Thinking of reaching out to friends, family, or business associates in Japan from your Verizon phone? You're in luck! Verizon offers several ways to make international calls, and understanding the costs involved can save you from unexpected charges. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step.
The Land of the Rising Sun is Calling! Are You Ready?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of costs, let's get you set up for success. Have you ever considered how you'll be calling Japan? Will you be in the US, making a call to Japan, or will you be in Japan, trying to connect with someone back home or elsewhere? This distinction is absolutely crucial, as Verizon offers different plans and rates for each scenario.
Let's explore your options!
Step 1: Identify Your Calling Scenario: Calling FROM or TO Japan?
This is the most critical first step. Your cost structure will differ significantly depending on whether you are:
Sub-heading 1.1: Calling FROM the US TO Japan
This scenario means you are physically in the United States and want to make a call to a landline or mobile phone number located in Japan.
Sub-heading 1.2: Calling FROM Japan (Traveling Abroad)
This scenario means you are traveling in Japan and want to use your Verizon phone to make calls (either back to the US, within Japan, or to another international destination).
Once you've determined your scenario, proceed to the relevant section below.
Step 2: Understanding Costs When Calling FROM the US TO Japan
If you're in the US and need to dial Japan, Verizon has several international calling plans to help you manage costs. Without a plan, "Pay As You Go" rates can be quite high.
Sub-heading 2.1: Verizon's International Calling Plans (for calls FROM the US)
These plans are designed to give you discounted or bundled minutes for calls made from the US to international destinations.
Global Choice
This is often the most suitable option if Japan is your primary international calling destination.
Cost: $10 per line per month.
What you get: 180 minutes per month to call Japan.
After allowance rate: If you exceed the 180 minutes, calls to Japan will be charged at a discounted rate of $0.05 per minute.
Bonus: You also get discounted calls to over 220 other countries.
How to add: You can add Global Choice through the My Verizon app, My Verizon online, or by texting the keyword "Japan" to 4004.
Global Calling
This plan is more for general international calling with a focus on North America, but still offers discounted rates.
Cost: $5 per line per month.
What you get: Unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada, plus discounted calls to over 220 countries.
Rate to Japan (after plan discount): While not explicitly stated as a fixed minute bundle for Japan, this plan generally provides discounted rates for calls to Japan. Expect it to be lower than the Pay As You Go rate.
How to add: Can be added through the My Verizon app or online.
Global Calling Plus
For those who need extensive international calling to many countries.
Cost: $15 per line per month.
What you get: Unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries.
Rate to Japan (after plan discount): Japan is not typically listed as one of the "unlimited" countries for mobile or landline calls under this plan. However, you will receive discounted calls to an additional 160+ countries, starting at $0.05 per minute, which would apply to Japan.
How to add: Text "PLUS" to 4004 or sign in to My Verizon.
Sub-heading 2.2: Pay As You Go Rates (Calling FROM the US Without a Plan)
If you don't add an international calling plan, you will be charged per minute at standard international long-distance rates.
Cost to Japan: Verizon's standard Pay As You Go rate for calls to Japan is typically $1.79 per minute. This can quickly add up, so a plan is highly recommended for any significant calling.
Step 3: Understanding Costs When Calling FROM Japan (Traveling Abroad)
If you're taking your Verizon phone with you to Japan, you'll be dealing with international roaming. Verizon offers several options to manage these costs.
Sub-heading 3.1: Verizon TravelPass
This is the most common and often most convenient option for shorter trips.
Cost: $12 per day per line. You are only charged on the days you use your device in a TravelPass country.
What you get: Unlimited talk, text, and data from your domestic plan allowances.
Data Speed: You get 0.5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, then unlimited data at 3G speeds. If you need more high-speed data, an additional 0.5 GB costs $10.
Calls: Unlimited calls to the US and within Japan. If you call a country other than the US or Japan, you're charged as if you were in the US and called that country (i.e., international long-distance rates apply, or you can use an International Calling plan for those calls).
Texts: Unlimited texts.
How it works: A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically starts when you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data in a TravelPass country (Japan is included).
To add: Text "TRAVEL" to 4004 or add it via the My Verizon app or My Verizon online.
Sub-heading 3.2: International Monthly Plan
Ideal for longer trips (9 days or more) to provide more structured usage.
Cost: $100 per line per month.
What you get:
Unlimited data (with 20 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds). Overages for data are $20/GB.
Unlimited text messaging.
250 minutes of talk time. Overages for calls are $0.25 per minute.
How to add: Can be added through the My Verizon app or online.
Sub-heading 3.3: Pay As You Go Roaming (in Japan without a plan)
This is the most expensive option and should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
If you do not add TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan when traveling in Japan, you will be charged per minute, per text message, and per MB of data used.
Voice Calls: Approximately $1.79 per minute.
Sent Text Messages: $0.50 per message.
Received Text Messages: $0.05 per message.
Data: Approximately $2.05 per MB. This can be incredibly expensive, as even basic smartphone functions can use a lot of data quickly.
Sub-heading 3.4: Unlimited Ultimate Plan (Newer Plans)
Some of Verizon's newer "myPlan" Unlimited options, such as the Unlimited Ultimate plan, include international roaming benefits.
Cost: This plan itself is Verizon's most expensive unlimited domestic plan (e.g., $90/line for one line, becoming more affordable with multiple lines).
