How you can stay connected while overseas without using Verizon's Travel Pass

Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, but staying connected can be a challenge. Verizon's Travel Pass is a popular option, allowing customers to use their domestic plan while traveling internationally. While convenient, it isn’t necessarily the best fit for everyone due to its relatively high costs. Fortunately, several alternatives can help you stay connected while abroad without breaking the bank.

How does Verizon Travel Pass work?

Verizon’s Travel Pass offers users with unlimited data, phone calls, and text messages while abroad. Subscribers of Verizon’s Travel Pass will have to pay a subscription fee of $10 per line per day (or $5 per line per day if traveling to Canada and Mexico), and they will be able to freely use their data, phone calls, and send messages internationally.

The Verizon Travel Pass is convenient. After all, you simply have to subscribe to it once and you will get charged only when you are traveling overseas — you don’t have to worry about having to look for other ways to help you stay connected while abroad.

But, $10 per line per day is expensive, and the cost could quickly snowball especially if you are taking longer trips.

A better alternative: Travel SIM cards and eSIMs

One of the most popular alternatives to Verizon Travel Pass is using a travel SIM card, or sometimes referred to as an international SIM card. These SIM cards can be purchased before you travel so that you can get connected as soon as you arrive at your destination.

With the rise of eSIM technology and increasing number of eSIM-compatible devices in recent years, travel eSIMs have also become a very popular option. Travel eSIMs are essentially like travel SIMs, except they do not have a physical SIM card. The process of buying a travel eSIM to actually installing it on your device is fully digital, making it much more convenient for travelers.

Travel SIM cards and travel eSIMs are very popular options due to the competitive rates that they offer. Another advantage of these options are that they typically also offer regional or multi-country coverage, which is suitable for travelers who will be making multiple stops throughout your trip.

A disadvantage of travel SIM cards and eSIMs is that they typically are data-only, meaning they do not support local or international calls via cell. However, since they provide you with data, you will still be able to make calls using VoIP services or using in-app call functions of your favourite social media platforms.

What about getting a local SIM card?

Getting local SIM cards are also a very popular alternative to using a Verizon Travel Pass. Local SIM cards are provided by local telcos, and in some destinations, these SIM cards include plans that are specifically tailored for tourists — short-term with large amounts of data.

Compared to travel SIMs and eSIMs, local SIM cards are also more likely to come with a local phone number which allows you to make calls locally. Often (not always!!), the rates are also cheaper than if you were to get a travel SIM.

While more budget-friendly, getting a local SIM card could sometimes be rather troublesome. Often, local regulations will often require that you complete a KYC process by submitting a copy of your identity documents.

In addition, you are most likely going to have to be able to purchase your SIM card only upon arrival at your destination - which means, more time spent at the airport. If your flight arrival is late at night or early in the morning, it is also probable that the booth selling the SIM cards are not open, which could then make it even more difficult for you to get a SIM card.

Why would someone still get a Verizon Travel Pass?

With the availability of more affordable alternatives, you might be wondering why anyone might still get a Verizon Travel Pass.

There are a few reasons - one could be that they value the convenience of the travel pass over cost.

Another reason could be that there isn’t really a choice. If your phone is carrier-locked, then you wouldn’t be able to use a travel (e)SIM nor a local SIM at your destination. A carrier-locked device means that you will only be able to use your device on the Verizon network.

But, if your device is carrier-locked, it is not like you don’t have any other alternatives. You could consider also getting a portable WiFi device. A portable WiFi device will provide you with a mobile WiFi hotspot, allowing you to access the internet as you travel. The downside to a portable WiFi device is that you will need to carry an additional device with you (and make sure it is charged), and that the rental of the device is not always cheap.

Get a Nomad eSIM to stay connected hassle-free when traveling

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

Most of Nomad’s eSIM plans start automatically upon connection to the local network, so you can safely install your eSIM before your trip (and you probably should) without worrying that the plan gets activated too early. Double-check your plan details before purchase to be sure of the activation conditions.

If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will be able to enjoy $7 off their first purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more). You will also be able to enjoy $7 off your next purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more).