Are you planning an exciting trip to the United Kingdom and want to make sure your Verizon phone works seamlessly across the pond? Don't worry, you've come to the right place! Navigating international phone usage can seem a bit daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding of your options, you'll be snapping photos, navigating bustling cities, and staying connected with loved ones without a hitch. Let's dive in and get you ready for your UK adventure!
How to Use Your Verizon Phone in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Using your Verizon phone in the UK primarily involves understanding Verizon's international roaming options and ensuring your device is properly set up. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you stay connected.
 |
| How To Use Verizon Phone In Uk |
Step 1: Understand Your Verizon International Options (and Pick the Right One for YOU!)
This is perhaps the most crucial step. Verizon offers several ways to use your phone internationally, each with different costs and benefits. Choosing the right one depends on your usage habits and the length of your trip.
Sub-heading: Verizon's Primary International Travel Plans
Verizon TravelPass:
What it is: This is often the most convenient option for shorter trips. TravelPass lets you use your existing domestic talk, text, and data allowances (including high-speed data, then 3G speeds) for a daily fee.
Cost: Typically $12 per day per line in the UK. The best part? You're only charged on the days you actually use your phone abroad. So, if you're on Wi-Fi all day, you won't be charged for that particular day's TravelPass.
Ideal for: Short to medium trips (e.g., a few days to a couple of weeks). If you have an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan, TravelPass may even be automatically added to your line. Some plans also offer free TravelPass days.
Key Consideration: While it offers unlimited data, there's a high-speed data cap (often 5GB per day), after which speeds reduce to 3G. This is usually sufficient for most daily usage like maps, social media, and light Browse.
International Monthly Plan ($100):
What it is: This plan is designed for longer stays. For a flat monthly fee, you get a set amount of high-speed data (typically 20 GB, then unlimited at 3G speeds), unlimited text messaging, and 250 minutes of talk time.
Cost: $100 per month per line.
Ideal for: Trips of 9 days or longer where you anticipate consistent usage. You can choose a one-month plan or have it renew monthly.
Key Consideration: Be mindful of the 250-minute talk limit and the 20GB high-speed data cap. Overage charges may apply for additional talk minutes.
Pay As You Go (Default if No Plan):
What it is: If you don't add TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan, your usage will fall under Pay As You Go rates.
Cost: This is typically the most expensive option. Rates can vary but expect charges around $1.79-$2.99 per minute for voice calls, $0.50 for sent text messages, $0.05 for received text messages, and approximately $2.05 per MB for data.
Ideal for: Absolutely no one for regular usage. This is best avoided unless you truly anticipate minimal to no phone usage and primarily rely on Wi-Fi.
Sub-heading: Alternative Connectivity Options
While Verizon's plans are convenient, consider these alternatives, especially for longer stays or heavy data users:
Local UK SIM Card:
What it is: Purchase a prepaid SIM card from a UK carrier (like Vodafone, EE, O2, Three) upon arrival.
Benefits: Often offers much cheaper data, calls, and texts compared to international roaming. You'll get a local UK number.
Consideration: Your Verizon phone needs to be unlocked to use a local SIM. Most modern Verizon phones are unlocked after a certain period of active service (usually 60 days). Check with Verizon if you're unsure. You'll also have a different phone number for the duration of your trip.
eSIM:
What it is: An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. Many newer smartphones support eSIM.
Benefits: Convenient, as you don't need to physically swap SIM cards. You can often purchase and activate an eSIM plan online before you even arrive in the UK. This allows you to keep your Verizon number active for iMessage/FaceTime while using the eSIM for data.
Consideration: Ensure your phone is eSIM compatible. You'll need to manage data settings to prioritize the eSIM for data usage.
Wi-Fi Calling:
What it is: Make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi connection, using your Verizon number.
Benefits: Calls to US numbers are usually free, even when in the UK, if placed over Wi-Fi Calling.
Consideration: Relies entirely on Wi-Fi availability and quality. Be aware that international charges may still apply if you call numbers other than the US while on Wi-Fi calling.
Step 2: Prepare Your Verizon Phone Before You Leave
A little preparation goes a long way in preventing headaches once you land.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Sub-heading: Activating Your Chosen Plan
For TravelPass:
Online: Log in to your My Verizon account (via the website or My Verizon app). Go to the "International" section and select "Add new plan."
Text Message: The easiest way is often to text the word TRAVEL to 4004. Verizon will automatically add TravelPass to your line.
Important: You don't need to remove TravelPass when you return; you're only charged on the days you use it internationally.
For International Monthly Plan:
Online: Similar to TravelPass, log in to My Verizon and select the International Monthly Plan.
Customer Service: You can also call Verizon customer service to add this plan.
Sub-heading: Essential Phone Settings to Check
Enable Data Roaming: This is critical!
iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options, then toggle "Data Roaming" to ON.
Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network, then toggle "Data Roaming" to ON.
Turn off Airplane Mode (Once You Land): While you'll likely have your phone in Airplane Mode during the flight, remember to turn it off once you've landed in the UK.
Restart Your Device: After landing and turning off airplane mode, sometimes a simple restart of your phone can help it connect to the local network.
Check Carrier Settings (iPhone): Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available for carrier settings, you'll be prompted to install it.
Manual Network Selection (Troubleshooting): If your phone isn't automatically connecting, you can try manually selecting a network.
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Network Selection. Turn off "Automatic" and wait for available networks, then select one.
Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators. Turn off "Select Automatically" and choose a network.
Step 3: Making and Receiving Calls in the UK
Once your phone is connected, making calls requires a slight adjustment.
