Oh, planning an international adventure? That's fantastic! And staying connected is definitely a top priority. Let's dive deep into understanding Verizon TravelPass, so you can travel without any surprises on your phone bill.
What Exactly is Verizon TravelPass and How Much Does It Cost?
Verizon TravelPass is a convenient service that allows you to use your existing domestic Verizon talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations outside the U.S. for a flat daily fee. It's designed to make international roaming simple, so you don't have to worry about exorbitant pay-as-you-go rates.
The key to TravelPass is its "pay per day" model. You are only charged for the days you actually use your phone abroad. This means if you have a travel day where you're just on Wi-Fi, you won't incur a TravelPass charge for that specific 24-hour period.
Here's the breakdown of the primary costs:
$6 per day per line in Canada and Mexico: This is a fantastic rate for our neighbors to the North and South, and often, with many unlimited Verizon plans, roaming in Canada and Mexico is already included at no extra cost. So, always double-check your specific plan details!
$12 per day per line in over 210 other countries and destinations: This covers a vast majority of popular travel destinations worldwide.
It's important to remember that these are per line charges. If you have multiple lines on your account and everyone uses their phone internationally, each line will incur the daily TravelPass fee for the days they are active.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Using Verizon TravelPass
Ready to get started? Let's break down everything you need to know, from understanding the costs to activating the service and managing your usage.
Step 1: Are You Sure TravelPass Is Right For You? (Consider Alternatives First!)
Before we even talk about activating TravelPass, let's ask ourselves a crucial question: is TravelPass truly the best option for your specific travel needs? While it's incredibly convenient, it's not always the most cost-effective, especially for longer trips.
How long is your trip? For short trips (a few days to a week), TravelPass can be a great value. However, for longer trips (9 days or more), Verizon's International Monthly Plan ($100/month for 20 GB high-speed data, unlimited text, and 250 minutes) might be more economical.
How much data do you anticipate using? TravelPass provides high-speed data (up to 5 GB per day, then unlimited data at 3G speeds). If you're a heavy data user, consider if 5 GB per day is sufficient.
What's your destination? As mentioned, Canada and Mexico are significantly cheaper or even included. For other countries, the $12/day adds up quickly.
Is your phone unlocked? If your phone is unlocked, you have many more options like purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM. These can often provide significantly cheaper data, especially for longer stays.
Local SIM Card: Buy one at your destination. Often offers generous data at a lower cost. Requires an unlocked phone.
eSIM: A digital SIM that can be downloaded to your phone. Very convenient, no physical card needed. Many third-party providers offer affordable international eSIM plans. Requires an eSIM-compatible and unlocked phone.
Are you traveling on a cruise or airplane? TravelPass does not work on cruise ships or most international flights. Verizon offers separate "Cruise Daily Pass" ($20/day) and "In-flight Daily Pass" ($20/day) for these specific scenarios, with different data allowances.
Take a moment to genuinely consider these points. Sometimes, a local SIM or eSIM can save you a significant amount of money.
Step 2: Understanding the TravelPass Daily Session and Data Limits
Once you've decided TravelPass is the way to go, it's crucial to understand how it works on a daily basis.
The 24-Hour Session: A TravelPass session activates automatically when you use your device in a TravelPass country. This includes making or answering a phone call, sending a text, or using even a small amount of data (even background data from apps!). Once activated, that 24-hour session begins.
What's Included in the Session:
Unlimited Talk: Calls within the country you're visiting and calls back to the U.S. (including Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands) are included.
Unlimited Text: Send and receive as many text messages as you want.
High-Speed Data (5 GB/day): You get 5 GB of high-speed data from your domestic plan's allowance per 24-hour TravelPass session.
Unlimited 3G Data (After 5 GB): If you exceed the 5 GB high-speed data limit within a 24-hour session, you'll still have unlimited data, but at slower 3G speeds. Verizon will typically send you a text offering the option to purchase additional high-speed data (usually an extra 2 GB for $10 or $5 in Canada/Mexico) for the remainder of that 24-hour session.
Crossing Borders: If you travel between two TravelPass countries with the same daily fee within a single 24-hour session, you're still only charged for that one session. However, if you move from a $6/day country (like Canada) to a $12/day country (like France), a new session with the higher fee will begin.
No Charge in the U.S.: TravelPass remains on your account indefinitely without charge when you're in the U.S. You don't need to manually turn it off when you return home.
Step 3: Activating Verizon TravelPass (The Easy Part!)
Activating TravelPass is incredibly simple, and you can do it even when you're already abroad, though it's always best to do it before you leave.
Sub-heading: Via Text Message (The Quickest Way)
This is arguably the easiest and most common method:
Text the word TRAVEL to 4004.
Verizon will send you a confirmation text.
That's it! TravelPass is now enabled on your line.
Sub-heading: Through the My Verizon App
For more detailed control or to manage multiple lines:
Open the My Verizon App on your smartphone.
If prompted, sign in with your credentials.
