Hello there! Are you looking to connect with loved ones, conduct business overseas, or simply broaden your horizons by making international calls with Verizon? You've come to the right place! Understanding Verizon's international calling charges can seem a bit like navigating a maze, but with this comprehensive guide, we'll demystify it for you, step by step. Let's get started on ensuring you stay connected without any unexpected surprises on your bill!
How Much Does Verizon Charge for International Calls? A Comprehensive Guide
Verizon offers a variety of options for international calling, ranging from per-minute rates to dedicated plans, designed to suit different usage patterns. The cost largely depends on where you're calling from (the US or internationally while roaming), where you're calling to, and which plan or feature you have activated.
Step 1: Identify Your Calling Scenario
Before we dive into the specific costs, let's pinpoint your primary international calling need. Are you:
Calling from the US to another country? (e.g., You're in New York and calling a friend in London).
Traveling outside the US and need to make calls? (e.g., You're in Paris and need to call back home to the US or to another country).
Knowing this distinction is crucial, as Verizon has different solutions and pricing structures for each scenario.
Step 2: Understanding International Calling from the US
If you're calling from within the United States to an international destination, Verizon offers several plans and add-ons to help manage costs.
Sub-heading 2.1: Pay-Per-Minute Rates (Without a Plan)
If you don't have an international calling plan, Verizon charges standard per-minute rates. These rates vary significantly by country and can be quite high, sometimes several dollars per minute. This is generally the most expensive option and is best avoided for frequent or lengthy calls. It's often referred to as "Pay as You Go" for international calls from the US.
Sub-heading 2.2: Verizon's International Calling Plans
Verizon offers several plans designed to reduce the cost of international calls from the US. These are usually monthly add-ons to your existing domestic plan.
Global Choice:
Cost: ~$10 per month per line.
What it offers: Allows you to choose one specific country and get a bundle of minutes (often up to 300 minutes per month) to call that country. After your allowance, you'll get discounted rates to your selected country.
Bonus: Also provides discounted calling to over 220 other countries, often starting as low as $0.05 per minute.
Special Note: Includes unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada.
Ideal for: Those who frequently call one particular country.
Global Calling:
Cost: ~$5 per month per line.
What it offers: Unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada from the US.
Bonus: Provides discounted calling rates to over 220 other countries.
Ideal for: Users who frequently call Mexico and/or Canada, and occasionally other international destinations.
Global Calling Plus:
Cost: ~$15 per month per line.
What it offers: Unlimited calls from the US to landline phones in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries.
Bonus: Discounted calls to an additional 190+ countries.
Ideal for: Those who need broad international coverage for calling both landlines and mobiles across many destinations.
Sub-heading 2.3: Understanding How to Add These Plans
You can typically add these international calling plans through:
The My Verizon App: Navigate to your plan details and look for international add-ons.
My Verizon Website: Log in to your account, go to your Features page, and select "Add new plan."
Texting: You can often text a specific keyword (e.g., "TRAVEL" for TravelPass, "Global" for Global Calling, "Plus" for Global Calling Plus, or the specific country name for Global Choice) to 4004.
It's important to remember that adding Global Choice will replace any existing International Calling plan on your line.
Step 3: Understanding International Calling While Traveling (Roaming)
If you're traveling outside the US and want to use your Verizon phone, this falls under international roaming. The charges here can be significantly different from calling from the US.
Sub-heading 3.1: Verizon TravelPass
This is by far the most popular option for short-term international travel.
Cost:
~$6 per day per line in Canada and Mexico.
~$12 per day per line in over 210+ other countries and destinations.
How it works: A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically starts when you use your phone in a TravelPass country (e.g., make or answer a call, send a text, or use data). You're only charged on the days you use it.
What it offers: Lets you use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances (with some high-speed data limits, typically 5GB per session before slowing to 3G speeds). This means your calls to the US will be deducted from your regular plan minutes. Calls to other countries while on TravelPass incur the same charges as if you were calling from within the US (so consider an international calling plan if you plan to call non-US numbers while abroad).
Ideal for: Frequent travelers who want seamless connectivity and prefer to use their existing plan allowances without swapping SIM cards.
Sub-heading 3.2: International Monthly Plan
For longer international trips, a monthly plan might be more cost-effective than TravelPass.
Cost: ~$100 per month per line.
What it offers: Typically includes unlimited data (often with a high-speed allowance, like 20GB, before slowing), unlimited texts, and a set number of calling minutes (e.g., 250 minutes).
Ideal for: Extended trips (generally 9 days or longer) where predictable monthly costs are preferred.
Sub-heading 3.3: Pay as You Go (Roaming)
If you choose not to add TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan, or if you travel to a country not included in these plans, you'll be charged "Pay as You Go" roaming rates.
Rates: These vary widely by country.
Talk: Can range from ~$0.99 to $2.99 per minute.
Text (Sent): ~$0.50 per message.
Text (Received): ~$0.05 per message.
Data: ~$2.05 per MB (which can add up very quickly).
Warning: This option is extremely expensive and should only be used as a last resort for very minimal usage. Even checking an email can rack up significant data charges.