Sub-heading: Calling Back to the US (Your Home Country)
Using the Plus Sign (+): This is the easiest and most universally recommended method.
Press and hold the "0" key on your keypad until the "+" symbol appears.
Enter "1" (the US country code).
Then, dial the 10-digit US phone number.
Press send.
Example: To call (123) 456-7890 in the US, dial +1 123-456-7890.
Sub-heading: Calling Within the UK
When calling a UK number while in the UK, simply dial the local UK number as you normally would if you were a local. This typically starts with a "0" followed by the area code and the rest of the number.
Example: To call a London number (starting with 020), you'd dial 020 xxxx xxxx.
Sub-heading: Calling Other Countries
 |
To call a country other than the US or the UK while in the UK, you'll need the international exit code, the country code of the destination, and the local number.
Use the "+" symbol (hold "0")
Enter the destination country code.
Enter the local number.
Example: To call France (country code 33), you'd dial +33 then the French number.
Sub-heading: Checking Voicemail
To check your Verizon voicemail while abroad, you'll need to call your own Verizon mobile number in the international format: +1 followed by your 10-digit number.
When your greeting starts, press the # (pound key) to interrupt it and follow the prompts to access your mailbox.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Step 4: Monitoring Usage and Troubleshooting
It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your usage to avoid unexpected charges.
Sub-heading: How to Monitor Your Usage
My Verizon App: The My Verizon app is your best friend for monitoring data, talk, and text usage in real-time.
Text Alerts: Verizon often sends text alerts when you're nearing your TravelPass daily limit or if you're using Pay As You Go rates. Pay attention to these!
Set Data Limits: Many smartphones allow you to set data usage warnings or hard limits. This can be a useful tool to prevent overages, especially if you're on a plan with a data cap.
Sub-heading: Common Troubleshooting Tips
No Service/Cannot Connect:
Restart your phone. This often resolves minor network glitches.
Ensure Data Roaming is ON in your phone settings (as detailed in Step 2).
Manually select a network operator. Sometimes your phone won't pick the strongest network automatically. Try selecting different available networks.
Verify your account settings with Verizon. If all else fails, contact Verizon support.
Slow Data Speeds:
Check your plan's high-speed data cap. If you've hit your daily or monthly limit, your speeds will be throttled.
Find Wi-Fi. When possible, use Wi-Fi for heavy data activities like streaming or large downloads.
Cannot Make Calls:
Ensure you're using the correct dialing format (especially the "+" and country code for international calls).
Check your talk minutes balance if you're on the International Monthly Plan.
Verify your phone is enabled for international calling on your Verizon account.
Step 5: Saving Money on Your Trip
While Verizon offers convenient options, there are always ways to be a savvy traveler and minimize costs.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Wi-Fi Usage
Seek out free Wi-Fi: Most hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public places in the UK offer free Wi-Fi.
Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or other mapping apps to download maps of the areas you'll be visiting while on Wi-Fi. This saves data for navigation.
Download content beforehand: Download movies, music, podcasts, and e-books before you leave or when you have access to strong Wi-Fi.
Sub-heading: Using VoIP Apps
WhatsApp, Skype, Google Meet, Zoom: These apps allow you to make voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data, often at no additional cost (beyond your data usage). Many people in the UK use WhatsApp for messaging and calling.
Consider a Google Voice number: If you have a Google Voice number, you can link it to your phone and make calls over Wi-Fi.
FAQs: How to Use Your Verizon Phone in the UK
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about using your Verizon phone in the UK, along with quick answers:
How to check if my Verizon phone will work in the UK?
Most modern Verizon 4G LTE and 5G smartphones are "World Devices" and are compatible with international networks, including those in the UK. You can verify your device's compatibility on the Verizon website or by contacting customer support before your trip. CDMA-only devices will generally not work outside the US.
How to activate international roaming on my Verizon phone for the UK?
International roaming is typically enabled by adding an international plan to your Verizon account. The easiest way to activate TravelPass is by texting TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone. For other plans or to manage settings, use the My Verizon app or website.
How to call a UK number from my Verizon phone while in the UK?
Simply dial the UK number as a local number, starting with the leading zero and the area code. For example, to call a London number (020 xxxx xxxx), you would dial 020 xxxx xxxx.
How to call back to the US from my Verizon phone while in the UK?
Dial the plus sign (+), followed by '1' (the US country code), and then the 10-digit US phone number. To get the '+' symbol, hold down the '0' key on your keypad.
How to check my voicemail on my Verizon phone when I'm in the UK?
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Dial your own 10-digit Verizon mobile number in the international format (+1 followed by your 10-digit number). When your greeting starts, press the pound key (#) and follow the prompts.
How to avoid high data charges with my Verizon phone in the UK?
The best way is to choose an international plan like TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan before you travel. Also, make extensive use of free Wi-Fi whenever available, download content offline, and consider using VoIP apps for calls and messages.
How to turn on data roaming on my iPhone for use in the UK?
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and toggle "Data Roaming" to ON.
How to turn on data roaming on my Android phone for use in the UK?
Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network and toggle "Data Roaming" to ON.
How to use an eSIM with my Verizon phone in the UK to save money?
If your Verizon phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked, you can purchase an eSIM data plan from a UK or international eSIM provider. Activate the eSIM and set it as your primary line for cellular data, while keeping your Verizon physical SIM active for calls and texts if desired.
How to contact Verizon customer service if I have issues in the UK?
You can typically reach Verizon customer service by dialing +1 (908) 559-4899 from your Verizon phone while abroad. This number is often toll-free when dialed from a Verizon phone. Alternatively, use the My Verizon app to connect via chat or find international support numbers.
 |
