verizon international travel guide

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International services & pricing while traveling outside the us.

Find available service, technology and pricing by country.

Afghanistan

Aircraft services, aland islands, american samoa, bosnia and herzegovina, brunei darussalam, burkina faso, cabbage beach.

*Included with Unlimited plans.

Cape Verde Islands

Cayman islands, central african republic, christmas island, congo - dem rep of, congo - republic of, cook islands, cruise ships, czech republic, dominican republic, easter island, el salvador, equatorial guinea, faroe islands, french guiana, french polynesia, galapagos islands, grand bahamas, guantanamo bay, guinea-bissau, isle of man, ivory coast, jost van dyke, liechtenstein, madeira and azores, marie galante, mayotte island, netherlands, netherlands antilles, new caledonia, new providence - nassau, new zealand, northern ireland, norfolk island, northern mariana islands, palestinian territory, papua new guinea, paradise island, phillipines, puerto rico, russian federation, sao tome and principe, saudi arabia, sierra leone, solomon islands, south africa, south korea - republic of korea, south sudan, st. barthelemy, st. eustatius, st. kitts and nevis, st. maarten - dutch, st. maarten - french, st. pierre and miquelon, st. vincent and the grenadines, switzerland, tonga islands, trinidad and tobago, turks and caicos islands, turkmenistan, united arab emirates, united kingdom, vatican city, virgin gorda, virgin islands - british, virgin islands - us, western sahara.

Check coverage maps at: https://verizon.cellmaps.com/ © 2023 Verizon Wireless 6/1/23

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Verizon International Phone Plans — Countries, Coverage, Rates, and More

Andrew Kunesh

Former Content Contributor

69 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 22

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

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Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Breaking down verizon’s international data plans, verizon’s supported countries, pros and cons of verizon’s international data plans, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Being at the forefront of the move to 5G connectivity, Verizon is often referred to as one of the best carriers in the U.S. But how does the carrier compare to competitors like AT&T , T-Mobile , and newcomer Google Fi when traveling abroad?

That’s a good question, and it’s an important one to ask if you find yourself out of the country often. So in this article, we’re going to dive deep and take a look at how Verizon’s U.S. phone plans work abroad. We’ll start out by looking at the company’s international plans and their respective pricing. Then, we’ll look at the supported countries and compare the pros and cons of using Verizon abroad.

Spoiler alert: like AT&T, the international options are pretty limited on Verizon. You’ll want to study this article if you’re a current Verizon customer who’s about to travel abroad, or if you’re a traveler that’s considering a switch to Verizon.

As teased in the intro, Verizon has a limited (and expensive) set of international plans. There are 3 different plans available, ranging from a monthly international data allowance to a plan that lets you use your U.S. data plan while traveling abroad.

Here’s a look at all of the available options:

Pay As You Go

All Verizon customers are automatically enrolled in pay as you go international data, texting, and calling. If you don’t enroll in another plan on this list and take your phone out of airplane mode when abroad, you’ll automatically be charged at the following rates:

• Talk: $0.99-$2.99 per minute, depending on the country
• Text: $0.50 to send, $0.05 to receive
• MMS: $0.25 to send or receive
• Data: $2.05 per megabyte

There’s no doubt that these prices are absolutely astronomical, hence why we don’t recommend relying on pay as you go international data — it can get very expensive very quickly.

For example, sending a 3 MB picture message on Facebook Messenger would cost a whopping $6.15! And since modern smartphones use data in the background to fetch email, notifications, and more, you may end up being charged just for taking your phone out of airplane mode.

Hot Tip: Thankfully, you can call Verizon to have pay as you go international data disabled on your account. We highly recommend doing this so that you can protect yourself from an astronomical bill on your next trip.

TravelPass℠

Verizon’s TravelPass plan is nearly identical to AT&T’s International Day Pass plan. This plan lets you use your U.S. data, talk, and text plan abroad for a daily fee.

This plan costs $10 per day per line, and — once enrolled — you’ll only be charged for the days you actually use your phone abroad. This means you can set the plan and forget it. Then, instead of worrying about pay as you go data, you’ll be charged a flat-rate fee for your international phone usage.

Note that you’re billed in 24-hour increments, so if you fly to Brazil and connect to data at 5 p.m. on a Monday, your single $10 fee will be valid until 5 p.m. on Tuesday. You’ll be billed for another 24-hour increment if you continue using your phone after this initial period.

Further, this plan still pulls from your U.S. data, text, and calling allowance, so make sure to keep an eye on how much you use your phone. Otherwise, you might come back home with overage fees.

You can use this plan in any of Verizon’s 185+ supported countries and if needed, you can roam in multiple countries on the same day without paying extra. Don’t worry — we’ll discuss supported countries later in the article.

Monthly Travel Plan

Finally, you can enroll in a Verizon Monthly Travel Plan. This gives you a set amount of data, calls, and texts to use when you travel abroad. However, the amount of data, calls, and texts included with each plan is limited at best.

Here’s a look at what’s included with Verizon’s 2 Monthly Travel Plans:

If you exceed your data, talk, or text allowance, you’ll be charged at the following rates:

• $0.35 per minute of talk
• $0.05 per text message sent
• $25 per 0.5 GB of data used

Like the TravelPass, this plan works in 185+ countries and can be used across multiple countries if needed. Note that — also like TravelPass — this plan is billed per line, so multiple lines can’t share the same Monthly Travel Plan.

Free North American Roaming

A handful of Verizon plans come with free data, call, and text roaming within North America. This means that when traveling within Canada or Mexico you can continue to use your phone as you would as if you were in the U.S. The plans that include this type of roaming are:

• All Unlimited plans

If you’re subscribed to one of Verizon’s other plans, you can add North American roaming for $5 per day. This works the same as the TravelPass plan we mentioned earlier — you’re charged per day, but only when you actually use your phone in Canada or Mexico.

Which Verizon Data Package is Right for You?

So, there are 3 different options for international mobile data on Verizon, but which is the best for you? Here’s why you might pick 1 plan over another.

Stick With Pay as You Go Data If You

• Don’t plan on using your smartphone or will purchase a local SIM card upon arrival. In our opinion, this option is just too risky to be justified.

Subscribe to TravelPass If You

• Are only traveling for a few days at a time — $10 per day can add up quickly!
• Need access to your full data plan and U.S. phone number when traveling abroad.
• Have a data plan with a high (or unlimited) data limit.

Buy a Monthly Travel Plan If You

• Plan to travel for an extended period of time.
• Don’t need to use your phone constantly — unfortunately, the data, text, and call limits are low.

Bottom Line:  Think about how much you need to use your phone when traveling and pick a plan based on that info. Note that you may be better off buying a local SIM card if you need to use your phone extensively for multiple days — this will save you money in the long-run.

How to Sign up for an International Data Package

Thankfully, enrolling in both the TravelPass and Monthly Travel Plan is simple.

You can enroll in TravelPass by texting “Travel” to 4004 from the phone whose line you’d like to enroll in TravelPass. Then, a new TravelPass will be added every time you use your phone abroad. We recommend doing this before your trip to avoid possible pay as you go charges. Alternatively, you can enroll using this page on the Verizon website.

Further, you can enroll in a Monthly Data Plan by going here . After you log in, you’ll be prompted to choose between the 0.5 GB or 2 GB plan. You can cancel this plan at any time by navigating to the same web page.

Like many carriers, Verizon has international coverage in most parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. However, it’s always wise to check that the country you’re visiting is covered by your carrier before you depart — otherwise, you could have a hard time finding a ride out of the airport once you land.

Verizon posts its full list of supported countries on its website. The carrier boasts that it supports “185+ countries” and while this is less than T-Mobile’s “210+ countries,” we’re unable to find any notable exclusions on the Verizon website. Every tourist destination we could think of was listed on the Verizon website, so you likely won’t have any issue connecting during your travels.

However, this could cause pose problems for those who partake in adventure travel by visiting off-the-beaten-path locations.

There’s no doubting that Verizon isn’t the best plan for most travelers. For the most part, it offers a very limited set of expensive international plans, and none of its plans offer free international roaming like T-Mobile or Google Fi.

However, it’s still important that we run through the carrier’s international data pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on if Verizon is right for your travel needs.

Pros of Verizon’s International Data Plans:

• Free international roaming within North America on most plans
• Monthly international plans include calling
• TravelPass is automatically enabled once you enroll

Cons of Verizon’s International Data Plans:

• Expensive monthly international plans with small data allowances
• TravelPass can get expensive on long trips
• Likewise, TravelPass pulls data from your domestic data, call, and text allowance
• Less supported countries than T-Mobile, Google Fi, and others

Being frank, we recommend that people who travel often steer clear of Verizon.

Its international data plans are too expensive to be deemed practical, so if you have the choice, we recommend checking out T-Mobile or Google Fi instead. Both of these plans offer free international roaming and more supported countries, giving you a smaller bill and more places to bring your connection.

However, we do understand why one would pick Verizon when traveling within the U.S. The carrier has industry-leading coverage at home and has been shown to offer some of the best speeds. It’s unfortunate that these perks don’t carry over to the carrier’s international coverage.

But now we want to hear from you. Do you use Verizon when traveling abroad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my smartphone work abroad.

Most modern smartphones are properly equipped to work internationally. However, you should refer to your smartphone’s manual or call Verizon to check if your smartphone is properly configured.

Do any Verizon plans come with free international data roaming?

The Start, Play, Do, and all Unlimited plans come with complimentary international roaming within North America. However, none of Verizon’s international plans come with free data roaming outside of this region.

Where can I see the full list of Verizon's supported countries?

You can view a full list of supported countries on Verizon’s website .

Can I bring my phone if I switch to Verizon?

You may be able to bring your device to Verizon — use this tool on Verizon’s website to check if your phone, tablet, or smartwatch is compatible with the Verizon network.

Where can I find more info on buying a local SIM card?

You can use the Prepaid SIM Card Wiki to find more info on buying a local SIM card in most countries. Buying local SIM cards is often cheaper than roaming on U.S. carriers like Verizon.

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About Andrew Kunesh

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.

He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.

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Verizon Travel Pass Review: A Globetrotter‘s Guide

• April 19, 2024
• by Tom Wells

As an avid world traveler and consumer expert who‘s always on the lookout for the best deals, I‘ve had plenty of experience staying connected abroad. One of the most convenient options I‘ve used is Verizon‘s Travel Pass international roaming plan. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll cover everything you need to know to determine if Travel Pass is right for your travel needs.

What is Verizon Travel Pass?

Travel Pass is Verizon‘s solution for using your existing phone and plan abroad in over 210 countries. For a flat daily fee (typically $5-$10 depending on location), you can draw from your domestic talk, text and data allowances as if you were still at home. There‘s no need to swap SIM cards, rent a different device, or pay exorbitant pay-per-use roaming fees.

Here are the key features of Verizon Travel Pass:

• $5/day in Mexico and Canada
• $10/day in 210+ other countries (most of Europe, Asia, Central/South America, Caribbean)
• Use your regular talk, text and data limits from your domestic plan
• Only pay the daily fee on days you use your phone – no upfront charges
• Convenient – no need to arrange an international plan before traveling or visit a store to buy a SIM card
• Same phone and number – stay reachable on your regular U.S. number

According to Verizon, Travel Pass has been used by over 12 million customers since launching in 2015, with usage steadily increasing each year. In a 2019 survey of 1,000 Travel Pass users, 88% reported being satisfied with the service and 79% said they would recommend it to others.

