It's fantastic that you're looking to connect with friends and family across the globe! Making international calls with Verizon can seem a little daunting at first with all the different codes and plan options, but I promise, it's simpler than you think. Let's break it down step-by-step to ensure your next international conversation is clear, easy, and affordable.
Understanding the Global Connection: Your Gateway to International Calling
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp the basics of international dialing. Think of it like a series of gates you need to pass through. First, you exit your current country's network, then you enter the destination country's network, and finally, you reach the specific phone. Each "gate" requires a specific code.
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| How To Make International Calls Verizon |
Step 1: Confirm Your Current Verizon Plan's International Capabilities
This is the most critical first step to avoid any unexpected charges. Are you already set up for international calling, or do you need to add a plan? Let's find out!
Sub-heading: Checking Your Existing Plan
For Postpaid Customers:
My Verizon App: Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone. Navigate to "Plans" or "Account" to see your current features and add-ons. Look for sections related to "International" or "Travel."
My Verizon Website: Log in to your My Verizon account on a computer. Go to the "Plans & Devices" section, then "Manage Plan" or "Add-ons" to review your current international features.
Call Customer Service: If you're unsure or prefer speaking to someone, dial *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone. A representative can quickly tell you what international calling options are included with your plan.
For Prepaid Customers:
My Verizon App/Website: Similar to postpaid, check your prepaid account details for any international add-ons.
Prepaid International Calling Page: Verizon has a dedicated page for prepaid international calling. Check there for details on your plan's included features.
Sub-heading: Understanding Verizon's International Calling Options
Verizon offers a variety of plans to suit different international calling needs. Knowing these will help you choose the most cost-effective option.
Global Calling ($5/month): This is a great starting point if you frequently call Mexico and Canada, as it includes unlimited calls to these countries. It also offers discounted rates to over 220 other countries.
Global Calling Plus ($15/month): For those who make more frequent and widespread international calls, this plan offers unlimited calls from the U.S. to landline phones in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries. It also provides discounted rates to an additional 190+ countries.
Global Choice ($10/month): This option is perfect if you mostly call one specific country. You can select a bundle of minutes for a fixed monthly fee.
TravelPass ($6 or $12/day): While primarily for traveling abroad, TravelPass allows you to use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries. If you're traveling and need to make calls back to the U.S. or to other countries while abroad, this is a very convenient option. You only pay on days you use your phone internationally.
International Monthly Plan ($100/month): Ideal for longer trips (9 days or more), this plan offers unlimited data (with a high-speed allowance), unlimited text messaging, and 250 minutes.
Pay As You Go: If you don't have an international plan or are calling a country not covered by your plan, you'll be charged per minute, per text, and per MB of data. Be warned: these rates can be very high! Always try to opt for a plan if you anticipate significant international usage.
Step 2: Choosing the Right International Calling Plan (If Needed)
Based on your calling habits from Step 1, it's time to select the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Sub-heading: Adding an International Plan to Your Account
My Verizon App/Website: The easiest way to add an international plan is through your My Verizon account online or via the app. Look for "Add-ons," "International Plans," or "Manage Features."
Text to Add: Verizon often allows you to add specific plans by texting a keyword to 4004. For example, texting "GLOBAL" for Global Calling or "PLUS" for Global Calling Plus. Check Verizon's official international calling pages for the most up-to-date keywords.
Customer Service: If you encounter any issues or prefer guided assistance, call Verizon Customer Service.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Step 3: Mastering the Dialing Format
This is where many people get tripped up. The format for dialing an international number from the U.S. is specific and crucial.
Sub-heading: The Universal Dialing Sequence
For most international calls from the U.S., you'll follow this structure:
011 + Country Code + City Code (if applicable) + Local Phone Number
Let's break down each component:
011: This is the International Direct Dialing (IDD) prefix or exit code for calls originating from the United States. It tells Verizon's network that you're making an international call.
Pro Tip for Smartphones: On most smartphones, you can simply press and hold the "0" key until a "+" symbol appears. This "+" symbol automatically acts as the international exit code, making dialing even easier, especially when you have contacts saved with the international format. So, you can dial: + Country Code + City Code (if applicable) + Local Phone Number.
Country Code: Every country has a unique numerical code. For example, the country code for the United Kingdom is 44, for India it's 91, and for Germany it's 49. You must include this code.
City Code/Area Code: Many countries have city-specific or regional codes that come after the country code and before the local number. For instance, if you're calling a landline in London, you'd need the city code for London after the UK country code. Be careful not to include a leading "0" if the city code usually starts with one when dialing domestically within that country.
Local Phone Number: This is the actual phone number of the person or business you're trying to reach within that country and city.
Sub-heading: Special Cases: North America and the Caribbean
Calls to Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and many Caribbean countries follow a simpler dialing pattern, similar to a domestic long-distance call within the U.S.:
1 + Area Code + Local Phone Number
These countries are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which simplifies dialing between them and the U.S.
Sub-heading: Examples to Illustrate
Calling a landline in London, UK:
Using 011: 011 44 20 XXXX XXXX (where 44 is the UK country code, 20 is the London city code, and X's are the local number)
Using +: +44 20 XXXX XXXX
Calling a mobile phone in India:
Using 011: 011 91 XXXXXXXXXX (where 91 is the India country code, and X's are the 10-digit mobile number)
Using +: +91 XXXXXXXXXX
Calling a number in Toronto, Canada:
Using 1: 1 416 XXX XXXX (where 1 is the NANP code, and 416 is the Toronto area code)
Using +: +1 416 XXX XXXX
Step 4: Finding Country and City Codes
Don't have all the codes memorized? No problem! There are several reliable ways to find them.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
Sub-heading: Reliable Sources for Codes
Verizon's Official Website: Verizon provides comprehensive lists of country codes and even specific dialing instructions for many countries on their international calling support pages. This is your first and best resource.
