If you exceed your initial 5 GB of high-speed data in a 24-hour session, Verizon will typically send you a text offering to add an additional 2 GB for a flat fee ($5 in Mexico/Canada, $10 in other TravelPass countries). Simply reply to that text to accept.
How to make calls to countries other than the US or the country I'm visiting?
Calls to countries other than the one you're currently in or back to the US will be charged at standard international long-distance rates. You may consider adding an International Calling plan for these specific destinations if you anticipate frequent calls outside the TravelPass scope.
How to check my unbilled international usage with TravelPass?
You can view your international usage details and charges through the My Verizon app or by logging into your My Verizon account on the website. Look for sections like "Usage details" or "TravelPass Sessions."
How to use Wi-Fi Calling with TravelPass?
Wi-Fi Calling to a US number from abroad is generally included. However, Wi-Fi Calling to a country other than the US will be charged international long-distance rates, regardless of whether you have TravelPass or not. It's best to activate Wi-Fi Calling while still in the US before your trip.
How to deal with service issues while using TravelPass?
First, try restarting your device, toggling Airplane Mode on and off, or resetting network settings. If issues persist, contact Verizon's International Support Team by dialing +1-908-559-4899 (toll-free from your Verizon phone while abroad) or by finding the specific toll-free number for your country on Verizon's support website.
How to know if TravelPass is better than an International Monthly Plan?
TravelPass is generally better for shorter trips (typically 9 days or less) as you only pay for the days you use it. For longer trips, a Verizon International Monthly Plan (which might offer a larger, fixed data allowance and calling minutes for a set monthly fee) could be more cost-effective. Compare the total cost for your trip duration.
How to receive calls and texts without incurring a TravelPass charge?
Receiving calls and sending/receiving texts will trigger a TravelPass session if you are in a TravelPass country and your device is connected to the cellular network. If you wish to avoid a charge for a specific day, ensure cellular data and roaming are off, and avoid making or receiving calls/texts via the cellular network. Using Wi-Fi for messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage (if connected to Wi-Fi) won't trigger a cellular TravelPass charge.
How to avoid accidental charges when bordering Canada or Mexico?
If you live near the Canadian or Mexican border, your phone might inadvertently connect to a network in those countries. To prevent accidental TravelPass charges, you can remove TravelPass from your line when not traveling, or consider a Verizon Unlimited plan that already includes Canada and Mexico roaming.