Pricing Details

While Travel Pass can be significantly cheaper than pay-per-use international roaming (Verizon charges $2.05/MB, $0.50/text, and $1.79/min for standard global roaming), it‘s important to be aware of a few caveats:

If you have an unlimited on-device data plan, speeds may be throttled after 500MB/day . Additional high speed data can be added starting at $20 for 1GB.

Calls to foreign numbers may incur additional international long distance charges in some locations. Rates vary by country but can be up to $0.25/min.

Mobile hotspot data is not included with Travel Pass – only data used directly on your device.

To put the pricing in perspective, here‘s how much Verizon Travel Pass would cost for some common travel scenarios:

As you can see, the costs can add up quickly for longer trips or heavy usage – a month using Travel Pass abroad could easily cost more than your regular monthly cell phone bill! This is why it‘s essential to understand your usage habits and evaluate all your options before deciding on an international roaming solution.

How to Activate and Use Travel Pass

One of Travel Pass‘ selling points is how easy it is to activate and use. No need to call customer service or visit a store – you can add it directly from your phone via any of these methods:

My Verizon App/Website : Go to "Manage International Services" and add Travel Pass to your line(s). My preferred method for instant verification.

Text "TRAVEL" to 4004 from the line you want to add Travel Pass to. Quick and easy but may take 1-2 hours to process.

Call Verizon at 800-711-8300 and ask to add Travel Pass. Useful if you need assistance or have other questions.

Travel Pass will then automatically activate whenever you use your phone abroad in an included country – no need to re-add it each trip. You‘ll get a welcome text confirming it‘s working.

A few important things to remember when using Travel Pass:

The daily session fee is charged based on Eastern Time – so if you fly to Europe and land at 8am local time (2am ET), you won‘t be charged until you use your phone after 2am ET.

Travel Pass works in over 210 countries but is not available in every country Verizon offers global roaming – be sure to check the full country list before you go.

If you‘re traveling to multiple countries in the same day, you‘ll only be charged one daily fee (for the country with the highest rate).

You can add or remove Travel Pass at any time from your account, but it may take a full billing cycle for charges to cease if removed mid-trip.

Comparison to Other International Roaming Options

To decide if Verizon Travel Pass is a good deal, it‘s important to compare it to the other common options for international cell phone usage:

For most travelers, Verizon Travel Pass offers a good balance of cost and convenience. Paying $5-10 per day is reasonable for short to medium trips and far simpler than the alternatives that require changing SIMs, porting your number, or relying solely on WiFi.

However, there are scenarios where the other options make more sense:

For trips longer than a month, or if you‘re frequently abroad, switching to Google Fi or buying local SIMs will likely be more economical than paying daily Travel Pass fees.

If you‘re visiting a single country for an extended period, getting a local SIM is usually the cheapest way to get cellular data abroad. Rates of $10-20/month for several GB of data are common in many countries.

If you really just need the occasional access to maps or messaging and can survive on slow speeds, T-Mobile‘s free international data can be sufficient.

Ultimately there‘s no one-size-fits-all best choice for international roaming – it depends on your specific travel plans, budget and data needs. But for many Verizon customers, Travel Pass is a solid "set it and forget it" option that‘s worked well in my experience.

Tips for Minimizing Travel Pass Costs

While Verizon Travel Pass offers better rates than standard international roaming, it can still get expensive if you‘re not careful. Here are my top tips for getting the most value from Travel Pass and avoiding unexpected charges:

Monitor your usage – Use your phone‘s built-in data tracking features to see how much data you‘re actually using abroad. You may be surprised how quickly it adds up!

Stick to WiFi when possible – Take advantage of free WiFi at hotels, cafes, airports and other public hotspots to minimize your cellular data usage.

Download offline maps and content – Downloading Google Maps areas, Netflix shows, Spotify playlists, etc. to your phone while on WiFi can greatly reduce your data needs.

Disable background app refresh and auto downloads – Many apps use data in the background even when you‘re not actively using them. Go into your settings and turn off these features.

Keep your phone in airplane mode – When you‘re not actively using it, keeping your phone in airplane mode (with WiFi on) will prevent any accidental cellular charges.

Buy an international data package – If you know you‘ll need a lot of high speed data, consider buying one of Verizon‘s international data packs starting at $20 for 1GB ($100 for 10GB). These offer better rates than Travel Pass for heavy data usage.

Check if your destination is included – Travel Pass works in over 210 countries, but there are some notable exceptions like Cuba, Syria and Sudan where you‘ll pay standard roaming rates.

Consider a local SIM for longer stays – If you‘re spending more than a few weeks abroad, buying a local SIM card will usually be cheaper than paying daily Travel Pass fees.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Since its launch in 2015, Verizon Travel Pass has received generally positive reviews from customers and industry experts. PC Magazine called it a "solid option" for short trips, while The Points Guy said it "effectively eliminates the need to deal with swapping SIMs."

On Verizon‘s website, Travel Pass has an average rating of 4.2/5 stars from over 4,000 customer reviews. Many users praise its simplicity and seamless functionality, like this review from Michael S:

"I have used Travel Pass on multiple international trips and it has worked flawlessly. The flat $10/day fee is very reasonable and lets me use my phone exactly as I do at home without worrying about surprise charges. The only downside is that it does not include calls to local numbers in most countries."

However, a common complaint in negative reviews is "accidental" Travel Pass activation and charges, like this one from Jennifer T:

"I got charged a Travel Pass fee during a layover in Germany even though I didn‘t use my phone at all. Apparently just having my phone on was enough to trigger it. Verizon refused to refund the charge. Be very careful about keeping your phone in airplane mode!"

To avoid these unintended charges, make sure to keep your phone in airplane mode with cellular data turned off if you don‘t plan to use it. You can still enable WiFi to connect where available.

The Future of International Roaming

As global travel recovers from the pandemic and new 5G networks are deployed around the world, the landscape of international roaming is evolving quickly. In the coming years, I expect we‘ll see more options for affordable global connectivity, from eSIM technology to greater adoption of WiFi calling.

Verizon has stated plans to expand Travel Pass to more countries and explore new features like international 5G roaming and "Travel WiFi" passes for access to secure WiFi hotspots abroad. They also recently acquired BlueJeans , a video conferencing platform, which could open up new possibilities for integrated communication services for traveling professionals.

Other carriers will likely respond with their own innovations – T-Mobile has already started to move in this direction with its "Magenta MAX" plan that includes 256kbps international data (double the speed of its standard offering).

Ultimately, staying connected while traveling globally will only get easier and more affordable in the 5G era. But for Verizon customers today, Travel Pass remains a convenient and reasonably priced option for many types of international trips.

The Bottom Line

After extensively testing Verizon Travel Pass on my own international travels and comparing it to the alternatives, my assessment is that it offers a good balance of cost and convenience for most casual travelers.

While certainly not the cheapest possible way to get cellular service abroad, the easy setup and $5-10/day pricing is attractive for short to medium length trips where you just want your phone to work abroad as it does at home.

Of course, everyone‘s needs and budget are different. For longer journeys or frequent international travel, switching to Google Fi or picking up local SIMs is likely more economical. If you‘re on a very tight budget, relying on WiFi hotspots and apps with offline functionality can greatly reduce your roaming needs.

My key piece of advice: know your expected usage and thoroughly compare your options up front. Don‘t just default to Travel Pass without doing your homework. And most importantly – enjoy your trip! In the great scheme of an international voyage, saving a few bucks on cell phone roaming is much less important than being present in the moment and having a wonderful experience.

Best international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know

Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

• T-Mobile phone plans
• Verizon phone plans
• AT&T phone plans
• Google Fi plans
• Other options
• Device compatibility and eSims
• 5G coverage when traveling

If summer travel takes you to another country, make sure you've got one of the best international phone plans as your traveling companion. In the U.S., all the major wireless carriers offer some kind of travel benefit with their best cell phone plans , but they also have supplementary packages for travelers to augment the data plan you already have in place. The trick is to make sure those options keep you covered around the globe without busting your budget.

1. T-Mobile : Best choice for travelers 2. Verizon : TravelPass options 3. AT&T : Best for travel in Latin and Central America 4. Google Fi : An underrated traveling companion 5. Other options : Other international phone plans to consider

The best international phone plans will let you make calls and browse the web when you're in another country (though there might be a fee on top of your normal monthly rate, depending on which carrier you use). Different plans might provide coverage in specific countries, and how long you plan on traveling could also impact your choice of plans. Your method of travel — be it by plane or cruise ship — also affects which plan is best for you.

All of these are things for globetrotters to consider when shopping for wireless coverage. You're going to want one of the best unlimited data plans since they tend to offer the most travel-related perks. If you haven't travelled internationally in a while, it's smart to double-check what options are out there since the best phone carriers have overhauled their plans and packages available to travelers.

Here’s a look at the travel policies and perks for the three top U.S carriers along with information on Google Fi, which offers a plan that definitely appeals to frequent travelers.

T-Mobile international phone plans

T-Mobile has shed some of its plans, though the good news is that most of the remaining options provide some benefits for overseas travel. Subscribe to Go5G, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, and you enjoy unlimited data and texting in more than 215 countries around the world. If you want to place or receive calls, you’ll be subject to the local rate depending on where you want to go. You don’t need to notify T-Mobile of your travel for your overseas benefits to kick in.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan | Unlimited Data | $90/month T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan has the edge over the cheaper Go5G option, with better travel benefits. You get 15GB of data when you traavel in Mexico and Canada (compared to 10GB for Go5G), and you also enjoy texting and Wi-Fi on any flight where internet is available. Even better, you can use your data in 215-plus countries at no extra cost. The first 5GB of data you use use will be high-speed data (with 5G speeds supported where available). Go5G subscribers only get high-speed data in 11 European countries; otherwise, data speeds are capped at 256 kbps.

Travel perks in current plans: As part of T-Mobile's Beyond Connected program, data speeds now reach 256 kbps when you're overseas. If you subscribe to the standard Go5G plan ($75 for a single line) and you're in one of 11 European countries, you can enjoy 5GB of high-speed data every month, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telecom.

The perk gets better when you upgrade to Go5G Plus, which starts at $90/month for one line of data). That plan treats you to 5GB of high-speed data in 215 countries.

Go5G Next, T-Mobile's most expensive plan at $100/month for a single line, has the same travel benefits as Go5G Plus, but adds the ability to upgrade your phone every year. If that's not important to you, stick with Go5G Plus and pay $10 less each month on your wireless bill.

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi on American, Delta, Alaska Airlines and United flights. Go5G Plus subscribers get full texting and Wi-Fi with streaming during flights, where wireless is available. If you opt for Go5G, you're covered on four flights per year with full streaming, plus unlimited texting; after those four flights, you can stream one hour of video. Delta SkyMiles members also get free Wi-Fi on domestic U.S. flights courtesy of T-Mobile — even if they get their wireless service from another carrier.