Online Search Engines: A quick search for "country code [country name]" or "city code [city name] [country name]" will yield results from various reputable sources.
International Dialing Code Websites: There are many websites dedicated to providing global dialing codes. A few popular ones include CountryCode.org or HowtoCallAbroad.com.
Your Contact's Information: Often, if someone gives you their international number, they'll include the country code (and sometimes the city code) at the beginning, usually preceded by a "+".
Step 5: Making the Call and Monitoring Usage
You've got your plan, you've got the number, now let's make that call!
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Sub-heading: Placing the Call
Open your phone's dialer.
Enter the full international dialing sequence (either
011 + Country Code + City Code + Local Numberor+ Country Code + City Code + Local Number).Press the call button.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations During the Call
Time Zones: Always be mindful of the time difference to avoid calling at inconvenient hours for the recipient.
Call Quality: International calls can sometimes experience slight delays or variations in quality compared to domestic calls.
Wi-Fi Calling: If you have Wi-Fi Calling enabled on your device and are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network, calls back to the U.S. from overseas are often free. However, calls to other international numbers via Wi-Fi Calling might still incur charges based on pay-as-you-go rates, even if you have an international plan. Always check Verizon's specifics for Wi-Fi calling and international rates.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your International Usage
My Verizon App/Website: Regularly check your usage details in the My Verizon app or on the website. This allows you to track minutes used for international calls and avoid unexpected overages, especially if you're on a plan with limited international minutes or paying per minute.
Usage Alerts: Verizon often sends alerts when you reach certain usage thresholds for international calls or data while traveling. Make sure these alerts are enabled in your account settings.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here's what to do if you encounter problems.
Sub-heading: Common International Calling Problems and Solutions
"Call Cannot Be Completed As Dialed":
Check the Dialing Format: Double-check that you've entered the
011(or+), country code, city code, and local number correctly. A single wrong digit can prevent the call from connecting.Missing City Code: Ensure you haven't forgotten a necessary city or area code.
Incorrect Country Code: Verify the country code.
Number Changed: The recipient's number might have changed.
High Unexpected Charges:
Review Your Plan: Did you activate the correct international plan before making the calls?
Pay-As-You-Go Rates: You might be on pay-as-you-go rates if your plan doesn't cover the specific country or if you exceeded included minutes.
Wi-Fi Calling Misunderstanding: Remember that Wi-Fi calling to international numbers (other than the U.S.) might still incur charges.
Poor Call Quality or Dropped Calls:
Network Congestion: International calls can be subject to network congestion, especially during peak hours in either country.
Signal Strength: Ensure you have strong cellular signal. If you're in a low-signal area, try moving to a different location.
Device Issues: Restart your phone. If the issue persists, try troubleshooting your device settings or contact Verizon support.
Cannot Hear Recipient or They Cannot Hear You:
Volume Settings: Check your phone's volume.
Speakerphone/Headphones: Try switching between speakerphone and handset, or using/removing headphones.
Network Issues: This could be a temporary network glitch. Try redialing.
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Sub-heading: Contacting Verizon Support for International Issues
If you've tried troubleshooting and still have problems, don't hesitate to reach out to Verizon's International Support Team.
From your Verizon phone (while in the U.S.): Dial *611.
From any phone (while in the U.S.): Dial 1-800-922-0204.
While traveling internationally: Dial +1-908-559-4899 (this call is free from your Verizon Wireless phone). Verizon also provides specific toll-free numbers for international support from various countries on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find the country code for a specific country?
You can find country codes on Verizon's official support pages for international calling, by doing a quick online search for "country code [country name]", or by checking international dialing code websites like CountryCode.org.
How to use the "+" symbol for international calls on my smartphone?
On most smartphones, simply press and hold the "0" key on your dialer until the "+" symbol appears. This "+" acts as the international exit code, eliminating the need to dial "011".
How to know if my current Verizon plan includes international calling?
Check your My Verizon app or log in to your My Verizon account online under the "Plans" or "Add-ons" section. You can also call Verizon Customer Service by dialing *611 from your Verizon phone.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add an international calling plan through the My Verizon app or website under "Add-ons" or "Manage Features," or by texting a specific keyword (like "GLOBAL" or "PLUS") to 4004.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
How to call Canada or Mexico from the U.S. with Verizon?
For Canada and Mexico, simply dial "1" followed by the area code and the 7-digit local number (e.g., 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX). These countries are part of the North American Numbering Plan.
How to avoid high international calling charges with Verizon?
Always add an international calling plan (like Global Calling, Global Calling Plus, or Global Choice) before making significant international calls. Avoid "Pay As You Go" rates unless absolutely necessary, as they are typically much more expensive.
How to check my international calling usage on Verizon?
You can monitor your international calling usage by logging into your My Verizon app or website. Navigate to the "Usage" or "International" section to see your call details and minutes used.
How to call a mobile number in Mexico from the U.S. with Verizon?
For Mexican mobile numbers, you'll generally dial "011" (or "+"), then "52" (Mexico's country code), followed by the 10-digit mobile number including its area code.
How to troubleshoot if my international call isn't connecting?
First, verify the dialing format: 011 (or +), country code, city code (if applicable), and local number. Ensure all digits are correct and that you haven't missed a city code. If problems persist, restart your phone or contact Verizon Customer Service.
How to get support from Verizon while traveling internationally?
While traveling abroad, you can call Verizon's International Support Team for free from your Verizon Wireless phone by dialing +1-908-559-4899. Alternatively, check Verizon's website for country-specific toll-free support numbers.
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