Travel Smarter: Your Comprehensive Guide to Adding Verizon TravelPass
Are you planning an exciting international adventure? Don't let costly roaming charges put a damper on your trip! Staying connected while abroad is essential, whether it's for navigating new cities, sharing your experiences with loved ones, or handling urgent matters. That's where Verizon TravelPass comes in, offering a convenient way to use your phone just like you do at home.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, imagine this: You land in a new country, turn on your phone, and bam! – you're instantly connected, without a moment of panic about a sky-high bill. Sounds pretty good, right? Let's make that a reality.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Roam? Checking Your Eligibility
First things first, let's confirm if TravelPass is the perfect fit for your upcoming journey.
Check Your Current Plan: TravelPass works with most Verizon postpaid plans. If you have an unlimited plan, particularly Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome, you might even have some TravelPass days included or discounted as a perk! For prepaid plans, there's a specific Prepaid TravelPass.
Verify Your Device: Most smartphones and even some tablets are compatible. Make sure your device is a "World Device," meaning it's capable of connecting to international networks.
Destination, Destination, Destination! TravelPass covers over 210 countries and destinations worldwide. While this covers most popular travel spots, it's crucial to verify if your specific destination is included. You can usually find a comprehensive list on Verizon's official TravelPass page or by using their online Trip Planner.
Self-check: Take a moment to think about your travel plans. Where are you going? How long will you be there? These details will help you determine if TravelPass is the most cost-effective option for you.
Step 2: Activating TravelPass: Your Options for Seamless Connectivity
Verizon offers several straightforward ways to add TravelPass to your line. Choose the method that's most convenient for you!
Sub-heading: Option A: The Easiest Way – Texting "TRAVEL"
This is often the quickest and most popular method.
Open your messaging app.
Compose a new message.
In the "To" field, enter 4004.
In the message body, type "TRAVEL" (without quotes).
Send the message!
What happens next? You'll typically receive a confirmation text from Verizon, letting you know that TravelPass has been added to your line. This method is incredibly convenient as you don't need to log into any accounts.
Sub-heading: Option B: Through the My Verizon App
The My Verizon app provides a comprehensive way to manage your account, including international plans.
Download and Open the My Verizon App: If you don't have it already, download the My Verizon app from your device's app store.
Log In: Sign in with your Verizon account credentials (username and password).
Navigate to Your Plans/Account: The exact path might vary slightly based on the app version, but generally look for sections like "Plan," "Account," or "Devices."
Select Your Line: If you have multiple lines on your account, select the specific line for which you want to add TravelPass.
Find International Plans: Look for an option like "International plans," "Manage International," or "Travel."
Add a New Plan (or Change Existing): You'll likely see an option to "Add new plan" or "Change plan" if you have an existing international plan.
Choose "Travel Plan" and Follow Prompts: Select "Travel Plan" and then proceed through the on-screen guide. This will usually involve confirming your destination(s) and travel dates.
Confirm Activation: Review the details and confirm the addition of TravelPass.
Sub-heading: Option C: Using the My Verizon Website
For those who prefer a desktop or laptop, the My Verizon website is equally effective.
Go to the My Verizon Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Log In to Your Account: Enter your username and password to log in.
Access Your Account Overview: Once logged in, you'll be on your account overview page.
Find International Travel: Look for a section related to "International Travel," "Manage International Services," or "Add-ons."
Select "Add new plan" or "Change plan": Similar to the app, you'll find options to manage your international plans.
Follow the International Trip Planner: Verizon's website often features an "International Trip Planner" tool. Use this to select your destination(s) and dates, and it will recommend the appropriate TravelPass option.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the details and confirm the activation.
Step 3: Device Settings: Preparing for International Use
Once TravelPass is added, there's one crucial step to ensure it works seamlessly when you land.
Sub-heading: Enable Data Roaming
This is absolutely critical! If data roaming is turned off, your phone won't connect to international networks, and TravelPass won't activate.
For iPhones:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Cellular (or Mobile Data).
Tap on Cellular Data Options.
Toggle Data Roaming to On.
For Android Phones (Steps may vary slightly by model):
Go to Settings.
Tap on Network & Internet (or Connections).
Tap on Mobile Network (or Cellular Networks).
Toggle Roaming or Data Roaming to On.
