Traveling internationally is an incredible experience, but staying connected can sometimes be a puzzle. If you're a Verizon customer, their TravelPass feature is designed to make using your phone abroad seamless and stress-free. Forget the days of exorbitant roaming charges or hunting for local SIM cards; TravelPass allows you to use your existing talk, text, and data allowances from your domestic plan in over 210 countries and destinations.
But how exactly do you get it, use it, and make the most of it? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to mastering Verizon TravelPass!
Your Ultimate Guide to Earning and Using Verizon TravelPass
Step 1: Are You Ready to Roam? – Understanding TravelPass Basics
Before we jump into activation, let's ensure you understand what TravelPass is and if it's the right fit for your travel needs. This is crucial to avoid any unexpected charges!
What is Verizon TravelPass? TravelPass is an add-on service that allows you to use your existing Verizon domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances (including high-speed data) in supported international destinations for a daily fee. It's like taking your Verizon plan with you!
How much does it cost?
$6 per day in Mexico and Canada.
$12 per day in over 210 other TravelPass countries.
Important Note: You are only charged on days you actually use your device in a TravelPass country. If you don't make calls, send texts, or use data on a given day, you won't be charged. A 24-hour session begins automatically with the first usage (making/receiving a call, sending a text, or using data, including background data like app refreshes).
What's included in a daily session? You get unlimited talk, text, and a certain amount of high-speed data. While older information might state 0.5 GB, current information suggests 2 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session. After this high-speed allowance, your data speeds will be reduced to 3G speeds for the remainder of the 24-hour session. You can purchase additional 2GB high-speed data for $5 (Mexico/Canada) or $10 (other countries) if needed.
Is my device compatible? Most smartphones with HD Voice are compatible. Data-only devices on prepaid plans may not be. You can check compatibility on the My Verizon app or website.
Step 2: Checking Your Eligibility & Adding TravelPass to Your Line
Now that you understand the basics, let's see if your plan is eligible and how to add TravelPass.
Sub-heading: Eligibility Check
Most Postpaid Plans: Verizon TravelPass is generally available for most postpaid consumer and business plans.
Prepaid Plans: Prepaid TravelPass is also available for most prepaid smartphone plans.
Included with some Unlimited Plans: If you have certain Unlimited mobile phone plans like Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome, TravelPass might be automatically included on your line. Some older plans like 5G Get More or 5G Do More even provided a free TravelPass day each month!
Verizon Visa Card Benefit: If you're approved for the Verizon Visa Card, you get 2 TravelPass days per calendar year.
Sub-heading: How to Add TravelPass to Your Line
There are several convenient ways to enable TravelPass:
Via the My Verizon App (Recommended for ease):
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Navigate to the "Account" or "Manage" section.
Look for "International" or "Travel" options.
You should find a section for TravelPass. Select "Add new plan" or "Enable TravelPass."
Follow the on-screen prompts through the International Trip Planner. You may need to agree to terms and conditions.
Via the My Verizon Website:
Go to the Verizon website and sign in to your My Verizon account.
From the left-hand menu, select "Features" or "Plans."
Look for the "TravelPass" section.
Select "Learn More" or "Add new plan" and follow the prompts.
Text "TRAVEL" to 4004:
Simply open your messaging app and send the word TRAVEL to the short code 4004. Verizon will then guide you through the process via text messages to add TravelPass to your line. This is a quick and easy method if you're on the go!
Use the Verizon Trip Planner:
Visit Verizon's official International Trip Planner on their website. This tool helps you see available plans and pricing for your specific destination.
Important Tip: You don't need to remove TravelPass when you return home. It stays on your line, and you're only charged on days you use it internationally.
Step 3: Preparing Your Device for International Travel
Once TravelPass is added, a few crucial steps on your device ensure a smooth experience.
Sub-heading: Enable Roaming Settings
For iPhones:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Cellular.
Select Cellular Data Options.
Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON.
Also, ensure Voice Roaming is turned ON.
For Android Phones (Steps may vary slightly by model):
Go to Settings.
Tap on Network & internet or Connections.
Select Mobile networks.
Ensure Data roaming is turned ON.
Sub-heading: Understanding Background Data
Be aware that even background data (like app content refreshing, email syncing, or software updates) can trigger a 24-hour TravelPass session. To avoid unintentional charges, especially if you plan to rely solely on Wi-Fi, you might consider:
Turning off Cellular Data: This is the most effective way to prevent any cellular usage. You can then use Wi-Fi for internet access.
Disabling Roaming for Specific Apps: Some phones allow you to restrict data roaming for individual apps.
Using Wi-Fi Calling: If you need to make calls and have a stable Wi-Fi connection, enable Wi-Fi Calling on your device. Calls made over Wi-Fi will not trigger a TravelPass session and are billed as if you were in the US.
