Ever felt that sudden urge to connect with friends, family, or business associates across the globe, specifically in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, but you're here in the U.S. and a Verizon customer? You're in luck! Making international calls can seem a bit daunting with all the codes and considerations, but I'm here to break it down for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of calling New Zealand from your Verizon phone, ensuring a smooth and successful connection.
How to Call New Zealand from the U.S. on Verizon: Your Complete Guide
Let's get started on connecting you to the Land of the Long White Cloud!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Dial? (Pre-Call Checklist)
Before you even touch your phone, let's make sure you're set up for success and avoid any surprises. This is a crucial step that many people overlook!
Sub-heading 1.1: Check Your Verizon Plan for International Calling
This is perhaps the most important first step. Verizon offers various international calling options, and understanding yours will save you money and headaches.
TravelPass: If you're physically traveling to New Zealand and want to use your phone like you do at home, TravelPass is likely your best bet. It offers unlimited talk, text, and data for a daily fee ($12/day in New Zealand). You're only charged on the days you use your phone abroad.
International Monthly Plans ($100 International Monthly Plan): Ideal for longer trips (9 days or more) to New Zealand, offering a larger bundle of data, talk, and text.
Global Choice: This plan is for making calls from the U.S. to a specific international country, like New Zealand. For $10/month per line, you can get up to 300 minutes to call New Zealand. This is excellent if you're frequently calling someone there from your home in the U.S.
Global Calling Plus: For $15/month per line, this plan offers unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries (and mobile phones in over 30 countries), plus discounted calls to 160+ countries. Check if New Zealand is included in the unlimited or discounted list.
Global Calling: For $5/month per line, this plan offers unlimited calls from the US to Mexico and Canada, and discounted calls to 220+ countries. Again, verify New Zealand's rates.
Pay As You Go: If you don't add any international plan, you'll be charged per minute, per text message, and per MB of data. This can be very expensive, so it's generally recommended to choose a plan if you anticipate making more than a very brief call.
To check your current plan or add an international feature:
My Verizon App: This is the easiest way. Log in, go to "Account," then "My Plan," and look for the "International" tab. You can explore and add plans directly from there.
My Verizon Website: Similar to the app, log in to your account online and navigate to the international calling section.
Texting: You can text "TRAVEL" to 4004 to add TravelPass. For Global Choice, text the country's keyword (e.g., "NEWZEALAND") to 4004. For Global Calling Plus, text "PLUS" to 4004. For Global Calling, text "GLOBAL" to 4004.
Call Verizon Customer Service: Dial *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204. They can help you determine the best plan for your needs and add it to your account.
Sub-heading 1.2: Gather the New Zealand Number
Make sure you have the complete New Zealand phone number, including any area codes. Double-check for accuracy to avoid misdials!
Step 2: Understanding the International Dialing Format
This is where the magic happens! International calls follow a specific sequence of codes.
Sub-heading 2.1: The U.S. Exit Code
The first number you need to dial when making an international call from the United States is the U.S. exit code, which is 011. This tells your phone carrier that you're about to dial a number outside of the U.S.
Pro Tip: If you're dialing from a mobile phone, you can often use the "plus" sign (+) instead of 011. Press and hold the "0" key to get the "+" symbol. So, your dialing sequence would start with "+64...". This is especially useful as it's a universal international dialing prefix, regardless of where you are in the world.
Sub-heading 2.2: New Zealand's Country Code
Next up is New Zealand's unique country code, which is 64. This code routes your call directly to New Zealand.
Sub-heading 2.3: The Area Code (for Landlines)
If you're calling a landline in New Zealand, you'll need to include the specific area code for the city or region you're dialing. New Zealand uses single-digit area codes.
Here are some common New Zealand area codes:
Auckland: 9
Christchurch: 3
Dunedin: 3
Hamilton: 7
Napier/Hastings/Palmerston North/New Plymouth (North Island - West/Central): 6
Nelson/Invercargill/Timaru (South Island): 3
Rotorua/Tauranga (North Island - Central/East): 7
Wellington: 4
Important Note: New Zealand phone numbers often begin with a "0" as a "trunk code" when calling within New Zealand. You should omit this leading "0" when calling from outside New Zealand. So, if a New Zealand number is listed as 09 123 4567, you would dial 011 64 9 123 4567.
Sub-heading 2.4: The Local Phone Number
Finally, you'll dial the remaining digits of the local phone number. New Zealand landline numbers are typically seven digits long, while mobile numbers can vary.
Sub-heading 2.5: Special Cases: Mobile Numbers and Toll-Free Numbers
Calling a New Zealand Mobile Number: For New Zealand mobile numbers, after the 011 (or +) and the 64 country code, you'll usually dial a '2' before the remaining digits of the mobile number. You generally do NOT need an area code for mobile numbers.
Example Format: 011 + 64 + 2 + Mobile Number (e.g., 011 64 27 123 4567)
Using the Plus Sign: +64 + 2 + Mobile Number (e.g., +64 27 123 4567)
Calling a New Zealand Toll-Free Number: New Zealand toll-free numbers typically start with 0508 or 0800. When calling from the U.S., you'd follow a similar pattern:
Example Format: 011 + 64 + Toll-Free Number (e.g., 011 64 800 123 456)
Step 3: Dialing the Number (Putting It All Together)
Now that you know the format, let's make that call!
Sub-heading 3.1: For New Zealand Landlines
The general format for calling a New Zealand landline from your Verizon phone in the U.S. is:
011 + 64 + [Area Code] + [Local Landline Number]
Example: To call a landline in Auckland with the number 123 4567: Dial 011 64 9 123 4567
Sub-heading 3.2: For New Zealand Mobile Phones
The general format for calling a New Zealand mobile phone from your Verizon phone in the U.S. is:
011 + 64 + 2 + [Mobile Phone Number]
Example: To call a mobile number 789 0123: Dial 011 64 2 789 0123 (note: the '2' indicates a mobile number after the country code)
Alternatively, using the plus sign from a mobile:
+64 + 2 + [Mobile Phone Number]
Example: To call a mobile number 789 0123: Dial +64 2 789 0123
Step 4: Time Zone Considerations
New Zealand is significantly ahead of the U.S. in terms of time. This is a critical factor to avoid calling at inconvenient hours (like the middle of the night!).
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST): UTC+12
New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT): UTC+13 (during their summer months)
The U.S. has multiple time zones (Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, etc.). You'll need to calculate the time difference. For example, when it's 10 AM Eastern Time in the U.S., it's already 2 AM the next day in New Zealand (during NZST). Always double-check the current time in New Zealand before you call! A quick Google search for "current time in New Zealand" will give you the most accurate information.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Sub-heading 5.1: Call Not Connecting or "Number Not In Service"
Double-check the number: Go over the entire sequence of numbers you're dialing, including the U.S. exit code (011 or +), the New Zealand country code (64), the area code (if applicable), and the local number. A single incorrect digit can prevent the call from connecting.
Verify area code usage: Remember to omit the leading "0" from New Zealand's internal trunk codes when dialing from the U.S. Also, mobile numbers generally don't use area codes, but often have a '2' after the country code.
Check your Verizon plan: Ensure your Verizon plan includes international calling to New Zealand. If not, the call simply won't go through or you'll get a message indicating international calling isn't enabled.
Network issues: Occasionally, there might be temporary network issues. Try again after a few minutes, or try calling a different New Zealand number if you have one.
Device restart: A simple phone restart can sometimes resolve minor connectivity glitches.
Sub-heading 5.2: Poor Call Quality or Dropped Calls
Signal strength: If you're in an area with weak cellular signal, call quality can suffer. Try moving to a location with better reception.
Wi-Fi Calling: If you have Wi-Fi Calling enabled on your Verizon device and a strong Wi-Fi connection, this can often improve call quality for international calls, as it uses your internet connection rather than cellular.
