Introduction
International travel can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be expensive. One of the biggest expenses is often phone service, as many cellular carriers charge hefty fees for international data usage and roaming. Verizon is no exception, as they offer a “TravelPass” option that allows customers to use their current plan in over 185 countries. While this can be convenient, it can also be costly – especially if you don’t know how to avoid Verizon Travel Pass charges.
Purchase a Global Plan before Traveling
One of the best ways to avoid Verizon Travel Pass charges is to purchase a Global Plan before you travel. These plans are designed specifically for international travelers and can save you money in the long run. According to Verizon, a Global Plan will give you “unlimited talk & text in more than 200 countries and destinations plus reduced per minute rates on calls”. This can be a great way to stay connected without breaking the bank.
The benefits of purchasing a Global Plan don’t end there. You’ll also get access to 24/7 customer service in multiple languages, free incoming calls in select countries, and discounts on international calls. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your phone bill won’t skyrocket when you return home.
Purchasing a Global Plan is easy. Simply log into your My Verizon account, click on the “Plans” tab, and then select “Global Plans”. From there, you can choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Disable Data Roaming in Your Settings
Another way to avoid Verizon Travel Pass charges is to disable data roaming in your device settings. This will prevent your device from connecting to foreign networks and using up data. While this can be beneficial, there are some potential drawbacks. For instance, if you need to use data while abroad, you may find yourself without internet access until you enable data roaming again.
Disabling data roaming is fairly easy. On most devices, you can simply go to the settings menu and toggle the “Data Roaming” option off. However, if you’re having trouble finding the setting, you may need to consult your user manual or contact customer service for assistance.
Use Wi-Fi or Local SIM Cards When Possible
Whenever possible, try to use Wi-Fi or local SIM cards when traveling abroad. Wi-Fi is widely available in most cities and can be accessed for free in many public places such as restaurants, cafes, and hotels. This can be a great way to stay connected without incurring any additional costs.
Local SIM cards can also be beneficial, as they allow you to use your device on foreign networks at a fraction of the cost of traditional roaming fees. Many countries offer prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased at convenience stores or online. Plus, you can easily switch between different SIM cards when traveling between countries, making them a great option for long trips.
Keep Track of the Data Usage
It’s important to keep track of your data usage while traveling abroad, as even small amounts of data can quickly add up. Fortunately, most devices allow you to monitor your data usage in real time. On iPhones, you can do this by going to the Settings app and selecting “Cellular”. This will show you exactly how much data you’ve used so far and help you stay within your budget.
There are also some best practices for monitoring data usage. For example, try to avoid streaming video or music, as these activities can use up large amounts of data. Additionally, you should turn off auto-updates on all apps and devices, as these can quickly eat up your data allowance.
Turn Off Auto-Updates on Apps and Devices
Auto-updates can be convenient, but they can also be costly when traveling abroad. Many apps and devices automatically update themselves in the background, which can quickly eat up your data allowance. To prevent this, try to turn off auto-updates on all apps and devices before you leave for your trip.
On iPhones, you can do this by going to the Settings app and selecting “iTunes & App Store”. From there, you can toggle the “Automatic Downloads” option off. On Android devices, you can usually find the auto-update setting in the Google Play Store app. If you’re having trouble finding the setting, you may need to consult your user manual or contact customer service for assistance.
Consider Using an International Calling Plan
If you plan on making a lot of calls while abroad, you may want to consider an international calling plan. These plans allow you to make calls to other countries at a discounted rate, which can save you money in the long run. Verizon offers several international calling plans, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
You can obtain an international calling plan by logging into your My Verizon account, clicking on the “Plans” tab, and then selecting “International Calling Plans”. From there, you can choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Find Out if Your Hotel Offers Free Wi-Fi
Finally, it’s always a good idea to find out if your hotel offers free Wi-Fi. Most hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi to their guests, which can be a great way to stay connected without incurring any additional costs. Before you leave for your trip, be sure to check with your hotel to see if they offer free Wi-Fi.
Free Wi-Fi can also be found in many public places, such as coffee shops and libraries. So if you’re ever in need of a connection, be sure to check your surroundings for free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. By following these simple tips, you can avoid Verizon Travel Pass charges and save money while traveling internationally. Purchase a Global Plan before you travel, disable data roaming in your settings, use Wi-Fi or local SIM cards when possible, keep track of your data usage, turn off auto-updates on apps and devices, consider using an international calling plan, and find out if your hotel offers free Wi-Fi. With these tips, you can travel confidently and stay connected without breaking the bank.
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