Tired of feeling disconnected when you travel? Planning a trip to the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica and wondering how you'll stay in touch with loved ones or manage important calls back in the US on your Verizon phone? Don't worry, we've got you covered! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to ensure seamless communication.
A Comprehensive Guide to Calling the US from Costa Rica on Verizon
Staying connected while traveling internationally can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Different dialing codes, varying plan options, and potential hidden fees can make it daunting. But with Verizon, and a little preparation, calling the US from Costa Rica is straightforward. Let's break it down!
Step 1: Confirm Your Device's International Readiness
Before you even pack your bags, the absolute first thing you should do is ensure your Verizon device is "Global Ready." What does this mean? It means your phone is capable of connecting to international networks (GSM, LTE, or CDMA depending on the region and network partners).
How to Check:
Online via My Verizon: Log in to your My Verizon account. Look for a "Trip Planner" or "International Travel" section. Many newer smartphones are automatically global-ready, but it's always best to verify.
My Verizon App: Open the My Verizon app on your phone. Navigate to the "Device" tab, then look for a "Global Ready Check." Enter Costa Rica as your destination.
Contact Verizon Customer Service: If you're unsure, or prefer direct assistance, call Verizon Customer Service (*611 from your Verizon phone in the US, or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone).
Why this is crucial: If your device isn't global-ready, you might need to upgrade your phone or consider alternative communication methods like a local SIM card (though that means a different number) or Wi-Fi calling apps.
Step 2: Understand Verizon's International Plan Options for Costa Rica
Verizon offers several options to keep you connected while abroad, each with its own benefits and costs. Understanding these will help you choose the most economical and convenient solution for your trip.
Option A: TravelPass (Most Popular)
What it is: TravelPass allows you to use your existing domestic talk, text, and data allowances in Costa Rica for a daily fee. You're only charged on the days you actually use your phone (make or receive a call, send a text, or use data).
Cost: As of current information, TravelPass costs $12 per day in Costa Rica.
Benefits:
Convenience: No need to change your phone number or switch SIM cards.
Predictable Pricing: You know what you're paying each day you use it.
Included Services: Unlimited talk, text, and 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session (then unlimited data at 3G speeds). This includes calls within Costa Rica and back to the US.
How to Add:
Text: Simply text the word TRAVEL to 4004.
My Verizon: Go to the International plans page in My Verizon and select "Add new plan."
Trip Planner: Use Verizon's online Trip Planner tool.
Important Note: TravelPass is automatically added to lines with Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans. If you have an Unlimited Ultimate plan, international data, talk, and text are already included, so you won't need TravelPass.
Option B: $100 International Monthly Plan
What it is: This plan is a good option if you're staying for an extended period (9 days or longer) and anticipate consistent usage.
Cost: $100 per month per line.
Benefits:
More Data: Includes 20 GB of high-speed data (then unlimited data at 3G speeds).
More Talk: 250 minutes of talk.
Unlimited Texting: Send and receive unlimited texts.
How to Add: Similar to TravelPass, you can usually add this through My Verizon or by contacting customer service.
Option C: Pay As You Go Rates
What it is: If you choose not to add an international plan, or if Costa Rica isn't covered by TravelPass (it is, but for illustration), you'll be charged per minute, per text, and per MB of data used.
Cost:
Calls: Typically around $1.79 per minute.
Texts Sent: Around $0.50 per message.
Texts Received: Around $0.05 per message.
Data: Around $2.05 per MB.
Considerations: This option can quickly become very expensive, especially with data usage. It's generally not recommended for anything more than emergency use.
Step 3: Configure Your Phone Settings for International Roaming
Once you've chosen and activated your international plan, you need to ensure your phone is set up to utilize it.
Turn on Data Roaming: This is critical for your international plan to work.
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
For Android phones: Go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile Networks > Data roaming and toggle it ON.
Restart Your Device: After arriving in Costa Rica and ensuring data roaming is on, power cycle your phone (turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on). This helps your device connect to the local partner networks.
Troubleshooting Tip: If you experience service issues, try manually selecting a network operator in your phone's settings (e.g., Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Search Networks). Look for a strong signal from a local Costa Rican carrier that partners with Verizon.
Step 4: Dialing the US from Costa Rica
This is where the magic happens! The dialing format is standard for most international calls back to the US.