In Mexico and Canada, T-Mobile allows you to use up to 10GB of data if you're a Go5G customer; speeds are slowed to 128kbps after that. Go5G Plus members enjoy 15GB, with speeds slowing to 256kbps if you use more than that amount.

T-Mobile includes travel benefits in two of its remaining senior plans, with identical travel perks between the $100 Go5G Plus 55 option and the $120 Go5G Next 55 plan. (Note that those monthly prices cover two lines of data; one line of either Plus or Next cost $70 and $80, respectively.) Travel perks include high-speed data and text when you travel abroad, plus unlimited in-flight connectivity. When you travel to Canada or Mexico, you get 15GB of high-speed data. Both plans also include a year's membership to AAA for road travel in the U.S.

If you opt for T-Mobile's lower cost Essentials unlimited plan, you'll get 2G roaming in Canada and Mexico, but have to pay for data elsewhere.

Trip-specific passes: T-Mobile offers International Pass options for travelers who want high-speed data during lengthier stays overseas. A 5GB International Pass gives you that much high-speed data along with unlimited calling for 10 days. It costs $35. T-Mobile's $50 International Pass increases high-speed data to 15GB and extends the length of the pass to 30 days. The carrier also offers a $5 daily pass that gives you 512MB of high-speed data, and unlimited calling between the 215 or so Simple Global destinations. 

Cruise rates: Pricing on cruises will vary according to which cruise you’re taking. You can check T-Mobile’s site to see what your pricing will be.

Verizon international phone plans

Verizon phones generally work all over the world, especially if you've got a phone built in the last few years. But where you travel significantly influences how much you’ll have to pay. As for which is the best Verizon phone plan for travelers, that all depends on how frequently you go overseas. There's a clear choice for regular globetrotters, but Verizon's less expensive offerings allow you to tack on travel benefits, too.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited Data | $90/month Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers the most benefits for world travelers. Verizon promises "full international connectivity," meaning you'll be able to use talk and text for free when overseas; you also get 10GB of high-speed data every month that you can use in other countries. Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, so unless you take frequent trips, you may be better served by Unlimited Plus ($80/month for one line) or Unlimited Welcome ($65/month). Those two plans can add on a $10/month Travel Pass options that provides three days of talk, text and data when you're overseas. You can drop the Travel Pass add-on from your plan in months were you don't need it. Verizon lets family plans mix and match lines so one person can get Unlimited Ultimate, while the others subscribe to the cheaper options.

Travel perks in current plans: Of Verizon's three unlimited plans, the best for frequent travelers is the Unlimited Ultimate option, which lets you use talk and text in other countries just like you would in the U.S. You also get 10GB of high-speed data to use overseas every month.

Unfortunately, Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, costing $90 a month for one line. (And that's after a discount for enrolling autopay.) There are cheaper options — Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus — that include travel perks. Both plans let you text internationally to 200-plus countries. You can also use LTE data when traveling in Mexico and Canada. You're limited to 0.5GB of data consumption per day in those two countries before your speeds are slowed to 2G, and you can't use more than half of your talk, text and data in those countries over a 60-day period.

In addition to the base Welcome Unlimited and Unlimited Plus packages, you can opt for $10 monthly add-ons for your Verizon plan — some covering streaming services, another providing hotspot data and so on. The relevant package is Verizon's $10/month 3 TravelPass Days add-on, which saves you $20 a month on travel benefits as you pick up three passes during monthly billing cycles. You can accrue up to 36 passes for using talk, text and data when traveling overseas.

Unlimited Welcome starts at $65/month for one line, while Unlimited Plus is $80. If you have a family plan, you can mix and match so that different lines of data subscribe to different plans — helpful if there's one person in the family who travels a lot and would benefit from the Unlimited Ultimate perks.

Trip-specific passes: Let's talk a little bit more about the TravelPass . It's Verizon's daily option for international coverage, and it’ll cost you $5 per day per device for each day you’re out of the country if you travel to Mexico or Canada and don't have an unlimited plan. In 185 other countries — including China, France and Germany — Verizon charges $10 per device per day. TravelPass gets you 2GB of 5G data, and unlimited data at 3G speeds after that; the passes also come with unlimited talk and text.

If you know you’ll be traveling for a bit more time, consider Verizon’s monthly option, which the carrier recommends for trips lasting at least 10 days. International Monthly Plans at Verizon cost $100/month, but in exchange, you get 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 20GB of high-speed data. (Use that, and you get unlimited data at 3G speeds.)

Verizon also offers pay-as-you-go pricing for international travel. You’ll pay 99 cents per minute in Canada and Mexico, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Rates go up to $1.79 in 130-plus countries and $2.99 in 80 other places. Each text message you send will cost you 50 cents, and each received text will set you back 5 cents. Your data will be charged at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte no matter where you are.

Cruise rates: Pay-as-you go rates on cruise ships cost $1.99 for each minute of talk and 50 cents for every sent text message. You’ll pay 5 cents per message received. Verizon has a data plan for cruise passengers, too, with $30/day giving you 500MB of data plus unlimited texting and 50 minutes of talk time. For in-flight connectivity, you can opt for the same pay-as-you-go rates for cruise trips or you can pay $20 per day for unlimited data.

AT&T international phone plans

AT&T also comes with varied international pricing depending on where you want to go. Canada and Mexico travel is covered in many top AT&T plans, and if you pay up for the Unlimited Premium option, you can use your plan in many Central and South American countries. Traveling elsewhere? Then you had best look into AT&T's travel passes.

AT&T Unlimited Premium| Unlimited Data | $85.99/month It's AT&T's most expensive unlimited plan, but Unlimited Premium has the best perk for travelers — you can use your talk, text and data at no extra cost in 20 Latin American countries.  As with other AT&T unlimited options, you also enjoy talk, text and data coverage when traveling in Canada and Mexico.

Travel perks in current plans: If you’re heading to Mexico or Canada, AT&T already covers all of your voice, data and text with its four different unlimited plans — Starter, Extra, Premium and the entry-level Value Plus option. AT&T offers a lone tiered data plan with 4GB of data that you can use in Canada and Mexico (though roaming may be at 2G speeds). Both unlimited and tiered data plans feature unlimited texting to 120-plus countries.

The Unlimited Premium plan is the best option for travelers headed to the Americas, as you'll be able to enjoy unlimited text, talk and data at no additional cost in 20 Central and South American countries. 

If you do a lot of international calling from home, AT&T offers unlimited calling to 85-plus countries from the U.S. for $15 per month for each line. Calls to another 140-plus countries get discounted rates under this plan.

Trip-specific passes: For anyone off to Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America or the Asia Pacific region on a short jaunt, AT&T recommends its $12-a-day International Day Pass, which comes with unlimited talk and text and data governed by your plan. That $12 rate reflects a $2 price hike, though service is still available in 210-plus countries. Each device you take overseas needs its own Day Pass, but you can extra phones for $6 a day, on top of the first device.

You'll never have to pay for more than 10 days of day passes on any one bill, even if your trip lasts longer. International Day Passes also kick in automatically when you use your phone abroad — you get a text message letting you know you're covered.

Cruise rates: On cruises , AT&T offers a $60/month Cruise Basic plan that covers 100 minutes of talk and unlimited texting while also offering 100MB of data. Need more of everything? Then try the Cruise Plus plan ($100/month), which includes 1GB of data on top of unlimited talk and text. 

Google Fi international phone plans

If you do a lot of international traveling, don't ignore Google Fi Wireless , the wireless service set up by Google that uses cellular towers of T-Mobile and US Cellular to provide coverage. International travel is built into two of Google Fi's plans — the Unlimited Plus and Flexible options.

Google Unlimited Plus| Unlimited Data | $65/month The Unlimited Plus plan is the way to go with Google Fi, as you can use your data at no extra cost when traveling overseas. Google Fi customers who pay by the gigabyte of data used are also eligible for this perk.

Travel perks in current plans: You've got two options with Google Fi — tiered data through the company's Flexible plan or a pair of unlimited data options. Flexible coverage costs $20 a month for talk and text plus $10 for each GB of data you use. (Data usage is rounded off to the nearest megabyte so you only pay for the data you consume.) Google stops charging you after you use 6GB a month, meaning you'll never pay more than $80. 

If you find unlimited data plans more appealing, Google has you covered there, too — it also offers a $65 Unlimited Plus option that rolls in unlimited talk, text and data. Unlimited Plus subscribers now get a year of YouTube Premium as a perk. 

The real benefit to either Unlimited Plus or Flexible is that those plans cover you when you're traveling in 200-plus countries. When you're overseas, Google Fi charges the same rate for data usage, whether you're on an unlimited data plan or paying by the gigabyte. Voice calls cost 20 cents (though calls placed over Wi-Fi are free) and you get unlimited SMS messaging. 

Alas, Google's $50/month Simply Unlimited plan is not eligible for the free data perk when traveling. That said, all three of Google Fi's plans let you use talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada.

Google Fi is even more appealing now that Google has opened up service to all phones, including iPhones. Note that phones optimized for Google Fi — Google's Pixel phones (currently the Pixel 8 , Pixel 8 Pro , Pixel Fold and Pixel 8a )  along with a selection of Samsung phones and Motorola budget devices — can switch seamlessly between cellular networks and Google's Wi-Fi hotspots, while other phones cannot.

Trip-specific passes: Unlike the other carriers here, Google Fi doesn't offer travel passes for extended trips. Your only option is to get coverage through the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans.

Cruise rates: Google Fi is not available when you're at sea — only when you're on land in one of the 200-plus countries covered by the carrier.

Other international phone plan options

Discount carriers typically don't provide much in the way of benefits for travelers, but there are some exceptions. The most noteworthy alternative is Visible , which has expanded the travel perks for subscribers to its $45/month Visible Plus plan .

Visible is owned by Verizon and uses its parent company's network for coverage. The Visible Plus plan features unlimited data, including access to Verizon's high-speed 5G network. Travelers will be particularly interested in the unlimited talk, text and 2GB of daily data available through Visible Plus when traveling in Canada and Mexico. Visible Plus customers are also eligible for one free Global Pass day per month, in which they can use talk, text and data at no charge in 140 countries. Globla Passes normally cost $10.

Best international phone plan: Device compatibility and eSims

Traveling overseas used to mean checking to see if your phone would be compatible once you set foot in another country. But those days are drawing to a close now that 3G networks are shutting down, eliminating much of the distinction between phones that work on either GSM and CDMA. If you've got a recent smartphone that connects to LTE, chances are strong it's going to work just fine in other countries. (You still might want to confirm that your phone works on the LTE bands available in the country you're heading to prior to your trip, just to avoid any unpleasant surprises.)

Many phones now support electronic SIM cards or eSIM technology, where you no longer need to swap in a local SIM card to make your smartphone work with an overseas network. (Since the iPhone 14 , Apple devices sold in the U.S. only feature eSIM support — that includes the newer iPhone 15 models.) One of our editors took an international trip using an eSIM for her phone and found it easy to setup and use with a local network — in fact, she plans to use the eSIM approach on all future travel. 

That said, not every country supports eSIM. And depending on your phone carrier in the U.S., you might already have options that cover your phone use in other countries.

International phone plans: What about 5G?

As noted above, many of the plans that offer international travel either have you connect at whatever speed is available locally or at a reduced speed in cases where you're drawing from your own data plan. But what if you've got a 5G phone that can connect to faster networks overseas?