What you get: This plan can include unlimited international data, talk, and text when traveling in 210+ countries (including Japan), with 15GB of high-speed data per month, then unlimited 2G speeds. It also includes unlimited international talk & text from the US to Mexico and Canada, and up to 300 minutes to call one country of your choice from the US (like Japan, via Global Choice).
Consideration: If you are a frequent international traveler, this plan might be cost-effective in the long run, as it bundles many international features. However, for a single trip, a dedicated travel plan might be more economical.
Step 4: Making the Call: Dialing Instructions
Once you have your plan sorted, knowing how to dial correctly is essential.
Sub-heading 4.1: Dialing Japan FROM the US
To call a number in Japan from your Verizon phone in the US:
Dial 011 (the international access code for the US).
Then dial 81 (the country code for Japan).
Then dial the area code (omit the leading '0' if there is one) and the local phone number.
Example: To call a Tokyo landline (area code 3, 8-digit number 1234-5678): 011-81-3-1234-5678
Sub-heading 4.2: Dialing While IN Japan (Roaming)
If you are using TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan while in Japan:
To call a Japanese number (within Japan): Dial the local area code and phone number directly (e.g., 03-1234-5678 for Tokyo).
To call a US number: Dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US phone number (e.g., +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX). Using the "+" symbol is usually the easiest way to dial internationally from a mobile phone.
To call another international number: Dial + followed by the country code, then the area code (if applicable), and the local number.
Step 5: Monitor Your Usage
Even with a plan, it's wise to keep an eye on your usage to avoid surprises.
Sub-heading 5.1: My Verizon App
The My Verizon app is your best friend for monitoring usage. You can easily see your talk minutes, text messages, and data usage in real-time.
Sub-heading 5.2: Text Notifications
Verizon often sends free text message notifications to alert you when you trigger TravelPass, when your 24-hour TravelPass session is about to end, or when you reach certain usage thresholds on monthly international plans. Pay attention to these alerts!
Step 6: Consider Alternatives (Especially for Data)
While Verizon offers convenient international options, sometimes alternatives can be more cost-effective, particularly for data.
Sub-heading 6.1: Wi-Fi Calling
When connected to Wi-Fi, you can often make calls back to the US at no extra charge. This is an excellent way to save money, especially for longer conversations. Just ensure your device and plan support Wi-Fi Calling.
Sub-heading 6.2: Local SIM Cards or eSIMs
If your phone is unlocked and supports it, purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM upon arrival in Japan can be a much cheaper alternative for data and local calls.
Pros: Often provides significantly more data for less money, local Japanese number for convenience.
Cons: You'll have a different phone number while using the local SIM/eSIM, which might be inconvenient for receiving calls to your primary Verizon number. You may also need to forward calls if you want to receive them.
Sub-heading 6.3: VoIP Apps (WhatsApp, Google Voice, Skype, etc.)
These apps use data (Wi-Fi or cellular) to make calls and send messages. If you have a data plan (TravelPass, International Monthly Plan, local SIM/eSIM, or Wi-Fi), using these apps can be very cost-effective, as the calls are usually free or very low cost within the app ecosystem.
FAQs: How to Get the Most Out of Your Verizon International Calling
Here are 10 common questions related to calling Japan on Verizon, with quick answers:
How to check if Japan is covered by Verizon TravelPass?
Yes, Japan is one of the 210+ countries included in Verizon's TravelPass program. You can also confirm by visiting the TravelPass countries list on the Verizon website.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add an international calling plan through the My Verizon app, by logging into your account on the Verizon website, or by texting the specific plan keyword (e.g., "TRAVEL" for TravelPass, "JAPAN" for Global Choice to Japan) to 4004.
How to avoid high costs when traveling to Japan with Verizon?
The best way is to activate a plan like TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan before you travel. Alternatively, consider using Wi-Fi calling, a local SIM/eSIM, or VoIP apps for communication.
How to make a call to a Japanese mobile number from the US on Verizon?
Dial 011, then 81 (Japan's country code), then the Japanese mobile number (usually starts with a 7, 8, or 9).
How to use Wi-Fi Calling to Japan on Verizon?
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your device (usually in phone settings under "Cellular" or "Connections"). When connected to Wi-Fi, calls to US numbers are generally free. Calls to Japan via Wi-Fi Calling would typically fall under your international calling plan or Pay As You Go rates, but check Verizon's specific Wi-Fi Calling terms.
How to check my remaining minutes or data on an international plan?
Log into the My Verizon app or your account on the Verizon website to monitor your usage in real-time. Verizon also sends text notifications for TravelPass sessions.
How to get discounted calls to Japan from the US on Verizon?
Enroll in the Global Choice plan for Japan ($10/month for 180 minutes) or the Global Calling plan ($5/month for discounted rates).
How to know if my Verizon phone will work in Japan?
Most modern smartphones are compatible with international networks. Verizon generally uses GSM technology, which is widely used globally, including in Japan. Ensure your device is "world device" capable.
How to cancel an international calling plan on Verizon?
You can usually remove or deactivate international calling plans through the My Verizon app or website's "Manage Features" or "Add-ons" section for your line.
How to get unlimited international calls from the US to Japan on Verizon?
While no single plan offers truly "unlimited" calls specifically to Japan from the US, the Unlimited Ultimate domestic plan includes 300 minutes to a chosen country (like Japan) as part of its benefits. Alternatively, the Global Choice plan for Japan offers 180 minutes, which is a significant bundle.
