Preparing for Your Global Adventure: A Comprehensive Guide to Notifying Verizon of International Travel
So, you're planning an exciting international trip! Whether it's a relaxing beach getaway, a thrilling backpacking expedition, or an important business venture, staying connected is often a top priority. For Verizon customers, ensuring your phone works seamlessly and affordably while abroad requires a little preparation. Don't just hop on the plane and hope for the best! Unplanned international usage can lead to shockingly high bills. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of notifying Verizon of your international travel and setting yourself up for a stress-free mobile experience.
Step 1: Engage with Your Travel Itinerary (and Your Device!)
Before you even think about contacting Verizon, let's get organized! This initial step is crucial for making informed decisions.
Sub-heading: Know Your Destinations and Dates
Where are you going? List every country you plan to visit, even if it's just a layover. Different countries have different roaming rates and plan availability.
How long will you be there? The duration of your trip will significantly influence which international plan is most cost-effective. A weekend trip to Canada will likely have different needs than a month-long tour of Europe.
Sub-heading: Check Your Device's Global Readiness
Not all phones are created equal when it comes to international travel. Verizon primarily uses GSM and LTE networks for international roaming, so your device needs to be compatible.
Is your device a "World Device"? Most modern smartphones from Verizon (4G LTE or 5G capable) are "World Devices" and can connect to international networks. If you have an older CDMA-only device, it likely won't work outside of the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands.
Check your device's settings: Before you even leave, ensure data roaming is enabled on your device. This allows your phone to connect to foreign networks. You can usually find this in your phone's cellular settings. For specific instructions, Verizon's Device Troubleshooting Assistant can guide you.
Step 2: Research and Choose Your Verizon International Plan
Now that you know where and when you're going, and your device is ready, it's time to explore Verizon's international plan options. This is the most critical step in avoiding bill shock!
Sub-heading: Understanding Verizon's Core International Offerings
Verizon offers a few main ways to stay connected internationally:
TravelPass: The Daily Convenience
What it is: TravelPass allows you to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances for a daily fee. You're only charged on days you actually use your phone in a TravelPass-covered country.
Cost: Typically $12 per day per line in 210+ countries and destinations, and $6 per day per line in Canada and Mexico (though Canada and Mexico roaming is often included in many Unlimited plans).
Data: You generally get 5GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, then unlimited data at 3G speeds for the remainder of that session. You can often purchase additional high-speed data if needed.
Ideal for: Shorter trips, or for those who don't anticipate heavy daily usage but want the flexibility of their regular plan.
International Monthly Plan: For Longer Stays or Predictable Usage
What it is: This plan offers a set bundle of unlimited data (with a high-speed allowance), unlimited texts, and a certain number of calling minutes for a monthly fee.
Cost: Around $100 per month per line.
Data: Usually includes 20GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds.
Ideal for: Longer trips (9 days or more, where the monthly cost might be more economical than TravelPass), or for users who need a more predictable monthly cost.
Pay As You Go: The High-Risk Option (Generally Not Recommended!)
What it is: If you don't add any international plan, you'll be charged per minute for calls, per text message sent, and per MB of data used.
Cost: Extremely expensive! Data can be over $2.00 per MB, calls can be several dollars per minute, and texts can also incur charges.
Ideal for: Almost no one! This option is a recipe for a massive bill. Only consider this if you genuinely do not plan to use your phone for anything other than emergencies, and even then, be extremely cautious.
Sub-heading: Special Plans for Cruises and Flights
Cruise Daily Pass: For those on a cruise, this plan provides unlimited data (with a high-speed allowance), unlimited calls to the US, and unlimited texts for a daily fee while at sea.
In-flight Daily Pass: Stay connected on participating international flights with a daily pass offering unlimited 3G data.
Sub-heading: Utilize Verizon's Trip Planner
Verizon offers a fantastic online tool called the International Trip Planner. This is your best friend for determining the right plan and rates for your specific destinations.
Visit the Verizon International Travel Page: Go to the "International Travel" section on the Verizon website.
Enter your destination(s): Input the countries you'll be visiting.
Review the recommendations: The Trip Planner will show you which international plans are available for your chosen destinations and outline the associated costs. It will also confirm if your device is compatible.
Step 3: Activating Your Chosen International Plan
Once you've made an informed decision about which plan suits your needs, it's time to activate it. Do this before you leave the US!
Sub-heading: Activating via My Verizon (Recommended for Ease)
The My Verizon website and app are the most convenient ways to add an international plan.
Log in to My Verizon: Access your account either through the My Verizon app on your smartphone or by visiting the Verizon website (
www.verizon.com/myverizon Navigate to International Services: Look for a section related to "International" or "Manage International Services" under your account or plan details.
Select "Add new plan": Choose the international travel plan you've decided on (TravelPass, International Monthly Plan, etc.).
Follow the prompts: Confirm your line(s) and the start date for the plan.
Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message or email once the plan is successfully added to your account.
