I have an excellent grandfathered Verizon plan, but the biggest problems with that have been their awful international options and subpar 5G network.
I solved my 5G issues by downloading an app that allows my S22 Ultra to select Verizon’s excellent LTE network on demand (leave it to Verizon to make that so difficult), but the international issues were trickier.
I traveled with my family to Israel earlier this year and we ditched our Verizon SIM cards for Google Fi for the trip. Google Fi charges about 67 cents per day, plus $10 per GB of data and 20 cents per minute of phone calls. I use Google Voice to make phone calls over the data network, so the only real expense were the data charges. If you use a lot of data, you can upgrade to Fi’s unlimited plus plan for $65 per month.
Verizon’s TravelPass at the time cost $10 per day that you use your phone and came with a miserly 0.5GB of daily 4G data. Once you used the 0.5GB of data you were throttled back to 2G speeds.
But TravelPass has been massively improved since then.
It’s still pricey at $10 per day, but you now get a far more generous allowance of 2GB of daily 4G or 5G speeds. Plus if you burn through 2GB of daily data, you fall back to still usable 3G speeds instead of painfully slow 2G speeds.
It also includes free unlimited calling within the country you are in and for calls back to the US.
Canada and Mexico free roaming now also includes 2GB of daily 4G/5G speeds and then falls back to 3G speeds instead of the previous 2G speeds.
TravelPass works in over 200 countries and Google Fi does as well, though I have run into edge cases where TravelPass wins out, such as in Botswana, where I went on an incredible day trip safari to Chobe National Park last year, or in Zimbabwe, home to the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
Sure, there are cheaper options with local SIM cards, but if you want the simplicity of not losing your number when you travel and having to swap SIM cards and phone numbers, the new TravelPass plan is actually pretty decent. And if you have Verizon plans like 5G Get More or 5G Do More that come with a bankable monthly 1 day TravelPass credits, it’s now a no brainer to use those up when you travel.
What do you use while you travel abroad? If you have Verizon, will these TravelPass changes make you more likely to stick with your Verizon SIM when you travel?
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92 Comments On "Verizon’s TravelPass International Roaming Plan Has Been Massively Upgraded"
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This has been this way for a while now.
If only they could be classy like AT&T and cap it at $100 per month AND offer the 2nd line on your account at $5 a day instead of $10
Wasn’t like this when I last went abroad, found it researching options for JJ who is in Panama this week and nobody posted about the change on DDF or DDFB.
I have att, and never noticed second line being $5. Sure?
I have ATT and this is correct. It is capped at $100 per billing cycle not per calendar month and second third fourth etc were $5 a day
Do you mind sharing which app you use?
Samsung band selection.
What do you need to select in the app?
Or you can simply have tmobile and get free internet all over the world and make your calls in whatsapp or on Google voice or with wifi calling..
Seems to have poor coverage around my parts. And would cost more than my grandfather plan.
And aren’t they still only offering 2G speeds when roaming outside of Europe?
Works on 4G for me in Mexico, el Salvador and Guatemala
Worked great for me deep in Turkey. Is that considered Europe, even if it’s not?
Turkey is Europe.
Part of Turkey is Asia.
Why does every post have to be about you? You’re grandfathered. Enjoy it. But no need to discuss it every time.
1. Because you’re reading my blog? Who else should I write about?
2. My writing style is to make things personal and not corporate sounding, sorry if you don’t like it.
3. To have a preempted response for mark n before he even gets to post a comment for why I don’t have TMo.
🙂
love the energy
T-Mobile by far the best all around plan for traveling overseas.
Aren’t they still only offering 2G speeds when roaming outside of Europe?
I believe so Dan. Just came back from Israel yesterday and used the free international roaming. I will say, it did seem to be a bit faster than it used to be. For me, I just needed data for Waze and WhatsApp/FaceTime audio calls so I didn’t upgrade to the LTE plan. I have upgraded in the past and have been happy to do that depending if I’d need the faster data. Just before this trip, decided to scrap my Israeli cell phone plan and use TMobile while traveling.
Yes. However for $50, they offer 30 days if high-speed internet with up to 15 GB. Has worked great in Europe, Africa and South America.
