Using Verizon Phones In Austria: What You Need To Know

If you're planning to travel to Austria and want to use your Verizon phone, there are a few things you should know. First, check if your device is compatible with the country's mobile infrastructure. Most modern smartphones are compatible, but it's always good to verify. You can also take advantage of Verizon's international plans, such as TravelPass, which offers unlimited data, talk, and text in over 210 countries, including Austria. However, this option can be expensive, with a daily fee of $10. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a prepaid European eSIM or SIM card from a third-party provider, which offers better rates and faster data speeds. Make sure to research the different options and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Using a Verizon phone in Austria: costs and alternatives

Yes, you can use your Verizon phone in Austria. Verizon offers international services in over 210 countries and destinations, including Austria.

Verizon offers a few different international plans. The TravelPass is $10/day and allows you to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data. You are only charged for the days that you use your phone abroad. The Monthly International Travel Plan is $100/month and gives you 5GB of data for the month. After you hit your limit, your speed is throttled down.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can buy a prepaid European eSIM/SIM data plan from a third-party mobile data provider. The rates from these providers are half the price, and the data speeds are often better. For example, you can find prepaid data plans that offer 20GB of high-speed data for €20/month. You can also use free WiFi, which is widely available in Austria.

Verizon TravelPass: what is it and is it worth it?

Verizon TravelPass is an international roaming feature that allows customers to use their phones abroad in over 210 countries and locations. For a daily fee, TravelPass gives you unlimited talk, text and data for 24 hours.

Charges

• $6/day in Canada and Mexico.
• $12/day in other countries.

The TravelPass session automatically starts when you use your device in a TravelPass country. You will only be charged for the days that you use your phone outside the country.

If you are travelling to Canada or Mexico, TravelPass is a good option. However, for other countries, the $10/day fee is expensive when compared to other options. For example, you could buy a local SIM card for $20-$30 which would likely include 1GB or more of data for a two-week trip.

Another option is to use an eSIM provider such as Airalo or Holafly.

Using a Verizon phone in Europe: costs and alternatives

If you're planning a trip to Europe and want to use your Verizon phone, there are a few options available to you. Here are the costs and some alternatives to consider:

Verizon International Plans:

Verizon offers international plans that allow you to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data for a daily fee. Their TravelPass is available in over 210 countries and destinations, including Austria. For $10 per day, you can use your normal Verizon plan in Europe. You get 4G speed on the first 2GB of data per day, after which the speed is throttled down to 2G.

Alternatively, Verizon offers a $100 monthly international travel plan, which gives you 5GB of data for the entire month. After you hit this limit, your speeds are throttled.

Pay as You Go:

Verizon also has a pay-as-you-go option, but it is quite expensive. Data is charged at $2.05 per MB, and text messages cost $0.50 each.

ESIM and SIM Card Options:

If you're looking for cheaper alternatives, consider purchasing a prepaid European eSIM or SIM card from a third-party mobile data provider. These options often offer better rates and faster data speeds. For example, Airalo and Holafly are recommended eSIM providers that offer competitive prices.

You can also buy a local SIM card when you arrive in Europe. This option is usually very convenient and affordable, and you won't have to carry an extra device like a WiFi hotspot.

WiFi and Free Messaging Apps:

If you're primarily concerned with accessing the internet and making reservations, relying on free WiFi and using messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage can be a good solution. WhatsApp is widely used globally and can be used for free texting, voice, and video calls.

Unlocking Your Smartphone:

Keep in mind that if you want to use a different SIM card or eSIM, you may need to unlock your smartphone. Contact your mobile carrier before your trip to request this, as some carriers have specific criteria for "unlocking" phones.

Other Tips:

• Consider buying a portable battery charger, as using apps like Google Maps can drain your phone's battery.
• Be mindful of your data usage. Many apps access data in the background, so disable data access for apps you won't be using.
• Download offline maps to avoid using data when navigating.
• Take advantage of free WiFi when available, but be cautious when connecting to unsecured networks.

In summary, while using your Verizon phone in Europe can be costly, there are alternative options available, such as eSIMs, SIM cards, and free WiFi. By planning ahead and considering your usage needs, you can stay connected during your travels without breaking the bank.

Using a Verizon phone abroad: how to prepare

Most smartphones can be used when travelling outside the US, including in Austria. However, there are several things you should do to prepare your Verizon phone before travelling.

Check your device is compatible

Use Verizon's Trip Planner to find out if your device will work for your trip.

Turn on roaming

Before you go, make sure roaming is turned on in your device settings. This allows your device to connect to networks in other countries. You can visit Verizon's Device Troubleshooting Assistant to see instructions for your device.

Choose a plan

Verizon offers several international plans. You can add TravelPass to your line for $12 a day in Austria, which gives you access to your domestic plan's talk, text and data. Alternatively, the $100 International Monthly Plan is ideal for trips of 9 days or longer. This gives you unlimited data (20GB of high-speed data then unlimited data at 3G speeds), unlimited text messaging, and 250 minutes of international calling.

Calling the US

To call the US from Austria, press and hold "0" on your keypad until the "+" appears. Then enter the US country code "1" and the 10-digit phone number.

Wi-Fi calling

You can use Wi-Fi when calling back to the US from overseas for no additional cost. However, Wi-Fi calling to any country other than the US bills as pay-as-you-go International Long Distance rates.

Voicemail

To check your voicemail when outside of the US, call your Verizon mobile number in the international format: "+1" and then your 10-digit number. Interrupt the greeting by pressing the pound key, then follow the prompts to navigate to the voice mailbox.

Local SIM cards vs Verizon international plans

When travelling to Austria, you have a few options to stay connected. You can either opt for a local SIM card or stick with your Verizon plan by adding an international travel plan. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Local SIM Cards:

• Pros: Local SIM cards offer cheaper data rates compared to international plans. In most countries, you can find affordable plans with generous data allowances. This option is ideal if you plan to stay in one country for an extended period. Additionally, with a local SIM card, you can take advantage of domestic calling and texting rates, which can be significantly cheaper than international rates.
• Cons: One of the main drawbacks of using a local SIM card is the inconvenience of having to switch your phone number. When you replace your original SIM card with a local one, you will temporarily lose access to your usual phone number. This means you won't be able to receive calls or texts on that number, which can be problematic if you need to stay connected with people back home or manage accounts with two-step verification. Additionally, purchasing a local SIM card may require some research and effort to find the best provider and plan for your needs. You may also need to visit a physical store to purchase and set up the SIM card, which can be time-consuming.

Verizon International Plans:

• Pros: Convenience is the primary advantage of choosing a Verizon international plan. You won't need to worry about finding a local SIM card or dealing with multiple phone numbers. Verizon's international plans, such as TravelPass, allow you to use your regular phone number and plan while travelling in over 210 countries, including Austria. With TravelPass, you are charged a flat fee of $12 per day per line, and you're only charged for the days you use your phone abroad. This can be a good option if you're only travelling for a short period or if you don't anticipate using your phone extensively.
• Cons: The main disadvantage of Verizon's international plans is the cost. At $12 per day, the charges can add up quickly, especially if you're travelling for an extended period or using your phone frequently. Additionally, you may not need the full range of services provided by the international plan, as some travellers find that Wi-Fi and free messaging apps are sufficient for their needs.

In summary, if you're looking for a cost-effective option and don't mind switching phone numbers, a local SIM card is a good choice. On the other hand, if convenience and maintaining your original phone number are priorities, a Verizon international plan may be more suitable, despite the higher cost.

Frequently asked questions