Navigating the Globe with Verizon: Your Ultimate Guide to International Plans
Hey there, intrepid traveler! Are you planning an exciting international adventure and want to stay connected without breaking the bank? You've landed in the right place! We all know the dread of unexpected roaming charges, but with a little planning, Verizon's international plans can be your best friend while exploring new horizons. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right plan to making calls and managing your data abroad. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You International Ready? (Engage User!)
Before we even think about plans, let's make sure your device is ready for global domination! Do you have a "World Device" compatible with international networks? Most modern smartphones are, but it's crucial to verify this.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Device Compatibility
You can easily check if your device is a "World Device" by:
Using the My Verizon App:
Open the My Verizon Mobile app.
Navigate to the Device Tab at the top of the screen.
Select International Ready Check.
Enter your destination country and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm device compatibility and international plan readiness.
Visiting the Verizon Wireless Trip Planner: Go to
vzw.com/tripplanner Contacting Verizon Customer Service: Dial *611 from your Verizon Wireless device, or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone while in the U.S. They can confirm your device's capabilities.
If your device isn't a World Device, you might need to consider a temporary international phone or a local SIM card (if your phone is unlocked).
Step 2: Choosing Your Verizon International Plan
Verizon offers several international plan options, each suited for different travel styles and usage needs. Understanding them is key to avoiding bill shock!
Sub-heading: Understanding Verizon's Primary International Travel Plans
TravelPass:
Ideal for: Short trips, infrequent international travelers, or those who want to use their existing domestic plan allowances.
How it works: For a daily fee, TravelPass lets you use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances abroad for 24 hours. A session automatically starts when you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data in a TravelPass country.
Cost:
$6/day in Mexico and Canada (Note: Unlimited plans often include Mexico and Canada at no extra cost, so check your specific plan!)
$12/day in over 210 other TravelPass countries and destinations.
Data: You get 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, then unlimited data at 3G speeds. You can purchase an additional 2 GB of high-speed data for $5 (Mexico/Canada) or $10 (other countries) per session.
Talk & Text: Unlimited talk and text within the TravelPass country and back to the US.
Good to know: You're only charged on days you actually use your device in a TravelPass country. It can remain on your line without charge when you're back home.
$100 International Monthly Plan:
Ideal for: Longer trips (9 days or more) or those who need more consistent international usage.
How it works: A monthly plan that provides a set amount of data, talk, and unlimited text.
Cost: $100 per line per month.
Data: Unlimited data with a 20 GB high-speed allowance, then unlimited at 3G speeds.
Talk: 250 minutes. Overage charges apply after this allowance ($0.25/min).
Text: Unlimited text messaging.
Good to know: This plan can be set to renew each month or expire after 30 days.
Pay As You Go:
Ideal for: Very light usage, or if you're traveling to a country not covered by TravelPass or the Monthly International Plan. Generally not recommended due to high costs.
How it works: You pay per minute, per text message, and per MB of data used.
Cost: Rates vary significantly by country. Expect to pay anywhere from $0.99-$2.99 per minute for calls, $0.50 for sent texts, $0.05 for received texts, and $2.05 per MB for data.
Warning: Data charges on Pay As You Go can quickly escalate into hundreds or thousands of dollars if you're not careful. Use with extreme caution!
Sub-heading: Specialized International Passes
Cruise Daily Pass: For staying connected while at sea.
Cost: $20/line per day.
Includes: 0.5 GB high-speed data (then 3G), unlimited calls to the US, unlimited text.
Activation: Text "CRUISE" to 4004.
In-flight Daily Pass: For connecting on participating international flights.
Cost: $20/line per day.
Includes: Unlimited 3G data. Call rates are $1.99/minute, and texts are $0.50 sent, $0.05 received.
Activation: Reply "FLIGHT" to the welcome text you receive onboard.
Sub-heading: International Calling Plans (for calling from the US to other countries)
These plans are distinct from the international travel plans listed above. They are for making calls from your US-based phone number to international numbers, while you are still in the US.
