Traveling Internationally with Verizon: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide!
Dreaming of that European adventure? Planning a business trip to Asia? Before you pack your bags and set off, let's talk about keeping you connected with Verizon! Switching your Verizon service to international use isn't just about showing up and hoping for the best. It requires a bit of planning to ensure you have reliable service without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right plan to troubleshooting on the go.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Roam? Check Your Device & Destination!
Before you even think about plans or packing, let's confirm your phone is ready for its global debut!
Sub-heading: Device Compatibility – Is Your Phone a World Traveler?
Not all phones are created equal when it comes to international travel. Verizon primarily uses CDMA technology in the US, but many international networks use GSM or LTE.
"World Devices": Most modern smartphones purchased from Verizon are "World Devices," meaning they support both CDMA and GSM/LTE frequencies, making them compatible with international networks.
Older Devices: If you have an older phone, it's crucial to verify its international compatibility. You can typically do this through your My Verizon account online, or by calling Verizon customer service.
eSIM Capability: Newer phones often support eSIM, which is a digital SIM card. This can be incredibly useful for international travel, as it allows you to activate a local data plan without physically swapping your Verizon SIM card. Consider if your device has this feature!
Sub-heading: Destination Check – Where in the World Are You Going?
Verizon offers international services in over 210 countries and destinations. However, coverage and plan options can vary.
Verizon's Trip Planner: Verizon has an excellent online "Trip Planner" tool. Don't skip this! Simply input your destination(s), and it will tell you what plans are available and what kind of coverage to expect. This is the most important step to confirm what's possible for your specific trip.
Specific Coverage: While many popular destinations are covered by standard international plans, remote areas or specific cruise routes might have different pricing or limited service. The Trip Planner will highlight these nuances.
Step 2: Choosing Your International Connectivity Plan – Don't Get Caught Off Guard!
This is where you decide how you want to stay connected. Verizon offers several options, each with its own benefits and costs.
Sub-heading: TravelPass – The Flexible Daily Option
How it Works: TravelPass is often the easiest and most popular option for shorter trips. It allows you to use your existing domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances for a daily fee.
You're only charged on days you use your device in a TravelPass country. This means if you spend a day exploring without using your phone for calls, texts, or data, you won't be charged for TravelPass that day.
A 24-hour session begins automatically when you make or receive a call, send a text, or use data.
Costs:
$6/day in Canada and Mexico. (Note: Many Unlimited plans now include Canada and Mexico roaming at no extra cost, so double-check your current plan!)
$12/day in over 210 other countries and destinations.
Data Allowance: You get unlimited data, though speeds may be reduced after a certain high-speed allowance (typically 5GB) within each 24-hour session. You can often purchase additional high-speed data if needed.
Adding TravelPass:
Text TRAVEL to 4004: This is the quickest way to add TravelPass to your line.
My Verizon App/Website: Log into your My Verizon account, go to the international page, and select "Add new plan."
Automatic for some Unlimited Plans: TravelPass is automatically added to lines with certain Unlimited plans like Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome. Verify this for your specific plan.
Sub-heading: International Monthly Plan – For Longer Stays
Ideal For: This plan is best suited for longer trips, typically 9 days or more, or if you anticipate heavy usage.
Costs: Around $100 per month per line.
What's Included:
Unlimited data (usually with a high-speed allowance, e.g., 20 GB, then at 3G speeds).
Unlimited text messaging.
A set number of calling minutes (e.g., 250 minutes). Overages may apply for additional minutes.
Activation: You can choose a 1-month plan or set it to renew monthly for extended travel. Activate via My Verizon.
Sub-heading: Cruise Daily Pass & In-flight Daily Pass – Staying Connected While Traveling
Cruise Daily Pass: Designed for use onboard participating cruise ships.
Cost: Approximately $20/day per line.
Includes: Unlimited data (with a high-speed allowance like 0.5 GB), unlimited calls to the US, and unlimited texts.
You only pay on days you use your phone at sea.
In-flight Daily Pass: For staying connected on participating international flights.
Cost: Around $20/day per line.
Includes: Unlimited 3G data where service is available.
Verizon usually sends you a text onboard to add this plan if it's available.
Sub-heading: Pay As You Go – The High-Cost Default
Warning: If you do not add an international plan, or if you travel to a country not covered by TravelPass or the International Monthly Plan, you will be charged Pay as you go rates.
These rates are expensive! They are charged per minute for calls, per text message sent, and per MB of data used. Avoid this if at all possible. For example, data can be $2.05/MB, and calls can range from $0.99 to $2.99 per minute depending on the country.
Step 3: Preparing Your Device for Departure – Settings to Adjust
Once you've chosen your plan, it's time to tweak your phone settings for seamless international use.
Sub-heading: Enable Data Roaming
Critical Step: This is absolutely essential for your phone to connect to international networks for data. If it's off, your phone won't be able to use data abroad, even if you have an international plan.
How to do it:
iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
Android: Steps vary slightly by device, but generally go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile networks > Data roaming and toggle it ON.
Important Note: Turning on data roaming will not automatically incur charges if you have TravelPass, as you're only charged when you actively use services. However, background data can trigger a TravelPass session, so be mindful of app refreshes and updates.
Sub-heading: Optimize Data Usage
Even with unlimited data on TravelPass or a monthly plan, the high-speed allowance is limited.
Disable Background App Refresh: Go to your phone's settings and turn off background app refresh for apps you don't absolutely need updating in the background.
Download Offline Content: Download maps (Google Maps allows this!), movies, music, and e-books before you leave to reduce data consumption abroad.
Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible: Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks at your hotel, cafes, or public hotspots to save your high-speed cellular data.
