Planning an international trip is exciting, but navigating mobile connectivity can be a real headache. No one wants to return home to a bill filled with unexpected roaming charges! That's where Verizon TravelPass comes in, offering a convenient way to use your phone just like you do at home while abroad.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of activating Verizon TravelPass, ensuring you stay connected without breaking the bank. We'll cover everything from eligibility to understanding charges and even troubleshooting common issues.
Ready to conquer your international travel connectivity? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You TravelPass Ready? Let's Check!
Before you even think about activating, it's crucial to confirm your eligibility and understand how TravelPass works. Imagine getting all the way to your destination only to find out your phone won't work! Let's avoid that scenario, shall we?
Sub-heading: What is Verizon TravelPass?
Verizon TravelPass is a feature that allows you to use your existing domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations for a set daily fee. This means you can call within the country you're visiting, call back to the US, send texts, and use data just like you would at home.
Sub-heading: Is Your Device Compatible?
Most modern smartphones and some tablets are compatible with TravelPass. You'll need a 4G or 5G World Device, which is essentially a phone that can operate on global cellular standards (GSM technology).
To quickly check if your device is compatible, you can:
Visit Verizon's International Trip Planner tool on their website.
Use the International Ready Check feature within the My Verizon app.
If your device isn't compatible, you might need to consider upgrading or exploring other international options.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Costs
This is a crucial point! TravelPass is designed to be convenient, but it's not free.
$6/day in Mexico and Canada. (Good to know: Many Unlimited Verizon plans already include talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada at no extra cost, so double-check your plan first!)
$12/day in other TravelPass countries.
Important Note: A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically starts when you use your device in a TravelPass country. This includes making or answering a call, sending a text, or using any data – even background data from apps refreshing or system updates! You are only charged on days you use your device while abroad. If you don't use your phone, you won't be charged.
Step 2: Activating Verizon TravelPass – Your Options!
Now that you know what it is and if you're eligible, let's get it activated! Verizon offers a few convenient ways to do this, both before you leave and even once you've arrived. However, we highly recommend activating it before you depart for a smoother experience.
Option 1: Texting "TRAVEL" – The Easiest Way!
This is by far the simplest and quickest method for most users.
From your Verizon phone, open your messaging app.
Create a new text message.
In the recipient field, type
4004.In the message body, simply type
TRAVEL.Send the text.
What to expect: You should receive a confirmation text from Verizon indicating that TravelPass has been added to your line. Keep this confirmation for your records!
Option 2: Using the My Verizon App – For More Control
The My Verizon app offers a more visual and detailed way to manage your plan, including adding TravelPass.
Download and open the My Verizon App on your smartphone. Make sure you're logged into your account.
Tap on "Account" (usually located at the bottom of the screen).
Select "Manage plans and services" or "International plans" (the exact wording might vary slightly based on app version).
Choose the line you want to add TravelPass to if you have multiple lines on your account.
Look for an option like "Add new plan" or "Travel Plan."
Follow the prompts in the International Trip Planner. You might be asked to confirm your destination(s) and travel dates.
Select "TravelPass" as your desired international plan.
Review the details and confirm your selection.
You'll receive a confirmation within the app and likely a text message.
Option 3: Via the My Verizon Website – Desktop Convenience
If you prefer using a computer or don't have the app readily available, the My Verizon website is a great alternative.
Go to the Verizon website (verizon.com) and sign in to your My Verizon account.
Once logged in, navigate to the "My Plan" or "Plans" section.
Look for "International Details" or "Plans Traveling Outside the U.S."
Select "Manage Plan."
Find TravelPass and select the option to add it to your line.
Follow any on-screen instructions to confirm the addition.
A confirmation will typically appear on the screen, and you might receive an email or text.
Step 3: Pre-Departure Phone Settings Checklist – Don't Forget These!
Activating TravelPass is only half the battle. To ensure seamless connectivity and avoid accidental charges, you need to adjust some settings on your phone before you leave home.
Sub-heading: Enabling Data Roaming – Crucial!
TravelPass requires data roaming to be enabled for your device to connect to international networks.
For iPhones:
Go to Settings.
Tap Cellular.
Tap Cellular Data Options.
Toggle Data Roaming to the ON position (it will turn green).
For Android Phones:
Go to Settings.
Tap Connections or Network & Internet.
Tap Mobile Networks.
Toggle Data Roaming to the ON position.
Sub-heading: Power Cycle Your Device
After making any changes to your network settings, it's a good practice to power your device completely off and then back on. This helps your phone register the new settings correctly. Do this before you reach your destination or as soon as you land.
Sub-heading: Consider Wi-Fi Calling (and How it Works with TravelPass)
Wi-Fi Calling can be a great way to make calls without incurring TravelPass charges, as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. Calls made over Wi-Fi Calling are billed at your domestic rates.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling: Check your phone's settings for "Wi-Fi Calling" and enable it.
Important Distinction: While Wi-Fi calling doesn't trigger TravelPass, using cellular data or making/receiving a call or sending a text while not on Wi-Fi WILL trigger it.
Sub-heading: Background Data & App Refresh – Be Aware!
As mentioned, even background data can trigger a TravelPass session. To minimize this:
Disable Background App Refresh:
iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh. You can turn it off entirely or for specific apps.
