Verizon charges for international calls unless you have a plan that includes them

If you call a number outside the United States on Verizon, you will be charged per minute unless you have a plan that covers international calling. The rate depends on which country you are calling, your plan type, and whether you have added an international feature. Calls to Canada and Mexico are often cheaper than calls to other countries, but they still cost money unless your plan specifically includes them.

The easiest way to know your exact rate is to check your plan details in the My Verizon app or online account, or call Verizon customer service at 611 from your phone. Verizon publishes a full rate list by country on its website, but the rates change and vary by plan, so checking your own account is more reliable than looking up a general rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Verizon plans charge per-minute rates for international calls, with costs varying by destination country.
  • Canada and Mexico calls typically cost less than other countries, but are not free unless your plan includes them.
  • You can add international calling plans, monthly passes, or pay-as-you-go rates depending on how often you call abroad.
  • Texting and data abroad have separate charges and plans from voice calls, so you need to check each service separately.
  • The fastest way to see your rates is to log into My Verizon or call 611, rather than relying on published rate lists.

How Verizon charges for calls to different regions

Verizon groups countries into rate tiers. Calls to Canada and Mexico are usually the cheapest, followed by Western Europe, then other regions. A call to Canada might cost $0.99 per minute, while a call to India could cost $2.99 per minute or more. These rates apply whether you dial from your phone or use a calling app, as long as you are using Verizon's network.

The per-minute charge starts as soon as the call connects, not when someone answers. If you call a number that rings but nobody picks up, you still pay for those seconds. Some countries have a minimum charge per call — for example, a 10-second minimum — so even a very short call costs that minimum amount.

Rates also depend on whether you are calling a landline or a mobile phone in that country. A call to a mobile number in Europe typically costs more than a call to a landline in the same country. Verizon's rate list shows both, so check which type of number you are calling before you dial.

International plans and monthly passes

Instead of paying per minute, you can add a monthly international plan. These plans cover calling to a set of countries for a flat monthly fee — usually $5 to $25 depending on which countries are included. For example, Verizon offers plans that cover calling to 60+ countries for a single monthly price. If you call those countries regularly, a plan is cheaper than per-minute rates.

Verizon also offers day passes and monthly passes for specific countries. A day pass might cost $10 and cover unlimited calling to one country for 24 hours. A monthly pass covers that country for a full month. These are useful if you know you will call one place frequently during a specific time period.

You can add, remove, or change these plans through My Verizon or by calling 611. Changes usually take effect immediately, though some take a few hours to activate. If you add a plan mid-month, you will be charged a prorated amount for the remaining days.

Texting and data charges abroad are separate

International text messages and data use have their own rates and plans, separate from calling. A text to an international number might cost $0.50, and data used abroad could cost $2.05 per megabyte unless you have a travel plan. Many people add a calling plan but forget about texting and data, then get surprised by those charges on their bill.

Verizon's TravelPass is a daily data plan that charges you $12 per day (or your plan's domestic rate) only on days you actually use data abroad. This is often cheaper than the standard international data rate if you use data occasionally while traveling. You can turn TravelPass on and off through My Verizon.

Wi-Fi calling and texting do not incur international charges because they use internet, not Verizon's network. If you are in a location with Wi-Fi, using Wi-Fi calling is free regardless of where you are calling.

How to check your rates before you call

Open the My Verizon app or go to verizon.com and sign in. Go to your plan details or billing section and look for international rates or international calling. You should see the per-minute rate for the country you want to call. If you do not see it, call 611 from your Verizon phone and ask a representative for the rate to that specific country and number type (landline or mobile).

Verizon also publishes a searchable rate list on its website where you can type in a country name and see all rates. However, this list is general and may not reflect your specific plan's rates, so checking your account is more accurate. Some plans have different rates than others.

Before traveling, check whether your plan includes TravelPass, whether you have an international calling plan, and what your data rate is. Write down the rates or take screenshots so you know what to expect when the bill arrives.

Avoiding unexpected charges

The most common surprise is calling a number you thought was domestic but was actually international. If you are calling someone who moved abroad, their number might still look like a U.S. number, or it might be a forwarding service that routes to another country. Always confirm the actual location of the number before you call, or ask the person to text you their local number in that country.

Another common mistake is assuming that because you have a calling plan for one country, you have coverage for nearby countries. Plans are country-specific, not regional. A plan that covers calling to Mexico does not cover calling to Canada or Central America.

If you receive a bill with unexpected international charges, you can dispute them through My Verizon or by calling 611. Verizon will review the charges and may credit your account if the charge was an error or if you were not informed of the rate. Keep records of when you called and to whom, so you can explain the charge if you need to dispute it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get charged for incoming international calls?

No. Incoming calls do not incur international charges on Verizon, regardless of where the caller is located. The person calling you pays any international charges on their end. You only pay when you initiate the call.

What happens if I call a number that is listed as a U.S. number but is actually in another country?

You will be charged the international rate for that country, not the domestic rate. This happens with forwarding services and some VoIP numbers. If you were not told the number was international and were charged a high rate, you can contact Verizon to dispute the charge and request a credit.

Can I use WhatsApp or other apps to avoid international call charges?

Yes, if you use Wi-Fi or data. Calls made through apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime use internet, not Verizon's phone network, so they do not incur international calling charges. However, you will use data, which may count toward your data limit unless you have unlimited data.

Do international plans cover calls made from abroad, or only calls to those countries?

International plans cover calls to those countries from anywhere. If you have a plan that covers calling to France, you can call a French number from the U.S., from Canada, or from anywhere else, and the plan applies. However, if you are physically in another country and call a number in that country, different rates may apply depending on local regulations.

How do I turn off international calling so I do not accidentally call abroad?

You can contact Verizon at 611 and ask them to block international calling on your line. This prevents any international calls unless you call Verizon to temporarily unblock it. This is useful if you want to prevent accidental charges, but it also means you cannot make international calls without calling Verizon first to re-enable it.