Low Data Mode: Enable "Low Data Mode" on your iPhone (Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Low Data Mode) or similar data saver features on Android to reduce data usage by apps.
Sub-heading: Understand Wi-Fi Calling
Benefit: Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection, even if you don't have cellular service.
Cost Implications:
Calls to US numbers: If you're using Wi-Fi Calling and calling a US phone number, it's generally free, even while traveling internationally.
Calls to non-US numbers: Wi-Fi calls to a country other than the US will be charged international long-distance rates, regardless of your international travel plan.
Activation: Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your device (usually in your phone settings under "Phone" or "Connections").
Step 4: Making Calls & Sending Texts Abroad – Dialing Etiquette
Dialing internationally can be a bit different than in the US.
Sub-heading: Calling Back to the US
The "+" symbol: This is your best friend! Press and hold "0" on your keypad until the "+" appears. This automatically inserts the international exit code for the country you're in.
US Country Code: After the "+", enter 1 (the US country code).
10-Digit Number: Finally, dial the 10-digit US phone number.
Example: To call a US number (555) 123-4567, you would dial +1-555-123-4567.
Sub-heading: Calling Within the Country You're Visiting
If you're calling a local number within the country you're visiting, you typically dial it as you would if you were a local, without the "+" or country code, unless the number specifically requires a regional or city code.
Tip: When saving contacts, saving them with the full international dialing format (e.g., +[Country Code][Area Code][Local Number]) is often best practice, as your phone will usually handle the correct dialing whether you're home or abroad.
Sub-heading: Sending Text Messages
Standard Method: Generally, you can send texts as you normally would. For numbers outside your current country, include the "+" and the country code. For numbers within the country you're visiting, just use the local number.
iMessage/RCS: If both you and the recipient have iPhones with iMessage enabled (or Androids with RCS), messages will send over data/Wi-Fi, potentially saving on text message charges if you were on a "Pay as you go" plan.
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Support While Abroad – When Things Go Sideways
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go as planned.
Sub-heading: Common Issues & Quick Fixes
No Service/Can't Connect:
Restart your device: A simple reboot often helps your phone connect to local networks.
Check network selection: Your phone should automatically choose a network. If not, you can manually select a network in your phone's settings (Settings > Cellular/Mobile Network > Network Selection/Operators). Be cautious with manual selection; usually automatic is best.
Verify data roaming is on: Double-check this critical setting.
Slow Data Speeds: This is common after exceeding your high-speed data allowance. If you need more speed, check if you can purchase additional high-speed data through My Verizon.
Can't Make or Receive Calls:
Check dialing format: Ensure you're using the correct international dialing codes.
Wi-Fi Calling: If cellular signal is weak, try connecting to Wi-Fi and using Wi-Fi Calling.
Sub-heading: Reaching Verizon Customer Support
International Support Hotline: Verizon offers 24/7 customer support while you're traveling abroad.
From your Verizon Wireless device (GSM/LTE network): Dial +1-908-559-4899.
From a landline phone (if your device isn't working): You can often dial a toll-free number for the country you're in (check Verizon's support site for a list), or dial +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply if not from a Verizon device or a toll-free number).
My Verizon App/Website: You can often manage your account, check usage, and access support articles directly through the My Verizon app or website, which might be helpful if you have Wi-Fi access.
Step 6: Post-Trip Review – What to Do When You Return
Review Your Bill: Carefully check your first bill after your international trip for any unexpected charges. If something looks incorrect, contact Verizon customer service.
Consider Future Travel: Did your chosen plan work well? Did you have enough data/minutes? Use your experience to inform future international travel decisions.
Remove Monthly Plans (if applicable): If you added a specific monthly international plan, remember to remove it if you don't want it to renew for subsequent months. TravelPass does not need to be removed, as you are only charged when you use it.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check if my Verizon phone is international-ready?
You can check your device's international compatibility by logging into your My Verizon account online and using their "Trip Planner" tool, or by contacting Verizon customer support. Most modern smartphones are "World Devices."
How to add TravelPass to my Verizon line?
You can easily add TravelPass by texting the word TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone, or by logging into your My Verizon account online or via the app and selecting "Add new plan" on the international page.
How to know if I'm being charged for TravelPass?
A 24-hour TravelPass session begins automatically when you make or receive a call, send a text, or use data in a TravelPass country. Verizon will usually send you a text message notification when a session starts and when it ends.
How to turn on data roaming on my iPhone?
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle the switch to the ON position.
How to turn on data roaming on my Android phone?
For most Android phones, navigate to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile networks > Data roaming and toggle it ON. (Specific steps may vary slightly by device manufacturer).
How to call the US from abroad using Verizon?
To call the US from an international location, press and hold "0" on your keypad until the "+" appears, then dial "1" (the US country code), followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
How to contact Verizon customer support while traveling internationally?
You can reach Verizon's International Support Team 24/7 by dialing +1-908-559-4899 from your Verizon Wireless device (on a GSM/LTE network). If your phone isn't working, you can try from a landline, but toll charges may apply.
How to reduce data usage while traveling internationally?
To reduce data usage, disable background app refresh, download maps and other content offline before your trip, use Wi-Fi whenever possible, and enable "Low Data Mode" (iPhone) or data saver features (Android).
How to use Wi-Fi Calling with Verizon when abroad?
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled in your phone's settings. When connected to Wi-Fi, calls to US numbers will typically be free, even internationally. Calls to non-US numbers will incur international long-distance rates.
How to check my international usage with Verizon?
You can monitor your unbilled international usage by logging into your My Verizon account online, navigating to the International plan page, selecting your device, and then choosing "View plan details and usage."