Traveling to South Korea is an incredible experience, but staying connected can be a challenge if you're relying on your Verizon phone without a plan. While Verizon offers international roaming options, it's crucial to understand the costs and alternatives to avoid a hefty bill upon your return. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using your Verizon phone in Korea, from activating international plans to exploring more budget-friendly options.
Navigating Connectivity in the Land of Morning Calm: Using Your Verizon Phone in South Korea
So, you're planning a trip to the vibrant and technologically advanced South Korea, and you want to make sure your phone is ready for action. That's a smart move! While Verizon's network is robust in the U.S., international roaming works a bit differently. Let's dive into how to stay connected without breaking the bank.
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| How To Use Verizon Phone In Korea |
Step 1: Before You Go - Assess Your Verizon Plan and Device
This is arguably the most crucial step! Don't wait until you land in Seoul to figure this out.
Sub-heading: Check Your Current Verizon Plan
Unlimited Plans: If you have one of Verizon's latest unlimited plans like Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Welcome, you might already have some international benefits.
Unlimited Ultimate: This plan includes unlimited international data, talk, and text in 210+ countries, including South Korea, with 15 GB of high-speed data per month (then 1.5 Mbps speeds). It also includes Global Choice for one selected country.
Unlimited Plus & Unlimited Welcome: These plans automatically include TravelPass, which is a key component for international usage.
Other Plans: If you're on an older plan or a limited data plan, you'll likely need to add an international option.
Sub-heading: Verify Device Compatibility
4G/5G World Device: To ensure your Verizon phone works in South Korea, it needs to be a 4G or 5G "World Device." Most modern smartphones are, but it's always good to double-check.
VoLTE Roaming: South Korea has advanced mobile networks, and their 2G/3G networks are being phased out. To ensure seamless voice calls, especially for emergency services, your device needs to support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) International Roaming. Verizon states that LG UPlus, KT Corporation, and SK Telecom in South Korea support their VoLTE IR.
Step 2: Your Verizon Options - Choosing an International Plan
Verizon offers a few ways to use your phone internationally, each with different costs and benefits.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Verizon TravelPass
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
What it is: TravelPass allows you to use your existing talk, text, and data allowances from your domestic plan for a daily fee.
Cost: As of July 2025, TravelPass costs $12 per day per line in most countries, including South Korea. You're only charged on the days you actually use your phone abroad.
How to add it:
Text the word TRAVEL to 4004.
Add it through your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app.
Important Considerations:
Data Speed: While it offers unlimited data, after a certain amount of high-speed data (often 0.5 GB to 2 GB per day, depending on your domestic plan and TravelPass terms), speeds may be reduced to 3G. For some, this might be sufficient for basic Browse and messaging, but heavy data users could find it slow.
Calls to other countries: Calls to countries other than the US or the one you are visiting are charged at standard international long-distance rates. Calls within South Korea and back to the US are included.
Multiple countries: If you visit multiple TravelPass countries within a 24-hour period, you're only charged once for that session.
Sub-heading: Option 2: Verizon International Monthly Plan
What it is: A monthly plan designed for longer trips, offering a bundle of data, talk, and text for a flat fee.
Cost: The $100 International Monthly Plan typically offers unlimited data (with a high-speed allowance, usually 20 GB), unlimited text messaging, and 250 minutes.
How to add it: Add it via your My Verizon account or app.
Important Considerations:
This plan is generally more cost-effective than TravelPass if your trip is 9 days or longer.
Be mindful of the talk minute allowance; overages apply.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Pay As You Go Rates
What it is: If you don't add an international plan, you'll be charged per minute, per text message, and per MB of data used.
Cost: This is usually the most expensive option. Rates can be very high, for example, $2.05 per MB for data, $1.79 or more per minute for calls, and $0.50 per sent text.
Recommendation: Avoid this option at all costs unless you plan to use your phone minimally or only on Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Upon Arrival - Activating and Managing Your Service
Once you land in South Korea, a few steps will ensure your phone connects properly.
Sub-heading: Enable Roaming on Your Device
Go to your phone's settings:
For iPhones: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming (ensure this is toggled ON).
For Androids: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Roaming (ensure this is toggled ON).
Without roaming enabled, your phone will not connect to local networks.
Sub-heading: Monitor Your Usage
My Verizon App: Regularly check your international usage through the My Verizon app to stay on top of your data, talk, and text consumption, especially if you're on a plan with limits or using TravelPass.
Text Notifications: Verizon will typically send you text messages when you arrive in a new country to inform you of applicable rates and how to manage your plan. Pay attention to these alerts.
Step 4: Alternative Connectivity - Exploring Local Options
While Verizon's international plans offer convenience, they can be pricey. Consider these alternatives for potentially more affordable and flexible connectivity in South Korea.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Local SIM Card
What it is: Purchase a prepaid local SIM card from a Korean carrier (SK Telecom, KT, LG U+). This gives you a local Korean number and local rates for data, calls, and texts.
