Staying Connected Abroad: Your Ultimate Guide to Verizon TravelPass
Are you planning an exciting international adventure? Whether it's a bustling city escape, a relaxing beach vacation, or an important business trip, staying connected with loved ones and colleagues is often a top priority. But how do you avoid those notoriously high international roaming charges? Enter Verizon TravelPass – a convenient and cost-effective solution designed to let you use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations worldwide.
Ready to unlock seamless connectivity on your next journey? Let's dive into this step-by-step guide to mastering Verizon TravelPass!
Step 1: Are You Ready for Your Global Adventure?
Before you even think about packing your bags, let's make sure TravelPass is the right fit for you and your travel plans!
A. Understand What TravelPass Is: Verizon TravelPass is essentially an extension of your existing domestic plan. Instead of paying per minute, per text, or per MB of data, you pay a daily fee to use your phone's regular allowances. This means you can call, text, and use data just like you would at home, within the limits of your domestic plan.
B. Check Your Eligibility: Most Verizon postpaid plans are eligible for TravelPass. If you have an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan, TravelPass might even be automatically added to your line! For other plans, you'll need to manually add it. Prepaid customers also have a version called Prepaid TravelPass.
C. Know the Costs: The daily fee for TravelPass varies by destination:
$6/day in Canada and Mexico
$12/day in over 200 other TravelPass countries and destinations
Important Note: You're only charged on the days you actually use your device in a TravelPass country. If you don't make a call, send a text, or use data on a given day, you won't be charged.
D. Countries Covered: TravelPass covers a vast majority of popular international destinations. To be absolutely sure your destination is covered, visit the Verizon International Trip Planner on their website or app. This tool is incredibly helpful for confirming compatibility and understanding rates.
Step 2: Activating Your TravelPass – Don't Leave Home Without It!
This is a crucial step! You need to activate TravelPass before you leave the US to ensure a smooth experience.
A. Choose Your Activation Method: Verizon offers a few convenient ways to add TravelPass to your line:
My Verizon App: This is often the easiest and most recommended method.
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Depending on your plan, tap the Mobile or Home tab.
If prompted, enter your password, fingerprint, or Face ID.
From the device section, tap the current plan arrow next to the desired phone number.
From the 'More for your account' section, select International plans.
Tap Add new plan. If a plan is already active, tap Change plan.
If prompted, select Travel plan then tap Next.
Follow the on-screen guide through the International Trip Planner to confirm your destination(s) and travel dates, then tap Next.
From the 'Your int'l plans' screen, tap Edit next to the number then select TravelPass.
Confirm your selection. Changes may take up to 15 minutes to appear on your account.
My Verizon Website:
Sign in to My Verizon on a web browser.
From the left menu, select Features.
In the TravelPass section, select Learn More.
Review the compatibility and info, then select I agree to the Terms and Conditions to continue.
Select Enable TravelPass.
Review the account changes and select Confirm.
Text Message:
Simply text the word TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone. Follow the prompts to complete the activation.
B. Confirm Activation: After adding TravelPass, you should receive a confirmation text message from Verizon. Keep this message as proof of activation.
Step 3: Device Settings – Preparing Your Phone for International Roaming
Even with TravelPass active, your phone needs to be set up correctly to connect to international networks.
A. Enable Data Roaming: This is absolutely essential! Without data roaming enabled, your phone won't be able to connect to a foreign network and trigger TravelPass.
For iOS (iPhone):
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
Make sure Data Roaming is turned On.
While you're here, also check Voice Roaming and ensure it's turned On.
For Android:
Steps may vary slightly depending on your Android device and version. Generally, you'll go to Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) > Mobile network (or Cellular networks).
Look for an option like Data roaming or Roaming and ensure it's enabled. Your device may even prompt you to "Allow Global Data" upon arrival.
B. Consider Background App Refresh: Background data usage can trigger a TravelPass session even if you're not actively using your phone. To avoid unintended charges:
Disable Background App Refresh (iOS): Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it Off for apps you don't need constantly updating.
Restrict Background Data (Android): In app settings, you can often restrict individual apps from using background data.
C. Wi-Fi Calling (Highly Recommended!): Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection, without using your TravelPass daily allowance. This is particularly useful for longer conversations or when you want to conserve your high-speed data.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling: Go to your phone's settings (usually under "Phone," "Cellular," or "Connections") and enable Wi-Fi Calling.
Test it before you go! Make a call over Wi-Fi while in the US to ensure it's working correctly.
When connected to Wi-Fi abroad, your phone should indicate "Wi-Fi Call" or a similar notification.
Step 4: Arriving at Your Destination – What to Expect
You've landed! Now it's time to put TravelPass into action.
