Planning an international trip involves numerous preparations, and ensuring your mobile phone service works seamlessly abroad is often a top priority. If you’re a Verizon customer, you might be wondering: Do I Have To Notify Verizon Of International Travel? This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of Verizon’s international services, plans, and requirements to help you make informed decisions before your trip.
Understanding Verizon’s International Travel Options
Verizon offers several options for using your phone while traveling internationally. These include TravelPass, international plans, and pay-as-you-go rates. The best option for you will depend on your travel destination, duration, and anticipated usage. Before you travel, it’s a good idea to use Verizon’s Trip Planner to see what services are available in your destination.
TravelPass
TravelPass allows you to use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances for a daily fee in over 210 countries and destinations. A 4G or 5G World device is required for TravelPass.
Alt text: Verizon TravelPass coverage map highlighting countries where the service is available, emphasizing global connectivity.
Important Considerations for TravelPass:
- TravelPass is not available on all plans.
- Calls to international numbers (other than the country you are traveling in) will be charged standard international long-distance rates.
- International data speeds may be reduced to 3G after 5 GB/day.
International Plans
Verizon also offers monthly international plans that provide a set amount of talk, text, and data for a specific period. These plans can be more cost-effective if you plan to use your phone extensively while abroad.
Alt text: Screenshot of My Verizon app displaying international plan options, highlighting data allowances, call rates, and messaging features.
Pay-As-You-Go Rates
If you don’t opt for TravelPass or an international plan, you’ll be charged pay-as-you-go rates for each minute of talk, text message, and megabyte of data you use. These rates can vary significantly depending on the country you’re visiting, so it’s essential to check the rates for your destination before you travel.
Do You Need to Notify Verizon?
While you aren’t explicitly required to notify Verizon of international travel in most cases, setting up your account for international use is crucial. This ensures your device is ready for international travel and that you have the appropriate services enabled.
Here’s why setting up your account is essential:
- International Services Enabled: Some international travel plans require the “International Services Enabled” feature. This feature can be added to your account via self-serve tools if your account has been active for at least 34 days and is in good standing. For newer customers (less than 90 days), a manual credit review may be necessary before these services can be used.
- Avoiding Unexpected Charges: By setting up your account and choosing the right plan, you can avoid unexpected pay-as-you-go charges. Many devices and applications transmit and receive data without user intervention, which can lead to surprise charges if you’re not on an international plan.
- Ensuring Compatibility: Confirming that your device is a 4G or 5G World device is essential for TravelPass and some international plans. CDMA-only devices will not work outside the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands.
How to Set Up Your Account:
- Online: Visit the “Manage International Services” section in My Verizon.
- Phone: Contact a Verizon Wireless representative by calling 800-922-0204.
Additional Tips for International Travel with Verizon
- Turn Off Data Roaming: If you don’t plan to use data services, turn off data roaming in your phone’s settings to avoid unexpected charges.
- Use Wi-Fi: Take advantage of Wi-Fi service whenever possible to avoid data charges. Wi-Fi calling can be used to call the US at no additional charge. Note that Wi-Fi calling to a country other than the US will be charged International Long Distance rates, regardless of your International Travel plan.
- Monitor Usage: Keep an eye on your data usage while traveling to avoid exceeding your plan’s limits. Verizon may send you text alerts when your international travel usage reaches certain dollar or usage thresholds.
- Check Coverage Maps: Use Verizon’s Trip Planner to check coverage maps and rates for your destination.
- Be Aware of Border Proximity: If you’re traveling near a country border, your phone may connect to a cell site in a neighboring country, and you’ll be billed at that country’s rates.
Conclusion
While notifying Verizon of your international travel isn’t always mandatory, setting up your account for international use is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. By understanding Verizon’s international options, enabling the necessary features, and following these tips, you can stay connected while exploring the world. Take the time to prepare before you depart, and you’ll enjoy your trip without the worry of unexpected mobile charges.
