How to add an international plan to Verizon
You add an international plan to Verizon through your online account, the My Verizon app, or by calling Verizon directly. The fastest route is the My Verizon app: open it, tap the menu icon, select "Plans," then "International," and choose the plan that matches where you're traveling. You'll see the cost and coverage details before you confirm. The plan takes effect when ready, though some plans set up only when you land and use your phone in that country.
If you prefer not to use the app, log into your Verizon account on a computer, find the "International" section under "Plans & Add-ons," and follow the same steps. Both methods show you exactly which countries are covered and what you'll pay per minute, text, or gigabyte of data. You can also call Verizon customer service at the number on your bill, and a representative will walk you through the options and add the plan while you're on the phone.
The key difference between plans is what you're charged for. Some plans charge per minute of talk time and per text. Others charge a flat daily fee and let you use talk, text, and data as much as you want that day. A third type charges per megabyte of data only, which works well if you mainly need email and maps but not video streaming. Knowing which one you'll actually use saves money.
Key Takeaways
- The My Verizon app is the fastest way to add a plan — it takes about two minutes and shows all costs before you confirm.
- Plans fall into three types: per-minute and per-text charges, flat daily fees, or data-only charges, and which one saves money depends on how you use your phone.
- Some plans set up only when you arrive and use your phone in that country, so you won't be charged before your trip.
- You can remove or change your plan at any time through the app or by calling Verizon, even after you've already added it.
- Verizon also offers a pay-as-you-go option with no plan at all if you're traveling for just a few days or to multiple countries.
Understanding the three plan types
Per-minute and per-text plans charge you a set amount each time you make a call or send a text message. These work well if you rarely call or text while traveling — maybe you're mostly using WiFi to message people back home. Verizon shows you the rate per minute and per text for each country before you buy. If you make one five-minute call and send ten texts, you pay for exactly that.
Flat daily plans charge one price per day you use your phone in that country, and you can call, text, and use data as much as you want that day. If you don't use your phone at all on a given day, you're not charged. These plans make sense if you'll be actively using your phone most days — calling home, checking email, looking up directions. The daily fee is usually between $10 and $12 per day depending on the country.
Data-only plans charge per megabyte or gigabyte of data and don't include calling or texting. You use apps like WhatsApp or Skype to call people, and you send messages through email or messaging apps instead of SMS text. These are cheapest if you have WiFi access most of the time and only need data occasionally. They don't work well if you need to make regular phone calls or send texts the traditional way.
When your plan starts and stops
Most Verizon international plans don't charge you until you actually use your phone in that country. You can add the plan days before your trip, and nothing happens to your bill until you land and make a call, send a text, or use data. This means you won't accidentally get charged if your trip gets delayed or canceled.
The plan stays active for the entire calendar month you add it, even if you only travel for part of that month. If you add a plan on March 15 and travel March 20 to March 25, the plan covers you through March 31. You can remove it early through the app or by calling Verizon, and you'll only be charged for the days you actually used it.
If you're traveling across multiple countries in one trip, a single plan usually covers all of them. Check the coverage list in the app to make sure every country you're visiting is included. If one country isn't covered, you can add a second plan for that country, though most travelers find one plan covers everywhere they need to go.
Removing or changing your plan
You can remove your international plan at any time through the My Verizon app by going to "Plans & Add-ons," finding the international plan, and selecting "Remove." The change takes effect when ready. If you've already been charged for the month, you won't get a refund, but you won't be charged again if you remove it before the month ends.
If you want to switch to a different plan — say, from a daily plan to a per-minute plan because you're using your phone less than expected — you can remove the current plan and add a new one the same way. Verizon will charge you for whichever plan you're on for each day you use it, so switching mid-trip is straightforward.
Pay-as-you-go without a plan
If you're traveling for only a few days or to countries where you won't use your phone much, you don't have to add a plan at all. Verizon charges you automatically when you use your phone internationally, at rates that are higher than any plan but work fine for light use. You'll see the charge on your next bill.
The pay-as-you-go rates vary by country and are shown in the My Verizon app under "International" even if you don't add a plan. For a one-day trip or a week where you'll mostly use WiFi, paying as you go can actually cost less than buying a plan. Compare the plan price to what you think you'll actually use, and pick whichever is cheaper.
What happens if you don't add a plan
If you travel internationally without adding a plan and without turning on airplane mode, your phone will still work. Verizon will automatically connect you to local networks and charge you their standard international rates, which are much higher than any plan. A single text message can cost $0.50 to $1.25, a call can cost $1 to $3 per minute, and data can cost $10 to $20 per megabyte depending on the country.
These charges add up fast. A ten-minute call home and a few text messages can easily cost $30 to $50 without a plan. This is why adding a plan before you travel is worth the few minutes it takes. If you forget and realize mid-trip that you're being charged heavily, you can add a plan through the app and it will cover your usage going forward, though it won't refund charges you've already incurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an international plan after I've already arrived in another country?
Yes. You can add a plan through the My Verizon app or by calling Verizon at any time, even after you've landed and started using your phone. If you've already been charged pay-as-you-go rates, those charges stay on your bill, but the plan will cover any usage from that point forward. It's better to add a plan before you travel, but it's not required.
Do I need to turn off my plan when I come back home?
No. The plan only charges you when you use your phone in a covered country. Once you're back in the United States and using your regular Verizon service, the international plan doesn't charge you anything. You can leave it on your account and remove it whenever you want, or just leave it there for your next trip.
What if I travel to a country that's not covered by my plan?
Check the coverage list in the My Verizon app before you travel. If a country isn't listed, you can add a second international plan that covers it, or you can use pay-as-you-go rates for that country only. Most plans cover 200+ countries, so uncovered destinations are rare, but it's worth checking.
Can I use WiFi calling instead of adding a plan?
Yes. If your hotel, café, or other location has WiFi, you can use WiFi calling to make calls and send texts without using your international plan or being charged. This works well if you have reliable WiFi access most of the time. However, you'll still need a plan or pay-as-you-go rates if you want to use your phone away from WiFi.
How much does a Verizon international plan cost?
Costs vary by country and plan type. Daily plans typically range from $10 to $12 per day. Per-minute plans charge anywhere from $0.99 to $2.99 per minute depending on the country. Data-only plans charge per gigabyte and cost between $25 and $100 depending on how much data you buy. Check the app for exact pricing for the countries you're visiting.