Traveling internationally is an incredible experience, but staying connected with loved ones and managing business calls shouldn't add to the stress. If you're a Verizon customer, you're in luck! Verizon offers a variety of global calling options to keep you connected, whether you're making calls from the US to another country or using your phone while traveling abroad.
Are you ready to unlock the world with your Verizon phone? Let's dive in!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using global calling with Verizon, from understanding your plan options to making calls and troubleshooting common issues.
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| How To Use Global Calling Verizon |
Step 1: Determine Your Global Calling Needs
Before you do anything else, it's crucial to understand how and where you'll be using international calling. This will dictate the best and most cost-effective solution for you.
Sub-heading: Are you calling from the US to another country?
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Occasional calls to a few countries? You might be fine with pay-as-you-go rates, but be aware they can be expensive.
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Frequent calls to one specific country? A dedicated international calling plan like Verizon's "Global Choice" could save you a lot of money.
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Frequent calls to multiple countries, including Mexico and Canada? Plans like "Global Calling" or "Global Calling Plus" might be more suitable.
Sub-heading: Are you traveling outside the US and want to use your phone there?
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Short trips (a few days to a week or two)? TravelPass is often the most convenient option, allowing you to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data for a daily fee.
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Longer trips (nine days or more)? A monthly international plan might be more economical.
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Cruising or flying? There are specific daily passes for these scenarios.
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Do you need international data, or just talk and text? Your data needs will influence your plan choice.
Step 2: Check Your Device's Global Readiness
Not all phones are created equal when it comes to international travel. Verizon offers "Global Ready" or "World Devices" that are compatible with international networks (GSM/LTE and sometimes CDMA, though GSM/LTE are more common globally).
Sub-heading: How to perform a Global Ready Check:
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Open the My Verizon App: This is often the quickest way.
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Navigate to the Device Tab: Look for a section related to your device.
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Select "Global Ready Check" or "International Ready Check": You might need to enter your destination.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts: The app will confirm if your device is compatible and recommend plans.
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Alternatively, use the Verizon Wireless Trip Planner: Visit
verizonwireless.com/tripplanner
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
Step 3: Choose the Right Verizon Global Calling Plan
Verizon offers several options for international calling, each designed for different usage patterns.
Sub-heading: Plans for Calling from the US to Other Countries:
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Global Calling:
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Cost: $5/month per line.
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Benefits: Unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada, plus discounted rates to over 220 other countries.
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Ideal for: Those who frequently call North America and occasionally other destinations at a lower rate.
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How to add: Text "Global" to 4004, or add via the My Verizon app/website.
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Global Choice:
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Cost: $10/month per line.
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Benefits: Choose one specific country and get a bundle of minutes (up to 300 minutes, depending on the country). After your allowance, you get discounted rates to that country. Also offers low rates to 220+ other destinations.
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Ideal for: Users who primarily call one specific international destination regularly.
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How to add: Text the keyword for your chosen country (e.g., "India" for India) to 4004, or add via the My Verizon app/website. Note: Unlimited Ultimate domestic plans may include one Global Choice country for free.
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Global Calling Plus:
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Cost: $15/month per line.
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Benefits: Unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles in 40+ destinations, and discounted calls to an additional 190+ countries.
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Ideal for: Those who need broad international coverage for frequent calls to many different countries.
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How to add: Text "Plus" to 4004, or add via the My Verizon app/website.
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Sub-heading: Plans for Using Your Phone While Traveling Abroad (International Roaming):
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TravelPass:
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Cost: $6/day in Canada and Mexico, $12/day in 210+ other countries. You are only charged on the days you use your phone abroad.
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Benefits: Use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances (with high-speed data limits, then reduced speeds).
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Ideal for: Short trips, as it offers convenience and predictability. A 24-hour session starts automatically when you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data.
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How to add: Text "TRAVEL" to 4004, or add via the My Verizon app/website. TravelPass is often automatically added to Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans.
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Important Note: Background data usage (app refreshes, syncing, software updates) can trigger a TravelPass session, so be mindful of your settings.
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$100 International Monthly Plan:
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Cost: $100/month per line.
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Benefits: Unlimited data (with 20 GB high-speed, then 3G speeds), unlimited text messaging, and 250 minutes of international calling.
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Ideal for: Longer trips (9 days or more) where extensive data and calls are needed.
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How to add: Add via the My Verizon app or website.
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Cruise Daily Pass & In-flight Daily Pass:
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Cost: $20/day per line.
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Benefits: Specific data, talk, and text allowances while onboard participating cruises or flights.
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Ideal for: Staying connected while at sea or in the air.
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Step 4: Prepare Your Device Settings for International Use
Once you've chosen your plan, a few crucial device settings need to be checked or adjusted.
Sub-heading: Enable Data Roaming:
This is critical for your phone to connect to networks in other countries and for TravelPass to activate.
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For iOS (iPhones):
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Go to Settings.
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Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
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Tap Cellular Data Options.
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Ensure Data Roaming is turned On.
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You may also want to check "Voice Roaming."
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For Android devices:
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Go to Settings.
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Tap Connections or Network & Internet.
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Tap Mobile networks.
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Ensure Data Roaming is turned On.
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Some Android devices may automatically prompt you to "Allow Global Data" upon arrival.
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Sub-heading: Voicemail Setup for International Access:
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Before you travel, it's wise to set up your voicemail for international access. Typically, you'll need to set a password for your voicemail.
