So, you're planning an international adventure, and you're wondering, “How much is Verizon's monthly international plan?” Excellent question! Staying connected while abroad can be a lifesaver, but nobody wants to come home to a bill that looks like a foreign language. Verizon offers a few options to keep you connected, and understanding them is key to a stress-free trip.
Let's dive into the details, step by step, to ensure you pick the perfect plan for your global travels!
Step 1: Assess Your Travel Habits and Needs – Are You a Frequent Flyer or a One-Time Traveler?
Before we even look at prices, let's figure out your specific needs. This is the most crucial first step!
Are you going on a short vacation (a week or less)? If so, a daily pass might be more economical.
Is your trip longer, say 9-10 days or more? A monthly plan might be your best bet.
Do you plan to make a lot of calls, or mostly text and use data? Some plans favor talk, others data.
How much data do you anticipate using? Streaming movies daily will require a different plan than just checking emails and maps.
Are you traveling to Canada or Mexico? These countries often have special, more affordable rates.
Are you going on a cruise or flying internationally and need connectivity during transit? Specific passes exist for these scenarios.
Think about your typical usage at home and consider how that might change (or not change) while you're abroad. This self-assessment will guide you to the most suitable Verizon international option.
Step 2: Understanding Verizon's Key International Offerings
Verizon doesn't just have one monthly international plan. They have a few options designed for different types of international usage. Here’s a breakdown of the main players:
Sub-heading: The $100 International Monthly Plan (The "Global Connectivity" Option)
This is what most people refer to when they ask about Verizon's "monthly international plan."
Cost: Approximately $100 per line, per month. Taxes and fees apply.
What's Included:
Unlimited Data: This is a big one! You get 20 GB of high-speed data, after which your data speeds are reduced to 3G. For most travelers, 20 GB is a generous allowance for a month.
250 Minutes of Talk: This covers calls made and received in over 210 countries and destinations.
Unlimited Texts: Send and receive as many texts as you like!
Ideal For: Longer trips (9-10 days or more), travelers who need consistent connectivity for an extended period, and those who want a predictable monthly cost without worrying about daily charges.
Sub-heading: TravelPass (The "Daily Roaming" Option)
While not a monthly plan in the traditional sense, TravelPass is a highly popular option and can effectively function like one if you travel frequently for short durations.
Cost:
$12 per day in over 210 countries and destinations.
$6 per day in Canada and Mexico. (Note: Unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico are often included with many Verizon Unlimited domestic plans, so check your specific plan first!)
What's Included: On days you use TravelPass, you get to use your existing domestic plan allowances (unlimited data, talk, and text) in the TravelPass country. Data speeds may be reduced after a certain usage (typically 5GB per 24-hour session).
Ideal For: Shorter trips, occasional international travel, or if you anticipate only needing your phone on specific days during your trip. You're only charged on the days you use your device internationally.
Sub-heading: Pay As You Go (The "Emergency" Option)
This is the default option if you don't add any international plan. It's generally the most expensive way to use your phone abroad.
Cost: Varies significantly by country and service type.
Talk: Can range from $0.99 to $2.99 per minute.
Data: Typically $2.05 per MB (which adds up very quickly!).
Texts: Around $0.50 per sent text, $0.05 per received text.
Ideal For: Absolutely no one for planned usage. Only for accidental usage or if you literally just need to receive a single, critical text. Avoid if possible.
Sub-heading: Specialized Passes (Cruise and In-Flight)
For unique travel situations, Verizon offers specific daily passes:
Cruise Daily Pass: ~$30 per line, per day. Offers limited data (e.g., 500 MB), 50 minutes of talk, and unlimited texts while at sea.
In-Flight Daily Pass: ~$20 per line, per day. Offers unlimited 3G data on participating international flights. Talk rates may be separate.
Step 3: Activating Your Verizon International Plan
Once you've decided which plan is right for you, adding it to your account is straightforward.
Sub-heading: Using the My Verizon App (Recommended!)
This is generally the easiest and most convenient method.
Download and Open the My Verizon App: If you don't have it already, download it from your phone's app store.
Log In: Use your Verizon account credentials.
Navigate to International Plans:
From the main screen, look for sections related to "Plans," "International," or "Travel."
You might find an option like "Manage International Plan" or "International Usage & Services."
Many users find a "Trip Planner" tool within the app, which is extremely helpful for tailoring recommendations based on your destination and travel dates.
Select Your Destination and Dates: The app will guide you to enter where and when you're traveling.
Choose Your Plan: Based on your input, the app will present you with eligible international options (e.g., TravelPass, International Monthly Plan). Select the one you want.
Confirm and Activate: Review the details and confirm the addition to your line. You might select a start date for the plan.
Sub-heading: Via the Verizon Website (My Verizon)
Similar to the app, you can manage your plans online.
Go to Verizon's Website: Visit
www.verizon.com Log In to My Verizon: Access your account.
Find International Services: Look for "International Travel" or "International Services & Pricing" in the main navigation or support sections.