Global Choice: $10/month per line.
Allows you to choose a specific country and get up to 300 minutes per month to call that country. Discounted rates apply after the allowance. Includes unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada.
Global Calling Plus: $15/month per line.
Unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries and mobiles in over 30 countries. Discounted rates to 160+ countries.
Global Calling: $5/month per line.
Unlimited calls from the US to Mexico and Canada, plus discounted rates to 220+ countries.
Step 3: Activating Your Chosen International Plan
Once you've decided on the best plan for your trip, activating it is usually straightforward.
Sub-heading: How to Add a Travel Pass or Monthly International Plan
Via My Verizon Website:
Sign in to your My Verizon account at
vzw.com/myverizon Go to your International plans page.
Select Add new plan and follow the on-screen guide through the International Trip Planner.
Via My Verizon App:
Open the My Verizon app.
Tap the "Me" tab.
Look for sections like "Your savings, rewards, and benefits" or "Manage Perks" if you have a plan like Unlimited Plus/Welcome with TravelPass days.
Follow the prompts to add TravelPass or another international plan.
By Text Message:
For TravelPass: Text the word TRAVEL to 4004.
For Global Choice: Text your chosen country's keyword to 4004 (e.g., "INDIA" to 4004 for India).
For Global Calling Plus: Text the word PLUS to 4004.
For Global Calling: Text the word GLOBAL to 4004.
By Calling Customer Service: Dial *611 or 1-800-922-0204 (while in the US).
Remember to add the plan to the specific line(s) that will be traveling!
Step 4: Preparing Your Device for International Roaming
Before you leave, a few crucial device settings need to be checked to ensure seamless international connectivity.
Sub-heading: Essential Device Settings
Enable Roaming: This is perhaps the most important step. Your phone needs permission to connect to cellular networks in other countries.
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
For Android: Go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
Check Network Mode: Your World Device is usually set to Global/International Mode by default, allowing it to automatically choose an international network. However, if you experience issues, you might need to manually select a network. (We'll cover this in troubleshooting).
Wi-Fi Calling: Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your device and through your Verizon account. This allows you to make and receive calls and texts over Wi-Fi, often at no extra cost, even when you don't have cellular service.
Enable this BEFORE you leave!
Step 5: Using Your Verizon International Plan Abroad
You've landed! Now it's time to put your plan into action.
Sub-heading: Making Calls While Traveling Internationally
Making calls from abroad can be a bit different than at home.
Calling Back to the US:
Most Common Method (Smartphones): Press and hold "0" on your keypad until the "+" symbol appears. Then, enter the US country code "1" followed by the 10-digit US phone number. (e.g., +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX).
Alternatively: Dial the exit code for the country you're in (often "00" or "011"), then "1" (for the US), then the 10-digit number.
Calling a Local Number in the Country You're In:
Simply dial the local number as you normally would if you were a resident of that country.
Calling Another International Number (not back to the US):
Again, use the "+" symbol followed by the country code of the destination you're calling, then the full phone number (e.g., +[Country Code]-[Area Code]-[Local Number]).
Alternatively, dial the exit code of your current country, then the destination country code, then the full phone number.
Sub-heading: Sending Text Messages While Traveling Internationally
Texting usually works similarly to calling. Use the "+" symbol followed by the country code and the full number. For numbers within the North American Numbering Plan, just the 10-digit number might suffice.
Sub-heading: Using Data While Traveling Internationally
Ensure Cellular Data and Data Roaming are ON in your device settings.
Your TravelPass session or Monthly Plan data will activate automatically when you start using data.
Pro Tip: Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible! This is the best way to save on data and extend your high-speed allowance. Connect to hotel Wi-Fi, public Wi-Fi hotspots, or consider a portable Wi-Fi device.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Usage
My Verizon App: Regularly check your data, talk, and text usage through the My Verizon app. This is crucial for staying within your plan limits and avoiding overage charges, especially with the $100 Monthly International Plan.