The Universal Dialing Code (+):
The easiest and most reliable way to dial internationally is to use the plus (+) symbol before the country code. On most smartphones, you can get the "+" symbol by pressing and holding the '0' key on your dial pad.
Why the plus symbol? It automatically replaces the international exit code for the country you're in (in Costa Rica, this would be 00).
The US Country Code (1):
After the "+", you will always enter 1, which is the country code for the United States.
The 10-Digit US Phone Number:
Finally, enter the 10-digit US phone number (area code + local number) you wish to call.
Putting it all together:
To call a US mobile or landline: +1 [Area Code] [7-Digit Phone Number]
Example: If you're calling a US number like (212) 555-1234, you would dial +12125551234.
Calling Contacts from your Phone Book:
If your contacts are saved with the "+1" country code already (e.g., +1 (212) 555-1234), you can typically dial them directly from your phone book without any modifications. This is the most convenient method.
Step 5: Consider Wi-Fi Calling and Messaging Apps
Even with an international plan, sometimes Wi-Fi calling or messaging apps can be a more cost-effective or convenient alternative, especially if you have access to good Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi Calling:
What it is: Verizon Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection, even if you don't have cellular service. Calls to US numbers are typically free when using Wi-Fi Calling, as they are treated as domestic calls.
How to Enable: Check your phone's settings for "Wi-Fi Calling." You may need to enable it before you leave the US.
Benefits: Can save you money on talk minutes, especially if your international plan has limited minutes.
Important Note: While Wi-Fi Calling generally works well, the quality can depend on the strength and stability of the Wi-Fi connection.
Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime Audio/Video, Google Meet, etc.):
What they are: These apps use data (either cellular data from your TravelPass or Wi-Fi data) to make calls, send messages, and even conduct video calls.
Benefits: Often free for app-to-app communication, and great for staying in touch with friends and family who also use these apps.
Considerations: Requires the recipient to also have the app.
Step 6: Monitor Your Usage (Especially Data)
Even with TravelPass, it's wise to keep an eye on your data usage to avoid unexpected charges, especially if you opt for additional high-speed data.
My Verizon App: The My Verizon app allows you to monitor your real-time usage (talk, text, and data) while abroad.
Text Alerts: Verizon often sends text alerts when you reach certain data thresholds or when a new TravelPass session begins. Pay attention to these!
Automatic Data Blocking: Verizon automatically blocks unbilled international data usage when you reach $500 to prevent bill shock. You can call +1-908-559-4899 while traveling to remove this restriction if needed.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about using Verizon in Costa Rica:
How to check if my Verizon phone is compatible with international travel?
You can check your device's international readiness by logging into your My Verizon account online, using the My Verizon app's "Global Ready Check" feature, or by calling Verizon Customer Service.
How to activate Verizon TravelPass for Costa Rica?
You can activate TravelPass by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004, adding it through the International plans page in My Verizon, or using Verizon's Trip Planner online.
How to know if TravelPass is included with my Verizon plan?
TravelPass is automatically added to lines with Verizon's Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans. Unlimited Ultimate plans already include international features.
How to turn on data roaming on my phone?
For iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it ON. For Android phones, go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile Networks > Data roaming and toggle it ON.
How to call Verizon customer service from Costa Rica?
If you need assistance while in Costa Rica, you can call Verizon's International Support Team at +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply). There's also a toll-free number for Costa Rica: 00 800-50050099.
How to find out the cost of calls from Costa Rica without TravelPass?
Without an international plan like TravelPass, Verizon's pay-as-you-go rates apply. This typically means around $1.79 per minute for calls, $0.50 per sent text, and $2.05 per MB of data.
How to avoid high data charges while in Costa Rica?
To avoid high data charges, always enable TravelPass or an international monthly plan. Otherwise, stick to Wi-Fi for internet usage and messaging apps that use Wi-Fi, and keep cellular data roaming turned off.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling from Costa Rica to the US?
Enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings before your trip. When connected to Wi-Fi in Costa Rica, your calls to US numbers will be routed over Wi-Fi and typically treated as domestic calls.
How to check my unbilled international usage with Verizon?
You can check your unbilled international usage by going to the International plan page in My Verizon, selecting your device, and then choosing "View plan details and usage."
How to save contacts for international dialing from Costa Rica?
The best way to save contacts for international dialing is by adding the "+" symbol followed by the country code before the area code and local number (e.g., +1 for the US). This allows direct dialing from your contacts list.
