Preparing for an international trip can be exciting, but the last thing you want is to be hit with a massive phone bill when you return! Staying connected while abroad is essential, whether for navigation, emergency contact, or simply sharing your adventures. Verizon offers several international plan options to ensure you're covered, but choosing the right one and setting it up properly is key.
So, are you ready to learn how to keep your Verizon phone working seamlessly on your next international adventure without breaking the bank? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Determine Your Needs and Destination
Before you even think about adding a plan, the first crucial step is to assess your travel plans and communication habits. Ask yourself:
Where are you going? Is it one country or multiple? Are you traveling to Canada or Mexico, which often have different rates?
How long will you be away? A weekend trip vs. a month-long backpacking adventure will require different solutions.
How much will you use your phone? Do you need constant data for maps and social media, or just occasional calls and texts? Are you a heavy talker, texter, or data user?
What kind of device do you have? Is it a "World Device" compatible with international networks? Most modern smartphones are, but it's always good to double-check.
Knowing these details will help you choose the most cost-effective and appropriate international plan from Verizon.
Step 2: Check Your Device Compatibility and Roaming Settings
Before you depart, ensure your device is ready for international use.
Sub-heading: Verify Your "World Device" Status
Most newer smartphones are "World Devices" and will work internationally. To confirm:
Open the My Verizon app.
Go to the "Device" tab.
Select "International Ready Check."
Enter your destination and follow the prompts.
If your device isn't compatible, you might need to consider upgrading or using a local SIM card (if your device is unlocked) or a Wi-Fi-only solution.
Sub-heading: Enable Roaming
This is a critical step! Even with an international plan, your phone won't connect to foreign networks if roaming is disabled.
For iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and ensure Data Roaming is turned On. You may also see a "Voice Roaming" option – turn that on too.
For Android: Steps vary slightly by device, but generally, go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Roaming and toggle it On. Some Android devices might automatically prompt you to "Allow Global Data" when you arrive at your destination.
Step 3: Explore Verizon's International Plan Options
Verizon offers a few primary international plan types to cater to different travel needs. Understanding these is key to making the right choice.
Sub-heading: TravelPass
This is Verizon's most popular and often recommended option for short trips.
How it works: For a daily fee, you can use your existing domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations.
Cost:
$6 per day per line in Canada and Mexico.
$12 per day per line in other TravelPass countries.
Key features:
Only charged on days you use it: A 24-hour session starts automatically when you make or receive a call, send a text, or use data in a TravelPass country. You are not charged if you don't use your phone on a particular day.
High-speed data: Includes 5GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, after which speeds are reduced to 3G.
No need to remove: You can leave TravelPass on your line, and you'll only be charged when you use it internationally.
Sub-heading: Monthly International Plans
Ideal for longer stays or for users who want a more predictable monthly cost.
International Monthly Plan ($100/month per line):
Data: Unlimited data (first 20GB at high speed, then 3G speeds).
Talk: 250 minutes.
Text: Unlimited texts.
Available in 210+ countries and destinations.
Global Choice ($10/line per month): Allows you to choose one country and get up to 300 minutes per month to call that country from the US, with reduced rates for other countries. (This is primarily for international long-distance calls from the US, not for travel roaming, but worth noting if your needs extend beyond travel).
Global Calling Plus ($15/line per month): Offers unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries. (Also primarily for calling from the US).
Sub-heading: Pay As You Go
This is the default if you don't add any international plan, and it's generally the most expensive option.
How it works: You're charged per minute for calls, per text message sent, and per megabyte of data used.
Rates (approximate and vary by country):
Data: Around $2.05/MB. This can quickly add up!
Talk: From $0.99/minute to $2.99/minute.
Text: $0.50 per sent message, $0.05 per received message.
Recommendation: Avoid Pay As You Go if you plan to use your phone at all, especially for data. A few minutes of data can easily cost more than a TravelPass daily fee.
Sub-heading: Special Plans (Cruise and In-Flight)
If your travel includes a cruise or international flights, consider these:
Cruise Daily Pass ($20-$30/day per line): Provides service when you're 12 miles or more from land on a participating cruise ship. Offers limited data, talk, and unlimited text.
In-flight Daily Pass ($20/day per line): For use on participating international flights. Offers unlimited 3G data, plus pay-per-minute talk and pay-per-message text.
Step 4: How to Add an International Plan to Your Verizon Account
There are several convenient ways to add an international plan.
Sub-heading: Using the My Verizon App (Recommended for convenience!)
This is often the quickest and easiest method.
Open the My Verizon app and sign in. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version.
Navigate to the Account tab, then select Plans.
If prompted, select the specific line you want to manage.
Look for "More for your account" and select International plans.
Tap Add new plan. If a plan is already active, you might see "Change plan."
If prompted, select Travel plan and then Next.
Follow the International Trip Planner guide to confirm your destination(s) and travel dates. This tool helps recommend the best plan for you.
From the "Your int'l plans" screen, tap Edit next to the desired line and select the plan (e.g., TravelPass).
