Thinking about your next international adventure? Don't let your phone bill be a source of stress! Verizon TravelPass is designed to make staying connected abroad simple and affordable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Verizon TravelPass, from activating it to managing your usage, ensuring you have a seamless experience wherever your travels take you.
Your Passport to Seamless Connectivity: Understanding Verizon TravelPass
Imagine using your phone exactly as you do at home – making calls, sending texts, and Browse the internet – without racking up exorbitant roaming charges. That's precisely what Verizon TravelPass offers. It allows you to utilize your domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries and destinations for a fixed daily fee. This means no more hunting for local SIM cards or worrying about unexpected bills. You're only charged on the days you actually use your phone abroad, making it a flexible and convenient option for many travelers.
Why Choose Verizon TravelPass?
Familiarity: Use your existing phone number and plan allowances, just like you're at home.
Cost-Effective: A predictable daily fee helps you budget for your international communication.
Convenience: No need to swap SIM cards or unlock your phone.
Wide Coverage: Available in a vast number of countries, covering popular tourist destinations and beyond.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using Verizon TravelPass
Ready to unlock global connectivity? Let's dive into the practical steps!
Step 1: Are You TravelPass Ready? Check Your Eligibility and Device!
Before you even pack your bags, the very first thing you need to do is confirm that your Verizon plan and device are compatible with TravelPass. This is a crucial step that can save you a lot of hassle later!
Sub-heading: Verifying Your Plan Eligibility
Postpaid Plans: Most current Verizon postpaid plans, especially Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome, automatically include TravelPass as an option. If you have an older plan, you might need to add it.
Prepaid Plans: Prepaid TravelPass is also available and works similarly, but it's essential to check if your specific prepaid plan is eligible.
Unlimited Ultimate: If you have the Unlimited Ultimate plan, TravelPass isn't needed because this plan already includes international data, talk, and text.
Sub-heading: Confirming Device Compatibility
Most modern smartphones (often referred to as "World Devices") are compatible with international roaming. To be absolutely sure:
Visit the Verizon Trip Planner: Go to the Verizon Wireless Trip Planner on the Verizon website.
Enter Your Destination: Input the country or countries you plan to visit.
Check Your Device: The planner will inform you if your device is compatible and what international options are available for your plan.
Important Note: Make sure your device supports the cellular bands used in your destination country. Most newer smartphones are designed for global compatibility, but it's always good to double-check.
Step 2: Preparation is Key! Adding TravelPass to Your Line
Once you've confirmed eligibility, it's time to add TravelPass to your Verizon line. Do this before you depart to avoid any last-minute stress!
Sub-heading: Activating TravelPass via My Verizon
The easiest way to add TravelPass is through your My Verizon account, either on the website or via the My Verizon app.
Log In: Sign in to your My Verizon account.
Navigate to International Plans: Look for a section related to "International Plans," "Add-ons," or "Manage Perks."
Select TravelPass: You should see TravelPass as an available option.
Add to Line(s): Choose the specific line(s) on your account for which you want to activate TravelPass.
Confirm: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the addition. You won't be charged until you actually use your phone abroad.
Sub-heading: Activating TravelPass via Text Message
For a quick and easy activation, you can text a keyword to Verizon:
Text TRAVEL to 4004: This will add TravelPass to your line. You'll receive a confirmation text.
Sub-heading: Pro Tip for the Prepared Traveler: Don't Forget Data Roaming!
While TravelPass enables international usage, your phone's settings also need to be configured correctly.
Turn on Data Roaming: Before you leave, or as soon as you land, ensure that "Data Roaming" is enabled in your phone's cellular settings. This allows your device to connect to networks in other countries.
For iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming (toggle on).
For Android: Settings vary by device, but generally look for Network & Internet or Connections > Mobile Network > Data Roaming (toggle on).
Step 3: You've Arrived! How TravelPass Works When You're Abroad
You've landed in your dream destination! Now, let's understand how TravelPass activates and what to expect.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Session
Automatic Activation: A 24-hour TravelPass session automatically begins when you use your phone in a TravelPass country. This means making or answering a phone call, sending a text, or using even a small amount of data (including background data like app refreshes or software updates).
Welcome Text: You'll typically receive a welcome text message from Verizon shortly after your session begins, confirming that TravelPass is active and outlining the daily fee.
Daily Fee: The standard daily fee for TravelPass is $12 per day in most eligible countries. In Canada and Mexico, it's generally $6 per day (though some Unlimited plans include Canada and Mexico roaming at no extra cost). You are only charged on the days you trigger a session. If you don't use your phone, you don't pay.
Session Reset: After 24 hours, if you use your phone again, a new 24-hour session will begin, and another daily fee will be applied.
