It's fantastic that you're planning a trip to Europe! Staying connected is crucial, whether it's for navigation, sharing your adventures, or keeping in touch with loved ones. While Verizon offers convenient solutions, it's essential to understand your options to avoid unexpected charges. Let's dive into how to use Verizon in Europe effectively and economically.
Navigating Europe with Verizon: Your Ultimate Connectivity Guide
So, you've got your flights booked, your itinerary planned, and your bags are almost packed for your European adventure. But what about your phone? That trusty Verizon device that keeps you connected back home – will it work in the cobbled streets of Rome, the vibrant markets of Marrakech (okay, that's Africa, but you get the idea!), or the charming canals of Amsterdam? The answer is a resounding yes, but how you manage your connectivity can make a significant difference to your travel budget. Let's break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Confirm Your Device's Compatibility and Prepare for Roaming
Before you even think about international plans, you need to ensure your Verizon device is ready for its European debut.
Sub-heading: Is Your Phone Travel-Ready?
Most modern smartphones from Verizon are designed to work on international networks. This means they are "Global Ready." However, it's always a good idea to confirm.
Check Your Device: Visit Verizon's Trip Planner tool on their website. Enter your device type and the countries you'll be visiting. This will confirm if your phone is compatible and what services (voice, text, data) are available.
Enable Data Roaming: This is a crucial step. Before you depart, ensure "Data Roaming" is turned on in your phone's settings.
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
For Androids: The path can vary slightly depending on your phone model, but generally it's Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
Why is this important? Without data roaming enabled, your phone won't connect to local networks and you won't be able to use data even if you have an international plan.
Step 2: Choose the Right Verizon International Plan for Your Trip
Verizon offers several options for international travel, each with its own benefits and costs. Selecting the right one depends on your usage habits and the length of your trip.
Sub-heading: Verizon's International Plan Options
Here are the primary plans Verizon offers for international travel:
TravelPass:
How it works: This is the most popular option for shorter trips. For a daily fee, you can use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations.
Cost: $12 per day in most European countries. You're only charged on days you use your phone abroad (make or answer a call, send a text, or use data). A 24-hour session starts with the first usage.
Data: You typically get 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, after which data speeds reduce to 3G. You can purchase additional high-speed data for $10 per 2GB within the same 24-hour session.
Consider this if: You're on a shorter trip (under 9-10 days) and want the convenience of using your existing plan.
$100 International Monthly Plan:
How it works: This plan is ideal for longer trips (9 days or more) or if you prefer a fixed monthly cost. It provides a set amount of talk minutes, unlimited text, and a larger bucket of high-speed data.
Cost: $100 per month.
What's included: Typically includes 250 minutes, unlimited text messaging, and 20 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds.
Consider this if: Your trip is extended, as it can be more cost-effective than multiple TravelPass days.
Unlimited Ultimate Plan:
How it works: If you're already on or considering Verizon's premium "Unlimited Ultimate" plan, it includes international roaming benefits in over 210 countries.
Cost: This is part of your regular monthly plan cost (which is higher than other unlimited plans).
What's included: Generally offers 15GB of high-speed data per month in 210+ countries, followed by unlimited 2G speeds. It also includes unlimited talk and text.
Consider this if: You are a frequent international traveler and are looking for a plan that bundles this connectivity into your monthly bill.
Pay-as-you-go:
How it works: If you don't add any international plan, you'll be charged per minute, per text message, and per MB of data used.
Cost: These rates are very expensive (e.g., over $2 per MB of data).
Consider this if: You absolutely do not plan to use your phone for cellular services while abroad and will rely solely on Wi-Fi. However, even background data can incur significant charges. This option is generally not recommended.
Sub-heading: How to Add an International Plan
Adding a plan is straightforward, but do it before you leave!
Online (My Verizon): Log in to your My Verizon account. Go to your "International" page and select "Add new plan."
Text Message: Text the word TRAVEL to 4004 to add TravelPass.
My Verizon App: Navigate to the international section within the app and follow the prompts.
Step 3: Understanding Data Usage and Minimizing Costs
Even with an international plan, it's wise to be mindful of your data usage to avoid hitting limits or incurring extra charges.
Sub-heading: Smart Data Practices
Utilize Wi-Fi: Wherever possible, connect to secure Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, and public areas. This is the most cost-effective way to use data for Browse, streaming, and app usage.
Download Offline Maps: Before you go, download offline maps of the areas you'll be visiting on Google Maps or other navigation apps. This allows you to navigate without using cellular data.
Download Content: Download movies, TV shows, music, and e-books before you leave to enjoy them offline during flights or downtime.
Manage App Background Refresh: Many apps refresh content in the background, consuming data. Go into your phone's settings and turn off "Background App Refresh" for apps you don't need constantly updated.
For iPhones: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
For Androids: Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > [App Name] > Mobile data & Wi-Fi > Background data.
Disable Auto-Play Videos: Social media apps often auto-play videos, which can quickly eat through your data. Adjust settings in apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to prevent this.
Monitor Your Usage: Regularly check your data usage through the My Verizon app or by dialing a short code (check Verizon's support pages for the current code). You'll also receive text notifications when you approach your data limit.
Step 4: Making and Receiving Calls and Texts
Understanding how calls and texts work while roaming is key to a smooth experience.
Sub-heading: Calling While Abroad
Calling within the country you're visiting or back to the US: With TravelPass or the Monthly Plan, calls to the country you're in and back to the US are typically included within your plan's allowances.
To call a local European number: Dial the local number as you normally would.
