Perhaps you’re looking to travel soon and you ask can I use my Verizon phone in Mexico? Hundreds of people look for the answer to this question every single day, and it can be information you might need any time soon, too.
In this guide, we’ll unravel all the mysteries that revolve around using your Verizon phone in Mexico!
You can use your Verizon phone in Mexico as well as Canada if you are under a specific plan that’s made for domestic use. Otherwise, you can opt to sign up for a TravelPass, too!
Let us learn more in detail!
Is Verizon Free in Mexico?
The quick and simple answer to this is yes – and no. No, because Mexico is a foreign country, meaning, they don’t have Verizon cell towers there, and yes because you can choose a couple of add-ons or packages to help you while you’re there.
You’re probably asking this because you’re either planning to go on a trip to Mexico, or you have family members or relatives you visit regularly there.
To cut the long story short, Verizon has a couple of plans, which will be able to allow you to use your phone in Mexico without incurring any extra charges.
If you’re under any of those plans, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Otherwise, you need to consider using a type of add-on to your services to refrain from paying exaggerated payments on your next bill.
What Plans Are Free in Mexico?
There are certain Verizon plans and packages that will allow you to use your phone like how you use it in the U.S. These plans include:
- Play More Unlimited
- Do More Unlimited
- Start Unlimited
- Get More Unlimited
- Go Unlimited
- Above Unlimited
- Beyond Unlimited
- Verizon XL and XXL Shared Data Plans
So, if you are part of any of these plans, you don’t have to worry about going to Canada and Mexico. They’re going to be for free, just like how you’re using your Verizon phone in the United States!
But, what if I’m not part of any of these plans?
How Can I Use My Verizon Phone in Mexico Without Incurring High Charges?
There’s actually no written rule that disables you to use your phone in Mexico. In fact, you’re free to use it wherever you are going, so long as it has a stable reception and signal towers.
The real problem here would be the charges you will face on your next bill. So, what solutions does Verizon have for these types of problems and dilemmas?
To make sure that you wouldn’t be charged ridiculously high fees, you have two (2) options, and these options are:
- Get a TravelPass
- Switch to a Domestic Plan That Allows Mexico Usage
Let’s try and discuss each of these in a more in-depth and thorough manner.
Getting a TravelPass
A TravelPass is a type of add-on you can use if you’re going out of the country. This offers an unlimited amount of calling and texting. For data, you’ll be allotted 0.5GB for the first day (high-speed), and then 2G reduced and controlled speeds.
TravelPasses are priced at $10 per day for international countries. In Mexico and Canada, though, a TravelPass only costs $5 per day.
NOTE:
If you are going on a cruise (in Mexico or any other country), a TravelPass wouldn’t be available. You’ll only be able to use it if you’re in the land vicinity of the country.
Advantages of a TravelPass
Here are a few of the advantages of getting a TravelPass
1. You’re Safe From Ridiculously High Fees
With a TravelPass, you can expect that you will only be charged $5 per day, given the fact that you would not exceed the data limit.
You don’t have to worry about it, though, because Verizon will send you notifications if you’re about to go over your limit. This would include an offer for an extra 0.5GB for an extra $5 for the same day.
2. You Don’t Have to Switch Plans
Another benefit of using a TravelPass is that you don’t have to worry about switching plans! Your billing will be the same!
3. You Can Travel Anytime You Want
Are you traveling today, tomorrow, or the following week? Fret not – with a TravelPass, it wouldn’t be a headache to add it to your account!
These are just some of the most notable benefits of choosing to use a TravelPass for your travel to Mexico!
Read Next: How to keep my number without service?
Switching to a Domestic Plan That Allows Mexico Usage
The next option you have is by switching to a plan that allows domestic usage.
Looking back at the point we gave above, there are several plans you can be under to be able to use your Verizon phone in Mexico like how you do it in the U.S.
Advantages of Switching to a Domestic Plan
You can get a ton of advantages in choosing or switching to a domestic plan, some of which include:
You Wouldn’t Have to Worry About Traveling to Mexico/Canada
If you are a constant traveler to Mexico and Canada, then going with this option will be the best and most ideal for you!
You can go in and out of the two (2) countries without stressing about how much you’ll be paying for your next bill!
No Need to Call In Every Time You’ll Leave
Another benefit of choosing this option is that you don’t have to call in to check if you have a TravelPass every single time you leave the country!
If you’re going to Mexico or Canada, you can safely use your phone without worry!
If You’re Under the Above Unlimited Plan, Everything’s Cheaper!
One thing also worth noting about changing to a new plan – specifically to the Above Unlimited Plan – is that you can get cheaper rates for the TravelPass.
Apparently, if you are under this particular plan, you’ll be charged $5 per month instead of $5 per day if you travel abroad.
Imagine all the savings you can get by switching to a new plan! Do take note, though, that this can incur prorated charges and credits to your next bill, so have a representative help you with the computation.
How Do I Make These Changes?
You can add the TravelPass to a specific number or line on your account in a couple of different ways:
Using Verizon App
Go to Verizon App and proceed to Plans and Devices. Simply follow the steps on how to add international plans.
Verizon Online
Through My Verizon Online. Log into you’re my Verizon account, tap on My Plan > Manage International Plans.
Using Text Message
You can also do it via text or SMS. Simply text Travel and send it to 4004.
Customer Service
Through Verizon’s customer service or call center. Simply tell them you’re looking to add a TravelPass or you’re looking to change or modify your plan, and that’ll be it!
Conclusion
So, in the event that you’re asking can I use my Verizon phone in Mexico, here are all the things that can make that possible!
No need for you to purchase a new SIM card there; no need for you to forward all messages – bring your phone with you and use it like how you would in the U.S!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.