Is your next adventure taking you beyond U.S. borders? Are you wondering if your trusty Verizon plan will keep you connected, or if you'll be hit with a hefty bill upon your return? Knowing whether your Verizon plan includes international services is crucial for a stress-free travel experience. Let's embark on this journey together to uncover the international capabilities of your Verizon plan, step-by-step!
Step 1: Engage with Your Verizon Account – Your First Port of Call!
The absolute best and most accurate way to determine your Verizon plan's international inclusions is to directly access your account information. Don't wait until you're at the airport!
Sub-heading: The My Verizon App – Your Pocket Travel Agent
If you haven't already, download the My Verizon app on your smartphone. This app is an invaluable tool for managing your account, and it's designed to give you quick access to your plan details, including international features.
Log In: Open the My Verizon app and log in using your Verizon Wireless credentials.
Navigate to Your Plan:
Depending on your specific app version or plan type, you might tap on the "Mobile" or "Home" tab.
Look for a section related to your current plan. This might be labeled "Plan," "My Plan," or something similar.
Tap the arrow or icon next to the desired phone number if you have multiple lines.
Find International Details: Within your plan details, look for sections like "More for your account," "International plans," "Travel," or "Perks." This is where you'll find information about any included international features or options to add them.
Review Perks (if applicable): Some Verizon Unlimited plans come with perks. Check if you have any "TravelPass Days" or other international benefits already associated with your line. For instance, Unlimited Ultimate includes international roaming, while Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome may offer a perk to add TravelPass days for a monthly fee.
Sub-heading: The My Verizon Website – For a Deeper Dive
If you prefer a larger screen or can't access the app, the My Verizon website offers the same comprehensive information.
Visit the Website: Go to the official Verizon Wireless website and log in to your My Verizon account.
Access Your Account: Once logged in, navigate to the "My Plan" or "Account" section.
Explore International Options: Similar to the app, you'll find sections dedicated to international services, travel plans, and add-ons. Look for details on TravelPass, International Monthly Plans, or Pay As You Go rates.
Step 2: Understand Verizon's International Offerings – Deciphering the Options
Verizon generally offers a few main ways to stay connected internationally. Understanding these will help you interpret what your plan includes.
Sub-heading: TravelPass – Your Domestic Plan Abroad
This is Verizon's most popular international option. TravelPass allows you to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances for a daily fee in over 210 countries.
Cost:
Generally, $12 per line, per day in most countries.
Reduced to $6 per line, per day in Canada and Mexico.
Important Note: Many Verizon Unlimited plans already include talk, text, and data usage in Canada and Mexico at no extra cost. Check your specific unlimited plan details.
How it Works: A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically starts when you make or receive a call, send a text, or use data in a TravelPass country. You're only charged on the days you actually use your phone internationally.
Data Speeds: Typically, you get high-speed data for the first 0.5GB or 5GB (depending on the plan/perk) within the 24-hour session, then speeds reduce to 3G.
Sub-heading: International Monthly Plan – For Longer Stays
If you're planning a longer trip (generally 9 days or more), a monthly international plan might be more cost-effective than daily TravelPass charges.
Cost: Approximately $100 per line, per month (subject to change).
What it Includes: This typically offers a bundle of minutes, unlimited texts, and a larger allotment of high-speed data (e.g., 20 GB) for the month.
Renewal: You can choose a one-time bundle or have it renew monthly until you cancel.
Sub-heading: Pay As You Go – The Default (and Potentially Expensive) Option
If your plan doesn't include specific international features and you don't add a TravelPass or Monthly Plan, you'll be charged Pay As You Go rates. These can be very high, so it's generally not recommended for anything more than minimal emergency use.
Rates: Vary significantly by country. You'll be charged per minute for calls, per text message sent/received, and per megabyte of data used. Data rates can be as high as $2.05/MB, which adds up very quickly!
Sub-heading: Cruise Daily Pass & In-flight Daily Pass – Specialized Connectivity
For specific travel scenarios, Verizon offers tailored passes.
Cruise Daily Pass: Allows connectivity at sea for a daily fee (e.g., $20-$30/day).
In-flight Daily Pass: Provides connectivity on participating international flights for a daily fee (e.g., $20/day).
Step 3: Verify Your Device Compatibility – Is Your Phone "Global Ready"?
While most modern smartphones are "global ready," meaning they support the necessary frequencies for international networks (GSM/LTE), it's a good idea to confirm.
Check Your Device:
In the My Verizon app or on the website, look for a "Global Ready Check" tool or a device compatibility section.
Newer iPhones and Android devices generally support international roaming without issue.
Ensure Roaming is Enabled: On your phone's settings:
iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and ensure it's turned ON.
Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming and ensure it's turned ON.
Remember, you're only charged when TravelPass activates, so having data roaming on won't automatically incur charges if you have a TravelPass plan added.
