Navigating the Globe with Verizon TravelPass: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide!
Hey there, future globetrotter! Are you planning an exciting adventure abroad and wondering how you'll stay connected without breaking the bank? Don't let international roaming fears hold you back! Verizon TravelPass is a fantastic solution that lets you use your existing Verizon plan's talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations for a flat daily fee. It's like taking your Verizon plan with you wherever you go!
Ready to unlock seamless connectivity on your next international trip? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your TravelPass Eligibility and Benefits
Before you pack your bags, let's confirm TravelPass is the right fit for you.
What is Verizon TravelPass?
Verizon TravelPass is an international roaming feature that allows you to use your domestic Verizon wireless plan allowances (unlimited talk, text, and a portion of your data) in eligible countries for a daily fee. This means you don't need to swap out your SIM card or buy a local plan for short trips!
Key Benefits of TravelPass:
Convenience: Use your own phone and number, just like at home.
Cost-Effective for Short Trips: Pay only on the days you actually use your device internationally.
Unlimited Talk & Text: Stay in touch with loved ones back home or make calls within your travel country without worrying about per-minute charges.
Generous Data Allowance: Get 5GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session, then unlimited data at 3G speeds.
Wide Coverage: Available in over 210 countries and destinations worldwide.
Is TravelPass Automatically Included?
If you have Verizon Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome mobile phone plans, TravelPass is automatically added to your line.
Certain older plans like 5G Get More* and 5G Do More* may offer a free TravelPass day each month.
If you have a Verizon Visa Card, you might get 2 TravelPass days per calendar year.
For other plans, you'll need to manually add it.
What Does It Cost?
$6 per day in Mexico and Canada. (Good news: some Unlimited plans include Canada and Mexico roaming at no extra cost, so check your plan details!)
$12 per day in other TravelPass countries.
You are only charged for a TravelPass session on days you use your device in an eligible country. A session starts automatically when you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data (even background data like app refreshing or email syncing). Each session lasts 24 hours.
Step 2: Confirm Your Device is "World Device" Ready
Most modern smartphones are "World Devices" and compatible with international networks. However, it's always a good idea to confirm.
Checking Device Compatibility:
Online Trip Planner: Visit the Verizon Wireless Trip Planner on their website (
vzw.com/tripplanner My Verizon App:
Open the My Verizon app.
Select the Device Tab at the top of the screen.
Choose International Ready Check.
Enter your destination and select "verify your device hardware."
If your device isn't a "World Device," you might need to upgrade or consider other options like a local SIM card or an international hotspot.
Step 3: Activating Verizon TravelPass (The "How-To" Part!)
Activating TravelPass is straightforward and can be done in a few ways. Choose the method that's most convenient for you!
Method 1: Using the My Verizon App (Recommended)
This is often the easiest and most visual way to manage your plan.
Ensure Your App is Up-to-Date: Make sure you have the latest version of the My Verizon app installed on your smartphone.
Sign In: Open the My Verizon app and sign in to your account. You might need to enter your password, use fingerprint, or Face ID.
Navigate to International Plans:
From the device section, tap the current plan arrow to the right of the desired phone number.
From the "More for your account" section, select International plans.
Add TravelPass:
Tap Add new plan. (If a plan is already active, you might see "Change plan" instead.)
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. Tap Next.
From the 'Your int'l plans' screen, tap Edit next to the desired line and then select TravelPass.
If necessary, select the date for the plan to start and then tap Next.
Review the changes and tap Confirm.
Method 2: Via the My Verizon Website
You can also manage your international plan directly from a web browser.
Sign In: Go to the My Verizon website (
www.verizon.com/myverizon Navigate to Features/Plans:
From the left menu, select Features.
Look for the TravelPass section.
Enable TravelPass:
Select Learn More.
Review the TravelPass compatibility and information.
Select I agree to the Terms and Conditions to continue.
Select Enable TravelPass.
Review the account changes and select Confirm.
Method 3: Texting "TRAVEL" to 4004
This is the quickest way to add TravelPass if you're already traveling or prefer a simple text command.
Simply text the word TRAVEL to 4004 from the Verizon phone number you wish to enable TravelPass on. You'll receive a confirmation text once it's added.
Important Note on Activation:
Changes may take up to 15 minutes to appear on your account.
Once TravelPass is on your line, you don't need to opt-in daily. It will automatically activate when you use your device in a TravelPass country.
There's no need to remove TravelPass when you return to the US, as you're only charged on the days you use it internationally.
Step 4: Preparing Your Device for International Travel
Once TravelPass is activated, a few crucial device settings need to be checked before you leave the country.
4.1 Enable Roaming and Cellular Data:
This is perhaps the most critical step. Your phone needs to be able to connect to international networks.
For iPhones:
Go to Settings.
Tap Cellular.
Tap Cellular Data Options.
Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON.
It's also a good idea to ensure Voice Roaming is ON.