Tap on the "Account" tab (or "More" then "Plans & Perks").
Navigate to "International plans" or a similar section.
Follow the prompts to add TravelPass to your desired line(s). You may go through an "International Trip Planner" to confirm destinations and dates, but TravelPass itself activates on usage.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon Website
If you prefer using a computer or don't have the app:
Go to the Verizon website and sign in to your My Verizon account.
From the dashboard, look for "My Plan" or "Manage Plans".
Find the section for "International Travel" or "Add-ons".
Select TravelPass and follow the on-screen instructions to add it to your line(s).
Important Note: Ensure data roaming is enabled on your device settings before you leave, or as soon as you arrive. Without it, your phone won't connect to international networks. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming, and make sure it's turned On.
Step 4: Managing Your Usage and Avoiding Surprises
Even with TravelPass, a little vigilance can go a long way.
Monitor Your TravelPass Sessions: Verizon sends text messages to notify you when a 24-hour TravelPass session starts and when it's about to end. Pay attention to these!
Check Data Usage: You can check your international usage directly within the My Verizon app or on the My Verizon website. This is especially useful if you're nearing your 5 GB high-speed data limit.
My Verizon App: Tap the "Account" tab, then "Usage," and look for international usage details.
My Verizon Website: Sign in, go to "Usage Details," and then select "TravelPass."
Be Mindful of Background Data: As mentioned, even background data can trigger a TravelPass session. Consider turning off cellular data for apps you don't need while traveling or enabling "Low Data Mode" on your phone.
Use Wi-Fi When Available: Whenever possible, connect to Wi-Fi networks to conserve your TravelPass data and avoid triggering new sessions unnecessarily.
Avoid Unintentional Roaming in Border Areas: If you live near the Canadian or Mexican border, your phone might inadvertently connect to a foreign network and activate TravelPass. To prevent this, consider temporarily removing TravelPass from your line if you're not planning to travel internationally or ensure your phone is set to prefer your domestic network.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common TravelPass Issues
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues and their quick fixes:
No Service or Limited Service:
Restart your phone: This is often the simplest and most effective solution to re-establish a network connection.
Manually select a network: Go to your phone's settings (usually "Cellular" or "Mobile Networks") and try manually selecting a different local carrier.
Check data roaming: Double-check that data roaming is ON in your phone's settings.
Cannot Make or Receive Calls/Texts:
Ensure proper dialing format: When calling internationally, always dial the "+" sign, followed by the country code, and then the local number. For example, to call a U.S. number from abroad, it would be
+1followed by the 10-digit number.Verify TravelPass is active: Check your My Verizon app or text
TRAVELto 4004 again to confirm activation.
Unexpected Charges:
Review your usage in My Verizon: This will show you exactly when and where TravelPass sessions were initiated.
Check for background data: As discussed, background app activity can trigger a session.
Contact Verizon Support: If you believe there's an error, reach out to Verizon's International Support Team. You can call them from any landline phone at
+1-908-559-4899(toll charges may apply if not from a toll-free number in the country you're in).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon TravelPass
Here are 10 common questions about Verizon TravelPass, with quick answers to help you on your way!
How to check if TravelPass is active on my line?
You can check in the My Verizon app under your plan details or by texting TRAVEL to 4004. Verizon will respond with your TravelPass status.
How to avoid being charged for TravelPass if I don't use my phone?
Simply avoid making calls, sending texts, or using cellular data (including background data) on your device. Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible.
How to know which countries are covered by TravelPass?
TravelPass covers over 210 countries and destinations. You can find a complete list on the Verizon website's International Travel section, or use their Trip Planner tool.
How to get more high-speed data if I run out with TravelPass?
Verizon will typically send you a text message offering the option to purchase additional high-speed data (e.g., 2 GB for $10) for the remainder of your 24-hour session. You reply to that text to accept.
How to call the US while using TravelPass?
Dial +1 followed by the 10-digit U.S. phone number. (Hold down 0 on your keypad until the + appears).
How to call within the country I'm visiting with TravelPass?
You generally dial the local number as you would if you had a local SIM, but it's always safest to include the country code as well (e.g., + [country code] [local number]).
How to use TravelPass on a cruise ship?
TravelPass does not work on cruise ships. You'll need to purchase a separate "Cruise Daily Pass" from Verizon, which has different rates and data allowances, or use the ship's Wi-Fi.
How to turn off TravelPass when I return to the US?
You don't need to! TravelPass automatically stops charging when your device is back in the U.S. and will simply remain on your account, ready for your next trip.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling with TravelPass?
Wi-Fi Calling generally isn't included with TravelPass. However, if you enabled Wi-Fi Calling before your trip, you might be able to use it over a Wi-Fi connection, which would use Wi-Fi and not incur TravelPass charges for calls/texts made over Wi-Fi.
How to contact Verizon customer support while abroad?
You can call Verizon's International Support Team at +1-908-559-4899 from any landline phone. Toll charges may apply unless you find a toll-free number for the specific country you're in.