Do you find yourself constantly reaching out to friends, family, or business associates across borders? Are you tired of unexpected international calling charges appearing on your Verizon bill? If so, then Verizon Global Choice might be your perfect solution! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and using Global Choice to stay connected with the world.
What is Verizon Global Choice?
Verizon Global Choice is an international calling plan add-on that allows you to make calls from the U.S. to a specific international country for a fixed monthly fee, providing a bundle of minutes. It's designed for individuals who frequently call one particular country and want predictable expenses. Beyond your chosen country, it also offers discounted rates to over 220 other destinations and often includes unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada.
Let's dive into the step-by-step process to get you started!
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| How To Set Up Global Choice Verizon |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Connect Globally? - Check Your Eligibility!
Before we jump into the setup, let's make sure Verizon Global Choice is the right fit for you and your current plan. This is a crucial first step to avoid any surprises!
Sub-heading: Verifying Your Plan Eligibility
Verizon Global Choice is available as an add-on to most current Verizon postpaid and prepaid monthly plans for smartphones and basic phones. While many plans are eligible, it's always best to confirm.
Current Postpaid Plans: If you're on a current Unlimited plan (like Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate), Global Choice can usually be added. Note that the Unlimited Ultimate plan actually includes one Global Choice country at no additional cost!
Prepaid Plans: Many Verizon prepaid monthly plans are also eligible. You can check your plan options in My Verizon. If your current prepaid plan isn't eligible, you might be able to switch to a current prepaid monthly plan that supports it.
Self-Check: Take a moment right now to log into your My Verizon account (either via the app or website) and navigate to your plan details. See if "Global Choice" or "International Calling" options are available for your line.
Step 2: Choosing Your Connection - Selecting Your Global Choice Country
Verizon Global Choice is unique in that you select one specific country to receive a dedicated bundle of minutes each month. This is ideal if you have a primary international calling destination.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Minute Allowances and Rates
The number of minutes you receive with Global Choice varies by country. For example, some countries might offer up to 180 or 300 minutes per month, while others may offer fewer, like 60 or 120 minutes. After you exceed your included minutes for that chosen country, you'll be charged a discounted per-minute rate, which also varies by country (often starting around $0.05 per minute).
Important: Make sure to check the specific minute allowance and overage rates for the country you intend to call most frequently. You can find this detailed information on the Verizon website's Global Choice page.
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Step 3: Activating Your Global Connection - Adding Global Choice to Your Line
There are a few convenient ways to add Global Choice to your Verizon line. Choose the method that's easiest for you!
Sub-heading: Method 1: Through the My Verizon App or Online
This is often the most straightforward method.
Log In: Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone or visit the My Verizon website (
www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon Navigate to Plans/Features: Look for sections like "Plan," "Add-ons," "Features," or "International Plans." The exact path might vary slightly based on your account type and recent app updates.
Select "Add New Plan" or "Change Plan": If you already have an international calling plan, adding Global Choice will likely replace it, so be mindful of any existing services.
Find Global Choice: Browse the available international calling options until you see "Global Choice."
Choose Your Country: You'll be prompted to select the specific country you want to include in your Global Choice plan.
Confirm and Activate: Follow the on-screen prompts to review the details, agree to the terms, and confirm the activation. You'll typically receive a confirmation message.
Sub-heading: Method 2: Texting a Keyword
For a quick setup, Verizon offers a convenient texting option for some countries.
Find the Keyword: Visit the Verizon Global Choice page on their website to find the specific keyword for your desired country. For example, to add Global Choice for India, the keyword might be "India."
Text to 4004: Open your messaging app and send the keyword (e.g., India) to the short code 4004.
Follow Prompts: You'll receive a reply with instructions to confirm your selection.
Sub-heading: Method 3: Calling Customer Service
If you prefer speaking to a representative or encounter any issues, Verizon's customer service is there to help.
Dial Verizon: From your Verizon Wireless device, dial *611. From any other phone, dial 1-800-922-0204 (while in the U.S.).
Request Global Choice: Inform the representative that you wish to add "Global Choice" to your line and specify the country you want to select.
Provide Account Details: Be prepared to verify your account information for security purposes.
Confirmation: The representative will guide you through the process and confirm the activation.
Pro Tip: If you're already traveling or plan to call outside the U.S. soon, also consider Verizon TravelPass, which offers daily access to your domestic plan allowances abroad. Global Choice is primarily for calls from the U.S. to other countries.
Step 4: Making Your International Calls - Dialing with Global Choice
Once Global Choice is set up, making international calls from the U.S. is straightforward.