For Android Phones (Steps may vary slightly by model):
Go to Settings.
Tap Connections or Network & Internet.
Tap Mobile Networks or Cellular Networks.
Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON.
Remember: A TravelPass session can be initiated by background data, even if you're not actively using your phone. This includes app content refreshing, email syncing, or device/app software updates. To avoid unintentional charges, keep data roaming off until you intend to use it, or manage your background app refresh settings.
4.2 Understanding International Dialing:
Calling within the visited country or back to the US: With TravelPass, you can call within the TravelPass country you're visiting and call back to the US without extra per-minute charges.
Calling other countries (not US or visited country): If you call a country other than the US or the one you're visiting, you're charged as if you were in the US and called that country. Consider adding an International Calling plan or using international calling pay-per-minute rates for this.
Dialing format:
When calling internationally (from abroad to the US or another country), always dial the plus sign (+) followed by the country code and then the number.
On most smartphones, you can hold down the '0' key until the '+' appears.
For calls back to the U.S., dial
+1followed by the 10-digit number.For contacts saved in your phone, ensure they are saved with the
+and country code (e.g.,+1 (XXX) XXX-XXXXfor US numbers).
4.3 Voicemail Access:
In some countries, you might need to access your voicemail differently. Check Verizon's support pages for specific instructions for your destination. Generally, you can dial +1 followed by your 10-digit mobile number, or use the dedicated international voicemail access number provided by Verizon.
Step 5: Managing Your TravelPass Usage Abroad
Staying informed about your usage helps you avoid surprises.
5.1 Monitoring Data Usage:
Text Alerts: Verizon sends you text messages to notify you when your 24-hour TravelPass session starts and when it's about to end. You'll also receive alerts when you're nearing your 5GB high-speed data allowance.
My Verizon App/Website: You can check your unbilled international usage and TravelPass sessions in the My Verizon app or on the My Verizon website.
In the My Verizon app, on the Me tab, scroll to "Your savings, rewards, and benefits," then tap "myAccess," and look for "Manage TravelPass days."
On the My Verizon website, go to the International plan page, select your device, and choose "View plan details and usage."
5.2 Purchasing Additional High-Speed Data:
If you use up your initial 5GB of high-speed data within a 24-hour session, you'll still have unlimited data at 3G speeds. However, if you need more high-speed data:
Verizon will send you a text message offering an additional 2GB of high-speed data.
The cost is $5 in Mexico and Canada, and $10 in all other TravelPass countries.
Reply SPEED to the text message to accept the additional data. You can purchase this multiple times during a single session.
5.3 Avoiding Unintentional Charges Near Borders:
If you're traveling near the border of two countries, your device might pick up the stronger signal from the neighboring country, potentially incurring a charge for that country. Verizon typically sends a text message to alert you if this happens. To avoid this, you can:
Manually select your network operator in your phone's settings when near a border.
Consider turning off data roaming until you are well within your intended country.
Step 6: When You Return Home
Good news! There's no need to remove TravelPass from your line when you return to the US. Since you're only charged on the days you use your device in a TravelPass country, it will simply remain active on your account, ready for your next international adventure without any further charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon TravelPass
How to add TravelPass to my Verizon account?
You can add TravelPass through the My Verizon app (under International Plans), the My Verizon website, or by texting the word TRAVEL to 4004.
How to know if TravelPass is active on my line?
TravelPass is automatically added to lines with Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans. For other plans, you can check your "International plans" section in the My Verizon app or website.
How to activate data roaming for TravelPass?
Go to your phone's Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or Connections/Network & Internet (Android) > Cellular Data Options/Mobile Networks, and ensure Data Roaming is turned ON.
How to make calls while using TravelPass internationally?
Dial the plus sign (+) followed by the country code and then the local number. For calls back to the US, dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US number.
How to check my data usage while abroad with TravelPass?
Verizon will send you text alerts, and you can also monitor your international usage in the My Verizon app (Me tab > Your savings, rewards, and benefits > myAccess > Manage TravelPass days) or on the My Verizon website.
How to get more high-speed data if I run out with TravelPass?
Verizon will text you an offer for an additional 2GB of high-speed data. Reply SPEED to that text message to purchase it for $5 (Mexico/Canada) or $10 (other countries).
How to avoid accidental charges near international borders?
Manually select your network operator in your phone settings or turn off data roaming until you are firmly within your desired country.
How to check my TravelPass balance or available free days?
In the My Verizon app, go to the Me tab, scroll to Your savings, rewards, and benefits, tap myAccess, then scroll down to Manage TravelPass days.
How to remove TravelPass from my line?
You typically don't need to remove TravelPass as you're only charged on days you use it internationally. However, if you wish to remove it, you can do so via the My Verizon app or website in the "International plans" section.
How to contact Verizon customer support while abroad?
If you need assistance while outside the US, you can dial +1-908-559-4899 from any phone (toll charges may apply). Some countries also have toll-free numbers available.
