You can add an international plan to Verizon through your account online, through the My Verizon app, or by calling customer service

Verizon offers several international plans depending on where you're traveling and how much data you'll need. The fastest way to add one is through the My Verizon app on your phone — you can turn it on in about two minutes without calling anyone. If you prefer to do it on a computer, you can log into your Verizon account online. If you're not comfortable with either method, calling 908-559-4899 will connect you to someone who can add it for you over the phone.

The plan takes effect immediately once you add it, so you can do this right before you leave or even after you've already landed. Most plans are month-to-month and will turn off automatically when you return home, though you should double-check the terms of whichever plan you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The My Verizon app is the fastest way to add an international plan — open the app, tap the menu, find International, and select the plan that matches your destination.
  • Verizon offers TravelPass (charged per day you use data), Monthly International Plan (flat monthly rate), and Pay as You Go (charged per megabyte), so compare the costs for your trip length before choosing.
  • Your plan activates immediately, so you can add it the day you leave or even after you arrive at your destination.
  • Turn off data roaming on your phone before you travel to avoid unexpected charges if you accidentally use data without an international plan active.

Adding an international plan through the My Verizon app

Open the My Verizon app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap International. You'll see a list of plans organized by region — select the country or region where you're traveling.

The app will show you the available plans for that destination. Read the details of each one carefully: TravelPass charges you only on days you actually use data, Monthly International Plan charges a flat rate for the entire month regardless of usage, and Pay as You Go charges per megabyte. Once you've chosen, tap the plan and confirm the purchase. You'll see a confirmation message, and the plan is now active on your account.

Adding an international plan through Verizon's website

Go to verizon.com and sign into your account using your phone number and password. Click on your profile icon in the top right, then select Billing or My Plan depending on what appears. Look for a link that says International or Travel.

Select your destination country from the list. The website will display the same three plan types available through the app. Choose the one that fits your trip, review the cost and terms, and click to confirm. You'll receive an email confirmation, and the plan activates right away.

Adding an international plan by phone

Call Verizon customer service at 908-559-4899. Tell the representative you're traveling internationally and need to add a plan. Have your destination country ready so they can show you the options available there. They'll walk you through the cost of each plan type and help you choose based on how long you're staying and how much data you expect to use.

The representative will add the plan to your account while you're on the call. Ask them to confirm the plan is active and to send you a confirmation email with the details. This method takes longer than the app or website, but it's useful if you have questions about which plan makes sense for your specific trip.

Understanding the three plan types

TravelPass charges you a set amount per day (usually $10 to $12 depending on the country) only on days when you use data. If you turn off data and use only WiFi, you won't be charged that day. This works well for trips where you'll spend most of your time in hotels or cafes with WiFi and only need data occasionally.

Monthly International Plan costs a flat rate for the entire month (usually $25 to $100 depending on the country and data amount). You pay the same amount whether you use 100 megabytes or 5 gigabytes. This is the better choice if you're staying for several weeks or if you'll be using data heavily throughout your trip.

Pay as You Go charges per megabyte of data used, with no monthly fee. This is the most expensive option per megabyte but useful only if you're traveling for just a day or two and expect to use very little data. Most people should avoid this unless they have no other option.

What to do before you travel

Before you leave, turn off data roaming on your phone. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap Cellular, then turn off Cellular Data or Roaming. On Android, go to Settings, tap Network and Internet, then Mobile Network, and turn off Data Roaming. This prevents your phone from accidentally connecting to a local network and charging you if your international plan hasn't activated yet or if you forget to turn it on.

Test your plan once you arrive at your destination by opening a web page or sending a message. If data doesn't work, turn airplane mode off and on again, or restart your phone. If it still doesn't work, call Verizon from a WiFi connection or use WiFi calling to reach them at 908-559-4899.

Turning off your international plan when you return home

Most plans turn off automatically when the month ends or when you return to the United States, depending on which plan you chose. However, you can turn it off manually through the My Verizon app or website if you want to make sure you're not charged for another day or month. Open the app, go to International, and look for an option to turn off or remove the plan.

If you're unsure whether your plan has turned off, log into your account and check your plan details. You should see your domestic plan listed again instead of the international one. If you see charges on your bill that you don't recognize, contact Verizon customer service to review them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an international plan after I've already arrived at my destination?

Yes. You can add a plan through the My Verizon app or website at any time, even after you've landed. It activates immediately, so you can start using data right away. If you've already incurred charges on Pay as You Go, adding a plan won't refund those charges, but it will prevent future charges from that point forward.

What happens if I don't add an international plan and use data anyway?

Verizon will charge you per megabyte under their Pay as You Go rates, which are much more expensive than any of the three plan options. A single email with a photo attachment can cost $5 to $10. This is why turning off data roaming before you travel is important — it prevents accidental charges if you forget to add a plan.

Do I need a different plan for each country if I'm visiting multiple countries?

No. When you add an international plan, it usually covers multiple countries in the same region. For example, a European plan typically works in all European Union countries. Check the plan details to see which countries are included. If you're visiting countries outside the covered region, you may need to add a second plan for that region.

Can I remove an international plan before the month is over?

Yes, but Verizon does not refund the monthly charge if you remove it partway through. TravelPass and Pay as You Go have no cancellation penalty — you only pay for what you use. If you added a Monthly International Plan and want to switch to TravelPass instead, contact customer service to see if they can make that change without charging you twice.

Will my international plan work on WiFi calls and texts?

No. WiFi calling and texting work on any WiFi network without needing an international plan. Your phone will automatically use WiFi for calls and texts when available, even if you don't have a plan active. This is a good way to stay in touch without using data or paying roaming charges.