For the most part, we'd expect your phone to operate as before, either at whatever speed the local network offers or a capped speed if that's part of your carrier's travel plans. However, in a few instances, U.S. phone carriers have started making deals with overseas wireless providers that allow their customers to access 5G speeds when roaming. You should check with your carrier for information about the country you're going to travel in.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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Verizon Wireless

What’s the best international phone plan right now?

On my first trip to Japan, I decided to forgo international data on my cellphone. I figured I could rely on public Wi-Fi, but I regretted not having data on my phone when I became lost. From that experience, I learned to download offline maps and a translation app beforehand if I know I won't have data.

But now, I almost always have data when I travel via my international phone plan, or through a physical SIM I buy at my destination or an eSIM I purchase online.

There are many reasons why you may want to remain connected while abroad. In this guide, I'll compare the best international phone plans. Note that many plans function differently in Canada and Mexico from other international locations. This guide focuses on the best phone plans for U.S. residents who travel outside North America.

First things first: You might not need an international phone plan. If you primarily need data, using a different SIM on your trip may be the simplest and cheapest solution. Some apps even support text and voice communication over data connections.

If your device supports eSIM, you may be able to purchase a data plan for your destination through an app like Airalo . Over the past year, I've purchased and used the following Airalo eSIMs either to gain data in a destination not served by my primary international phone plan (Google Fi) or to get less-expensive data than what Google Fi provides:

• Global (84 countries) : 20 GB over 180 days for $89
• Japan : 20 GB over 30 days for $26
• France : 20 GB over 30 days for $36
• Fiji : Three GB over 30 days for $19.50
• U.S. : One GB over seven days for $4.50

If your device doesn't support eSIM, you could still purchase a local SIM card at your destination. For example, I bought a monthlong SIM card with unlimited high-speed data in Vietnam for less than $10. But data is significantly more expensive in some destinations, and it can be difficult to determine exactly what you're getting when you purchase a physical SIM card. As such, I've mostly stuck with a physical Google Fi SIM card and Airalo eSIMs instead of using local SIM cards.

If you plan to use eSIM or a local SIM card, you should ensure your phone is unlocked. A locked phone won't be able to accept any other SIM cards until it is unlocked.

Related: How TPG's Zach Griff avoids the pesky $10 daily roaming charges when traveling

• Cost for one line : $20 (plus taxes and fees) per month plus data usage costs for the Flexible plan or $65 (plus taxes and fees) per month for the Unlimited Plus plan
• Data abroad : $10 per GB (with free data after six GBs per month but slower speeds after 15 GBs in a month) in more than 200 destinations for the Flexible plan or free (but with slower speeds after 50 GBs in a month) in more than 200 destinations for the Unlimited Plus plan
• Voice abroad : 20 cents per minute from more than 200 destinations (and calls via Wi-Fi to the U.S., Canada and Mexico are free)
• Text abroad : Free from more than 200 destinations

I've used Google Fi as my primary cellphone plan for most of the past six years. I've had a few connectivity issues in the U.S. — where Google Fi currently uses the T-Mobile network — including in Tampa, Austin and New York City. However, I keep Google Fi primarily because I usually get high-speed data as soon as I turn airplane mode off, and I can seamlessly receive calls and texts on my U.S. number while traveling internationally.

You might be tempted to only use Google Fi when traveling outside the U.S., but doing so isn't a good idea. After all, the Google Fi terms of service state:

The services are offered only to residents of the United States. The Services must be primarily used in the United States (territories not included) and are not intended for extended international use. Further, the services are designed for use predominantly within our network. If your usage outside our network is excessive, abnormally high, or causes us to incur too much cost, we may, at our option and sole discretion, suspend your Google Fi account, terminate your service, or limit your use of roaming.

Google Fi has shut down some U.S. residents who used Google Fi primarily outside the U.S. So, I recommend avoiding extended international use and using Google Fi more in the U.S. than abroad if you don't want to get shut down. I buy eSIMs to decrease my Google Fi usage in some destinations, especially when I can purchase a package through Airalo for significantly less than $10 per GB (the amount I pay Google Fi for data on my Flexible plan).

Google Fi is the best international phone plan for U.S.-based travelers who want fast data without hassle while traveling abroad. Plans become slightly cheaper as you add more members. In my travels with Google Fi since 2016, I've only failed to get any service in three locations: parts of Alaska, the all-inclusive resort I lived out of for a month in the Dominican Republic and Liberia .

Related: Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

• Cost for one line : $60 per month for the Essentials plan, $70 per month for the Magenta plan, $75 per month for the Go5G plan, $85 per month for the Magenta Max plan and $90 per month for the Go 5G Plus plan
• Data abroad : Free for up to five GB of high-speed data (in 11 European countries for the Magenta and Go5G plans, and in more than 215 countries and destinations for the Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans) and then free for up to 256 kilobits per second in more than 215 countries and destinations for Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans (no data outside North America is included in the Essentials plan)
• Voice abroad : 25 cents per minute from more than 215 countries and destinations for the Essentials, Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans
• Text abroad : Free from more than 215 countries and destinations for the Essentials, Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans

Before using Google Fi in 2016, I relied on T-Mobile when traveling internationally until I grew tired of slow data speeds. However, the plans have improved, and many travelers swear by T-Mobile as their international phone and data plan . T-Mobile customers can avoid slow data by purchasing international passes to add to their existing plan as follows:

• International 1-day pass : 512 MB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for 24 hours for $5
• Five-GB international pass : Five GB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for 10 days for $35
• 15-GB international pass : 15 GB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for 30 days for $50

Long-term and frequent international travelers should note that T-Mobile says the following about its plans:

Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming.

Additionally, T-Mobile's terms and conditions state you are not permitted to use T-Mobile services if it "results in more than 50% of your voice and/or data usage being Off-Net (i.e., connected to another provider's network) for any 2 billing cycles within any 12-month period." There have been instances of T-Mobile shutting down travelers for roaming excessively . So, don't go with T-Mobile if your primary usage won't be domestically on T-Mobile's network.

Related: 6 reasons why Apple's entry-level iPhone 14s are great for travelers

Other international phone plans to consider

Finally, you may want to check your current provider's options if you only occasionally travel internationally. Here are some options that are available as optional add-ons for many AT&T and Verizon plans:

• AT&T international day pass : Pay an extra $10 per 24 hours for unlimited high-speed data, talk and text in more than 210 destinations. You'll only be charged for days (as determined by your local U.S. time zone) you use data, make or receive a call or send a text message while in a destination covered by the international day pass.
• Verizon TravelPass : Pay an extra $10 per day per line for unlimited calls, texts and data (data speeds decrease after two GBs in a day) in more than 210 countries. You'll only be charged for days you send or receive a call, send texts or use data while abroad.
• Verizon international monthly plan : Pay an extra $100 per month for 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and unlimited data (data speeds decrease after 20 GBs in a month) in more than 210 countries.

You could also check out U.S. Mobile's plans. U.S. Mobile plans don't include calling or texting from outside the U.S. Still, the Unlimited Premium plan offers up to 10 GB of international data, and most plans let you buy eSIMs for more than 100 countries from within the U.S. Mobile app.

Mint Mobile could also be a viable solution if you're on a budget and don't travel abroad frequently. Although Mint Mobile doesn't offer any international data, text or voice on its plans, you can purchase international roaming credits and then use them to text, talk and use data in more than 210 countries and destinations. Rates for talk, text and data vary based on the country you're visiting; they usually cost about 25 cents per minute for talk, 5 cents per text and 20 cents per MB of data. If you don't plan to use much data — after all, you'd be paying a massive $205 per GB in many countries — Mint Mobile could be a feasible option.

Most cellphone plans allow you to pay as you go for international use, but these rates are almost always excessive. As such, frequent international travelers should find a different solution because pay-as-you-go costs will add up quickly.

Related: Credit cards that cover cellphone loss and damage

Bottom line

Having a functioning international phone plan when traveling abroad is important for travelers who want to stay connected. Traveling as a digital nomad , I've found Google Fi is by far my best option for fast data, modestly priced calling and free texting in most destinations. However, I supplement my Google Fi plan with eSIMs in some destinations to gain access to less-expensive data.

If you already have T-Mobile or a plan that offers international add-ons, you may want to stick with your plan. Otherwise, it's worth considering an eSIM or a local SIM card. You can buy eSIMs ahead of your trip, and it's usually possible to pick up local SIM cards at the airport when you land in a new country.

Citizen of Travel

Verizon International Travel Plans: Connectivity Without Borders

Traveling abroad presents a myriad of logistical challenges, and maintaining the ability to communicate seamlessly tops the list for many travelers. For Verizon customers, navigating international travel becomes a bit more manageable with the carrier’s suite of international phone plans and travel services designed to offer connectivity in over 220 countries and destinations. Understanding these options allows travelers to remain connected and manage their devices efficiently while outside the US.

With the correct international plan or travel service in place, using a Verizon device abroad becomes straightforward. Travelers can choose to add an international plan before departure, ensuring uninterrupted access to calls, texts, and data. It’s vital to consider costs, data allowances, and coverage areas when selecting a plan that aligns with travel needs. Verizon’s customer support also plays a crucial role, offering resources and assistance for international travelers to activate services and address any issues while overseas.

Key Takeaways

• Verizon offers international plans that cover over 220 destinations.
• Choosing the right plan involves balancing cost and data needs.
• Access to customer support is crucial for managing services abroad.

Understanding Verizon International Plans

Verizon offers a range of international plans designed to keep customers connected while traveling abroad. Each plan caters to different travel needs and budgets, from short trips to longer stays.

TravelPass allows Verizon customers to use their domestic talk, text, and data allowances in over 185 countries for a fixed daily rate. The cost is automatically applied when a customer uses their phone abroad, making it a convenient option for sporadic travel.

• Cost : Charged only on days of use
• Coverage : 5G access in select countries

Monthly International Plans

For more frequent travelers, Verizon’s Monthly International Plans offer a consistent billing cycle similar to a regular domestic plan. These plans come with a monthly allowance of minutes, texts, and a data plan to use internationally.

• Benefits : Fixed cost for predictable billing
• Variety : Plans differ in call, text, and data limits

Pay As You Go

The Pay As You Go rates are suitable for travelers who need minimal overseas connectivity or prefer to pay for services as used. Charges for calls, texts, and data are based on the specific rates of the visited country.

• Flexibility : No daily or monthly fees
• Consideration : Can be costlier without a proper plan

Roaming , SIM card compatibility, and the presence of 5G are crucial factors to consider across all Verizon international plans to ensure seamless usage. The Verizon Wireless network strives to provide comprehensive coverage and services for customers engaging in international travel . It’s essential for travelers to assess their travel and communication needs to select the right Verizon International Plan.

Activating International Services With Verizon

Verizon offers convenient ways to ensure customers stay connected during international travel. Activation is straightforward, whether opting for a temporary TravelPass or a more extensive monthly plan.

How to Add TravelPass

To add TravelPass to your device, begin by verifying your eligibility through your Verizon account. If eligible, you can simply text ‘TRAVEL’ to 4004 or utilize the My Verizon app to enable the service. TravelPass allows you to use your phone’s data, call, and text plan in over 185 countries for a set daily fee.