Sub-heading: Power Cycle Your Device
It's a good practice to power your device off and then back on after making any changes to your network settings, especially when you arrive in a new country. This helps your phone register with the local network.
Step 4: Understanding How TravelPass Works Abroad
Now that you've got TravelPass activated, let's understand how it operates once you're overseas.
Automatic Activation: A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically begins when you use your device in a TravelPass country. This includes making or answering a phone call, sending a text, or using data (even background data like app refreshes or email syncing).
Daily Fee:
$6/day in Canada and Mexico
$12/day in other TravelPass countries
Important Note: You are only charged on the days you use your device in a TravelPass country. If you don't use your phone for a day, you won't be charged!
What's Included:
Unlimited Talk: Make calls within the country you're visiting and back to the U.S.
Unlimited Text: Send and receive unlimited text messages.
High-Speed Data: You typically get a generous allowance of high-speed data (e.g., 5GB/day) before speeds are reduced to 3G for the remainder of that 24-hour session. You can often purchase additional high-speed data if needed.
Notifications: Verizon usually sends you a text message a couple of hours after a session begins, letting you know when your 24-hour TravelPass session will end. Using your device after that time will start a new session.
Sub-heading: Managing Your Usage and Avoiding Unwanted Charges
Turn off Data Roaming (or use Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi) if not needed: If you want to avoid a TravelPass charge for a particular day, simply turn off data roaming on your device or enable Airplane Mode and connect to Wi-Fi. As long as your phone doesn't actively connect to a cellular network for talk, text, or data, you won't be charged.
Background Data: Be mindful of background app refreshing, automatic updates, and email syncing, as these can trigger a TravelPass session even if you're not actively using your phone.
Dual SIM Devices: If your device has two mobile numbers (e.g., Dual SIM), ensure you understand which line is active for international use, as charges will apply per the international plan associated with each line.
Step 5: Returning Home: No Need to Deactivate!
One of the best features of TravelPass is its simplicity upon your return.
No Deactivation Required: There's no need to remove TravelPass from your line when you get back to the U.S. You won't be charged for TravelPass while you're in the United States. It simply remains on your account, ready for your next international adventure!
You've successfully mastered how to add and utilize Verizon TravelPass. Go forth and explore, staying connected every step of the way!
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about Verizon TravelPass, answered quickly:
How to check if my destination is covered by Verizon TravelPass?
You can check covered countries and rates by visiting the "International Travel" section on the My Verizon website or app, or by using their Trip Planner tool.
How to know when my TravelPass session starts and ends?
A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically starts with your first qualifying usage abroad. Verizon typically sends a text notification two hours after a session begins, indicating when it will end.
How to get more high-speed data if I run out with TravelPass?
Verizon will usually send you a text offering to purchase an additional 2 GB of high-speed data if you reach your daily allowance, which you can accept by replying to the text.
How to avoid being charged for TravelPass on a particular day?
To avoid a daily charge, ensure your data roaming is turned off on your device, or simply keep your phone in Airplane Mode and use Wi-Fi only.
How to call a country other than the U.S. or the one I'm visiting while using TravelPass?
Calls to countries other than the U.S. or your current TravelPass country are charged as if you were making the call from the U.S., potentially incurring international long-distance rates.
How to check my unbilled international usage with TravelPass?
You can view your international usage details in the My Verizon app or on the My Verizon website under the "International plan" section for your device.
How to use Wi-Fi calling with TravelPass?
Wi-Fi calling is generally supported, and calls made over Wi-Fi when connected to a Wi-Fi network will typically not trigger a TravelPass session or incur charges.
How to retrieve voicemail while abroad with TravelPass?
To check your voicemail, dial your mobile number in the international format ( followed by your 10-digit number), then interrupt the greeting by pressing the '#' key and entering your password when prompted.
How to troubleshoot issues with TravelPass while traveling internationally?
You can contact Verizon's International Support Team by dialing from your device or a landline, available 24/7.
How to know if TravelPass is better than other international plans like the International Monthly Plan?
TravelPass is ideal for shorter trips (typically less than 9-10 days) or intermittent usage, as you only pay for the days you use it. For longer stays or consistent high usage, Verizon's International Monthly Plan ($100/month for 250 minutes, unlimited text, and high-speed data) might be more cost-effective.