I think they officially offer 2g but often get much faster. They just don’t want to be locked into gauranteeing higher speeds. I think it depends on if they have their own towers there. T-Mobile is part of DeutschTelecom so the service in Europe is far greater because they do not have to pay the roaming fees to the host towers.
4g in Germany for me this summer. In turkey the welcome text said 256kbps which I guess is 2g but it didn’t act like it. I could make whatsapp audio and video calls fine. In Mexico your phone works the same as US. I’m also on a great grandfathered plan for tmobile.
Right, but the question is what speeds are people getting outside of Europe and North America?
I got 4G in Thailand but in Vietnam it was sometimes 3G sometimes 2G. In Burma even though it’s supposed to be 2G I got 0G, nada, nothing. Was told by tour guide although phone is good internet sucks except for hotels and large corporations.
Wow so now we can call Israeli numbers on Verizon travel pass
Correct.
That’s not new. You were always able to call within the country you’re in as well as back to the US as part of the $10 Travel Pass fee. The only thing new is the increase from .5 GB to 2 GB.
The slower speeds are now 3G instead of 2G.
That’s not exactly an upgrade by Verizon per se. Israel just finally shut down their 2G network, so VZW just offers the next worse option.
Nope.
2G is still there and this applies worldwide, not just in Israel.
Hi Dan,
“I solved my 5G issues by downloading an app that allows my S22 Ultra to select Verizon’s excellent LTE”
Can you share the name of the app?
Thanks
Samsung band selection.
What app do you use to use the LTE network on the S22 ultra?
I spend alot of time in Venice, i have a wifi box i bought once and then pay 10 euros per 70gb of high speed data. I put my Verizon phone on airplane mode and turn on wifi and use my phone as regular.
What plan costs £10 per 70gb with full service?
problem is IME the verizon service in Israel is horrible. Every family member of mine who tried it also had terrible service. I’ve since began using Fi on trips and never looked back.
Interesting. Will have to compare it next time.
No need to waste your time as I can tell you it’s false. Verizon works perfectly fine. The last couple of times we went to Israel some of us had Verizon and others had Google Fi. Most of the time Verizon had better service. Not that Fi isn’t ok too, but Verizon is far from horrible and we’ve used it successfully in Israel many times pre and post covid.
I recently used Verizon and google fi in IL, and found many areas that Verizon service was way better.
Curious why you used google voice to make calls. We used google-fi as a hotspot for our regular phones, which had wifi calling enabled, and kept those phones on airplane mode, connected to the wifi of the fi hotspot, and we were able to make calls from our regular phone numbers, and get all our text messages! We have multiple google-fi sims that are data only on 1 account, so we only pay $20 a month plus the data usage. The data-only sim works in a regular phone for data without calling, and can be used as hotspot.
Also, wondering if the new phones that have 2 dual sim, can you use them simultaneously, meaning 1 sim for google-fi as data only, and the other sim to be set on airplane mode, using the fi connection to make calls/text
If you had bad service, maybe it was your phone didn’t have all frequencies or your location
I use Airalo. It’s an esim and fair data rates. Does not come with any text or calls, just data. Not as cheap as a local sim but it does use a local carrier. It’s less of a hassle than trying get a local sim.
Isreal is $5.50 for 1GB and up to $22 for 20 GB.
Airalo is perfect. Never paying Verizon Wireless for FauxPass ever again.
Have you looked into Airalo? They offer eSIMs via their app for local networks which makes it easier to switch without physically swapping SIM cards and pricing is good.
Google Fi has mixed results in that some countries they only offer 3G (e.g. Aruba). Looks like Verizon is catching up with AT&T.
This is the correct response.
Airalo is perfect. Verizon can go to hell. I’m furious that my Verizon business line got better service than my Verizon personal line. Unforgivable.
Although these upgrades are far better then what they offered, there is still a BEST option abroad and that is to pay the $10 a day so you can keep your number, and using dual sim get a local SIM card to use for the data. Then you get the best of both worlds!
Been doing this ever since dual sim came out and had superb service and best of all use my phone number. Oh and both use esim so no swapping sims either!
Why the need for local data if you get 2GB of 5G included daily?
Because the data is always slower and placed on “back burner” from the local cell towers when roaming from Verizon then a local SIM card. This is the case in Israel at least. I never had good data when Verizon roaming even during the first 0.5GB of 4G.
Local SIM cards cost pennys and you’re prioritized on the network.