Use the Trip Planner: Verizon has an excellent "Trip Planner" tool on their website (
vzw.com/tripplanner Add the Plan: Follow the prompts to select and add the desired international plan to your line.
Sub-heading: By Text Message (For TravelPass)
For TravelPass, you can activate it by simply texting TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone. You'll only be charged on days you use your phone internationally.
Sub-heading: Contacting Verizon Customer Service
If you prefer speaking to someone, or if you encounter any issues, you can always call Verizon Customer Service:
Dial *611 from your Verizon Wireless device (while in the U.S.).
Dial 1-800-922-0204 from any phone (while in the U.S.).
While abroad, if you need assistance, you can call Verizon's International Support at +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply).
Step 4: Important Considerations Before and During Your Trip
Even with a plan, there are a few extra tips to ensure a smooth international experience.
Sub-heading: Device Compatibility
World Device: Ensure your phone is a "World Device" (meaning it supports GSM technology). Most modern smartphones are, but it's always good to double-check this, especially if you have an older phone. The My Verizon app's Trip Planner usually checks this for you.
Sub-heading: Data Usage Monitoring
Monitor Your Usage: Even with "unlimited" data on the monthly plan, there's a high-speed cap (20GB). Keep an eye on your data usage through the My Verizon app to avoid slowed speeds.
Wi-Fi First: Whenever possible, connect to Wi-Fi to save your high-speed data allowance. Many hotels, cafes, and public places offer free Wi-Fi.
Sub-heading: Understanding Call and Text Charges
Monthly Plan Minutes: Be mindful of the 250-minute limit on the monthly plan. Overage charges are typically $0.25 per minute.
TravelPass Calls: With TravelPass, calls are unlimited, but ensure you understand how to dial internationally (usually by adding a "+" before the country code and number).
Received Calls: Remember that receiving calls also counts against your minutes if you're on the monthly plan.
Sub-heading: When to Start and End Your Plan
Timing for Monthly Plan: If you choose the $100 monthly plan, consider activating it just before you leave and deactivating it upon your return to avoid unnecessary charges. You can often schedule the start and end dates.
TravelPass Simplicity: TravelPass is great because it only charges you on the days you use it. If you're spending a day sight-seeing without using your phone, you won't be charged for that day.
Sub-heading: Alternatives to Verizon's Plans
While Verizon offers great options, it's worth knowing about alternatives for certain situations:
Local SIM Cards/eSIMs: For very long trips or if you need significant data, buying a local SIM card in your destination country can often be more cost-effective. Many newer phones support eSIMs, making this process even easier as you can purchase and activate an eSIM online before you even arrive. Providers like Airalo or Holafly offer international eSIMs.
Wi-Fi Hotspots/Pocket Wi-Fi: If you're traveling with multiple people or devices and want to avoid using your phone's cellular data, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be a good solution.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Trip with Peace of Mind!
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to stay connected during your international travels without any bill shock upon your return. Planning ahead truly makes all the difference! Now, go explore the world, share your experiences, and enjoy the freedom of connectivity!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to choose the best Verizon international plan for my trip?
Consider the duration of your trip (short vs. long), your expected data/talk/text usage, and your destination(s). For short, infrequent trips, TravelPass ($12/day) is usually best. For longer trips (9+ days), the $100 International Monthly Plan often provides better value.
How to activate Verizon's International Monthly Plan?
You can activate it easily via the My Verizon app or by logging into your My Verizon account on their website. Use the "Trip Planner" tool to guide you through the process and select your desired start date.
How to avoid high international roaming charges with Verizon?
Always activate an international plan (TravelPass or Monthly Plan) before you travel. Avoid using "Pay As You Go" rates, as they are significantly more expensive. Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve data.
How to check my data usage while on a Verizon international plan?
You can monitor your data usage in real-time through the My Verizon app or by logging into your My Verizon account online. This helps you stay within your high-speed data allowance.
How to know if my phone is compatible with Verizon's international service?
Most modern smartphones are "World Devices" (GSM compatible). You can check your device's compatibility using Verizon's online "Trip Planner" tool or within the My Verizon app.
How to make calls to the US from an international destination with Verizon?
When using TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan, you can dial just like you would at home for US numbers. For other international numbers, you'll typically need to dial "+" followed by the country code and then the local number.
How to extend my Verizon international plan if my trip is longer than expected?
If you have the $100 International Monthly Plan, it will typically auto-renew unless you set an end date. For TravelPass, it automatically charges you daily only on days of use, so no extension is needed.
How to remove a Verizon international plan after my trip?
You can easily remove or deactivate your international plan through the My Verizon app or your online My Verizon account. For the monthly plan, remember to set an end date or manually remove it to avoid charges for subsequent months.
How to get customer support from Verizon while traveling internationally?
If you need assistance while abroad, you can call Verizon's International Support at +1-908-559-4899. Keep in mind that toll charges may apply for this call.
How to know if Canada and Mexico roaming is included in my current Verizon plan?
Many of Verizon's Unlimited domestic plans include unlimited talk, text, and data usage in Canada and Mexico at no extra cost. Check the details of your specific domestic plan on the My Verizon app or website, or contact customer service to confirm.