Requirements: Your Verizon phone must be unlocked to use a local SIM card. If your phone is still under contract or financed with Verizon, it's likely locked. Contact Verizon before your trip to inquire about unlocking your device.
Where to Buy:
Airports: Kiosks at major international airports like Incheon (ICN) are the easiest places to buy a SIM card upon arrival.
Online in Advance: You can often purchase SIM cards online through platforms like Klook or Trazy and pick them up at the airport or have them delivered.
Convenience Stores/Carrier Stores: You might find them in major convenience stores or dedicated carrier stores in cities.
Cost: A local SIM can range from ~$5 for a 1-day unlimited data plan to ~$52 for a 30-day unlimited plan, often with free incoming calls and texts, and affordable outgoing options.
Benefits: Generally much cheaper for data than Verizon's roaming, especially for longer trips. You get a local number, which can be useful.
Drawbacks: Your Verizon number will not be active unless you swap SIM cards.
Sub-heading: Option 2: eSIM (Digital SIM)
What it is: An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in your device. You can activate a local Korean data plan without needing a physical SIM card.
Requirements: Your phone must be eSIM compatible. Most newer iPhones and many Android flagships support eSIMs.
Where to Buy: Many providers offer South Korea eSIMs online, such as Airalo, Saily, JetPac, aloSIM, Nomad, and Holafly.
Benefits:
Convenience: No physical SIM card needed. You can activate it before you even leave home by scanning a QR code.
Dual SIM: You can keep your Verizon physical SIM active for calls and texts (though roaming charges apply) while using the eSIM for data.
Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than Verizon's TravelPass for data-heavy usage.
Drawbacks: Some eSIMs are data-only, meaning no local Korean number for calls/texts. If you need a local number for traditional calls and SMS, ensure the eSIM plan you choose supports it (some do, like aloSIM and certain SK Telecom eSIMs).
Sub-heading: Option 3: Pocket Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Egg) Rental
What it is: A portable Wi-Fi hotspot device that you rent, providing internet access for multiple devices.
Where to Rent: Available for pickup at major airports in Korea or can be delivered to your accommodation.
Cost: Daily rental fees apply, but it can be cost-effective if you're traveling with multiple people or have several devices that need internet access.
Benefits: Provides internet for laptops, tablets, and phones. Your Verizon phone doesn't incur data roaming charges as long as you're connected to the Wi-Fi egg.
Drawbacks: Another device to carry and keep charged. You won't have a local phone number on your Verizon device unless you're still roaming on it, or you get a local SIM/eSIM.
Step 5: Before You Depart Korea - Wrapping Things Up
Don't forget these steps before heading home!
Sub-heading: Cancel/Manage Plans
If you added a Verizon International Monthly Plan, make sure to cancel it if you don't want it to renew for another month.
TravelPass automatically stops charging when you stop using your phone internationally.
Sub-heading: Return Rentals
If you rented a Pocket Wi-Fi device, ensure you return it at the designated location (usually the airport).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about using your Verizon phone in South Korea:
QuickTip: Break down long paragraphs into main ideas.
How to check if my Verizon phone is unlocked?
You can contact Verizon customer support directly and ask if your device is unlocked for international use. Generally, phones financed through Verizon are locked until paid off, or after a certain period (e.g., 60 days for postpaid phones).
How to enable international roaming on my Verizon phone?
Go to your phone's Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or Network & Internet > Mobile Network (Android), then look for "Data Roaming" and toggle it ON.
How to add TravelPass to my Verizon account?
You can text TRAVEL to 4004, or add it through the My Verizon app or website under your international plans or account features.
How to check my Verizon international data usage while in Korea?
Use the My Verizon app to monitor your data, talk, and text usage under your account details or international plan section.
How to make calls to the US from South Korea with Verizon TravelPass?
Dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
How to call a local South Korean number with Verizon TravelPass?
Dial the South Korean country code (+82) followed by the local number. Calls within the country you are visiting are included with TravelPass.
How to avoid high data charges on Verizon while in Korea?
Consider using Wi-Fi whenever possible, purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM, or renting a pocket Wi-Fi device instead of relying solely on Verizon's roaming plans.
How to access voicemail while traveling internationally with Verizon?
Dial your own Verizon wireless number from your phone. You may need to enter your voicemail password. Standard international rates may apply if you don't have an international plan covering calls back to the US.
How to get Verizon customer support while in South Korea?
You can reach Verizon's International Support Team by dialing +1-908-559-4899 from any phone (toll charges may apply).
How to use Wi-Fi calling with my Verizon phone in South Korea?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi calling from overseas. Calls to the US via Wi-Fi calling are generally free. Calls to countries other than the US will typically be billed at pay-as-you-go international long-distance rates, regardless of your international travel plan.
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