Understanding Verizon's International Plans: Your Options Explained
Verizon offers a few primary ways to stay connected when you're outside the U.S. Each option is designed for different travel styles and durations. It's crucial to understand the nuances of each to pick the best fit for your specific trip.
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| How Much Is The Verizon International Plan |
TravelPass: The Daily Driver
The TravelPass is by far Verizon's most popular and often most convenient option for international travel, especially for shorter trips.
What is it? TravelPass allows you to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations for a daily fee. It's like taking your Verizon plan with you abroad.
Pricing:
$6 per line, per day: In Canada and Mexico. Good to know: Many unlimited Verizon plans actually include unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico at no extra cost. Always check your specific plan details!
$12 per line, per day: In over 210 other TravelPass countries.
What's Included:
Unlimited Talk: Make calls within the country you're visiting and back to the U.S.
Unlimited Text: Send and receive text messages globally.
Data Allowance: You get 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, after which data speeds are reduced to 3G for the remainder of that session. This refreshes daily! If you need more high-speed data within a session, you can usually purchase an additional 2 GB for $5 (Canada/Mexico) or $10 (other countries).
How it's Charged: This is the key feature of TravelPass – you are only charged for the days you use your phone in a TravelPass country. A 24-hour session automatically activates the first time you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data (even background data like app refreshing or email syncing can trigger a session).
International Monthly Plan: For Longer Stays
If your international trip is going to be extended, typically 9 days or more, Verizon's International Monthly Plan might be a more cost-effective choice.
What is it? This plan provides a fixed bundle of minutes, texts, and data for a monthly fee, designed for use in over 210 countries.
Pricing:
Approximately $100 per line, per month (plus taxes and fees).
What's Included:
250 Minutes: For calls made within the country you're visiting and back to the U.S.
Unlimited Texts: Send and receive messages globally.
Data Allowance: Typically 20 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds for the remainder of the month.
Who it's Best For: Travelers embarking on trips of 9 days or longer who anticipate consistent phone usage. For instance, a 10-day trip using TravelPass would cost $120 ($12 x 10 days), while the monthly plan is $100, saving you money if you use it for the full duration.
Pay As You Go: The High-Risk Option
Seriously, avoid this if at all possible! The Pay As You Go rates are what you'll be charged if you don't add an international plan and use your phone abroad. These rates are notoriously expensive and can lead to shocking bills.
What is it? This means you pay per minute for calls, per text message sent, and per megabyte (MB) of data used.
Pricing (Varies by Country/Region, but generally high):
Data: Can be as high as $2.05 per MB. To put this in perspective, opening a single webpage can easily be several MBs, and a brief video can be hundreds!
Talk: Ranges from $0.99 to $2.99 per minute.
Text: Sent messages typically cost $0.50 per message, and received messages around $0.05 per message.
Why to Avoid It: A small amount of data usage can quickly accumulate into hundreds or thousands of dollars in charges. It's simply not worth the risk. Always have an active international plan or rely solely on Wi-Fi if you choose not to get a plan.
Specialty Passes: Cruise and In-Flight
For specific travel scenarios, Verizon offers dedicated daily passes.
Cruise Daily Pass:
$20 per line, per day.
Allows connectivity when you're 12 miles or more from land on participating cruise ships.
Includes unlimited data (0.5 GB high-speed, then 3G), unlimited calls to the U.S., and unlimited texts.
In-flight Daily Pass:
$20 per line, per day.
For use on participating international flights.
Includes unlimited 3G data. Calls are $1.99/min, sent texts $0.50, received texts $0.05.
International Long Distance (Calling FROM the U.S.)
It's important to distinguish between using your phone while traveling abroad (roaming plans discussed above) and calling international numbers while you are still in the U.S. Verizon offers separate plans for this:
Global Choice ($10/month): Get up to 300 minutes to a chosen country, reduced rates to 220+ other countries, and unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada.
Global Calling Plus ($15/month): Unlimited calls from the U.S. to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries, plus discounted calls to 160+ others.
Global Calling ($5/month): Unlimited calls from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada, and discounted calls to over 220 countries.