Sub-heading: SIM Card / eSIM Considerations
Physical SIM: Keep your Verizon SIM card in your phone. TravelPass works with your existing number.
eSIM (Dual SIM): If your phone supports eSIM and you plan to use a local eSIM for data while abroad, be extremely careful to manage your Verizon line's data roaming. Turning off cellular data for your Verizon line is critical. Some users even recommend deactivating the Verizon eSIM or removing the physical SIM entirely if you want zero chance of accidental TravelPass activation, but this means you won't receive calls or texts to your Verizon number unless on Wi-Fi Calling.
Step 4: Arriving at Your Destination & Staying Connected
You've landed! Here's what to expect and how to troubleshoot.
Automatic Connection: Your phone should automatically connect to a local partner network. This may take a few minutes.
Welcome Text: You'll receive a welcome text from Verizon confirming your TravelPass is active and providing details about the 24-hour session and your remaining TravelPass days (if applicable).
Troubleshooting Connection Issues:
If your phone doesn't connect, try turning it off and on again. This often helps your device register with the local network.
Manually select a network from your phone's cellular settings if automatic selection fails (Settings > Cellular > Network Selection or similar).
Contact Verizon International Support if issues persist (see FAQ for contact details).
Step 5: Managing Usage and Monitoring Charges
Staying on top of your usage can help you manage costs effectively.
Track Your Data:
Text Alerts: Verizon sends you text alerts when your high-speed data allowance is almost used up.
My Verizon App/Website: You can view your international usage details and charges in the My Verizon app or on the My Verizon website. Look under "Usage details" and then "TravelPass."
Purchase Additional High-Speed Data: If you need more high-speed data within a 24-hour session, Verizon will send you a text offering an additional 2 GB. Reply "SPEED" to accept. The cost is $5 in Mexico and Canada, and $10 in other TravelPass countries.
Monitor TravelPass Days: If you accrue free TravelPass days from your plan or Verizon Visa Card, you can view your "TravelPass bank" in the My Verizon app under "Your savings, rewards, and benefits" > "myAccess" > "Manage TravelPass days." You can also transfer these days to other eligible lines on your account.
Charge Notifications: Verizon typically sends alerts for international travel data usage when charges reach $250, $500, $1,000, and every $1,000 thereafter.
Step 6: When You Return Home
No need to do anything! TravelPass stays on your line, ready for your next adventure. You won't be charged unless you use your device in a TravelPass country again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Verizon TravelPass, starting with "How to":
How to check if TravelPass is active on my line?
You can check in the My Verizon app under your plan details or features, or by logging into the My Verizon website and looking at your line's active features. You can also text "TRAVEL" to 4004; Verizon will respond with your TravelPass status.
How to avoid being charged for TravelPass if I only want to use Wi-Fi?
The most reliable way is to turn off cellular data on your device while abroad. You can also consider removing your physical SIM card or deactivating your eSIM if you want to be absolutely sure, but this means you won't receive calls or texts to your Verizon number unless connected to Wi-Fi Calling.
How to make international calls with TravelPass?
With TravelPass, you can make unlimited calls within the country you're visiting and back to the US. To make calls, dial the "+" sign, followed by the country code, then the local number. For calls back to the US, dial "+1" then the 10-digit number.
How to get more high-speed data with TravelPass?
If you exceed your daily high-speed data allowance (usually 2 GB), Verizon will send you a text message offering an additional 2 GB for a fee ($5 in Mexico/Canada, $10 in other countries). Simply reply "SPEED" to the text to accept.
How to know which countries are supported by TravelPass?
Verizon TravelPass is supported in over 210 countries and destinations. You can find a comprehensive list on the Verizon website under their International Travel section or by using their Trip Planner tool.
How to contact Verizon Customer Service while abroad?
You can call Verizon's International Support Team by dialing +1-908-559-4899 from your Verizon device (standard international long-distance rates may apply if not on TravelPass or Wi-Fi).
How to tell if I have free TravelPass days available?
If you have a qualifying Unlimited plan or the Verizon Visa Card, you may accrue free TravelPass days. You can check your "TravelPass bank" in the My Verizon app by going to the "Me" tab, scrolling to "Your savings, rewards, and benefits," and tapping "myAccess," then "Manage TravelPass days."
How to transfer TravelPass days to another line on my account?
If you have accrued TravelPass days, the Account Owner or Account Manager can transfer them via the My Verizon app. Go to your TravelPass bank, tap "Manage," then "Reassign" next to the day you wish to transfer, and select the eligible line.
How to compare TravelPass with other international options from Verizon?
Verizon offers other international plans, such as a $100 International Monthly Plan (which includes 20 GB high-speed data, unlimited text, and 250 minutes) and Pay-as-You-Go rates. TravelPass is generally ideal for shorter trips (under ~9 days), as it charges only on days of usage, making it more cost-effective than the monthly plan for brief travel. Pay-as-You-Go rates are typically very expensive and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
How to make sure TravelPass doesn't accidentally activate from background data?
The most foolproof method is to enable Airplane Mode and then manually turn on Wi-Fi only when you need internet access. Alternatively, ensure cellular data for your Verizon line is turned off in your phone's settings when you're not intentionally using it for cellular connectivity.