Signing Up for International Monthly Plans

For extended trips or frequent travelers, signing up for an international monthly plan may be more cost-effective. You can explore and sign up for different monthly options that fit your needs from the International Services page . These plans often include a fixed amount of data, as well as messaging and calling minutes.

Managing International Services

Once you’ve activated an international service, managing your plan is essential. Keep track of data usage and additional charges directly through the My Verizon app or website. For support or modifications to your plan, Verizon’s customer service is accessible before and during your travels. Additionally, ensuring your device’s roaming settings are on is crucial for service abroad.

Engaging Verizon international services effectively will make your international travel experience smoother, maintaining access to the usual comforts of your mobile device.

Cost Considerations for Verizon Travel

When planning international travel with Verizon, customers need to be mindful of the costs associated with daily and monthly fees for phone usage abroad.

Understanding Daily and Monthly Fees

Verizon’s TravelPass allows customers to take their domestic talk, text, and data allowances internationally. The daily fee for the TravelPass starts at $10 per day for service in more than 185 countries. These fees can add up, so frequent travelers may prefer a Monthly Plan , which offers a set bundle of minutes, texts, and data for a longer period.

Comparing International Plan Costs

Phone Plans with international travel features vary in pricing and options. The Verizon International Monthly Plan could be more cost-effective for long trips, with a different pricing structure that may include an allotment of data per month. Customers should compare the data allowances and the per-minute rates for calls to ensure they choose a plan that aligns with their communication needs while avoiding overage costs.

Determining the right plan requires a balance of understanding Verizon’s pricing structure and assessing individual usage expected during international travel.

Using Your Verizon Phone Abroad

When traveling internationally, Verizon customers have several options to manage phone usage effectively. Careful planning and an understanding of Verizon’s international offerings can ease communication worries while abroad.

Managing Data and Call Usage

Data Plans : For international travel, travelers can enroll in Verizon’s TravelPass for a set fee per 24-hour period, which provides an allowance for data, texting, and calling. It’s important to check data rates as costs can vary by country. Customers can also opt for the pay-as-you-go method, but should be mindful of higher rates that may apply.

For those who prefer not to use roaming data, turning off cellular data and using Wi-Fi whenever possible is a wise choice. Travelers should also be aware of the availability of LTE networks and the compatibility of their devices with local networks for optimal service.

Tips for Staying Connected

Travelers can stay connected affordably by leveraging public and private Wi-Fi networks, which can help avoid data roaming charges. It’s also beneficial to activate an international plan or TravelPass prior to departure to mitigate unexpected costs.

To ensure continuous service, travelers may also use an eSIM or a local SIM card if their device supports it. This can be more cost-effective, especially for longer trips or if heavy data usage is expected.

Understanding Roaming

Roaming occurs when a cell phone uses a foreign network for service while outside the home country’s network. This can result in significant charges without an appropriate international plan.

CDMA and GSM are two types of network technologies that Verizon devices can connect to internationally. It is essential for Verizon customers to confirm their device’s network compatibility. For newer models, this is less of an issue, as many are global phones that can support both kinds of networks.

Linking up with Verizon’s international network partners, customers can use roaming service on GSM networks provided they have a Verizon international phone plan in place. If travelers choose to roam without a plan, it’s important to monitor their usage closely to avoid bill shock.

Exploring Alternative International Options

When deciding on an international communication strategy, travelers often assess Verizon’s global offerings alongside alternative solutions. From local SIM cards to competing carriers’ packages, understanding the options helps ensure a connected and cost-effective trip abroad.

Local SIM Cards vs Verizon Plans

Local SIM cards typically offer a cost-effective way to access cellular service in a foreign country. Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival can significantly reduce roaming charges and provide access to local deals and data allowances . On the other hand, Verizon’s international plans might involve higher fees but offer the convenience of retaining one’s home phone number, coupled with dedicated customer support . Careful consideration of the length of stay and communication needs is essential when weighing these options.

Comparing With Competitors’ Offers

Verizon is not the only provider with international options; carriers like T-Mobile have established competitive international packages, like the International Phone Plans which often include unlimited texting and data. AT&T’s International Day Pass and Google Fi are also attractive for frequent travelers due to the flexibility and high-speed data offerings. These competitors often offer similar services, so analyzing the fine print for costs and benefits is crucial for determining the best deal.

Benefits of Verizon International Services

Verizon International Services provides a range of benefits from widespread global coverage in over 200 countries to specialized offerings like TravelPass, which allows the use of one’s domestic plan abroad for a daily fee. Verizon users can manage their international service easily through the My Verizon app, ensuring accessible plan modifications and usage tracking. Moreover, loyal Verizon customers might find added value in bundling their international services with their existing plans, potentially unlocking further perks and savings.

Verizon’s Global Coverage and Destinations

Verizon offers extensive international coverage, enabling travelers to stay connected in over 210 countries and destinations. With a mix of LTE and 5G networks where available, customers enjoy a seamless connection experience.

Destinations Included in Verizon Plans

Verizon’s international phone plans cater to a wide range of destinations, including popular travel locales like Mexico and Canada , as well as over 210 countries worldwide. Depending on the chosen plan, Verizon customers can access their unlimited data, talk, and text in these destinations, mirroring the convenience of their domestic Verizon experience.

Network Performance Abroad

When travelling, Verizon customers can expect robust network performance abroad, with connections to either LTE or 5G networks, subject to availability. By tapping into global Wi-Fi hotspots and international networks, staying online is made easier. The company takes measures to ensure that performance is optimized for international use, maintaining the network coverage customers rely on while at home.

Customer Support and Resources

When Verizon customers venture abroad, they have a robust support system to ensure a smooth international travel experience. Verizon offers various resources to assist customers with any issues they may face, from network connectivity to billing enquiries.

Getting Help While Traveling

Travelers can access customer support directly from their Verizon device by dialing *611 for assistance or contacting the International Customer Support number if they face challenges while outside the US. For detailed preparation and troubleshooting support, customers can reference Verizon’s website before and during their trip. Additionally, by using the Verizon Trip Planner tool, travelers can find tailored information about their international plan options and usage.

Verizon Community and Social Media

The Verizon Community offers a platform for customers to engage with fellow travelers and share their experiences or solutions. Moreover, Verizon maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook Messenger , where customers can reach out for real-time assistance. These channels are monitored by Verizon representatives who can provide timely help and advice for international travel concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries regarding Verizon’s international travel services, detailing costs, plan features, and activation protocols.

What are the costs associated with Verizon Travel Pass?

The Verizon TravelPass allows customers to use their talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries for a daily fee. This fee is applied only on the days the service is used.

What does Verizon’s $100 international plan include?

Verizon’s International Travel Plan priced at $100 typically includes talk, text, and data. It is best to confirm the specifics as these plans can vary and may offer different allowances or features.

How does international roaming work with Verizon?

When roaming internationally with Verizon , devices automatically connect to local networks. Charges are based on the customer’s travel plan or pay-as-you-go rates.

What are the prices for Verizon’s international plans?

The prices for Verizon’s international plans differ based on destination and service needs. TravelPass has a daily rate, while there may also be monthly plans or pay-as-you-go options available.

How do I activate international data with Verizon?

To activate international data with Verizon , one often needs to enroll in an international service plan through their account or contact Verizon customer support.

Am I required to inform Verizon before using my phone outside of the United States?

It is advisable to notify Verizon before traveling outside of the United States . Enrolling in an international plan and ensuring your device is ready for use can prevent service interruptions and unexpected charges.

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• Travel Tips

The Best International Phone and Data Plans: Everything You Need to Know to Use Your Cell Phone Abroad

Compare plans from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

Having a working cell phone while traveling internationally can make a world of difference. Think of how often you use your GPS (Which way to the metro station?) , internet browser (What time does the museum close?) , messaging apps (Hey, are we still meeting at the restaurant later?) , and mobile apps (I'll grab an Uber to meet you!) — just in a single afternoon. You'll probably want data on your next trip abroad, and perhaps a lot of it.

Alas, roaming rates can be extremely expensive. Even if you don't call or text while abroad, background updates to apps can run up unexpected roaming fees. Here's how to avoid those hidden charges, plus everything else you need to know about international plans offered by major phone carriers.

Overview of International Phone Plans

Perhaps the easiest option for continuing to use your phone while abroad is to purchase an international plan through your current carrier. This can work out to be the most cost-effective choice, but it isn't always. International roaming plans are typically best if you use your phone sparingly while abroad. The longer you travel, the higher the bill in many cases.

Before we delve into the specifics of each plan, here are some important things to note:

• With most plans — at least the ones mentioned here — you will be charged only once you begin using your phone internationally. However, if you have cellular data turned on (i.e., you're not in airplane mode), these international plans may be activated by background data from apps refreshing, email syncing, and device or software updates.
• Add these international plans to each device you'll use them on before your trip.
• Once you start using your phone in your destination, you should receive a text that the international plan is active.
• Billing varies by carrier and plan; you could be billed immediately after you begin using data abroad or after an entire billing cycle passes. However, you wouldn't normally be charged more often than once per 24 hours, even if you travel to multiple countries in a day.

AT&T International Plan

AT&T is the third largest mobile phone service provider in the U.S. If you have AT&T, here are your options:

Pay per day: Add the International Day Pass to your current plan for $10 per day, per device, to call, text, and use data as you would at home in more than 200 destinations. Your data allowance and talk minutes will be the same as your current plan, but you'll get unlimited texts to any numbers in the world. Calls must be made to the U.S. or another country on the IDP list. You can only use the day pass for 10 days per monthly billing cycle.

For longer trips: Although AT&T used to offer Passport plans that would allow account holders to pay monthly for data, talk, and texting abroad, the plans were discontinued (for individual consumers only, not for businesses) in 2021. Now, the International Day Pass is your only AT&T option outside of North America.

Traveling to Canada or Mexico: All unlimited and some limited plans will get you unlimited talk and text plus access to your data plan at no extra charge within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Customers on other plans can add the Roam North America feature to their existing plans to receive these benefits, too.

Verizon International Plan

Verizon has more subscribers than any other American mobile phone service provider. If you're one of them, here are your options:

Pay per day: For $10 per day, per line, Verizon's TravelPass lets you use your domestic talk, text, and data plan in more than 200 destinations outside of the U.S. Calls within the country you're visiting and calls back to the U.S. are included, but calls to another country will incur additional international long-distance rates, which vary depending on the country.

For longer trips: Verizon's International Monthly Plan costs $100 per line, per month, and gets you 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texting, and unlimited data including 20GB of high speed, then 3G speeds after that. Be mindful of your minutes on this plan — overages will cost you an additional $0.25 per minute.

Traveling to Canada or Mexico: All Verizon unlimited mobile plans allow you to use your usual talk, text, and data allowances in Canada and Mexico without additional charges. Those with other Verizon plans can buy the TravelPass for $5 per day to use in Canada or Mexico.

T-Mobile International Plan

T-Mobile offers a range of perks to international travelers, including:

Pay per day: T-Mobile's International Day Pass gives you 512MB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for $5 a day. The plan works in more than 200 countries and destinations, which T-Mobile calls "Simple Global" countries.

