Connecting with friends, family, or business associates across international borders can seem daunting, but with Verizon, it's actually quite straightforward! Whether you're calling from the US to another country, or using your Verizon phone while traveling abroad, there are clear steps and options to ensure you stay connected. Let's dive in and make international calling a breeze for you!
How to Call Verizon International: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Before you even dial, a little preparation goes a long way to avoid unexpected charges and ensure a smooth calling experience.
Step 1: Understanding Your International Calling Needs – Are you calling from the US or while traveling?
This is the absolute first question you need to ask yourself, as it dictates the entire process. Are you sitting comfortably at home in the U.S. and want to reach someone in Paris? Or are you currently on a business trip in Tokyo and need to call back to the States or a client in London? Your location drastically changes the options and dialing instructions.
Calling from the US to another country: This typically involves adding an international calling plan or using pay-as-you-go rates for international long distance.
Calling while traveling internationally (using your Verizon phone abroad): This involves international roaming services like TravelPass or a monthly international plan.
Once you've determined your scenario, proceed to the relevant steps below!
If You Are Calling From the United States to an International Number:
This scenario focuses on making calls from your Verizon phone in the US to someone located in another country.
Step 2: Choosing Your International Calling Plan – Optimize for Savings and Convenience
Verizon offers several plans to make international calls from the US more affordable than standard per-minute rates. Choosing the right one depends on your calling habits.
Sub-heading 2.1: Global Choice
What it is: For a fixed monthly fee (around $10/line per month), you can select a specific country and receive a bundle of calling minutes (e.g., 300 minutes to the UK, 180 to Japan). After using your allowance, you'll get reduced rates to that chosen country, plus discounted rates to over 220 other countries.
When to choose this: Ideal if you frequently call one particular country and want predictable monthly costs.
How to add: You can add Global Choice via the My Verizon app, My Verizon online, or by texting your chosen country's keyword to 4004 (e.g., "UK" for the United Kingdom).
Sub-heading 2.2: Global Calling Plus
What it is: For approximately $15/line per month, this plan offers unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries. You also get discounted calls to 160+ other countries.
When to choose this: Best if you need broad international coverage for frequent calls to multiple destinations, especially if many of your contacts are in the included unlimited countries.
How to add: Add Global Calling Plus via the My Verizon app, My Verizon online, or by texting "PLUS" to 4004.
Sub-heading 2.3: Global Calling
What it is: At about $5/line per month, this plan provides unlimited calls from the US to Mexico and Canada, along with discounted calls to over 220 other countries.
When to choose this: Perfect if your international calling is primarily focused on Mexico and Canada.
How to add: Add Global Calling via the My Verizon app, My Verizon online, or by texting "Global" to 4004.
Sub-heading 2.4: Pay As You Go
What it is: If you don't add an international calling plan, you'll be charged per-minute rates for international calls. These rates vary significantly by country and can be quite high.
When to choose this: Only recommended for very infrequent international calls where the cost of a monthly plan outweighs the occasional per-minute charges.
Important Note: Always check the specific per-minute rates for your destination on the Verizon website before making a call if you choose this option.
Step 3: Activating International Services (if necessary) – Ensuring Your Line is Ready
For some older plans or accounts, you might need to ensure "International Services Enabled" is added to your line. This feature allows international calls from the US.
How to check/add: You can usually manage this in the My Verizon app or online. If you encounter issues, contact Verizon customer service directly. Your account typically needs to be active for at least 34 days and in good standing to add this feature through self-service options.
Step 4: Dialing the International Number – The Universal Format
Once you have your plan sorted (or are ready for pay-as-you-go), the dialing format is crucial.
Sub-heading 4.1: The "011" Exit Code
When calling from the US, you need to dial the international exit code first. For most countries, this is 011.
Example: To call a number in the United Kingdom, you would start with 011.