Sub-heading: Data Usage with TravelPass
TravelPass allows you to use your domestic data allowance, but there are important nuances:
High-Speed Data: You typically get 5 GB of high-speed data per 24-hour session.
Reduced Speeds: After you've used 5 GB of high-speed data within a session, your data speeds will be reduced to 3G speeds for the remainder of that 24-hour period.
Purchasing More High-Speed Data: Verizon will usually send you a text message offering the option to purchase additional high-speed data if you exceed your daily allowance. This typically costs $5 in Canada/Mexico or $10 in other TravelPass countries for an additional 2 GB.
Background Data Alert! Be mindful of apps running in the background, automatic updates, and cloud syncing, as these can consume data quickly and trigger a TravelPass session or exceed your high-speed allowance. Consider turning off background app refresh for non-essential apps before you travel.
Sub-heading: Calling and Texting Abroad
Unlimited Talk and Text: With TravelPass, you get unlimited talk and text within the TravelPass country you're in, and back to the US. This means you can call local numbers in your destination or call back home without worrying about per-minute charges.
Dialing International Numbers: When calling numbers outside the country you're visiting or outside the US, you'll generally need to dial + (plus sign) followed by the country code and then the phone number. For example, to call a US number:
+1 [Area Code] [Phone Number].
Step 4: Smart Usage! Managing Your TravelPass Experience
To make the most of TravelPass and avoid unexpected charges, a little proactive management goes a long way.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Usage
My Verizon App/Website: Regularly check your international usage through the My Verizon app or website. This will show you when your TravelPass sessions began and how much data you've used.
Text Alerts: Verizon sends text alerts when your TravelPass session starts and when you're nearing your high-speed data limit. Pay attention to these!
Sub-heading: Conserving Data
Wi-Fi When Available: Whenever possible, connect to reliable Wi-Fi networks for data-intensive activities like streaming, large downloads, or video calls.
Download Offline Maps and Content: Before you leave, download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps) and any movies, music, or e-books you might want to access.
Disable Auto-Play Videos: Turn off auto-play for videos on social media and other apps.
Limit Streaming: Streaming video and music can quickly eat into your data allowance.
Adjust App Settings: Many apps have settings to reduce data usage (e.g., lower image quality, disable automatic backups).
Step 5: Returning Home? What to Do After Your Trip
You're back on home soil! The good news is, TravelPass doesn't need to be removed immediately.
No Need to Remove: TravelPass stays on your line. You won't be charged for it when you're in the US. The daily fee only applies when you use your device in a TravelPass country. This means it's ready for your next international adventure!
Review Your Bill: Always review your first bill after returning from your trip to ensure all charges are as expected. If you have any discrepancies, contact Verizon customer service.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Check if my device is a World Device compatible with TravelPass?
You can use Verizon's online Trip Planner on their website (
How to: Add TravelPass to my Verizon line?
You can easily add TravelPass by texting the word TRAVEL to 4004 from your Verizon phone, or by logging into your My Verizon account (website or app) and navigating to the "International Plans" or "Add-ons" section to select TravelPass for your desired line(s).
How to: Turn on data roaming on my smartphone for international travel?
For iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it on. For Android phones, settings vary, but typically it's under Network & Internet or Connections > Mobile Network > Data Roaming.
How to: Avoid being charged for TravelPass on days I don't use my phone?
TravelPass is only activated and charged on days you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data (including background data) in a TravelPass country. If you don't use your phone at all, you won't be charged for that day.
How to: Monitor my data usage while using TravelPass abroad?
You can monitor your real-time international usage, including data, calls, and texts, through the My Verizon app or by logging into your My Verizon account on their website.
How to: Purchase more high-speed data if I run out during a TravelPass session?
Verizon will send you a text alert when you are nearing or have used your 5 GB high-speed data allowance. You can typically reply to that text to purchase additional high-speed data for a specified fee.
How to: Make calls back to the US or to local numbers while using TravelPass?
When making calls, you should generally dial + (plus sign), followed by the country code (e.g., 1 for the US) and then the full phone number. For local calls within the country you're visiting, you might just need the local number, but using the full international format is often safest.
How to: Contact Verizon customer support if I have issues while traveling internationally?
You can dial +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply). Verizon also provides toll-free international support numbers for many countries on their website.
How to: Ensure background apps don't consume my TravelPass data unknowingly?
Before traveling, go into your phone's settings and disable "Background App Refresh" for apps you don't need constantly updating. You can also turn off automatic app updates and cloud syncing.
How to: Remove TravelPass from my account when I return home?
You don't need to remove TravelPass when you return home! It only incurs a daily charge when used outside the US. It will remain on your line, ready for your next international trip, without costing you anything when you're in the US.