Thinking about calling friends, family, or business associates in Ireland from your Verizon phone? You're in the right place! Understanding the costs and options can be a bit tricky with all the different plans and services available. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how much it costs to call Ireland on Verizon, along with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
How Much Does It Cost to Call Ireland on Verizon? Your Definitive Guide
Step 1: Are you ready to dive into the world of international calling with Verizon?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of costs, let's understand the different scenarios and how Verizon structures its international calling services. The cost to call Ireland from your Verizon phone can vary significantly based on whether you're calling from the U.S. to Ireland or roaming in Ireland and calling back to the U.S. or within Ireland. We'll cover both!
Step 2: Calling from the U.S. to Ireland
This is the most common scenario. Verizon offers several options to help you save money when calling internationally from the U.S.
Sub-heading 2.1: Pay-Per-Minute Rates (Without a Plan)
If you don't have any international calling plan added to your Verizon line, you'll be charged standard pay-per-minute rates. These rates are generally the most expensive option. For calls to Ireland, the standard per-minute rate can be quite high. While Verizon's website doesn't always list every single country's base rate readily, it's safe to assume it's several dollars per minute. This is why adding an international calling plan is almost always recommended for frequent or even occasional calls to Ireland.
Sub-heading 2.2: Verizon International Calling Plans
Verizon offers several plans designed to reduce the cost of international calls. For calling Ireland from the U.S., the most relevant plans are:
Global Choice ($10/month per line): This plan is an excellent option for calling Ireland. It provides 300 minutes per month to Ireland for a flat fee of $10. After you use these minutes, you'll get a discounted rate of $0.05 per minute to Ireland. This is a very cost-effective solution if you anticipate making regular, but not excessively long, calls.
Global Calling ($5/month per line): While this plan offers unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada, it also provides discounted calling to 220+ countries starting at $0.05/min. Ireland falls into this category, meaning you'll get a rate of $0.05 per minute if you add this plan. This is a good choice if you make fewer calls and don't need the 300-minute bundle of Global Choice.
Global Calling Plus ($15/month per line): This plan provides unlimited calls from the US to landline phones in over 60 countries and mobiles in over 30 countries, including Ireland. This is the most comprehensive option if you make frequent and lengthy calls to Ireland, especially to both landlines and mobile numbers.
Important Note: These plans are added to your existing Verizon domestic plan and are billed monthly. They are designed for calls originating from the U.S. to international destinations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding an International Calling Plan:
Log in to My Verizon: Go to the Verizon website (verizon.com) or open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Navigate to International Plan Page: Look for sections like "Plans," "International," or "Add-ons." You'll often find an "International Calling" or "International Travel" section.
Choose Your Plan: Browse the available international calling plans. For Ireland, consider "Global Choice," "Global Calling," or "Global Calling Plus" based on your expected usage.
Add to Your Line: Select the plan and follow the prompts to add it to the specific line(s) on your account that will be making international calls.
Confirm and Review: Review the details of the plan, including the monthly cost and benefits, before confirming your selection. You'll typically receive a confirmation message.
Text to Add (Alternative): For Global Choice, you can often text the name of your selected country (e.g., "Ireland") to 4004. For Global Calling Plus, text "Plus" to 4004. For Global Calling, text "Global" to 4004. Always verify this method with Verizon's current instructions.
Step 3: Calling While Roaming in Ireland
If you are physically in Ireland and using your Verizon phone to make calls (either back to the U.S. or within Ireland), you are roaming. The costs here are different and typically managed through international travel plans.
Sub-heading 3.1: TravelPass ($12/day)
Verizon's TravelPass is a popular option for short trips. For $12 per day, you can use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances in Ireland. You're only charged for the days you use your phone abroad (make or receive a call, send a text, or use data). This means if you use TravelPass, calls to the U.S. will use your domestic minutes, and calls within Ireland will be covered as if you were calling a U.S. number on your plan.
Sub-heading 3.2: International Monthly Plan ($100/month)
For longer trips (generally 9 days or more), the International Monthly Plan can be more cost-effective. This plan typically offers unlimited data (with a high-speed allowance), unlimited text messaging, and a bundle of minutes (e.g., 250 minutes). The cost is around $100 per month. This is a good option if you plan to be in Ireland for an extended period and need consistent connectivity for calls, texts, and data.
Sub-heading 3.3: Pay-As-You-Go Roaming Rates
If you don't opt for TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan, you'll be charged Verizon's standard international roaming rates. These are very expensive and should generally be avoided for anything more than emergency use. Expect rates for voice calls to be several dollars per minute.
Step-by-Step Guide to Managing International Travel Plans:
Use Verizon's Trip Planner: Verizon has an excellent "International Usage & Services" or "Trip Planner" tool on their website and in the My Verizon app. This is the best place to start.
Enter Destination and Device: Select "Ireland" as your destination and specify the device you'll be using to check compatibility.
Estimate Usage: Provide an estimate of your expected call, text, and data usage while abroad.
