Making calls to friends, family, or business contacts in other countries is common, but standard per-minute rates can quickly become expensive. If you frequently call internationally from the United States, understanding Verizon’s options for managing these costs is essential. Verizon offers specific plans designed to make international calling more affordable and predictable.
verizon international calling plan
Understanding Verizon International Calling Options
When calling from your Verizon phone within the US to another country, you generally have two main approaches:
Pay-Per-Minute Rates
Without adding a specific international plan, calls you make from the US to other countries will be charged on a per-minute basis. These rates vary significantly depending on the country you are calling (especially differentiating between landline and mobile numbers in some cases). While simple, this can be costly for frequent or long calls. You can typically find the standard “pay-as-you-go” rates for specific countries on the Verizon website.
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Monthly International Plans
To save money on international calls made from the US, Verizon offers add-on monthly plans. These plans typically provide either a bundle of minutes to select countries, discounted per-minute rates, or unlimited calling to certain destinations for a fixed monthly fee added to your regular Verizon bill.
Exploring Verizon’s Monthly International Plans
Verizon’s specific plan names and details can evolve, but they generally offer structured options to suit different calling habits. As of late April 2025, common types of plans include:
Global Calling Plus
This type of plan is often positioned as a comprehensive option for those calling many different countries. Key features typically include:
- Unlimited calling to landlines in many countries (often 60+) and mobile numbers in numerous locations (often 30+).
- Discounted per-minute rates for calls to countries not included in the unlimited list (often over 220 countries).
- A fixed monthly fee added to your existing Verizon mobile plan.
Global Choice
This plan structure usually allows for more targeted savings. Features might include:
- Choosing one specific country from a list (often including popular destinations).
- Receiving a significant block of monthly minutes (e.g., 300 minutes) to call that selected country.
- Discounted rates apply if you exceed the included minutes or call other countries outside your chosen one.
- A lower monthly fee compared to the broader “Plus” plans.
Plans Including North America
Some standard Verizon unlimited mobile plans may already include unlimited calling from the US to Mexico and Canada as part of the base package, without needing a separate international add-on. Always check the details of your core mobile plan first if you primarily call these two countries.
Key Features to Compare
When looking at any verizon international calling plan, focus on:
- Monthly Cost: The fee added to your bill each month.
- Included Countries: Which specific countries are covered by unlimited or included minutes?
- Number of Minutes: Is it unlimited calling or a set block of minutes per month?
- Discounted Rates: What are the per-minute rates for countries not included in the main allowance?
- Landline vs. Mobile: Are calls to mobile numbers treated differently than calls to landlines in specific countries?
Choosing the Right verizon international calling plan
Selecting the best option depends entirely on your calling patterns.
Assess Your Calling Needs
- Which countries do you call most often? Ensure they are covered well by the plan.
- How frequently do you call? A few short calls might be cheaper with pay-per-minute.
- How long are your typical calls? Longer, frequent calls benefit most from monthly plans.
- Do you call landlines, mobile numbers, or both? Check if the plan differentiates.
Comparing Plans vs. Pay-Per-Minute
Estimate your average monthly international calling usage. Multiply your estimated minutes to each country by the standard pay-per-minute rate. Compare this total cost to the monthly fee of an international plan plus any potential overage or discounted rates you might still incur under that plan. Choose the option that provides the most value for your specific usage.
How to Add an International Plan
Adding a verizon international calling plan to your account is typically simple:
Using the My Verizon App or Website
Log in to your My Verizon account online or through the mobile app. Navigate to the section for managing your plan add-ons, where you should find international calling options to review and add to your line(s).
Calling Customer Service
You can also call Verizon customer service, and a representative can explain the current options and add the chosen plan to your account.
Important Considerations
- Check Specific Country Rates: Always verify the exact per-minute rates (both standard and plan-discounted) for the specific countries you intend to call on Verizon’s official website, as these are subject to change.
- Plan Changes and Availability: International plans and their terms can be updated. Double-check current offerings before signing up.
- Calling While Traveling Abroad: Remember, these plans are for calling from the US to other countries. If you need to use your phone while physically traveling outside the US, you’ll need different solutions like Verizon’s TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan designed for travel abroad.
Conclusion
Making international calls from the United States doesn’t have to break the bank. Verizon provides several international calling plans designed to offer savings over standard pay-per-minute rates. By evaluating which countries you call, how often, and comparing the costs, you can select a verizon international calling plan that fits your needs. Always refer to the official Verizon website or contact their customer service for the most current plan details, country lists, rates, and terms and conditions.