A. Network Connection: Upon arrival, your phone should automatically try to connect to a local partner network. This might take a minute or two. If you experience issues, try turning your device off and back on again. This often helps re-register your phone on the international network.
B. Welcome Text Message: You'll typically receive a welcome text message from Verizon shortly after connecting. This message will confirm that TravelPass is active for that country and provide details about the daily fee, data allowances, and dialing instructions. You'll also receive a text letting you know when your 24-hour TravelPass session ends, approximately two hours after it begins.
C. Using Your Device: Once connected and TravelPass is active:
Calls: Dial just like you would domestically for calls within the TravelPass country you're in, or back to the US. For calls to other international numbers, you might need to use specific dialing codes (usually
+followed by the country code and number).Texts: Send and receive texts as usual.
Data: Browse the web, use social media, check emails – your domestic data allowance applies. Remember, TravelPass usually includes 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, after which speeds may be reduced to 3G. You can purchase additional high-speed data if needed.
Step 5: Managing Your TravelPass Usage – Stay in Control
Keeping an eye on your usage can help you avoid unexpected charges.
A. Track Your Sessions: A 24-hour TravelPass session starts automatically when you make or answer a phone call, send a text, or use data in a TravelPass country. Background data usage (like app content refreshing or software updates) can also trigger a session.
B. High-Speed Data Allotment: TravelPass typically includes 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session. If you hit this limit, you'll receive a text offering the option to purchase additional 2 GB of high-speed data for $5 (Canada/Mexico) or $10 (other countries).
C. Multi-Country Travel: If you travel to multiple TravelPass countries within a single 24-hour session, you're generally only charged for one session (the rate of the first country you used service in, or the highest daily fee if rates differ). However, if you enter a country with a different TravelPass daily fee, a new session might start.
D. Returning Home: You don't need to remove TravelPass when you return to the US. It stays on your line, and you'll only be charged again the next time you use your mobile device outside of the US.
Step 6: Troubleshooting and Tips for a Smooth Journey
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go as planned.
A. No Service?
Restart your phone: A simple reboot can often resolve connectivity issues.
Manually select a network: If your phone isn't connecting automatically, you can try manually selecting a network in your phone's cellular settings.
Check coverage: Ensure Verizon has a partner network in your specific location.
B. Unexpected Charges?
Review your bill: Look for detailed usage information.
Contact Verizon Support: If you believe there's an error, reach out to Verizon customer service. Be prepared to provide details of your travel and usage.
C. Conserving Data:
Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks at your hotel, cafes, or public hotspots to save your TravelPass data.
Download content offline: Download maps, movies, and music before you travel to avoid using data abroad.
Turn off app updates: Prevent apps from automatically updating over cellular data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Verizon TravelPass
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to help you navigate your international connectivity.
How to activate Verizon TravelPass?
You can activate TravelPass via the My Verizon app, My Verizon website, or by texting TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone before you leave the US.
How to know if TravelPass is active on my line?
You'll typically receive a confirmation text message from Verizon after activating it. You can also check your international plan status in the My Verizon app or on the My Verizon website.
How to avoid accidental TravelPass activation?
Enable Wi-Fi Calling, disable cellular data on your Verizon line when you don't need it, turn off background app refresh, and consider disabling your eSIM or removing your physical SIM if you're using a local SIM or eSIM from another provider.
How to check my TravelPass data usage?
You can usually check your data usage through the My Verizon app or by logging into your My Verizon account online. Verizon will also send you text alerts when you're nearing your high-speed data limit.
How to make calls back to the US with TravelPass?
To call back to the US from abroad, typically dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US phone number. If calling a contact, ensure their number is saved with the +1 prefix.
How to get more high-speed data with TravelPass?
If you exceed your initial high-speed data allowance (typically 5 GB per 24-hour session), Verizon will send you a text offering to purchase an additional 2 GB for $5 (Canada/Mexico) or $10 (other countries) by replying "SPEED."
How to use TravelPass in multiple countries on the same trip?
TravelPass typically charges one daily fee even if you visit multiple TravelPass countries within a single 24-hour session, using the rate of the first country you used service in, or the highest applicable daily fee.
How to deactivate TravelPass after my trip?
You don't need to deactivate TravelPass. It remains on your account at no charge until you use it again internationally. Charges only apply on days you use your device in a TravelPass country.
How to check which countries are included in TravelPass?
Visit the Verizon International Trip Planner on the Verizon website or use the My Verizon app to check specific country coverage and rates.
How to contact Verizon customer support while abroad?
You can call Verizon customer support at +1-908-559-4899 from your Verizon phone while abroad. Toll charges may apply unless you're on Wi-Fi Calling. You can also chat with them online via the My Verizon app or website.