Sub-heading 3.4: Unlimited Ultimate Plan (Newer Option)
Some of Verizon's newer, higher-tier unlimited domestic plans, like the Unlimited Ultimate plan, include international data, talk, and text.
What it offers: Unlimited talk, text, and data when traveling in 210+ countries and destinations (often with a high-speed data allowance, like 10GB/month, before slowing to 2G speeds). It may also include one Global Choice country for calling from the US.
Ideal for: Users who want the highest level of international connectivity built directly into their domestic plan without needing separate add-ons for travel.
Step 4: Checking Specific Rates for Your Destination
Verizon's website is the best place to get precise rates for your specific needs.
Sub-heading 4.1: Using Verizon's International Tools
Verizon's International Calling Page: On Verizon's official website, look for their "International Calling" or "International Travel" sections.
Trip Planner Tool: Verizon often has a "Trip Planner" tool where you can enter your destination country and see which plans are available and what the pay-as-you-go rates would be. This is highly recommended before any international trip.
"Check Rates" Feature: For calling from the US, there's usually a feature where you can type in the country you want to call and it will show you the per-minute rate and available plan options.
Sub-heading 4.2: Factors Affecting Rates
Landline vs. Mobile: Calls to mobile phones in certain countries can sometimes be more expensive than calls to landlines.
Premium Numbers: Calls to certain "premium" numbers (like specific service lines or hotlines) in other countries can incur higher charges, regardless of your plan.
Taxes and Surcharges: Remember that advertised rates typically do not include taxes and other surcharges, which can add to your final bill.
Step 5: Alternative & Cost-Saving Measures
While Verizon offers various solutions, sometimes the best way to save money on international calls is to explore alternatives.
Sub-heading 5.1: Wi-Fi Calling
How it works: If your device supports Wi-Fi Calling, you can often make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection when traveling internationally. Calls back to the US are typically treated as domestic calls (no international roaming charges). Calls to other international numbers might still incur standard international direct dial rates, even over Wi-Fi.
Benefit: Can significantly reduce roaming charges if you have access to reliable Wi-Fi.
Sub-heading 5.2: VoIP Apps (WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, etc.)
How it works: These applications use an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to make calls. If both parties have the app, calls are often free. If you're calling a landline or mobile number through the app, it usually requires purchasing credits, which are typically much cheaper than carrier international rates.
Benefit: Highly recommended for cost savings. Ensure you have a good data connection (either through Wi-Fi or an international data plan/local SIM) to use them effectively.
Sub-heading 5.3: Local SIM Cards or eSIMs
How it works: When you arrive in a foreign country, you can purchase a local SIM card (if your phone is unlocked) or download an eSIM profile for data and local calls. This gives you a local number and local rates, which are almost always significantly cheaper than international roaming with your home carrier.
Benefit: Often the most economical option for longer stays. It does mean you'll have a different phone number temporarily.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Verizon provides a robust set of options for international communication. The key is to plan ahead. Don't wait until you're abroad to figure out your calling strategy, as unexpected "Pay as You Go" charges can quickly add up. By understanding your usage needs and exploring the various plans and alternatives, you can enjoy seamless communication with friends, family, and colleagues around the globe without breaking the bank.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Verizon international call charges, starting with 'How to', along with quick answers:
How to check my Verizon international call rates for a specific country?
Visit the Verizon International Calling or TravelPass section on their website, use their "Check Rates" or "Trip Planner" tool, and enter the country name.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add plans via the My Verizon app, the My Verizon website (under "Features" or "Add new plan"), or by texting specific keywords (like "Global" or the country name for Global Choice) to 4004.
How to avoid high international roaming charges with Verizon?
Activate TravelPass for short trips, the International Monthly Plan for longer stays, or utilize Wi-Fi Calling and VoIP apps (like WhatsApp) extensively. Consider a local SIM/eSIM if traveling for an extended period.
How to make an international call from the US with Verizon?
Dial "011" (the international exit code), followed by the country code, city code (if applicable), and then the local phone number. Alternatively, on smartphones, you can often use the "+" symbol instead of "011".
How to know if my Verizon plan includes international calling or roaming?
Check your specific plan details on the My Verizon app or website. Some premium unlimited plans (like Unlimited Ultimate) now include international features, while others require separate add-ons.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling for international calls with Verizon?
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your device settings. When connected to Wi-Fi, your calls will route over Wi-Fi. Calls to the US are usually treated as domestic, while calls to other international numbers may incur standard international direct dial rates.
How to stop Verizon's international plans from auto-renewing?
You'll need to go into your My Verizon account (app or website) and remove the international calling or travel plan from your line. Plans like Global Choice and Global Calling typically auto-renew monthly until removed.
How to get TravelPass activated on my Verizon line?
TravelPass can be added via the My Verizon app or website, or by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004. It usually activates automatically when you first use your phone in a TravelPass-covered country.
How to call India from the US using Verizon?
You would typically dial 011 (or +) followed by 91 (India's country code), then the city/area code, and finally the local number. Consider the Global Choice plan with India selected or Global Calling for discounted rates to India from the US.
How to tell if I'm being charged "premium" rates for an international call?
Verizon usually specifies if certain countries or number types incur "premium" fees in their detailed international rate information. These are typically added to standard per-minute rates. Always verify rates for less common destinations.