Sub-heading 4.2: The "+" Symbol (Smartphone Convenience)
On smartphones, you can often simply press and hold the "0" key until a "+" symbol appears. This "+" acts as a universal international exit code and simplifies dialing.
Example: To call the UK, you could start with +.
Sub-heading 4.3: The Country Code
After the exit code (011 or +), you need to dial the country code of the destination. Each country has a unique code.
Example: The country code for the United Kingdom is 44. For France, it's 33. For India, it's 91.
Sub-heading 4.4: The Area Code/City Code and Local Number
Finally, after the country code, you'll dial the area code or city code (if applicable) and then the local phone number.
Full Example: To call a number in London (UK) with the area code 20 and local number 1234 5678, you would dial:
011 44 20 1234 5678 (using the 011 exit code)
+44 20 1234 5678 (using the + symbol)
Special Cases (North American Numbering Plan):
Countries within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), such as Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and many Caribbean countries, do not require the "011" exit code. You simply dial 1 + (area code) + (phone number), just like a domestic long-distance call within the US.
If You Are Calling While Traveling Internationally (Using Your Verizon Phone Abroad):
This scenario focuses on using your Verizon phone when you're physically outside the United States.
Step 5: Preparing Your Device for International Travel – Don't Leave Home Without It!
Before you even step on the plane, ensure your Verizon device is ready for international roaming.
Sub-heading 5.1: Enable Roaming on Your Device
This is a crucial step! You must enable data roaming in your phone's settings to connect to international networks.
For Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet or Connections > Mobile network > Turn on Data Roaming.
For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming (ensure it's toggled on).
Without this, your phone won't connect to local networks, even with a plan.
Sub-heading 5.2: Choose an International Travel Plan – Avoid Bill Shock!
Standard pay-as-you-go international roaming rates are extremely expensive. Adding a travel plan is highly recommended.
TravelPass: This is Verizon's most popular option. For a daily fee ($12/day in most countries, $6/day in Mexico and Canada), you can use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries. You're only charged on the days you actually use your phone abroad.
When to choose this: Ideal for short trips or if you want the flexibility of using your regular plan benefits.
How to add: Text "TRAVEL" to 4004, or add it via the My Verizon app or My Verizon online. TravelPass is automatically added to some Unlimited plans.
International Monthly Plan: For longer trips (e.g., 9 days or more), a monthly plan (around $100/month) might be more cost-effective. This typically includes unlimited data (with a high-speed allowance), unlimited texts, and a bundle of minutes.
When to choose this: Best for extended stays where you'll be using your phone frequently.
How to add: Add via the My Verizon app or My Verizon online.
Cruise and In-flight Daily Passes: Specific plans are available for staying connected while on a cruise ship or during international flights with participating airlines.
When to choose this: Only if you specifically need connectivity in these unique environments.
Pay As You Go (Roaming): This is the default if you don't add a plan. Rates are very high per minute, per text, and per MB of data.
Avoid this if possible! The costs can quickly become astronomical.
Step 6: Dialing Numbers While Traveling Internationally – Slightly Different Rules
The dialing format changes when you are already outside the US.
Sub-heading 6.1: Calling Back to the United States
To call a US number from abroad, you will always use the "+" symbol followed by the US country code (1), and then the 10-digit phone number.
Format: +1 (Area Code) (Phone Number)
Example: To call 555-123-4567 in the US from abroad, dial +1 555 123 4567.
Sub-heading 6.2: Calling Within the Country You Are Visiting
If you're calling a local number in the country you're in, you typically dial it as you would if you had a local SIM card – without any international exit codes or country codes. Simply dial the local number directly.
Example: If you're in Paris and calling a local Paris number, just dial the 10-digit local number (e.g., 01 XX XX XX XX).
Sub-heading 6.3: Calling a Third Country from Your Travel Destination
If you are in Country A (e.g., France) and want to call Country B (e.g., Germany), you will use the "+" symbol followed by the country code of Country B, then the area code and local number for Country B.