If you have a local SIM for data and enable wifi calling on your Verizon number before you leave the US why do you need to pay $10/day for TravelPass? With Wi-Fi calling you can still make/receive calls from your US number via the 2nd data SIM (assuming iPhone or Pixel. Not as straight forward with Samsung or other Androids).
Pretty sure Wifi calling only works on wifi not on another data plan. I may be wrong so please, someone correct me if I am.
T-mobile offers the 2G for free all over the world, along with free texts and 20 cents a minute.
Or you can pay 5 dollars a day capped at $50/month and you get officially LTE or 5G which is decently quick and unlimited minutes and texts in the country you are in along as well as to the US. But you can get away with not paying while abroad and WhatsApp calling works fine.
I used Verizon’s travelpass in Israel Thanksgiving week. Service worked fine but it did have a 24 hour data cap of .5 GB per 24 hour period. I hit it a couple of times on my 10 day trip. Did the 2GB limit just go into effect? Calls to local Israeli numbers and US numbers were satisfactory.
When was this change made? I was in Israel last month for a few days and ran out of data every day (except Shabbos!). I am not such a data hog and I was sure that I was hitting 500 MB, not 2 GB.
On Travelpass you were always able to call local numbers, that is not new.
Looking now at the texts I got, and indeed it was a 2 GB cap.
@RedWing19, I was also there Thanksgiving weekend, and it seems from my texts that it was a 2 GB cap.
@Dan, while discussing Verizon,T-mobile and your Samsung, I’m looking into possibly switching carriers and phone. What filter do you find to be the most user friendly?
Which app did you use to be able to switch to the LTE network?
My wife and I went to Paris last April for a week and the Verizon LTE plan simply did not connect so I purchased a local SIM for 35 Euros. Just as well as we had to wait two more weeks for my wife to pass the pre travel Covid test.
What options to people use when a son or daughter goes to Israel for a year?
Not specifically looking for date unless that’s the best way to call the US.
Will you also get 2 GB a day for free while in Canada or that’s still .05 GB a day?
Verizon Msg: Welcome to Canada. As talk, text and data is included in your domestic plan you’ll have no additional charges while roaming. You’ll get 2GB of high speed data. Then enjoy unlimited 3G data until 12:00 AM EST. For help, visit http://www.vzw.com/intltrvl or call +1.908.559.4899. Enjoy your trip.
Nice!
How does the monthly TravelPass day work? Do they accumulate and roll over to the next month so you can use a bunch at once? Or is it just one per month without rollover, effectively just one per trip maximum?
They rollover for 12 months.
Airalo I just used and was great and priced well, since I can add another ESIM to my phone
Agreed. I have two Airalos on my iPhone. Global and a region-specific, and I can toggle them on and off. It’s perfect. (Fyi for readers, max you can do is two Airalos at once.)
TripleTel phone service
Just use travel pass while I was in Israel for two weeks ending this week.
It seem to always default to the Partner net work.
The issue with this is that it would spontaneously stop working for hours at a time. When I called Verizon, they would do some sort of reset that would disconnect it from partner and reconnect it to another Network (usually hot).
My other phone which had an Israeli Sim card worked just fine in these locations.
Additionally, for some weird reason the setting on my iPhone to select which local net work, my phone would connect to her seem to spontaneously disappear from the menu under Cellular.
I just buy a local sim card at one of the numerous phone stores. Cost me 50nis (~$15) for a month with 80Gb of data + a local Israeli number. with this you can video Whatsapp all day all night all over the world. And use for tethering your laptop if you feel like working from a playground. Hard to beat!
That’s what I do as well. It’s very cheap and works great. Also, when I know I will be going to Israel I ask a relative to buy the SIM card for me and send it with someone coming to BoroPark that way I have service as soo as I land. The only disadvantage is that I can’t see my SMS messages until I get back to the USA.
Have very old plan…..
My travel pass from Verizon is $10 a day and it gives me whatever allowance I have in the US to use abroad (I.e 20 Gig monthly data unlimited calls texts etc)
I found In Israel it works horribly. very slow and lousy reception. The rest of the world it works very well.