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To check voicemail while abroad: Dial +1 followed by your 10-digit mobile number. If this doesn't work on a particular network, try using Visual Voicemail or dial 1-845-613-8700 and follow the prompts.
Step 5: Making International Calls
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
The dialing format depends on whether you're calling from the US to another country, or while traveling abroad.
Sub-heading: Calling from the US to an International Number:
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For most countries (outside North American Numbering Plan):
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Dial 011 (this is the international exit code from the US).
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Enter the Country Code of the destination.
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Enter the Area Code (if applicable) and the Local Phone Number.
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Press Call. Example: To call a number in France (Country Code 33), you would dial 011-33-XXXXXXXX.
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For Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and many Caribbean countries (North American Numbering Plan):
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Simply dial 1 + Area Code + 7-digit Phone Number. This is treated like a domestic long-distance call. Example: To call a number in Canada, you would dial 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.
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Sub-heading: Calling While Traveling Outside the US:
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To call back to the US:
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On a smartphone, press and hold "0" until the "+" symbol appears (this automatically inserts the international exit code for the country you're in).
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Enter 1 (the US country code).
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Enter the 10-digit US phone number.
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Press Send. Example: To call a US number while in France, you would dial +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.
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To call a local number within the country you are visiting:
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Dial the "+" symbol (by holding down "0" on most smartphones).
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Enter the Country Code of the country you are in.
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Enter the Local Phone Number (including area code, if applicable).
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Press Send. Example: If you are in Germany (Country Code 49) and want to call a local German number, you would dial +49-XXXXXXXXX.
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To call a number in a third country (not the US, not your current location):
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Dial the "+" symbol.
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Enter the Country Code of the third country.
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Enter the Area Code (if applicable) and the Local Phone Number.
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Press Send. Example: If you are in Germany and want to call a number in the UK (Country Code 44), you would dial +44-XXXXXXXXXXX.
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Step 6: Monitor Your Usage and Costs
Staying on top of your usage can prevent unexpected charges.
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My Verizon App/Website: You can check your unbilled international usage directly through the My Verizon app or website. Navigate to your international plan page and look for "View plan details and usage."
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Usage Alerts: Verizon often sends free text message alerts when you trigger a TravelPass session or approach data/minute limits on monthly international plans.
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Wi-Fi Calling: Whenever possible, use Wi-Fi Calling to make calls over a Wi-Fi network. This uses your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances and can bypass international roaming charges. Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled in your phone's settings and your Verizon account before you travel.
Step 7: Troubleshooting and Support
Even with the best preparation, issues can arise.
Sub-heading: Common Troubleshooting Tips:
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Restart your device: This simple step can often resolve connection issues and help your phone register with local networks.
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Verify Roaming Settings: Double-check that data roaming is enabled in your phone's settings.
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Check Network Selection: Your device should automatically choose a global network, but if you're having trouble, you can try manually selecting a network in your phone's cellular settings (refer to your device manual for specific instructions).
Sub-heading: Contacting Verizon Customer Support While Abroad:
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Verizon offers 24/7 customer support for international travelers.
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From your Verizon Wireless device (GSM/LTE Network): Dial +1-908-559-4899. This call is generally toll-free from your Verizon device.
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From a landline phone (if your device is lost/stolen/malfunctioning):
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Find the toll-free number for the country you're in on Verizon's international support page. You'll typically be prompted to enter your 10-digit mobile number.
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If a toll-free number isn't available, dial +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply from a landline).
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Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Verizon phone is compatible with international networks?
You can check your device's compatibility by using the "Global Ready Check" feature in the My Verizon app or by visiting Verizon's Trip Planner tool at
How to enable data roaming on my Verizon phone for international travel?
Go to your phone's "Settings," then "Cellular" (iOS) or "Connections"/"Network & Internet" (Android), select "Cellular Data Options" or "Mobile networks," and ensure "Data Roaming" is turned on.
How to add a Global Choice plan to my Verizon account?
You can add a Global Choice plan by texting the keyword for your chosen country (e.g., "India," "UK," "Germany") to 4004, or by adding it through the My Verizon app or website.
How to use TravelPass with my Verizon phone when traveling abroad?
TravelPass activates automatically when you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data in a TravelPass-eligible country. You only pay for the days you use it. Ensure data roaming is enabled on your device. You can text "TRAVEL" to 4004 to add it to your line.
How to call the US from a foreign country using my Verizon phone?
From your smartphone, press and hold "0" until the "+" symbol appears, then dial "1" (US country code) followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
How to call a local number in the country I'm visiting with my Verizon phone?
Press and hold "0" until the "+" symbol appears, then enter the country code of your current location, followed by the local phone number.
How to check my international data usage on Verizon?
Log in to the My Verizon app or website, go to your international plan page, and select "View plan details and usage" under your device.
How to reduce international calling costs with Verizon?
Consider adding an international calling plan like Global Calling, Global Choice, or Global Calling Plus if you make frequent calls. When traveling, use TravelPass or Wi-Fi Calling whenever possible, and consider VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype over Wi-Fi.
How to access my Verizon voicemail while overseas?
Dial +1 followed by your 10-digit mobile number. Ensure you have set up a voicemail password before you leave the US. If issues arise, try using Visual Voicemail or calling 1-845-613-8700.
How to contact Verizon customer support if I have problems while traveling internationally?
From your Verizon Wireless device on a GSM/LTE network, dial +1-908-559-4899. If you need to call from a landline, check Verizon's support website for toll-free numbers in the country you're visiting, or dial +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply).
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