For longer trips: T-Mobile's Magenta and Magenta MAX plans give you unlimited texting and data in Simple Global destinations at no additional cost. With the standard Magenta plan, you get 5GB of high speed in just 11 European countries, then speeds of 128kbps after that and in other Simple Global regions. With Magenta MAX, you get high speed across T-Mobile's global range. With both, international calls cost $0.25 per minute.

Note that the Essentials plan, T-Mobile's most basic, includes unlimited international texting but no data, and prepaid plans do not include global coverage. Data speeds are slow with T-Mobile's included coverage, however, and if you want to use your phone for media streaming or just have faster data, you may want to purchase an International Pass.

The great benefit of T-Mobile international plans is that even after you've used up all your allotted data, you can still use unlimited data and texting at Simple Global speeds, unlike other carriers, which charge you for data overages.

Another perk for travelers: T-Mobile offers in-flight Wi-Fi through a partnership with Intelsat. Get one hour free with Magenta or unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi with Magenta Plus.

Traveling to Canada or Mexico: Unlimited texts and data are included at no extra cost. However, only Magenta and Magenta MAX plans will get you high-speed data in Canada and Mexico.

Sprint International Plan

Sprint merged with T-Mobile in 2020 but still offers its own mobile plans. Here are your options in terms of international coverage:

Pay per day: Sprint's day pass allows you to use high-speed data in more than 200 destinations. Depending on where you are, it costs $5 or $10 per day. You could also pay weekly — $25 or $50, respectively.

For longer trips: Global Roaming is included with all Sprint plans, providing free international texting and basic data of up to 2G speeds at no extra cost. International calls cost $0.25 per minute. If you have a need for faster data, you should purchase the high-speed data day pass.

T-Mobile and Sprint are doubly convenient as they require no activation prior to travel. Simply start using your phone while abroad and your included global coverage will kick in.

Traveling to Canada or Mexico: Texting and data at basic speeds are free on all plans. Additionally, those with unlimited data plans get a high-speed allowance while in Canada or Mexico — 5GB for Unlimited Basic subscribers, 10GB for Unlimited Plus subscribers, and unlimited high speed for Unlimited Premium subscribers. On other plans, you can buy high-speed data for $2 per day or $10 per week.

Purchasing a SIM Card Abroad

If you plan to be abroad for a longer period of time — say for a year to teach English, a two-month sabbatical, or even a month-long backpacking trip — it may make sense (and be more cost effective) to purchase a SIM card abroad. In order to use a local or international SIM card, your phone must be unlocked.

Having an "unlocked" phone typically means you own your phone outright — either you've paid all your installments or you bought the phone at full price to begin with — and have gone through the process of unlocking your phone with your carrier, often as simple as following a set of instructions online. If you bought your phone from Verizon, you might be able to avoid this process as the carrier automatically unlocks its phones after 60 days.

Local vs. International SIM Cards

Local SIM cards work only in the country where you buy them. This is often the cheapest option because you're effectively paying as a local. Local SIMs will also provide you with fast data as you'll be using local networks. You can purchase a local SIM card from a vendor when you arrive in your destination country — even at the airport, if you want.

If you plan to travel across borders, an international SIM card might be a better option as it will allow you to use one SIM in multiple countries. You can purchase and set up an international SIM before you travel, saving you the trouble of purchasing one abroad. Do your research, though, because international SIM rates can be even more expensive than your carrier's international plans. Companies such as WorldSIM , OneSimCard , Telestial , and Mobal offer international SIM cards that provide different coverage options and price points.

If you're traveling to Europe, you can purchase a SIM card that works throughout the EU. This is likely to be cheaper than purchasing an international SIM card.

How Does Using a SIM Card Work?

You can buy a local SIM card at most wireless stores and even at some airports or convenience stores. Some places may require certain documentation such as your passport. If you're nervous about putting the new SIM card into your phone, purchase it from an expert (as opposed to, say, a supermarket) so you can ask for help. Just make sure not to lose your original SIM so you can put it back into your phone when you go back home.

If you run out of minutes or data on the card, you can always go back to the store to top up or purchase more data and minutes online. Do some quick research to figure out which carriers offer the most bang for your buck in your destination.

Buying or Renting a Phone Abroad

If your current phone is still under contract, you can buy or rent a local phone in your destination (often for cheap) from a company like Mobal or Cellular Abroad , then purchase a SIM locally. Or, if you've still got an old phone tucked away somewhere, unlock that phone and use it instead for traveling.

Using a Third-party Data Provider

While a local SIM is certainly a great, cost-efficient option, most travelers aren't concerned with making calls and texting with a local phone number. If you just want to be able to have Internet access and use the apps on your phone, a third-party data-only provider is a great alternative.

GigSky , for example, is an international eSIM (no physical card required) that gives you mobile data in more than 190 destinations. It's super easy to purchase and activate — just download the app, pick a plan, download the eSIM, and you're good to go. GigSky offers four plans: seven days and 1GB of data for $8.99, 15 days and 3GB of data for $22.99, 30 days and 5GB of data for $34.99, and 30 days of 10GB of data for $68.99. If you run out, you can top up through the app.

Another option, Google Fi provides data through T-Mobile's network, and it uses Wi-Fi for calling and texting wherever available across more than 200 destinations. There are no contracts or activation fees, and rates range from $20 to $65 per line depending on how many lines you want to include. The most basic plan will get you unlimited international texting from the U.S. to other countries, unlimited data, calling, and texting in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and 5GB of high-speed hotspot tethering; the Plus plan will get you all that plus international calling to more than 50 destinations, data in more than 200 destinations, and unlimited high-speed hotspot tethering. If your phone is compatible, you can use an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card.

Using a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

If you plan to do a lot of work while you're abroad and would like constant access to Wi-Fi on your laptop instead of just on your phone, you might want to look into getting a portable Wi-Fi device . These provide Wi-Fi access wherever you bring them, plus they can be accessed by multiple people and devices at the same time. One good option for international travel is the SIMO Solis Lite , available on Amazon. It's small enough to fit in your pocket, works in more than 135 countries, can connect to 10 devices at once, and provides the option of a VPN for extra security.

Traveling Without Data

Of course, if you don't want to spend any money at all to use your phone abroad, you can simply be on the lookout for a free Wi-Fi signal. In a perfect world, free, reliable Wi-Fi would be everywhere. But in reality, open Wi-Fi networks may be few and far between while you travel, and even when available, they often provide slow, spotty connection (or none at all). If you choose to wing it with open Wi-Fi networks, just make sure to leave your phone on airplane mode. You will still be able to connect to Wi-Fi, but this ensures that you won't be charged international roaming fees because of background data running. To be extra cautious, turn off cellular data in the settings of your phone.

Charging Your Phone Abroad

After investing time and money to be able to use your phone abroad, the last thing you want is to wind up in your destination with a phone charger that doesn't work with the local outlets. Make sure that you've got the proper travel adapter before you go.

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Your Guide to the Best Phone Plans for International Travel

When you travel abroad, it can be hard to ensure you won’t get stuck without service in another country. International travel has always involved a lot of logistics, but there are ways you can make your travel experience easier.

One of the best ways to do this is by looking into international travel plans that you can use to safely and confidently book your next trip. But not all cell phone plans are created equal, and depending on your needs, some phone plans may be a better fit than others. Not sure where to start your research? Here is a rundown of the best plans for your next international journey.

If you're curious about finding the best wireless phone plans on the market, you can use our free, unbiased Plan Finder below as a phone plan comparison tool to quickly search through hundreds of plan options from the top carriers to find you a cell phone plan that fits your needs, including travel needs.

Find the Best Phone Plans

What are the best international phone plans.

Every carrier has various plans you can utilize to stay connected while abroad. Here are some of the best cell phone plans that let you send SMS text messages, make phone calls, and leverage high-speed data worldwide.

Best Phone Plan for International Travel in North America: Verizon

Not interested in getting a whole plan just for travel? Verizon's solution might work for you in that case. Rather than requiring you to subscribe to a plan that includes travel perks, you can instead opt in to the Verizon TravelPass. The TravelPass offers unlimited talk, text, and data in 210+ countries for an extra $10 a day per line.

For example, if your plan normally costs $65 per month, and you spend a week in Croatia, you would pay a total of $65 for your monthly cell phone plan, plus $70 for the TravelPass, plus taxes and fees. The only limitation is that your data speeds are reduced to 3G speeds after the first 2GB you use per day.

It's worth noting that all Verizon unlimited data plans include unlimited texting from US to 200+ countries, plus talk, text, and unlimited data in Mexico and Canada as a baseline, too, so if you're staying in North America, you're already covered.

Finally, you can opt for pay-as-you-go pricing. Calls can cost up to $2.99 per minute in some other countries. Every text sent costs 50 cents, and every text received costs five cents. Data costs $2.05 per megabyte in all countries outside the United States. This can rack up quickly, so keep an eye on your data use if you opt for this method of travel coverage.

Interested in exploring Verizon's cell phone plans? Read more about each plan below:

• Verizon Unlimited Welcome
• Verizon Unlimited Plus
• Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

Best Phone Plan for International Travel With Families: AT&T

AT&T's unlimited cell phone plans all offer international voice, data usage, and text in Mexico and Canada by default. These plans also provide unlimited texting from US to 200+ countries.

If you're planning on leaving North America, AT&T has a feature called the AT&T International Day Pass, similar to the TravelPass from Verizon. This cell service day pass functions in over 200 countries and costs $10 daily. The Day Passes begin working as soon as you travel across the border to a different country, granting you access to all the unlimited talk, text, and data of your current plan, with no limit on data speed other than the premium data limit on your existing plan. Once that runs out, you'll be stuck on 128 Kbps, which is extremely slow.

The real benefit of AT&T's travel perks is that it's $10 for the first line, but only an additional $5/line after that. So if you're on a plan with a big family, you can save a lot of money on your group international trip.

Interested in reading more about AT&T's unlimited data plans? Here are our guides:

• AT&T Value Plus VL
• AT&T Unlimited Starter SL
• AT&T Unlimited Extra EL
• AT&T Unlimited Premium PL - note that this plan goes a step further and includes unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data in 19 Latin American countries.

Best Phone Plan for International Travel Without Limits: T-Mobile

T-Mobile, of the big three cell carriers, has the most comprehensive travel perks. All plans include unlimited talk, text, and data at 2G speeds in Mexico and Canada, plus unlimited texting in 210+ countries as a baseline. Just keep in mind that 2G speeds are very slow.

However, one step up, T-Mobile Go5G includes far more travel perks, including unlimited texting, and data with up to 10GB at 4G LTE speeds in Mexico and Canada, 5GB of high-speed data followed by unlimited data at 2G speeds in 11 European countries, and unlimited data at 2G speeds when you travel to 210+ countries. Note that calls do cost $0.25/minute.

If you're on one of T-Mobile's more premium plans, like Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, you get 5GB of high-speed data in 215+ countries & destinations. All Go5G plans also include inflight WiFi on 4 full flights per year, where it's available on certain US airlines.

This all comes included in the cost of your plan, with no additional purchase necessary. If this amount of data isn't quite enough, or you'd prefer faster speeds, you have the choice to purchase a 1-Day, 10-Day, or 30-Day Travel Pass. These passes include a set amount of data for you to use in the specified time frame.

All in all, you have more options with T-Mobile than with either of the other two carriers we've mentioned. There's no need to purchase a pass; your perks are simply included in your plan.

Want to find out more about T-Mobile's unlimited data plans ? Here's the rundown:

• T-Mobile Essentials Saver
• T-Mobile Essentials
• T-Mobile Go5G ‍
• T-Mobile Go5G Plus ‍
• T-Mobile Go5G Next

Which Phone Plan Is the Best for International Travel?

It's hard to pick one cell phone plan as the "best," because it depends on how often you travel, where you travel, and how much data you think you'll need. Not only that, but each plan comes with separate perks to consider, too. For example, T-Mobile's Go5G Plus also includes a Hulu subscription. Verizon's plans allow you to bundle a variety of perks at a discount.

Before choosing a plan for international travel, carefully consider your data needs, whether the country is already covered in your plan, and how much money you'd save by upgrading to a plan with better travel perks, versus paying extra per day you travel with a travel pass.

Why Should I Consider a Different Phone Plan When Traveling?

You take your phone everywhere, so it can come as a bit of a surprise when It can be frustrating to realize that we cannot leave the country with just our basic phone plan after paying our monthly fees. The plans we have in the U.S. are tied directly to the cell tower infrastructure of the country itself, something that is not shared with other countries.

Every country has a unique system, so you need to find plans that work with those countries' infrastructures . You need to consider many specific things, depending on where you go. Some places will allow you to have call and text functionality but not an internet connection, while others will only allow other basic features.

It is essential to contact your carrier before going anywhere to ensure you are adequately prepared.

Roaming Rates

Why not simply roam and use the native coverage? One of the biggest hurdles to getting a phone plan set up in another country is that roaming rates abroad tend to be much more expensive than domestic rates. This is because, in many countries, you will be saddled with extra travel fees compared to what you would usually be paying.

On top of that, every carrier will have different solutions to this issue. Some carriers offer limited international roaming in certain countries with specialized domestic plans, while others create separate systems for international travel.

Your chosen plan will most likely depend on the country you are traveling to, how long you plan to be there, and what your domestic provider already offers.

International Compatibility

In the old days, you would need to completely change to a local SIM card if you wanted to take your phone to another country — unless you didn’t care about high-speed data and unlimited calls and wanted to communicate solely with free Wi-Fi and messaging apps like WhatsApp or Skype.

Since your SIM card is the hardware you use to connect to your network provider, going to a country with a different set of providers requires new hardware.

If you have a phone with an old-school SIM card, this remains the method you need to use to get connected. However, many modern phones have eSIM capabilities, which can be adapted and reprogrammed without changing your phone number.

On an iPhone, for example, you can set up to eight eSIMs on your phone . This means that you can store the necessary SIM information to use your existing hardware and add on eSIMs to help you access flexible international data (from 2G speeds up to 4G LTE and 5G speeds) with ease. Samsung and other Android phones also offer similar eSIM capabilities.

With LTE support, many countries will have cellular networks with bands compatible with your phone. All you need to do is set up your international phone plan, and you are all set.

If you're not afraid to do a little legwork, your phone is unlocked, and you don't mind having a different phone number for the length of your stay, it's not a bad idea to purchase a local prepaid SIM card at the airport and travel that way, instead. That being said, many people prefer the convenience of simply having a phone that works internationally as soon as the plane lands, with no extra setup required.

The Bottom Line

Even though international travel is a hassle, there are ways to make the process easier. Verizon and AT&T both have various types of international roaming plans that allow you to travel almost anywhere in the world while retaining some connectivity. T-Mobile offers a wide range of plan options, as well as a set of travel passes that range from one day to thirty days.

Since you do not have to set everything up, the easiest way to get service in a country outside the United States is through one of the big three carriers.

That said, plans are constantly shifting to keep companies competitive. If you want to get a complete, up-to-date picture of all the cell phone plans available to you, our free, unbiased Plan Finder can help to figure out which international plan you should pick.

International Roaming: Using Your Mobile Phone in Other Countries | Federal Communications Commission

Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone | Apple Support

Choose Your Phone Plan | Verizon

International Calling, Roaming & Data Plans | AT&T

Unlimited Plans | T-Mobile

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How To Avoid International Roaming Charges On Verizon

Published: December 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Leia Hunt

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Introduction

Traveling internationally can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most dreaded aspects of international travel for many people is the hefty international roaming charges that can quickly accumulate on their phone bills. Luckily, if you’re a Verizon customer, there are several ways you can avoid these charges and stay connected without breaking the bank.

International roaming charges are fees imposed by your mobile service provider when you use your phone outside of your home country. These charges can include fees for making and receiving calls, sending and receiving texts and multimedia messages, and using data services like internet browsing or accessing apps. These charges can vary significantly depending on your destination and the specific plan or package you have with your carrier.

Verizon, one of the largest mobile service providers in the United States, offers various options for international roaming to its customers. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning a short trip abroad, understanding these options can help you avoid excessive charges and stay connected while enjoying your time overseas.

In this article, we will explore the different international roaming options provided by Verizon and share some valuable tips to help you avoid international roaming charges. We’ll also discuss how to prepare your phone for international travel and suggest alternative communication methods that can save you money and keep you connected without incurring exorbitant fees.

Understanding International Roaming Charges

Before we delve into strategies to avoid international roaming charges, let’s first understand what these charges entail. When you travel outside of your home country, your mobile service provider partners with local networks in the destination country to provide you with cellular coverage. However, this convenience comes at a cost.

International roaming charges are fees imposed by your mobile service provider for using their services on the partnered networks abroad. These charges can be quite high and can quickly skyrocket if you’re not careful. The most common types of international roaming charges include:

• Roaming call rates: This charge applies when you make or receive calls while roaming. These rates are typically higher than domestic call rates and can vary depending on the country you are visiting.
• Roaming data charges: Using data services while roaming can lead to hefty charges. From browsing the internet to using apps that require an internet connection, every bit of data used can add up to your bill.
• Roaming messaging charges: Similar to data charges, sending and receiving text messages and multimedia messages (MMS) while roaming can also result in additional fees.

It’s important to note that these charges can vary significantly depending on the country you’re visiting and the specific plan or package you have with your mobile service provider. Some countries might have higher roaming rates, while others may have more affordable options. It’s always crucial to check with your provider to understand the rates and options available for your destination.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that international roaming charges can be even higher if you’re traveling outside of the coverage area of your own mobile service provider. In such cases, your provider may have to rely on partner networks, which can result in higher charges.

Now that you have a better understanding of international roaming charges, let’s explore Verizon’s international roaming options and how you can avoid these charges while still enjoying seamless connectivity during your travels.

Verizon’s International Roaming Options

Verizon offers several international roaming options to its customers, allowing them to stay connected while traveling abroad. These options include:

• TravelPass: Verizon’s TravelPass allows you to use your existing plan’s talk, text, and data allowances while abroad for a daily fee. With TravelPass, you can use your phone in over 185 countries without incurring additional roaming charges. You are only charged on the days you use your device, with a set fee for each 24-hour period. This option can be convenient for short trips and provides a predictable cost for international usage.
• Monthly International Travel Plan: If you’re planning an extended stay abroad, Verizon offers monthly international travel plans. These plans provide a specific amount of talk, text, and data allowances for a fixed monthly fee. Monthly international travel plans often offer more cost-effective options for long-term travelers or frequent visitors to a particular country or region.
• Pay-as-you-go rates: If you prefer more flexibility and don’t anticipate heavy usage during your international trip, you can simply rely on Verizon’s pay-as-you-go rates. These rates vary depending on the country you’re visiting and apply to voice calls, text messages, and data usage. It’s important to note that pay-as-you-go rates can be significantly higher than using travel passes or monthly international plans, so it’s advisable to monitor your usage carefully to avoid unexpected charges.
• Global Data Plan: For frequent international travelers, Verizon offers a Global Data plan. This plan provides a set amount of data for use in over 130 countries and can be added to your existing plan for a monthly fee. The Global Data plan helps you stay connected without worrying about data overages or excessive charges while traveling.

It’s essential to check Verizon’s website or contact their customer service to determine the availability and suitability of these international roaming options for your specific needs and destination. Understanding these options will help you choose the most cost-effective solution to keep you connected while avoiding excessive roaming charges.

Now that you know the various international roaming options available from Verizon, let’s explore some essential tips to help you minimize or even avoid international roaming charges altogether.

Tips to Avoid International Roaming Charges on Verizon

While Verizon offers international roaming options to help you stay connected while abroad, there are additional steps you can take to avoid or minimize roaming charges. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:

• Check your plan: Before traveling internationally, review your Verizon plan to understand what is covered and what additional charges may apply. Some plans may already include international roaming allowances or discounted rates for specific countries.
• Enable airplane mode with Wi-Fi: When you don’t want to use cellular services, but still want to connect to the internet or make calls, enable airplane mode and connect to Wi-Fi networks. This allows you to use Wi-Fi for data services or utilize Wi-Fi calling and messaging apps without incurring roaming charges.
• Use Wi-Fi calling: Verizon offers Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi network. This feature is especially useful in areas with weak cellular coverage or to avoid roaming charges altogether. Make sure to enable Wi-Fi calling in your device settings before traveling.
• Use messaging apps: Instead of relying on traditional text messaging, use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or iMessage to communicate with friends and family. These apps use data instead of SMS, allowing you to stay in touch without incurring additional charges.
• Manage data usage: Be mindful of your data usage while abroad. Disable automatic updates and background app refresh, and consider downloading offline maps and content before your trip. Utilize Wi-Fi networks whenever available and monitor your data usage to avoid exceeding your plan’s allowances or incurring high pay-as-you-go rates.
• Consider a local SIM card: If you have an unlocked phone, purchasing a local SIM card in your destination country can be a cost-effective option. This allows you to have a local phone number and take advantage of local rates for calls, texts, and data. Research local carriers and SIM card options in advance to ensure compatibility with your device.
• Research roaming agreements: Check if Verizon has roaming agreements with local carriers in your destination country. In some instances, Verizon may have favorable rates or partnerships that can reduce roaming charges. Familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of these agreements before your trip.
• Use offline modes for apps: Many apps have offline modes that allow you to use certain features without an internet connection. Save maps, articles, and other content offline before your trip so you can access them without using data while roaming.

Implementing these tips can help you avoid or significantly reduce international roaming charges while still enjoying the convenience of staying connected during your travels. By being proactive and making smart choices, you can make the most out of your international experience without breaking the bank.

Using Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Calling

One of the most effective ways to avoid international roaming charges on Verizon is by utilizing Wi-Fi networks and enabling Wi-Fi calling on your device. Here’s how you can make the most of Wi-Fi connectivity:

Connect to Wi-Fi networks: Whenever possible, connect to Wi-Fi networks to access the internet and use data-enabled services without relying on cellular networks. Many hotels, cafes, and public spaces offer free or paid Wi-Fi access for their customers. Take advantage of these networks to browse the web, check emails, and use apps without incurring roaming charges.