Sub-heading: Standard Dialing Format
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
To call an international number with Global Choice active:
Dial 011 or Use the '+' Symbol: This is the international exit code from the U.S. On most smartphones, you can simply press and hold the '0' key to automatically produce a '+'. This is generally the preferred method as it automatically inserts the correct exit code.
Enter the Country Code: This is a unique code for each country (e.g., 91 for India, 44 for the United Kingdom, 52 for Mexico, 1 for Canada).
Enter the Area Code/City Code (if applicable) and Local Number: Input the rest of the phone number.
Example: To call a number in the United Kingdom, you would dial: +44 [area code] [local number] or 011 44 [area code] [local number].
Sub-heading: Calling Mexico and Canada
As mentioned, Global Choice often includes unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada. For these countries, you typically dial:
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+1 [area code] [local number] (for Canada and some Caribbean nations under the North American Numbering Plan)
+52 [area code] [local number] (for Mexico)
Remember: If you have contacts saved in your phone with the full international dialing format (e.g., + country code number), you usually don't need to add anything extra – your phone will handle it.
Step 5: Managing Your Global Choice - Monitoring and Adjusting
Staying on top of your usage and knowing how to make changes is key to maximizing your Global Choice benefits.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Minutes and Usage
My Verizon App/Website: Regularly check your usage in the My Verizon app or online. You'll typically find a section for international usage that shows how many Global Choice minutes you've used and how many are remaining.
Usage Alerts: Verizon may send you alerts when you're nearing or have exceeded your included minutes for your chosen country. Keep an eye on these notifications.
Sub-heading: Changing Your Global Choice Country
You can typically change your selected Global Choice country once per billing cycle. This flexibility is great if your international calling needs shift.
My Verizon App/Website: Follow a similar path as when you initially added Global Choice (Step 3). Look for options to "Change" or "Manage" your international calling plan.
Select New Country: Choose your new desired country from the available list.
Confirm Change: Review the changes and confirm. The change will usually take effect at the start of your next billing cycle.
Sub-heading: Removing Global Choice
If your international calling needs change and you no longer require Global Choice, you can remove it.
My Verizon App/Website: Navigate to your plan or features section.
Select "Remove Plan": Find Global Choice and choose the option to remove it.
Effective Date: You may be asked to select an effective date for the removal (e.g., immediately or at the end of your current billing cycle).
Confirm: Confirm the removal.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Conclusion: Stay Connected, Worry-Free!
Setting up Verizon Global Choice is a simple yet powerful way to stay connected with your loved ones and business contacts around the world without the stress of unpredictable international calling rates. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to seamless global communication!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Verizon Global Choice, along with quick answers:
How to check if my Verizon plan is eligible for Global Choice?
You can check your plan's eligibility by logging into the My Verizon app or website and navigating to your plan details or the "Add-ons" section. Most current postpaid and prepaid monthly plans are eligible.
How to select a specific country for Verizon Global Choice?
You select your desired country during the activation process, either through the My Verizon app/website, by texting a specific keyword for that country to 4004, or by speaking with a customer service representative.
How to dial international numbers with Verizon Global Choice?
From the U.S., dial '+' (by holding down '0' on your smartphone) followed by the country code, then the area code (if applicable), and finally the local number. Alternatively, you can dial 011 before the country code.
How to monitor my Global Choice minute usage?
You can monitor your minute usage for your Global Choice country through the My Verizon app or by logging into your account on the Verizon website. Look for "International Usage" details.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How to change my selected Global Choice country?
You can typically change your Global Choice country once per billing cycle through the My Verizon app or website by going to your international plan settings and selecting a new country.
How to remove Verizon Global Choice from my account?
You can remove Global Choice through the My Verizon app or website by navigating to your plan or features and selecting the option to remove the international calling plan.
How to know the per-minute rates after exceeding Global Choice allowance?
The per-minute rates after exceeding your allowance vary by country. You can find this detailed information on the Verizon website's Global Choice page or by using their International Calling search tool.
How to get unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada with Verizon Global Choice?
Global Choice usually includes unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada as part of the plan. No special steps are required beyond having Global Choice active.
How to contact Verizon customer service for Global Choice assistance?
You can contact Verizon customer service by dialing *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone while in the U.S.
How to ensure my device is "Global Ready" for international travel with Verizon?
While Global Choice is for calls from the U.S., if you plan to travel, ensure your device is Global Ready by checking the Verizon Trip Planner online or performing a "Global Ready Check" in the My Verizon app.
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