Format: + (Country Code of Destination) (Area Code) (Phone Number)
Example: From France, to call a number in Berlin (Germany, country code 49) with area code 30 and local number 9876 5432, you would dial: +49 30 9876 5432.
Step 7: Important Tips for Saving Money and Avoiding Surprises – Be a Smart International Caller!
Monitor Your Usage: Especially with TravelPass, where data speed may reduce after a certain threshold (e.g., 5GB in a 24-hour session), keep an eye on your usage through the My Verizon app.
Utilize Wi-Fi Calling: When connected to Wi-Fi, you can make and receive calls and texts using your Verizon number without incurring international roaming charges (though international long-distance rates may still apply if calling non-US numbers). Enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings.
Heads up: When an international call is placed over Wi-Fi Calling, a voice prompt will often warn you about potential charges.
Consider VoIP Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and FaceTime use data (Wi-Fi or cellular) for calls and messages. If you have an international data plan or access to Wi-Fi, these can be very cost-effective ways to communicate.
Download Offline Maps and Content: Before you travel, download maps, movies, music, and other content to your device to reduce data usage while abroad.
Check Rates and Coverage Regularly: Verizon's international rates and coverage can change. Always visit the Verizon International Services page or use their Trip Planner tool before each trip to get the most up-to-date information for your specific destination.
Customer Support While Abroad: If you encounter issues while traveling, you can call Verizon's International Support Team at +1-908-559-4899. This call may incur charges if you don't have an active international plan that covers the call.
Step 8: Returning Home – No Action Needed!
TravelPass: This plan stays on your line but you won't be charged again until you use your device outside the US on another trip.
Monthly International Plans: If you chose a monthly plan, it will typically expire after its duration (e.g., 30 days) unless you set it to auto-renew. You can also remove it via My Verizon.
You don't need to manually remove these plans when you return to the US.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check Verizon international calling rates for a specific country?
You can check Verizon's international calling rates by visiting the "International Calling" section on the Verizon website and using their tool to enter a country name.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add an international calling plan (like Global Choice, Global Calling Plus, or Global Calling) through the My Verizon app, by signing into My Verizon online, or often by texting a specific keyword to 4004.
How to enable data roaming on my Verizon phone for international travel?
For Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet or Connections > Mobile network and turn on Data Roaming. For iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and toggle Data Roaming on.
How to call Verizon customer service when I'm traveling internationally?
You can call Verizon's International Support Team at +1-908-559-4899 if you encounter technical problems or need assistance while traveling abroad.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling for international calls on Verizon?
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled in your phone's settings and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. Dial the international number as usual (using the "+" and country code), and your call will attempt to route over Wi-Fi, potentially avoiding international roaming voice charges.
How to know if my Verizon plan includes international calling or roaming?
You can check your current plan details and any included international features by logging into the My Verizon app or your My Verizon online account. Some unlimited plans include benefits like unlimited talk/text to Mexico and Canada.
How to avoid high charges if I don't want an international plan?
The best way to avoid high charges is to not use your Verizon phone for calls or data while abroad, or to rely solely on Wi-Fi and Voice over IP (VoIP) apps (like WhatsApp, Skype) for communication. Alternatively, consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM.
How to dial a US number from an international location using my Verizon phone?
Always dial the "+" symbol (hold down "0" on most smartphones) followed by the US country code "1", then the 10-digit phone number. For example, +1 (Area Code) (Phone Number).
How to remove an international calling plan from my Verizon account after my trip?
For TravelPass, no action is needed; you are only charged on days of use. For monthly international plans, you can remove them via the My Verizon app or online if you do not want them to renew.
How to check if my device is compatible for international travel with Verizon?
Most modern 4G LTE and 5G smartphones are "World Devices" and are compatible. You can check your specific device's capabilities on the Verizon website or by contacting customer service. CDMA-only devices typically won't work outside the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands.