Heading out on an international adventure? Don't let your phone bill become a travel nightmare! Verizon TravelPass is an incredibly convenient way to stay connected abroad, letting you use your existing talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations for a flat daily fee. It's like taking your home plan with you!
But how do you actually get it set up? Let's dive in with a step-by-step guide to ensure you're seamlessly connected from the moment you land.
Step 1: Are You Ready for Takeoff? (Device & Plan Check!)
Before you even think about packing your bags, let's make sure your Verizon line is ready for international travel. This is arguably the most important first step to avoid any last-minute stress.
Sub-heading: Is Your Device a "World Device"?
First, you'll need a 4G or 5G World Device. This means your phone is compatible with the global standard for cellular technology (GSM) and can operate in other countries. Most modern smartphones from Verizon fit this bill, but it's always best to double-check.
How to check:
My Verizon App: The My Verizon app has an "International Ready Check" feature that can tell you if your phone is good to go. This is probably the easiest and quickest way.
Verizon Website: You can also visit Verizon's international travel page on their website and use their "Trip Planner" tool to verify device compatibility by entering your destination and device.
Sub-heading: What's Your Current Plan?
Certain Verizon plans automatically include TravelPass or offer it as a perk. For example:
Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans: TravelPass is often automatically added to your line with these plans. You might even get a perk of 3 TravelPass Days for $10/month!
Older plans like 5G Get More or 5G Do More: These plans may offer free TravelPass days as a monthly perk.
If you have one of these plans, you might already be halfway there! If not, no worries, we'll cover how to add it in the next step.
Step 2: Activating Your Verizon TravelPass – Choose Your Method!
There are a few convenient ways to add TravelPass to your line. Choose the one that suits you best! Remember, you won't be charged the daily fee until you actually use your phone in a TravelPass-covered country.
Sub-heading: The Easiest Way: Texting "TRAVEL"
This is often the * quickest and most straightforward* method.
From your Verizon phone, open your messaging app.
Send a text message with the word "TRAVEL" to the number 4004.
Verizon will send you a confirmation text. Keep this text for your records!
Sub-heading: Using the My Verizon App
The My Verizon app offers a guided process to add international plans.
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Tap on the "Account" tab (usually at the bottom).
Select "Manage plans and services" or "International Plans."
Choose the line you want to add TravelPass to.
Look for "Add new plan" or "Change plan" under International plans.
Select "Travel plan" and follow the on-screen prompts through the International Trip Planner.
Confirm your destination(s) and travel dates (though TravelPass activates based on usage, this helps them ensure coverage).
Select "TravelPass" as your desired plan and confirm the changes.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon Website
You can also manage your plans directly from a web browser.
Go to the My Verizon website (
www.verizon.com Navigate to the "International plans" page or "Manage international services."
Select "Add new plan" under your desired line.
Choose "Travel Plan" and proceed through the International Trip Planner.
Confirm your destination and device compatibility.
Select "TravelPass" and follow the prompts to confirm.
Pro Tip: It's generally recommended to add TravelPass to your account a few days before you leave, just to ensure it's fully activated and ready to go. There's no charge until you actually use it abroad!
Step 3: Getting Your Phone Ready for International Roaming
Once TravelPass is on your line, you need to make sure your phone's settings are configured correctly to connect to foreign networks.
Sub-heading: Enabling Data Roaming
This is a crucial step. Your phone needs permission to connect to networks outside of Verizon's domestic coverage.
For iOS (iPhone):
Go to Settings.
Tap on Cellular (or Mobile Data).
Tap on Cellular Data Options.
Toggle Data Roaming to ON.
For Android:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Connections or Network & internet.
Tap on Mobile networks or Cellular networks.
Toggle Data Roaming to ON. (Some Android devices may also have a "Global Data" setting that automatically prompts you to allow it upon arrival.)
Sub-heading: Power Cycle Your Device Upon Arrival
When you land in your destination country, it's a good practice to power your phone completely off, wait a few seconds, and then power it back on. This helps your device register with the local network and properly initiate the TravelPass session.
Sub-heading: Understanding How TravelPass Activates
A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically starts when you use your device in a TravelPass country. This includes:
Making or answering a phone call.
Sending a text message (receiving texts does not trigger a session).
Using data, even background data (e.g., app content refreshing, email syncing, device/app software updates).
Important Note: Be mindful of background data! Apps running in the background can trigger a TravelPass session without you actively using your phone. Consider turning off "Background App Refresh" for most apps and disabling automatic updates before you travel to conserve data and avoid unintentional charges.
Step 4: Making Calls and Sending Texts Abroad
Using your phone with TravelPass is very similar to how you use it at home, with a few international dialing nuances.
Sub-heading: Making Calls
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 "+" symbol appears.
Enter "1" (the US country code).
Dial the 10-digit phone number.
Press send.