Text Alerts: Verizon sends usage alerts when your international charges reach certain thresholds ($250, $500, $1,000, etc.). Pay attention to these!
TravelPass Notifications: If you're on TravelPass, you'll receive a text two hours after a 24-hour session starts, letting you know when it ends.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some common troubleshooting tips.
Sub-heading: No Service or Data Issues
Restart Your Device: The oldest trick in the book often works. A simple restart can help your phone connect to the local network.
Verify Roaming Settings: Double-check that "Data Roaming" is ON in your phone's cellular settings.
Manually Select Network Carrier:
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection and toggle "Automatic" OFF. Your phone will search for available networks. Select a local carrier.
For Android: Go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (or Carrier Selection) and turn off "Select automatically." Then, choose an available network.
Check for International CDMA (older devices): If you have an older World Device, ensure it's set to "Global" or "International" mode.
Contact Verizon International Support: If all else fails, reach out to Verizon's 24/7 International Support team.
From a GSM/LTE Network (most common): Dial +1-908-559-4899.
From a CDMA Network: Dial the exit code for your country, then 1-908-559-4899.
Verizon also provides toll-free numbers for specific countries in their International Support Guide (PDF).
Sub-heading: High Bill or Unexpected Charges
Review Your Plan: Did you activate the correct plan? Did you exceed allowances (e.g., minutes on the $100 Monthly Plan, high-speed data on TravelPass)?
Background Data Usage: Even if you're not actively using your phone, background app refreshes, email syncing, and software updates can consume data and trigger a TravelPass session. Be mindful of this!
Calls to Other Countries: If you're using TravelPass or the Monthly International Plan, calls to countries other than the US or the country you're currently in might incur additional "Pay As You Go" charges. Check the rates for specific international destinations.
Step 7: Returning Home
When your adventure concludes, you might wonder about your international plan.
Sub-heading: What Happens When You Return?
TravelPass: You don't need to remove TravelPass from your line. It remains active but won't incur charges unless you use your device outside the US again.
$100 International Monthly Plan: This plan automatically expires after 30 days unless you chose for it to renew monthly. If it's set to renew, you'll need to manually remove it if you don't want it for subsequent months.
Cruise/In-flight Daily Pass: These passes automatically expire after their 24-hour session ends.
FAQs: Your Quick International Travel Answers
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to check if my Verizon phone is a "World Device"?
Open the My Verizon app, go to the Device Tab, and select "International Ready Check," or visit the Verizon Trip Planner online.
How to add TravelPass to my Verizon line?
You can add it via the My Verizon app or website, or simply text the word "TRAVEL" to 4004.
How to dial the US from an international country with my Verizon phone?
Press and hold "0" on your keypad until "+" appears, then dial "1" (US country code) followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
How to prevent high data charges while traveling internationally with Verizon?
Always enable Data Roaming, choose an appropriate international plan like TravelPass, use Wi-Fi whenever possible, and monitor your data usage closely through the My Verizon app.
How to get technical support from Verizon while abroad?
Dial +1-908-559-4899 from a GSM/LTE network, or find a toll-free number for your specific country in Verizon's International Support Guide.
How to enable Wi-Fi calling on my Verizon phone for international use?
Enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings (usually under Cellular or Network & Internet) and ensure it's activated on your Verizon account before you travel.
How to manually select a network carrier if my Verizon phone isn't getting service abroad?
Go to your phone's cellular settings (Network Selection on iPhone, Network Operators on Android) and turn off automatic selection, then choose an available local network.
How to know if Mexico and Canada roaming are included in my current Verizon plan?
Many Unlimited plans include talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada at no extra cost. Check your specific plan details in the My Verizon app or on their website.
How to distinguish between Verizon's international travel plans and international calling plans?
International travel plans (like TravelPass) are for using your phone while you are abroad. International calling plans (like Global Choice) are for calling international numbers from the US.
How to avoid unintended TravelPass sessions from background data?
Turn off "Background App Refresh" for non-essential apps and consider disabling automatic app updates when using international data.