Problem also is that new Iphone as an Esim Card (not physical) so now when traveling to Israel, I cant use the local cheap sim card plans…..(unless Israel also has Esim cards, as the phone can hold up to 3 sim cards
You can call the locals easily, but if they call you it’s an international call. Also, had an issue in France where I couldn’t sign up for a restaurant delivery service because (seemingly) it wouldn’t text me with the verification code.
T-Mobile.
I’m currently in French Polynesia and am using Verizon’s $10/day plan. Even with the more generous (relatively) details re data, the speeds have been *miserably* slow throughout Tahiti and Moorea. I feel really ripped off because the actual ability to “use your plan” is so diminished when speeds are non-existent.
To that effect, I’d definitely get a local SIM next time I’m in French Polynesia vs using my Verizon plan abroad.
There’s also an option to buy a hot mobile prepaid sim card on amazon. You’ll have your number ready to go before you travel. It cost $25 for 10 days, includes 20gb data
I moved my Verizon service to my digital SIM and keep a physical Israeli Sim in the slot when I travel to Israel. I get a 10 day unlimited plan in Israel for $26 with a US number. I forward my verizon number to the US number they assign to me. I will enable the verizon service for a day or 2 during the trip to get my text messages, so I end up paying $20 for Verizon and $26 for the Israeli service. It might be worth getting the Israeli service even if you are going to keep the TravelPass active the entire trip, and configure your iPhone to use the Israeli service for data (which seems to be faster), while using the Verizon service for calls.
To add on- I got an Israel number from 011 global for one time fee of $10. so anyone in israel can call you..
Good ideas. Thanks.
Great news. Was in playa del Carmen in September and using maps to navigate and watch an occasional video and data on Verizon went sooo fast for that $10 and then slowdown was practically unusable.
But like having my own phone number.
Would be great to see them move to something that allows a little more video streaming or even unlimited without slow downs, but not holding my breath!
The new data limits and speed also apply for Canada Mexico if you have free roaming there you will get 2 GB data per day and then 3g speed
Sure, there are cheaper options with local SIM cards, but if you want the simplicity of not losing your number when you travel and having to swap SIM cards and phone numbers, the new TravelPass plan is actually pretty decent.
2 questions, if you have to take out your verizon sim and put in your Fi sim, you technically loose my Verizon number as well , do you just forward your Verizon number to your Google FI number?
Does Google voice let’s your call long distance over data for completely free? For example can I call from the US to Israel over Google voice for free ?
Can someone share info how to get virtual numbers for Israel or different countries? Basic use, for once in a while.
With the iPhone 14 esim would it work the same way?
And is there any options for esim in Israel that anyone ever used and recommended?
I would recommend an eSIM (the S22 supports eSIM) and having a virtual number. You can use Zadarma for israel and or G-Voice. G-Voice will still cost you ~$.10 to make a call to Israel (yes – even when in Israel) The SIM works great in Europe, better than VZ, Tmo and others, and work in Israel as well. I had 30gb of data (no number) and worked out perfectly for me. I did not use it in SA, the Far East or Africa, so I can’t attest to those regions performance.
This is a specific one that I’ve used successfully: https://esimdb.com/israel/airalo
One additional “eitza”: Before you take off and go off line in the USA, forward your USA mobile number to your google number. By setting up to forward, you’ll receive your calls that come to your mobile in the US to your G-voice number when travelling. Note – you will NOT be able to make calls from your mobile number, only from your google number.
Verizon Wireless had their chance. Time’s up.
Airalo esim for lyfe.
Bye Verion.
Crucial Reminder is to turn OFF your Wifi Calling when you are using a TravelPass. You are allowed to call the US & the country you are visiting when you are on a travelpass, but if you happen to be on Wifi Calling and call the country you are visiting — you are charged Int’l rates.
Ridiculous, but I’ve gotten burned by that
Two solutions: 1) turn off travel pass (you can turn on/off easy) , then you can use wifi calling 2) put in airplane mode. if they still charge, call Verizon to get credit. Option 1 is easier, as is always easier not to deal with Verizon
I currently have my phone setup to use google voice for LD calls, when I would use VW over Wi-Fi I assume GV would pick up the call?
International rates for what?? The data u using to call is also included in travel pass , no ?
I’ve gotten burned too. Good advice to turn off your primary eSIM while abroad and on another temporary eSIM.
My wife there now says horrible service very spotty some places doesn’t work at all depends on each block need an emergency backup any ideas?