Enable Wi-Fi calling: Verizon offers Wi-Fi calling on compatible devices, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi network. This feature is especially useful when you have weak or no cellular signal or want to avoid incurring roaming charges. To enable Wi-Fi calling, go to your device’s settings and toggle on the Wi-Fi calling feature. You may need to enter your emergency 911 address to activate this feature.

With Wi-Fi calling enabled, you can use your Verizon number to make and receive calls and texts over Wi-Fi, just as if you were using a regular cellular network. This functionality is particularly handy when traveling to locations with limited connectivity or when you’re in buildings with poor cellular reception.

It’s important to note that both you and the person you are calling must have Wi-Fi calling capabilities enabled on their devices. Additionally, Wi-Fi calling uses your internet connection, so ensure that you have a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection to avoid call quality issues.

By taking advantage of Wi-Fi networks and enabling Wi-Fi calling, you can stay connected without relying on cellular networks and avoid the costly roaming charges that can accumulate during international travel. Remember to configure these settings and test them out before your trip to ensure a seamless experience while abroad.

Using VoIP Services

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services can be a cost-effective and convenient way to stay connected while avoiding international roaming charges on Verizon. VoIP allows you to make voice and video calls over the internet, bypassing traditional phone networks. Here’s how you can utilize VoIP services:

Use VoIP apps: There are several popular VoIP apps available that allow you to make voice and video calls, send messages, and even share files over the internet. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts offer free or low-cost calling options, making them ideal for international communication. Install these apps on your smartphone, tablet, or computer before your trip and ensure that your contacts also have the same apps for seamless communication.

Wi-Fi or data connection: To use VoIP services, you’ll need a stable internet connection. Connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever available to avoid using your cellular data, thereby saving on roaming charges. If Wi-Fi is not accessible, you can use your mobile data, but be cautious of any potential data charges that may apply according to your Verizon plan.

Call quality considerations: The quality of your VoIP calls may depend on the stability and speed of your internet connection. While Wi-Fi networks generally provide better call quality, using mobile data can work well if you have a strong signal. However, keep in mind that data-intensive services like video calling may consume a significant amount of data. Monitor your data usage to avoid exceeding your plan’s allowances or incurring additional charges.

International calling rates: It’s important to be aware that while many VoIP services offer free or low-cost calls, there may still be charges for calling international phone numbers outside of the app’s network. Before making international calls, check the rates offered by the VoIP service and compare them to Verizon’s international calling rates. In some cases, the VoIP service may offer more affordable options, especially for calls to countries not covered by your Verizon plan.

Using VoIP services can help you stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues while avoiding high international roaming charges. These apps provide a convenient and cost-effective way to communicate internationally, especially when combined with Wi-Fi connectivity. Remember to test and familiarize yourself with the VoIP app’s features and settings before your trip to ensure a smooth calling experience.

Getting a Local SIM Card

If you have an unlocked device, getting a local SIM card in your destination country can be an excellent way to avoid international roaming charges and enjoy affordable rates for calls, texts, and data. Here’s how you can go about getting a local SIM card:

Check device compatibility: Before considering a local SIM card, ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with the local network technology in your destination country. Different countries use different network technologies, such as GSM or CDMA. Research the network types used in your destination country and confirm that your device supports them.

Research local carriers: Identify the local mobile carriers in your destination country. Look for reputable carriers with good coverage and reasonable rates. Check their websites or visit their stores to understand the available plans, packages, and services they offer to travelers.

Purchase a SIM card: Once you’ve chosen a carrier, visit one of their authorized stores or retailers to purchase a local SIM card. Make sure to bring your identification documents, as some countries may require their presentation for SIM card registration.

Activate the SIM card: Follow the instructions provided with the SIM card to activate it. This may involve inserting the SIM card into your device, contacting the carrier for activation, or using a specific activation code or app. Ensure that the SIM card is properly activated before using it.

Top up or purchase a plan: Depending on your needs, you can either top up your SIM card with credit or purchase a prepaid plan that offers a specific allowance of talk time, text messages, and data. Choose a plan that suits your requirements and budget. Some plans may offer add-ons for international calling or data roaming if needed.

Switch to the local SIM card: Once your local SIM card is activated and topped up, replace your current SIM card with the new one. Ensure that your device recognizes the new SIM card and allows you to make calls, send texts, and access data using the local carrier’s network.

By using a local SIM card, you can take advantage of local rates, avoid international roaming charges, and have a local phone number. It’s essential to plan ahead and research the available options to select a reliable carrier and a suitable plan for your needs. Make sure to inform your contacts of your temporary local number to stay connected while abroad.

Traveling to Countries with Roaming Agreements with Verizon

If you’re traveling to a country with a roaming agreement with Verizon, you may benefit from discounted rates or more affordable roaming options. Verizon has partnerships with various international carriers, allowing their customers to enjoy better roaming rates in these countries. Here’s what you need to know:

Check Verizon’s roaming agreements: Before your trip, visit Verizon’s website or contact their customer service to find out which countries have roaming agreements. This information will help you understand the available options and potential cost savings for your destination.

Understand the roaming options: Each roaming agreement may offer different options and rates. Some agreements may provide discounted rates for voice calls, texts, and data, while others may offer specific international travel packages. Review the details of the roaming agreement to determine whether it aligns with your usage requirements and budget.

Monitor usage and charges: Although roaming agreements can provide cost savings, it’s essential to be aware of your usage and any associated charges. Even with a roaming agreement in place, there may still be fees for certain services or usage beyond specified allowances. Keep track of your usage to avoid unforeseen charges on your bill.

Consider TravelPass: Even if you’re traveling to a country with a roaming agreement, Verizon’s TravelPass option may still be beneficial. TravelPass allows you to use your existing plan’s talk, text, and data allowances in over 185 countries for a daily fee. Compare the cost of using TravelPass with the rates offered through the roaming agreement to determine the most cost-effective option for your specific travel needs.

Be prepared for coverage variations: While roaming agreements provide improved rates, it’s important to note that coverage and network quality may vary in different countries. Research the coverage of the local carrier associated with the roaming agreement to understand potential limitations in certain areas or regions within the country.

Traveling to countries with roaming agreements with Verizon can provide you with more affordable options and potentially better access to cellular services. Always verify the details of the roaming agreement for your specific destination and factor in your usage patterns to make an informed decision about the most cost-effective way to stay connected while abroad.

Using Messaging Apps for Communication

When traveling internationally, using messaging apps can be an excellent alternative to traditional text messaging and a cost-effective way to stay connected without incurring international roaming charges. Here’s how you can make the most of messaging apps for communication:

Install messaging apps: Before your trip, ensure that you have popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or Facebook Messenger installed on your device. These apps allow you to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia files over the internet.

Connect to Wi-Fi: To minimize data usage and avoid roaming charges, connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible. Wi-Fi networks are commonly available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas. By utilizing Wi-Fi, you can use messaging apps without consuming your cellular data.

Consider data usage: If you need to use messaging apps outside of Wi-Fi areas, be mindful of your data usage. Messaging apps generally consume less data than other data-intensive activities like browsing or streaming videos. However, it’s still advisable to monitor your usage and adjust your settings to reduce data consumption. For example, you can disable auto-downloads of media files or set the app to use less data for voice and video calls.

Group chats and voice notes: Take advantage of group chats to stay connected with multiple friends or family members simultaneously. Group chats can be an efficient way to plan activities or discuss travel arrangements. Additionally, many messaging apps allow you to send voice notes, which can be a convenient alternative to typing long messages while on the go.

Multi-platform compatibility: Ensure that the messaging app you choose is compatible with various platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. This compatibility allows you to switch seamlessly between devices and ensures that you can communicate with your contacts regardless of their preferred device.

Inform your contacts: Let your contacts know that you’ll be using a messaging app for communication during your travels. Share your username or contact details and encourage them to install the same app if they haven’t already. This way, you can stay connected and avoid international texting charges that may apply when communicating through traditional SMS.

Messaging apps provide a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues while traveling internationally. By utilizing Wi-Fi networks and being mindful of data usage, you can communicate seamlessly without incurring expensive roaming charges on your Verizon plan.

Preparing Your Phone for International Travel

When planning for international travel, it’s essential to prepare your phone to ensure seamless connectivity and avoid unexpected roaming charges. Here are some crucial steps to take before your departure:

Check device compatibility: Verify that your phone is compatible with the network technologies used in your destination country. Different countries may operate on GSM or CDMA networks. Check your device’s specifications or contact your mobile service provider to confirm compatibility.

Unlock your phone: If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, consider unlocking it to use local SIM cards from different countries. Unlocking allows you to switch to a local SIM card and take advantage of more affordable local rates for calls, texts, and data. Contact your carrier to inquire about the unlocking process.

Research destination’s mobile networks: Understand the mobile network landscape at your destination. Research the local mobile service providers, network coverage, and available plans. This information will help you make informed decisions about buying local SIM cards or utilizing your current plan while traveling.

Download maps and offline content: Take advantage of offline maps and content by downloading them before your trip. Many navigation and travel apps offer offline capabilities, allowing you to access maps, guidebooks, and other useful information without relying on an internet connection. This can be especially handy when you’re in areas with limited or costly data access.

Backup your data: Before departing, ensure that you have backed up all important data on your phone. This includes contacts, photos, and important documents. Backing up your data ensures that even if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged during your travels, you can easily retrieve your information.

Optimize settings for data usage: Review and adjust your phone’s settings to minimize data usage while traveling. Disable automatic app updates, background app refresh, and other features that consume data. Consider using data-saving modes if available on your device to restrict data usage to essential apps only.

Update your apps: Update all the apps on your phone to their latest versions before your trip. App updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced security measures. Having up-to-date apps ensures smoother functionality and better protection during your travels.

Carry travel adapters and chargers: Don’t forget to pack the necessary travel adapters and chargers to ensure that you can power and charge your device abroad. Research the electrical outlets used at your destination and bring adapters accordingly.

By taking these steps to prepare your phone for international travel, you can avoid connectivity issues, reduce the risk of excessive roaming charges, and enjoy a hassle-free experience staying connected throughout your journey.

International travel no longer needs to come with the fear of hefty roaming charges on your Verizon phone. By understanding the options available and implementing some smart strategies, you can stay connected without breaking the bank.

Verizon offers international roaming options such as TravelPass and Monthly International Travel Plans, providing flexibility and predictable costs for your international communication needs. Additionally, utilizing Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling can help you stay connected while avoiding cellular networks and roaming charges.

VoIP services and messaging apps offer convenient alternatives to traditional calling and texting, allowing you to communicate over the internet and save on international rates. Installing these apps before your trip and connecting to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible can help you avoid data charges and stay in touch with loved ones.

If you have an unlocked device, getting a local SIM card in your destination country can be a cost-effective option. Research the local carriers and their plans to take advantage of affordable rates and avoid international roaming charges altogether.

Before embarking on your journey, ensure that your phone is prepared for international travel. Verify device compatibility, unlock your phone if necessary, and optimize settings to minimize data usage. Back up your data, update your apps, and pack the necessary chargers and adapters to ensure a smooth experience abroad.

By following these tips and being proactive in managing your phone usage, you can enjoy your international travels with peace of mind and avoid any unpleasant surprises when your phone bill arrives. Stay connected, explore new destinations, and make beautiful memories without worrying about excessive roaming charges on Verizon.

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