Navigating the world of Verizon international calls can feel complex and overwhelming. With different plans, rates, and rules, it’s easy to get confused and worry about unexpected charges on your bill. Whether you’re calling Mexico from the US on Verizon, planning a trip overseas, or just trying to figure out how much international calls cost on Verizon, this guide is for you.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about international calling with Verizon. We’ll explain the plans, clarify the costs, and give you the expert advice you need to choose the right option and avoid expensive surprises.
The Most Important Thing to Know First
Before we dive in, understand this key distinction: Verizon treats two situations very differently:
- Calling Internationally From the U.S.: This is when you are physically in the United States and you call an international number. The cost depends on the country you’re calling and if you have a monthly add-on plan.
- Using Your Phone Outside the U.S. (Roaming): This is when you travel to another country and use your phone to make calls, send texts, or use data. This is also called Verizon wireless out of country calling, and it’s governed by a completely different set of plans and rates.
Understanding which scenario you’re in is the first step to saving money.
Part 1: Calling Internationally From the United States
If you’re in the US and need to make an international phone call with Verizon, you have two choices: pay a high per-minute rate or subscribe to a cost-saving monthly plan.
The Default Trap: Standard Pay-Per-Minute Rates
If you don’t have an international calling plan for Verizon, you’ll be charged a standard per-minute rate. How much does Verizon charge for international calls without a plan? The rates vary by country but can be very expensive. This is the least economical way to make international calls and can lead to a surprisingly high bill. We do not recommend this option for anyone who makes international calls regularly.
The Smart Solution: Verizon International Calling Plans
To avoid high fees, add one of these monthly plans to your account. You can easily add international calling to Verizon through the My Verizon app or by texting a keyword to 4004.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Best For You If… | How to Add (Text to 4004) |
| Global Calling | $5/mo | You primarily make Verizon calls to Canada and Mexico. (Note: Many Unlimited plans already include this for free, so check your base plan first!) | GLOBAL |
| Global Choice | $10/mo | You frequently call one specific country. You get a monthly bundle of minutes (e.g., 300 minutes for Verizon India calling). | [Country Name] |
| Global Calling Plus | $15/mo | You call many different countries. This plan offers unlimited calling to landlines in over 60 countries and mobiles in over 30 countries. | PLUS |
Expert Recommendation:
- For frequent calls to one country (like family back home), Global Choice is the best value.
- For business users or those with contacts worldwide, Global Calling Plus provides the broadest coverage and cost certainty.
- Only get Global Calling if your domestic plan doesn’t already include free calling to Mexico and Canada.
Part 2: Using Your Phone While Traveling Abroad (Roaming)
Using your Verizon phone in another country can be incredibly expensive if you’re not prepared. The default Verizon international roaming rates are a financial hazard, especially for data.
The Financial Hazard: Pay-As-You-Go Roaming
If you travel without a plan, you will be charged per minute, per text, and per megabyte of data.
- Calls: $0.99 to $2.99 per minute.
- Data: $2.05 per megabyte.
To put the data cost in perspective, opening a few web pages or streaming a single minute of video could cost you over $50. You must get a plan to avoid these charges.
Roaming Solutions: TravelPass vs. International Monthly Plan
Here are the plans designed to save you money while traveling.
For Short Trips (1-8 Days): Verizon TravelPass
TravelPass is Verizon’s daily international plan. It lets you use your domestic plan’s talk, text, and data allowances in over 210 countries.
- Cost: $6/day in Mexico and Canada, $12/day in all other eligible countries.
- How it Works: A 24-hour session starts automatically the first time you make a call, send a text, or use data. You get 5 GB of high-speed data per session.
- Best For: Short vacations or business trips.
For Longer Trips (9+ Days): International Monthly Plan
If your trip is longer, the daily TravelPass fee adds up. The $100 International Monthly Plan is a better option.
- Cost: $100 for a one-month period.
- What You Get: 250 minutes, unlimited texts, and a generous 20 GB of high-speed data.
- Best For: Extended vacations or work trips of 9 days or more. At 9 days, this plan becomes cheaper than paying for TravelPass daily.
For Frequent Travelers: The Unlimited Ultimate Plan
Verizon’s top-tier Unlimited Ultimate plan includes international roaming as part of your domestic plan. However, it has a critical limitation: if more than 50% of your usage over 60 days is international, Verizon may cut off your service. It also comes with less high-speed data (10 GB) than the $100 monthly plan.
- Best For: People who take multiple, short international trips per year.
- Not For: Digital nomads, students studying abroad, or anyone spending more than a month outside the U.S. continuously. For those users, the $100 International Monthly Plan is the safer, more reliable choice.
How-To Guide & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
The easiest way is through the My Verizon app or website. You can also text a keyword to 4004:
- Text TRAVEL to add TravelPass.
- Text GLOBAL to add the Global Calling plan.
- Text PLUS to add the Global Calling Plus plan.
How do I make an international call on Verizon?
To dial international with Verizon, follow this format:
- Dial 011 (the U.S. exit code).
- Dial the Country Code.
- Dial the local phone number.
Example: Calling a number in the UK (country code 44) would be: 011-44-XX-XXXX-XXXX.
Exception: For Verizon calls to Canada, Mexico, and many Caribbean islands, you just dial 1 + Area Code + Number, like a domestic long-distance call.
Can I call Canada or Mexico with Verizon for free?
Yes, often you can. Many of Verizon’s current Unlimited plans include unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, as well as unlimited talk to Mexico and Canada from the US. Check your plan details in the My Verizon app to confirm.
What about Verizon Fios international calling?
Fios international calling for home phones uses a different system with its own “World Plans.” These are separate from the wireless plans discussed above.
How do I activate international calling on Verizon?
Before you can use any of these services, a feature called “International Services Enabled” must be active on your account. For new customers, this may require your account to be in good standing for a period of time. You may need to call customer service or add an international plan to ensure this feature is unblocked. For roaming, you must also enable “Data Roaming” in your phone’s settings.
The Bottom Line
Proactively managing your Verizon international calling is the key to avoiding high costs.
- Before Calling Abroad from the US: Choose a monthly plan like Global Choice or Global Calling Plus.
- Before Traveling Abroad: Choose a roaming plan like TravelPass for short trips or the $100 International Monthly Plan for longer stays.
Never assume you’re covered. A few minutes of planning before you call or travel can save you hundreds of dollars.
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