Step 4: Contact Verizon Customer Service – When in Doubt, Ask!
If you've reviewed your account online and are still unsure about your international coverage, or if your travel plans are complex, don't hesitate to reach out to Verizon's customer service.
Sub-heading: Calling from the U.S.
Dial: 1-800-922-0204 or *611 from your Verizon Wireless phone.
Prepare: Have your account information ready, including your account number and PIN. Be ready to provide your travel dates and destination(s).
Sub-heading: Calling While Traveling Internationally
Verizon offers dedicated international support numbers, often toll-free from landlines in many countries.
General International Support: +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply).
Toll-Free Numbers: Verizon provides a list of toll-free international support numbers for various countries on their website. It's a good idea to save the relevant number(s) to your phone before you leave.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives for Specific Needs
While Verizon's international plans are convenient, they aren't always the most cost-effective solution, especially for long trips or heavy data users.
Sub-heading: Local SIM Cards or eSIMs
Benefit: Often the cheapest way to get data and local calls in a foreign country. You buy a local SIM card (physical or eSIM) upon arrival.
Consideration: Requires an unlocked phone. You'll have a new local number, which might be inconvenient for contacts trying to reach your regular number.
Sub-heading: Wi-Fi Calling
Benefit: Allows you to make and receive calls and texts using a Wi-Fi connection, as if you were in the U.S., without incurring international roaming charges.
Consideration: Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Step 6: Before You Go – Final Checks!
Set a Travel Pass Reminder: If you're relying on TravelPass, remember it activates automatically with usage. You don't need to manually turn it "on" or "off" for each day of use, but you might want to text "TRAVEL" to 4004 to confirm it's enabled on your line before you depart.
Turn Off Data Roaming (if using alternatives): If you plan to use only Wi-Fi or a local SIM, turn off cellular data roaming on your phone to prevent accidental charges.
Voicemail: Know how to check your voicemail internationally. In some countries, the standard voicemail number may not work, and you might need to dial a specific international access number.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to understand your Verizon plan's international capabilities and avoid any unwelcome surprises on your bill! Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my specific Verizon Unlimited plan includes international roaming?
Certain premium Verizon Unlimited plans, such as the Unlimited Ultimate plan, include international talk, text, and a significant amount of high-speed data in over 210 countries at no extra charge. For other Unlimited plans like Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome, you might have the option to add a "3 TravelPass Days" perk for an additional monthly fee. Always check your specific plan details in the My Verizon app or website.
How to add TravelPass to my Verizon account?
You can add TravelPass through the My Verizon app, the My Verizon website, or by texting the word TRAVEL to 4004. It's recommended to do this before you travel.
How to avoid international roaming charges with Verizon?
To avoid international roaming charges, you can:
Add an International Plan: Opt for TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan.
Use Wi-Fi Calling: Make and receive calls/texts over Wi-Fi, bypassing cellular networks.
Purchase a Local SIM/eSIM: Use a local provider's service at your destination (requires an unlocked phone).
Keep Data Roaming Off: If not using a Verizon international plan, disable data roaming in your phone settings.
How to know if my phone is "Global Ready" for international travel with Verizon?
Most modern smartphones (iPhone, Android) purchased from Verizon are Global Ready. You can typically verify this through the My Verizon app by doing a "Global Ready Check" or by checking your device specifications online.
How to call Verizon customer service while I'm abroad?
You can call Verizon's International Support at +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply). Verizon also provides a list of toll-free numbers for international support from landlines in many countries on their website.
How to check my international data usage with TravelPass?
You can view your international data usage directly within the My Verizon app under your plan details or by accessing the "International Usage" section. This will show you how much data you've used within your current TravelPass session.
How to disable TravelPass after my trip?
You don't necessarily need to disable TravelPass. Since you're only charged on days you use your device in a TravelPass country, if you don't use your phone internationally, you won't be charged. However, if you wish to remove it, you can do so via the My Verizon app or website.
How to activate international calling from the U.S. to another country?
International calling from the U.S. is different from international roaming. Many Verizon Unlimited plans include unlimited international texting from the U.S. to over 200 countries, and some offer discounted or unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada. For other international calling, you can add an International Long Distance plan or be charged per-minute rates.
How to get unlimited data when traveling internationally with Verizon?
With TravelPass, you get unlimited data, but speeds are typically reduced after a certain high-speed allowance (e.g., 0.5GB or 5GB) within a 24-hour session. The International Monthly Plan offers a larger high-speed data allowance (e.g., 20GB) before speeds are reduced. Some premium plans like Unlimited Ultimate include a higher monthly high-speed international data allowance.
How to manage my Verizon account while traveling internationally?
You can manage your Verizon account, including adding or removing international plans, checking usage, and viewing billing, through the My Verizon app or the My Verizon website, provided you have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or international data).