Android: Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Select an app > Mobile data & Wi-Fi > Background data. You can restrict background data usage for individual apps.
Turn off Automatic Updates: Ensure your phone isn't set to automatically download app or system updates over cellular data while abroad. Do these updates on Wi-Fi before you leave or when connected to a secure Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Upon Arrival – What to Expect & Do!
You've landed! Now it's time to put your preparation to the test.
Sub-heading: First Connection
Once you land and turn off airplane mode (if you had it on), your phone should attempt to connect to a local partner network. It might take a few minutes for your phone to fully connect.
Sub-heading: Confirmation Text
Within a couple of hours of your first usage (call, text, or data), Verizon will typically send you a text message confirming that a 24-hour TravelPass session has begun and when it will end. This is your official notification that the daily fee has been triggered.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Initial Connectivity
If you experience any issues connecting:
Power cycle your device again. This is often the simplest fix.
Check your phone's network selection settings. Sometimes, manually selecting a network can help, though it's usually best to leave it on automatic.
Verify Data Roaming is still enabled.
Step 5: Managing Your Usage Abroad – Stay Savvy!
Staying connected is great, but staying in control of your costs is even better.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your TravelPass Sessions
Remember, each session lasts 24 hours. If you use your phone after a session ends, a new one will begin. Keep track of your usage to avoid unnecessary daily charges.
Sub-heading: High-Speed Data Allowance
With TravelPass, you typically get a certain amount of high-speed data (often 2GB per 24-hour session). After that, your data speeds will be reduced to 3G for the remainder of that session.
Need more high-speed data? Verizon will usually send you a text offering to purchase an additional 2GB of high-speed data for an extra fee ($5 in Mexico/Canada, $10 elsewhere). You can reply "SPEED" to accept this offer.
Sub-heading: Making Calls Internationally
To call within the country you're visiting: Dial the local number as you normally would.
To call back to the US:
Press and hold "0" on your keypad until the "+" appears.
Enter the US country code "1".
Enter the 10-digit phone number.
Press send.
To call your voicemail from abroad: Dial your mobile number in the international format (+1 followed by your 10-digit number). When you hear your greeting, press "#" to interrupt it and enter your password when prompted.
Step 6: Returning Home – What to Do (or Not Do)!
The good news? You don't need to "deactivate" TravelPass when you return home!
Sub-heading: No Need to Remove TravelPass
TravelPass stays on your line. You won't be charged for it while you're in the US. It simply remains active on your account, ready for your next international adventure.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Bill
Always review your first bill after returning from your trip to ensure all charges are as expected. If you have any discrepancies, contact Verizon Customer Support immediately.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Here are some common questions about Verizon TravelPass to help you further:
How to check if TravelPass is already on my line?
You can check if TravelPass is on your line by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004. Verizon will send a response confirming its status. Alternatively, log into the My Verizon app or website, go to "International plans," and see if TravelPass is listed for your line.
How to avoid unintended TravelPass charges?
To avoid unintended charges, ensure "Data Roaming" is turned off on your device, enable Airplane Mode and rely solely on Wi-Fi, or remove the Verizon SIM card/disable the eSIM for your trip if you plan to use a local SIM or eSIM from another provider. Disabling background app refresh and automatic updates also helps.
How to get free TravelPass days?
Some older Verizon unlimited plans (like 5G Get More or 5G Do More) may include free TravelPass days per month. Additionally, applying and being approved for a Verizon Visa credit card can earn you a couple of free TravelPass days per calendar year.
How to manage my TravelPass days (if I have them)?
If you have accumulated TravelPass days, you can view and manage them in the My Verizon app under the "Me" tab, then "Your savings, rewards, and benefits," and "myAccess." From there, you can see how many days you have and their expiration dates.
How to troubleshoot TravelPass if it's not working?
First, ensure "Data Roaming" is enabled on your device. Power cycle your phone off and on. Check Verizon's international coverage map for your destination. If issues persist, contact Verizon's international support line (dial +1.908.559.4899 from abroad).
How to get more high-speed data with TravelPass?
If you exceed your daily high-speed data allowance (typically 2GB), Verizon will send you a text offering an additional 2GB of high-speed data for an extra fee. You can reply "SPEED" to that text to accept the offer.
How to make international calls not covered by TravelPass?
If you need to call a country other than the one you're visiting or the US, you will be charged international long-distance rates as if you were calling from the US. Consider adding a specific International Calling plan or using pay-per-minute rates for these types of calls.
How to prevent TravelPass from activating when I'm near a border?
If you live near a border with Canada or Mexico, your phone might inadvertently connect to a Canadian or Mexican network, triggering TravelPass. To avoid this, manually select your home network in your phone settings or temporarily disable TravelPass from your line if you don't plan to travel internationally.
How to contact Verizon support while traveling internationally?
You can call Verizon's support line 24/7 from abroad by dialing the plus sign (+), then 1.908.559.4899. If you're calling from a landline, you might first need to dial a toll-free number specific to the country you're in.
How to view my international usage while traveling?
You can check your unbilled international usage by logging into the My Verizon app or website. Go to your International plans page, select your device, and then choose "View plan details and usage."