Network congestion: During peak times, network congestion can affect call quality.
Contact Verizon Support: If you consistently experience poor call quality, reach out to Verizon customer service. There might be an issue with your line or account.
Step 6: Managing Costs
International calls, especially without a plan, can add up quickly.
Sub-heading 6.1: Monitor Your Usage
My Verizon App/Website: Regularly check your usage on the My Verizon app or website. This will show you how many minutes you've used on your international plan (if applicable) and any associated charges.
Set up alerts: Verizon allows you to set up usage alerts, which can notify you when you're approaching your plan limits or incurring significant charges.
Sub-heading 6.2: Consider Alternatives for Cost Savings
While this guide focuses on calling directly, there are other cost-effective ways to connect:
Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, and Skype allow you to text, call, and video call over Wi-Fi or data. If both you and the recipient have these apps, they are often free or very low cost.
Email: For non-urgent communication, email is always a free and reliable option.
International Calling Cards (Less Common Now): While less popular with the rise of app-based communication and carrier plans, prepaid international calling cards used to be a common way to get discounted international calls.
VoIP Services: Services like Google Voice or dedicated VoIP providers can offer very competitive rates for international calls, often using your internet connection.
By following these steps, you'll be able to confidently call New Zealand from your Verizon phone in the U.S. and stay connected with your contacts across the Pacific!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Verizon international calling rates to New Zealand?
You can check your Verizon international calling rates by visiting the "International Calling" section on the My Verizon website or app, or by contacting Verizon customer service directly. They have a search tool where you can enter New Zealand to see specific rates for pay-as-you-go or plan options.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account for New Zealand?
You can add an international calling plan to your Verizon account through the My Verizon app, the My Verizon website, or by texting specific keywords (like "TRAVEL" for TravelPass or the country keyword for Global Choice) to 4004. You can also call Verizon customer service.
How to dial a New Zealand mobile number from the U.S. on Verizon?
To dial a New Zealand mobile number from the U.S. on Verizon, you generally dial: 011 + 64 + 2 + [Mobile Phone Number]. Alternatively, from a mobile phone, you can use: +64 + 2 + [Mobile Phone Number].
How to find the area code for a specific city in New Zealand?
You can find area codes for specific cities in New Zealand by performing a quick online search for "New Zealand area codes" or by consulting international dialing code directories. Popular cities like Auckland (9), Christchurch (3), and Wellington (4) have single-digit area codes.
How to troubleshoot if my Verizon international call to New Zealand isn't connecting?
If your call isn't connecting, first double-check the entire dialing sequence (011 or +, 64, area code, local number). Ensure you've omitted any leading "0" from the local New Zealand number. Verify your Verizon plan includes international calling, and try restarting your phone.
How to avoid high international calling charges to New Zealand on Verizon?
To avoid high charges, activate an international calling plan like Verizon's Global Choice or TravelPass. Consider using Wi-Fi-based messaging and calling apps (like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype) when both parties have internet access, as these are often free or very low cost.
How to determine the best time to call New Zealand from the U.S.?
To determine the best time, calculate the time difference. New Zealand is significantly ahead of the U.S. (UTC+12 or UTC+13). Use an online time zone converter or simply Google "current time in New Zealand" to ensure you're calling at a convenient hour for the recipient.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling for calls to New Zealand on Verizon?
If your Verizon device supports Wi-Fi Calling and you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, you can enable it in your phone's settings. When active, your calls will route over Wi-Fi, potentially improving call quality and reducing cellular usage for international calls.
How to check my international usage on Verizon for calls to New Zealand?
You can check your international usage by logging into your My Verizon account via the app or website. Navigate to your plan details and usage section, where you'll see a breakdown of your international talk, text, and data usage.
How to get Verizon customer support for international calling issues to New Zealand?
For international calling issues, you can dial *611 from your Verizon phone, call 1-800-922-0204, or visit the Verizon support website and use their chat feature. They have specific international support lines if you're already traveling abroad.