Sub-heading: Activating via Text Message (for TravelPass)
For TravelPass, there's an even quicker way to add it:
Text TRAVEL to 4004: Simply send "TRAVEL" to the short code 4004 from your Verizon wireless device. TravelPass will be automatically added to your line. Remember, you're only charged when you actually use your phone in a TravelPass country.
Sub-heading: Activating by Calling Customer Service
If you prefer speaking to a representative or have specific questions, you can always call Verizon Customer Service.
*Dial 611 from your Verizon Wireless device (while in the US).
Call 1-800-922-0204 from any phone (while in the US).
Inform the representative that you are traveling internationally and would like to add an international plan to your line. Be prepared to provide your travel dates and destinations.
Step 4: Double-Check and Prepare for Departure
You've selected and activated your plan – almost ready to go! A few final checks will ensure a smooth experience.
Sub-heading: Verify Plan Activation
Check My Verizon: After activating your plan, go back to My Verizon (app or website) and verify that the international plan is listed under your line's features.
Confirmation SMS/Email: Keep an eye out for any confirmation texts or emails from Verizon regarding your international plan.
Sub-heading: Understand Roaming Settings
Data Roaming: As mentioned earlier, ensure data roaming is turned on in your phone's cellular settings before you leave. Without it, your phone won't connect to international data networks.
Wi-Fi Calling: Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your device. When connected to Wi-Fi abroad, calls to the US using Wi-Fi Calling are typically treated as if you're making them from the US, often without international charges. However, calls to numbers in the country you are visiting or other international numbers via Wi-Fi Calling may still incur charges.
Voicemail: Understand how voicemail works internationally. Basic visual voicemail usually works, but check Verizon's international support guide for specific instructions on checking voicemail from abroad.
Sub-heading: International Dialing Codes
Familiarize yourself with international dialing conventions.
To call the US from abroad: Press and hold "0" on your keypad until the "+" appears, then enter "1" (US country code), followed by the 10-digit phone number.
To call within the country you're visiting or another international number: Use the appropriate international access code, country code, and local number.
Step 5: What to Do While Abroad
Even with preparation, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here's what to keep in mind while you're traveling.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Usage
Verizon Usage Alerts: Verizon sends data usage alerts when your international charges reach certain thresholds ($250, $500, etc.). Pay attention to these!
My Verizon App: Regularly check your unbilled international usage through the My Verizon app or website while abroad to stay on top of your data, call, and text consumption.
Turn off data when not in use: If you're concerned about data usage, especially background data, consider turning off cellular data when you don't actively need it and rely on Wi-Fi.
Sub-heading: Getting Support if Needed
Verizon International Support Hotline: Verizon offers 24/7 customer support while you are traveling abroad.
From a GSM or LTE Network: Dial +1-908-559-4899. (Toll charges may apply if calling from a non-Verizon phone or if a toll-free number isn't available for your current country).
Toll-Free Numbers (from landlines): Verizon provides specific toll-free numbers for many countries to reach their international support team from a landline. Check Verizon's International Support Guide PDF for a comprehensive list. For example, from India, you would dial 0008009190000.
Lost/Stolen Device: If your device is lost, stolen, damaged, or malfunctioning while abroad, use the international support numbers to report it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about international travel with Verizon, along with quick answers:
1. How to check if my Verizon phone will work in a specific country? Use Verizon's online International Trip Planner on their website, or check the "International Ready Check" feature in the My Verizon app.
2. How to activate TravelPass before my trip? Text "TRAVEL" to 4004 from your Verizon device, or add it through the My Verizon app or website under "Manage International Services."
3. How to avoid unexpected international charges? Always add an international plan like TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan. Avoid "Pay As You Go" rates unless absolutely necessary and with extreme caution. Turn off data roaming if you're not using an international plan or relying solely on Wi-Fi.
4. How to make calls back to the US while abroad with Verizon? Dial "+1" followed by the 10-digit US phone number. You can achieve the "+" by holding down "0" on your keypad.
5. How to check my international data usage while traveling? Access the My Verizon app or website, go to your International plan page, select your device, and then choose "View plan details and usage."
6. How to get more high-speed data if I run out of my TravelPass allowance? Verizon will typically send you a text message offering an option to purchase additional high-speed data for an extra fee.
7. How to contact Verizon customer support while outside the US? Dial +1-908-559-4899 from your mobile device, or find the specific toll-free number for the country you are in on Verizon's International Support Guide PDF and dial from a landline.
8. How to use Wi-Fi Calling to save money while abroad? Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your device. When connected to Wi-Fi, calls to the US are usually charged at domestic rates. Be aware that calls to other international numbers may still incur charges.
9. How to know if my unlimited plan includes Mexico and Canada roaming? Most Verizon Unlimited plans now include talk, text, and data roaming in Mexico and Canada at no extra cost. Check your specific plan details in My Verizon.
10. How to turn off data roaming on my phone to prevent charges? Go to your phone's Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data Options (or Data Roaming) and toggle the Data Roaming switch to "Off."