To call a US number: Dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US number.
Calling other international countries: If you need to call a country other than the one you're visiting or the US, additional charges may apply or you might need to add an International Calling plan from Verizon.
Use the format: + [country code] [area code] [local number]. Holding down "0" on most smartphones will produce the "+" symbol.
Wi-Fi Calling: Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your device before you leave. When connected to Wi-Fi, you can make and receive calls as if you were in the US, using your domestic plan allowances, without incurring international roaming charges. This is a fantastic money-saver.
To enable Wi-Fi Calling:
iPhone: Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it ON.
Android: (Varies) Typically Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Wi-Fi Calling.
Sub-heading: Texting While Abroad
Unlimited Messaging: Most Verizon unlimited plans and international travel plans (like TravelPass and the Monthly Plan) include unlimited text messaging to and from other countries while you're in Europe.
How to send: Simply text as you normally would. For international numbers, use the + [country code] [number] format.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives for Extended Stays or Heavy Data Users
While Verizon's plans are convenient, they might not always be the most economical for very long trips or if you're a super heavy data user.
Sub-heading: Local SIM Cards or eSIMs
Purchasing a Local SIM Card:
How it works: Once you arrive in Europe, you can purchase a local prepaid SIM card from a European carrier (e.g., Orange, Vodafone, Three, O2). These often offer generous data allowances, local calls, and texts at much lower rates than international roaming.
Compatibility: Your Verizon phone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card. Most Verizon phones purchased after a certain date are unlocked, but it's worth confirming with Verizon customer service if you're unsure.
Downside: You'll have a temporary European phone number.
Consider this if: You have an unlocked phone, are staying for an extended period, and want maximum data at the lowest cost.
eSIM (Embedded SIM):
How it works: Many newer smartphones (iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, etc.) support eSIM technology. This allows you to activate a cellular plan digitally without needing a physical SIM card. You can keep your Verizon physical SIM active for calls/texts, and use an eSIM for local data.
Benefits: Convenient, no physical swapping of cards, and you can often purchase and activate eSIM plans online before or upon arrival. Many providers like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly offer European eSIMs.
Consider this if: Your phone supports eSIM, you want the convenience of a local data plan without removing your Verizon SIM, and you're comfortable managing digital profiles.
Step 6: Before You Depart and While You're There
A few final checks and tips can ensure a smooth experience.
Sub-heading: Pre-Departure Checklist
Contact Verizon: Call Verizon customer service (1-800-922-0204) to inform them of your travel plans. This can sometimes help prevent fraud alerts and ensure your international service is properly provisioned.
Download My Verizon App: Have the app installed and logged in for easy plan management and usage monitoring.
Save Important Numbers: Save Verizon's international support number (+1-908-559-4899) and emergency contacts in your phone.
Power Bank: A portable power bank is invaluable for keeping your phone charged while exploring.
Sub-heading: In-Country Tips
Emergency Services: Know the emergency number for the country you are visiting (it's 112 across most of Europe).
Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues, try restarting your phone. If problems persist, connect to Wi-Fi and use the My Verizon app or call their international support line.
Beware of Cruise Ships/In-Flight: Standard international plans typically do not cover usage on cruise ships or in-flight Wi-Fi. Verizon offers separate Cruise Daily Pass and In-Flight Daily Pass options, which are usually expensive. It's often better to rely on the ship's or plane's Wi-Fi packages if available.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Verizon phone is unlocked for international use?
Most Verizon phones purchased after 2019 are automatically unlocked after 60 days of active service. If you're unsure, you can contact Verizon customer service directly and ask if your device is unlocked for international GSM networks.
How to activate Verizon TravelPass?
You can activate TravelPass by texting TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone, through the My Verizon app, or on your account's international plan page on the Verizon website. It automatically activates a 24-hour session upon your first usage abroad.
How to monitor data usage while using Verizon in Europe?
You can monitor your data usage through the My Verizon app, by logging into your My Verizon account online, or by checking text message alerts from Verizon that inform you of your usage.
How to make calls to the US from Europe using Verizon?
When using TravelPass or the Monthly Plan, simply dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
How to turn off data roaming on my Verizon phone?
For iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it OFF. For Androids, typically Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network > Data Roaming and toggle it OFF.
How to avoid unexpected charges with Verizon in Europe?
Always ensure you have an international plan activated. Utilize Wi-Fi whenever possible, disable background app refresh, download offline content, and monitor your usage regularly. Avoid using your phone on cruise ships or planes unless you've purchased a specific pass for those services.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling with Verizon in Europe?
First, enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings before you travel. Once in Europe and connected to a Wi-Fi network, your phone will automatically use Wi-Fi Calling, allowing you to make and receive calls as if you were in the US, generally without international roaming charges.
How to get an eSIM for my Verizon phone for Europe?
If your Verizon phone supports eSIM (most newer models do), you can purchase an eSIM data plan from various international eSIM providers online (e.g., Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) before or during your trip. You'll usually receive a QR code to scan and activate the eSIM profile on your phone.
How to contact Verizon customer service from Europe?
You can call Verizon's International Support Team at +1-908-559-4899. This number is toll-free when dialed from a landline in certain countries, or toll charges may apply from your mobile.
How to tell if my Verizon plan includes international roaming by default?
Verizon's "Unlimited Ultimate" plan does include international roaming as a default benefit. For other unlimited plans (like Unlimited Welcome or Unlimited Plus), roaming in Canada and Mexico is included, but for other international destinations, you'll typically need to add TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan. Check your specific plan details on My Verizon.