Get Customized Plan Options: Based on your input, Verizon will recommend the most suitable international travel plan (TravelPass, Monthly Plan, etc.).
Activate Your Plan: Select and activate the chosen plan before your departure.
Check Roaming Settings: Before you leave, ensure your device's roaming settings are turned on. For iOS devices, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming (and Voice Roaming if available) and turn it on. For Android devices, the steps may vary, but generally involve similar navigation.
Step 4: Dialing Ireland Correctly
Regardless of your plan, knowing how to dial Ireland correctly is crucial.
Sub-heading 4.1: Dialing Format from the U.S.
To call Ireland from the U.S. (using your Verizon phone):
Dial 011: This is the U.S. international exit code.
Dial 353: This is the country code for Ireland.
Dial the Area Code: This will be a 1 or 2-digit area code for the specific city or region in Ireland you are calling (e.g., 1 for Dublin, 21 for Cork, 91 for Galway). Note: If the Irish number begins with a '0', omit it after dialing 353.
Dial the Local Phone Number: This is typically a 7-digit number.
Example: To call a Dublin landline number (e.g., 1234567) from the U.S.: 011 353 1 1234567
Sub-heading 4.2: Dialing Format While Roaming in Ireland
If you are roaming in Ireland and calling:
To a U.S. Number: Dial +1 followed by the 10-digit U.S. phone number. (The '+' automatically incorporates the international exit code for you).
To an Irish Number: Dial +353 followed by the Irish area code (omitting the leading '0' if present) and the local phone number.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives and Additional Tips
Sub-heading 5.1: Wi-Fi Calling
If your Verizon phone supports Wi-Fi Calling, you can often make calls to the U.S. from Ireland (or to other countries, depending on your plan) at no additional cost or at domestic rates when connected to a Wi-Fi network. This is a fantastic way to save money while traveling. Check your phone settings to enable Wi-Fi Calling.
Sub-heading 5.2: Messaging Apps
For communication beyond voice calls, consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio/Video, Google Meet, or Skype over Wi-Fi. These typically use data (which may be covered by your international data plan or Wi-Fi) and can be a very cost-effective way to stay in touch.
Sub-heading 5.3: Local SIM Card
If you plan a very long stay in Ireland, or if you find Verizon's international plans too expensive for your usage, consider purchasing a local Irish SIM card upon arrival. This will give you a local Irish number and typically much cheaper rates for calls and data within Ireland, and often affordable international calling rates. However, this means your Verizon number will not be active for calls/texts unless you swap SIM cards back.
Step 6: Always Double-Check with Verizon!
While this guide provides comprehensive information, Verizon's plans and rates can change. Always confirm the most current rates and plan details directly with Verizon before making international calls or traveling abroad. You can do this by:
Visiting the "International Calling" or "International Travel" sections on Verizon's official website.
Logging into your My Verizon account.
Calling Verizon customer service (dial *611 from your Verizon phone in the U.S. or +1-908-559-4899 if calling from outside the U.S.).
Using their online chat support.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to help you further navigate calling Ireland on Verizon:
How to check if my Verizon phone works in Ireland?
Quick Answer: Use Verizon's "Trip Planner" tool on their website or My Verizon app, entering Ireland as your destination and your specific device model.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
Quick Answer: Log into My Verizon online or the app, navigate to "Plans" or "Add-ons," select "International Calling," and choose the desired plan for Ireland.
How to avoid high international roaming charges with Verizon?
Quick Answer: Activate TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan before traveling to Ireland. Avoid pay-as-you-go roaming rates.
How to dial a mobile number in Ireland from the U.S. on Verizon?
Quick Answer: Dial 011 (U.S. exit code), then 353 (Ireland country code), followed by the Irish mobile number (which typically starts with an 8 and is 9 digits long, omitting any leading '0').
How to make calls to the U.S. while I'm in Ireland with Verizon?
Quick Answer: With TravelPass, dial +1 followed by the 10-digit U.S. number. With an International Monthly Plan, use your included minutes. Wi-Fi Calling is also an option if available.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling on Verizon for international calls?
Quick Answer: Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled in your phone's settings. When connected to a strong Wi-Fi network in Ireland, calls will route over Wi-Fi and use your domestic plan minutes.
How to check my remaining international minutes on a Verizon plan?
Quick Answer: You can check your remaining minutes through the My Verizon app or by logging into your account on the Verizon website under your plan details or usage.
How to get a local SIM card in Ireland and use it with my Verizon phone?
Quick Answer: Ensure your Verizon phone is unlocked. Upon arrival in Ireland, purchase a local SIM card from an Irish mobile provider (e.g., Vodafone Ireland, Three Ireland, Eir) and insert it into your phone.
How to contact Verizon customer service from Ireland?
Quick Answer: Dial +1-908-559-4899 from your Verizon phone. Standard international roaming rates may apply if you're not on an active travel plan covering calls.
How to manage data usage while calling internationally on Verizon?
Quick Answer: If using TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan, your data is covered. For other options, consider turning off cellular data roaming and relying on Wi-Fi for internet-based communication.