Note: Some domestic unlimited plans may include unlimited talk and text to Canada and Mexico from the U.S. Check your plan details.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing and Activating Your Verizon International Plan
Now that you understand the different options, let's walk through the process of selecting and activating the right plan for your trip.
Step 1: Where Are You Going? (Let's get specific!)
Before anything else, tell me: Which countries will you be visiting? This is the most crucial piece of information because it dictates which plans are available and at what cost. Some countries have special rates (like Canada and Mexico), while others fall under general TravelPass or Monthly Plan categories, or might even be in areas with limited service where only pay-as-you-go is an option.
Take a moment to list all your destinations now.
Step 2: How Long Will You Be There?
The duration of your trip is the next big factor in determining the most cost-effective plan.
Short Trips (1-8 days): For most users, TravelPass is generally the best choice. You only pay on the days you actually use service, giving you flexibility.
Longer Trips (9+ days): The International Monthly Plan often becomes more economical. Calculate the total cost of TravelPass for your trip duration and compare it to the $100 monthly fee. For example, a 10-day trip at $12/day TravelPass would be $120, making the $100 International Monthly Plan cheaper.
Will you be traveling on a cruise ship or flying internationally? If so, consider the specialized Cruise Daily Pass or In-flight Daily Pass for those specific legs of your journey.
Step 3: What's Your Usage Style?
Consider how you typically use your phone and how you plan to use it abroad.
Heavy Data User (Streaming, Video Calls): While both TravelPass and the International Monthly Plan offer "unlimited" data, they both include high-speed data caps (5GB/day for TravelPass, 20GB/month for the Monthly Plan) before speeds are throttled. If you anticipate extremely heavy data usage, even these plans might feel restrictive. You might want to explore local SIM cards or eSIMs as alternatives.
Moderate User (Social Media, Maps, Email): Both TravelPass and the International Monthly Plan should suffice comfortably.
Light User (Emergencies, Occasional Texts): TravelPass is great here, as you only pay when you use it. If you're planning to rely heavily on Wi-Fi and use your phone minimally, TravelPass provides a safety net without continuous daily charges.
Step 4: Compare the Plans
Based on your destination(s), trip duration, and usage style, now you can make an informed decision.
Access Verizon's Trip Planner: The easiest way to compare specific costs for your destinations is to use Verizon's official International Trip Planner tool on their website. Simply input your destinations and travel dates, and it will recommend the best options and their associated costs.
Manual Calculation:
TravelPass: (Number of days you expect to use your phone) x ($6 or $12 daily rate)
International Monthly Plan: $100 per month.
Compare these totals!
Step 5: Check Device Compatibility
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
Most modern smartphones (4G LTE and 5G enabled) from Verizon are compatible for international roaming. However, older devices or specific models might not support the frequencies used in certain countries.
Verizon's Device Compatibility Tool: Before you travel, it's always a good idea to verify your specific device's compatibility on Verizon's website. They have a tool where you can enter your device model.
Step 6: Activate Your Chosen Plan
Once you've made your decision, activating the plan is straightforward.
Via My Verizon App or Website:
Log In: Access your My Verizon account via the My Verizon app on your smartphone or the Verizon website on a computer.
Navigate to International Plans: Look for a section like "Manage Plan," "International Services," or "Add-ons."
Use the Trip Planner: Many users find the built-in "Trip Planner" tool the easiest. You enter your destination(s) and travel dates, and it guides you to the appropriate plan.
Select and Confirm: Choose your desired plan (e.g., TravelPass, International Monthly Plan) and follow the prompts to confirm its addition to your line.
Effective Date: You can often set the plan to start on a specific date (e.g., the day you depart).
Via Text Message (for TravelPass only):
Simply text the word TRAVEL to 4004.
Verizon will send you a confirmation text. This is a quick way to add TravelPass if you forget to do it before you leave, or even once you land.
Step 7: Prepare Your Device Before You Go
A few final steps on your phone will ensure everything runs smoothly once you arrive.
Turning on Roaming:
This is critical for your phone to connect to local networks abroad.
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and ensure it's turned ON.
For Androids: Go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming and ensure it's turned ON.