To call another international country: You'll generally follow the same pattern: "+" then the country code, then the local number.
Sub-heading: Sending Texts
Sending text messages works just like it does in the US. You can text other mobile numbers, both local to your travel destination and back in the US. Remember, receiving texts does not incur a charge or activate a TravelPass session.
Sub-heading: Checking Voicemail
Dial your Verizon mobile number in the international format (+1 followed by your 10-digit number).
When your voicemail greeting starts, press the "#" (pound) key to interrupt it.
Follow the prompts to enter your password and access your messages.
Step 5: Managing Your TravelPass Usage and Costs
TravelPass charges you only on the days you use your phone abroad.
Sub-heading: Daily Fee Structure
$6/day in Canada and Mexico (note: many unlimited Verizon plans now include talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada at no extra cost, so check your specific plan).
$12/day in over 210 other TravelPass countries and destinations.
Sub-heading: Data Allowance
With TravelPass, you typically get:
5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session.
After 5 GB, your data speeds will be reduced to 3G speeds for the remainder of that 24-hour session.
You'll receive a text message offering you an additional 2 GB of high-speed data for an extra fee ($5 in Mexico/Canada, $10 in other TravelPass countries) if you reach your high-speed data limit.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Usage
My Verizon App: You can view your unbilled international usage and track your TravelPass days within the My Verizon app. Look under the "Me" tab, then "My savings & benefits," and tap "myAccess" to find your TravelPass bank.
Text Alerts: Verizon sends you text alerts to notify you when a 24-hour TravelPass session begins and when it's about to end.
Sub-heading: When You Return Home
There's no need to remove TravelPass from your line when you return to the US. You won't be charged for it unless you use your device in a TravelPass country again. It simply stays on your account, ready for your next international adventure!
Troubleshooting Common TravelPass Issues
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and quick fixes:
No Service or Connectivity:
Check Data Roaming: Ensure Data Roaming is ON in your phone settings (see Step 3).
Power Cycle: Turn your phone completely off and back on. This often helps it re-register with the local network.
Check Network Selection: Sometimes, manually selecting a different network carrier in your phone's settings can help.
Verify TravelPass Activation: Double-check in the My Verizon app or by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004 that TravelPass is indeed active on your line.
Unexpected Charges:
Background Data: Remember that background app activity can trigger a session. Review your app settings before traveling.
Border Roaming: If you're near a border (e.g., US-Canada/Mexico), your phone might inadvertently connect to a foreign network. Consider turning on Airplane Mode if you're close to a border and don't intend to use international service.
Contact Verizon Support: If you believe there's an error, contact Verizon's International Support Team. You can often find a toll-free number for the country you're in on Verizon's international support pages, or dial +1.908.559.4899 (toll charges may apply if there's no toll-free option).
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying seamless connectivity with Verizon TravelPass on your next international trip!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my device is compatible with Verizon TravelPass?
You can easily check device compatibility using the "International Ready Check" feature in the My Verizon app or by visiting the "Trip Planner" on the Verizon website.
How to add Verizon TravelPass to my account?
You can add TravelPass by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004, through the My Verizon app by going to Account > Manage plans and services > International Plans, or via the My Verizon website under "International plans."
How to turn on data roaming for Verizon TravelPass?
For iOS, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and turn it ON. For Android, go to Settings > Connections/Network & internet > Mobile networks/Cellular networks > Data Roaming and turn it ON.
How to make a call to the US using Verizon TravelPass?
To call the US, dial "+1" followed by the 10-digit US phone number. The "+" symbol can usually be achieved by pressing and holding "0" on your keypad.
How to avoid unwanted charges with Verizon TravelPass?
Turn off "Background App Refresh" for most apps, disable automatic updates, and be mindful that even small data usage (like email syncing) can trigger a 24-hour session. Consider using Airplane Mode when you don't need cellular service.
How to check my data usage while using Verizon TravelPass?
You can check your unbilled international usage and track your TravelPass days within the My Verizon app under the "Me" tab, then "My savings & benefits," and then "myAccess."
How to access voicemail while traveling internationally with Verizon TravelPass?
Dial your Verizon mobile number in the international format (+1 followed by your 10-digit number), then press "#" to interrupt the greeting and enter your voicemail password.
How to get more high-speed data after reaching the TravelPass limit?
If you exceed the included high-speed data, Verizon will send you a text offering an option to purchase an additional 2 GB of high-speed data for an extra fee.
How to remove Verizon TravelPass from my line when I return home?
You don't need to remove TravelPass when you return home. It stays on your line without charge and will only activate and incur a daily fee the next time you use your phone in a TravelPass-covered country.
How to troubleshoot if Verizon TravelPass is not working?
First, ensure data roaming is enabled and try power cycling your phone. If issues persist, verify TravelPass is active on your line via the My Verizon app or website, and consider contacting Verizon's International Support Team for assistance.