Select the desired start date for the plan and tap Next.
Review the details and tap Confirm.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon Website
You can also manage your plans directly from your computer.
Go to Verizon's website (vzw.com) and sign in to your My Verizon account.
Navigate to My Plan > Manage International Services or search for "International Travel" in the support section.
You can use the Trip Planner tool (
vzw.com/tripplanner Select the plan you wish to add (e.g., TravelPass, International Monthly Plan) and follow the on-screen prompts to add it to your line.
Confirm the changes.
Sub-heading: Texting a Keyword
For TravelPass, this is a super quick option!
Simply text the word "TRAVEL" to 4004 from your Verizon phone.
You will receive a confirmation message.
Sub-heading: Contacting Verizon Customer Service
If you prefer speaking to someone or have complex needs, you can call Verizon.
While in the US: Dial *611 from your Verizon Wireless device, or call 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
While traveling abroad (24/7 support): Dial +1-908-559-4899. This is a toll-free number from a Verizon phone on a GSM or LTE network. If using a landline or a CDMA network, you might need to dial the country's exit code first (e.g., 00, 001, 011). Verizon also provides specific toll-free numbers for many countries.
Step 5: Before You Depart & While You're Away
A few final checks and tips can ensure a smooth experience.
Sub-heading: Final Checks Before You Leave
Double-check plan activation: Log into your My Verizon account or app to ensure the international plan is active on your line. Changes typically take up to 15 minutes to appear.
Download offline maps: Before you lose reliable internet, download maps of your destination on Google Maps or similar apps.
Download entertainment: Movies, music, and e-books can save data usage.
Inform your bank: Let your bank and credit card companies know your travel dates and destinations to prevent fraud alerts.
Sub-heading: Managing Usage While Abroad
Monitor data: Keep an eye on your data usage through the My Verizon app. If you have TravelPass, you'll get a text notification when your 24-hour session starts and when it's about to end.
Use Wi-Fi when available: Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible (hotels, cafes, airports) to save on cellular data.
Understand dialing:
Calling the US from abroad: Hold down "0" until "+" appears, then dial "1" (US country code) + 10-digit number.
Calling another country (not the one you're in, and not the US): Use the same + (international access code) followed by the country code and the number.
Calling within the country you're visiting: Dial the local number as you normally would.
Voicemail: To check voicemail, dial your own Verizon mobile number in international format (+1 followed by your 10-digit number). If that doesn't work, try calling +1-845-613-8700.
Troubleshooting: If you experience service issues, try turning your device off and on again. This often helps your phone re-register on the international network.
By following these steps, you can confidently add an international plan to your Verizon account and enjoy seamless connectivity during your travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my device's international compatibility with Verizon?
You can easily check your device's international compatibility by logging into the My Verizon app, going to the "Device" tab, and selecting "International Ready Check," then entering your destination. Most modern smartphones are compatible.
How to turn on data roaming on my phone before traveling internationally?
For iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and toggle "Data Roaming" to On. For Android devices, the path is generally Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Roaming, and then toggle it On.
How to know if TravelPass is the right plan for my trip?
TravelPass is ideal for short trips (up to a week or two) where you want to use your phone like you do at home, as you're only charged on the days you use it. For longer trips or very heavy usage, a Monthly International Plan might be more cost-effective.
How to avoid unexpected international charges on Verizon?
Always add an international plan like TravelPass or a Monthly International Plan. Avoid "Pay As You Go" rates, which can be extremely expensive. Turn off cellular data when not actively using it, and connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible.
How to check my international data usage while abroad with Verizon?
You can check your unbilled international usage by logging into the My Verizon app or website, navigating to the "International plan" page, selecting your device, and then choosing "View plan details and usage."
How to make a call back to the US when I'm traveling internationally?
To call the US from abroad, hold down "0" on your keypad until the "+" symbol appears, then dial "1" (the US country code), followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
How to contact Verizon Customer Service if I'm having issues abroad?
You can dial +1-908-559-4899 from your Verizon phone while traveling internationally for 24/7 support. This call is typically toll-free from a Verizon phone on a GSM or LTE network. Alternatively, you can find country-specific toll-free numbers on Verizon's international support page.
How to ensure my TravelPass doesn't keep charging me when I return home?
You don't need to remove TravelPass when you return home. It stays on your line but you are only charged on days you use your device in a TravelPass country. There's no charge when you're in the US.
How to get more high-speed data if I run out on TravelPass?
After using your initial 5GB of high-speed data with TravelPass, your speeds are reduced to 3G. While Verizon doesn't directly offer "top-up" data for TravelPass, you can usually start a new 24-hour session by using your phone again after the current session ends. For continuous high-speed needs, the Monthly International Plan might be better.
How to manage my international calls from the US to other countries?
If you're calling internationally from the US, you'll need an International Long Distance plan like Global Choice or Global Calling Plus. You can add these via the My Verizon app, website, or by texting specific keywords to 4004.