Remember: With TravelPass, you're only charged when you use it, so leaving roaming on won't automatically trigger charges until actual usage.
Dialing International Numbers:
When calling back to the U.S. or to other countries while abroad, you'll generally need to use the international access code.
The easiest way is to use the "+" sign before the country code. For example, to call a U.S. number: +1 (Area Code) (Phone Number). To get the "+" sign, simply press and hold "0" on your phone's dial pad.
Data Usage Monitoring:
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Keep an eye on your data usage through the My Verizon app. This is especially important for TravelPass (with its daily 5GB high-speed cap) and the International Monthly Plan (20GB monthly cap).
Background App Refresh: Consider turning off background app refresh for apps you don't need constantly syncing to conserve data. Go to your phone's settings to manage this (e.g., iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
Important Considerations & Tips
Dual SIM Devices: If you have a phone with Dual SIM capability and are using both numbers while traveling internationally, remember that charges will apply according to the international plan associated with each line.
Data Throttling: Be aware that "unlimited" data with these plans usually comes with a high-speed allowance, after which speeds are reduced. This might impact streaming or large downloads.
Billing Cycles: International charges can sometimes take longer to appear on your bill, potentially up to 60 days after your trip. Don't be surprised if you see charges for a past trip on a later statement.
Customer Support While Abroad: If you encounter any issues, you can call Verizon Customer Service from outside the U.S. at +1-908-559-4899. This call is typically free from a Verizon Wireless phone with an active international plan.
Wi-Fi Reliance: If your data needs are minimal, consider relying primarily on Wi-Fi where available (hotels, cafes). This can significantly reduce costs. Just be mindful of potential security risks on public Wi-Fi networks.
Airplane Mode: Use airplane mode to completely prevent international roaming charges if you absolutely do not want to use cellular service. You can still enable Wi-Fi in airplane mode.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Verizon phone will work internationally?
You can check your device's international compatibility by visiting Verizon's official website and using their device compatibility tool, typically found within the "International Travel" or "Support" sections. Most modern 4G LTE and 5G smartphones are compatible.
How to activate Verizon TravelPass?
You can activate TravelPass through the My Verizon app or website under "Manage Plan" or "International Services," often using the "Trip Planner" tool. Alternatively, you can simply text the word TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone.
How to know if I'm being charged for TravelPass?
A 24-hour TravelPass session is automatically triggered the first time you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data (even background data) in a TravelPass country. Verizon will send you a text notification when your session begins and another when it's about to end.
How to avoid unexpected international charges?
The best way is to activate a suitable international plan like TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan. If you do not plan to use cellular service, ensure your phone is in Airplane Mode (with Wi-Fi enabled for internet) or turn off "Data Roaming" in your phone's settings.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
How to call internationally while abroad with Verizon?
To call a number in the country you're visiting or back to the U.S., dial the number normally (for U.S., include the country code +1). For calls to other international destinations (not your current location or the U.S.), you'll need to use the "+" sign followed by the country code and then the number (e.g., + [Country Code] [Number]).
How to check my international data usage on Verizon?
You can check your current international data usage through the My Verizon app by navigating to your account details, then your line, and looking for "International Usage" or "Plan Details & Usage."
How to remove an international plan from my Verizon account?
For TravelPass, you typically don't need to remove it as you're only charged on days of use. For the International Monthly Plan, you can remove it via the My Verizon app or website in the "Manage Plan" section, usually effective at the end of your billing cycle or immediately.
How to get customer support from Verizon while abroad?
You can contact Verizon Customer Service from outside the U.S. by dialing +1-908-559-4899. This call is generally free from your Verizon Wireless phone if you have an active international plan.
How to call a different country than the one I'm currently visiting while using TravelPass?
With TravelPass, calls within the country you're visiting and back to the U.S. are included. To call a third country, you might need an additional International Long Distance plan enabled on your line, or pay per-minute rates will apply based on your domestic international calling plan.
How to send international texts with Verizon?
If you have TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan, unlimited texts are included. If you're on a domestic plan that includes international messaging, you can send texts from the U.S. by using the "+" sign followed by the country code and then the recipient's number. While abroad, follow similar dialing conventions.
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