Step By Step Guide To Making International Calls With Verizon Tips And Cost Savings

Making international calls can be a necessity for business professionals, expatriates, or families with loved ones abroad. While Verizon offers reliable global connectivity, costs can add up quickly without the right strategy. Understanding how to navigate Verizon’s calling plans, apps, and alternatives ensures you stay connected without overspending. This guide walks you through every essential step—from choosing the right plan to using Wi-Fi calling—so you can make affordable, high-quality international calls.

Understand How Verizon Handles International Calls

Verizon provides several ways to make international calls, but not all are created equal in terms of cost or convenience. The key is knowing which method aligns with your calling habits and destination countries.

Traditional voice roaming charges can reach $2.99 per minute in some countries. However, Verizon has introduced more competitive options like monthly international plans, TravelPass, and Wi-Fi Calling that dramatically reduce or eliminate these fees.

“Customers who take time to assess their calling patterns save an average of 60% on international usage.” — David Lin, Senior Telecom Analyst at Consumer Insights Group

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Affordable International Calls

1. Assess Your Destination and Frequency
   Determine where you're calling and how often. Frequent calls to Mexico or Canada may justify a monthly plan, while occasional calls might benefit from pay-as-you-go options.
2. Check if Your Plan Includes International Coverage
   Many Verizon Unlimited plans include Basic International Coverage, allowing low-cost calls to over 200 countries at reduced rates (e.g., $0.25/min). Confirm your eligibility via the My Verizon app or website.
3. Consider Adding an International Calling Plan
   For heavy users, Verizon offers flat-rate plans such as the International Monthly Add-On ($5/month) for unlimited calling to landlines in select countries like China, India, and the Philippines.
4. Use Wi-Fi Calling When Abroad or at Home
   Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your smartphone. This allows you to place calls over a secure internet connection, often at no extra charge—even when traveling overseas.
5. Download the Verizon+ App for Additional Savings
   The free Verizon+ app supports voice and video calls over data, especially useful when outside the U.S. It integrates with your number and works seamlessly across devices.
6. Avoid Roaming Charges with TravelPass (If Traveling)
   If you’re visiting another country temporarily, consider TravelPass ($5/day in Mexico/Canada, $10/day elsewhere). It includes talk, text, and data, eliminating surprise charges.
7. Verify Dialing Format Before Calling
   Always dial using the correct international format: 011 + Country Code + Area Code + Number. For example, calling London: 011-44-20-XXXX-XXXX.

Tip: Save frequently called numbers in your phone with the full international prefix to avoid dialing errors.

Compare Verizon's International Options

Option	Cost	Coverage	Best For
Pay-Per-Minute Roaming	$0.99–$2.99/min	200+ countries	Rare, short calls
Unlimited Plan International Add-On	$5/month	30+ countries (landlines only)	Frequent callers to specific nations
TravelPass	$5–$10/day	Mexico, Canada, Global	Short-term travelers
Wi-Fi Calling	Free (uses data/Wi-Fi)	Where internet is available	Home or travel use with stable connection
Verizon+ App	Free (data usage applies)	Global (app-to-app)	Video calls, messaging, low-cost voice

Smart Cost-Saving Tips and Common Mistakes

• Don’t rely solely on traditional roaming—it’s the most expensive option. Always check if a cheaper alternative exists.
• Turn off data roaming unless necessary. Background apps can rack up data charges even during voice calls.
• Use scheduled calling times when rates are lower, especially for countries with time-based promotions.
• Prefer Wi-Fi over cellular data when using apps or VoIP services to avoid data overages.
• Monitor usage in real time via the My Verizon app to avoid bill shock.

Tip: Set up usage alerts in My Verizon to receive notifications when you approach your international limit.

Real Example: Maria’s Experience Calling Family in the Dominican Republic

Maria, a nurse based in Miami, used to spend over $80 a month calling her parents in Santo Domingo. She assumed her current plan covered international calls, but was unknowingly paying $1.50 per minute under standard roaming.

After reviewing Verizon’s options, she switched to the $5 International Monthly Add-On, which includes unlimited calls to landlines in the Dominican Republic. Her parents now answer on their home phone, and Maria saves nearly $75 each month—all without changing her calling routine.

This simple adjustment didn’t require new apps or numbers—just awareness of available plans. Maria now checks her account settings quarterly to ensure she’s still on the best deal.

Essential Checklist Before Making an International Call

☐ Verify your current plan’s international coverage

Log into My Verizon or call customer service to confirm what’s included.

☐ Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your device

Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it on.

☐ Download the Verizon+ app (if applicable)

Available on iOS and Android; ideal for app-based calling.

☐ Confirm the correct dialing code

Use 011 + country code + local number unless using Wi-Fi Calling with contacts saved internationally.

☐ Set a daily usage alert

Prevent unexpected charges by setting thresholds in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make international calls from the U.S. without extra charges?

Yes, if you have a qualifying Unlimited plan with Wi-Fi Calling enabled. You can call many countries at no additional cost as long as you're connected to Wi-Fi. Some restrictions apply, so verify supported destinations in your account.

Is Verizon TravelPass worth it for weekend trips?

Absolutely. If you're traveling to Canada or Mexico for just one day, TravelPass costs $5 for full talk, text, and data access. Without it, per-minute charges could easily exceed $20 for a few calls.

Why am I being charged even though Wi-Fi Calling is on?

This usually happens when your Wi-Fi signal drops and the call switches to cellular data. Ensure you're in a strong Wi-Fi zone and disable cellular data for calls in settings if needed. Also, confirm your device supports seamless handoff.

Maximize Value and Stay Connected

Staying in touch across borders shouldn’t come at a premium. With Verizon, the tools to reduce international calling costs are already within reach—whether through built-in plan benefits, Wi-Fi Calling, or smart add-ons. The key is proactive management: review your usage, compare options, and adjust as your needs change.

By following this guide, you gain control over your communication expenses while maintaining the reliability Verizon is known for. Whether you're connecting with family, managing overseas work, or supporting distant relatives, smarter calling habits lead to real savings.

💬 Have a tip that saved you on international calls? Share your experience in the comments and help others stay connected affordably!