International Travel With VZW

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Eddy W

New member
Verizon Wireless uses an all CDMA network while in the United States. Unless you are part of the exclusive group of people who have a global phone like the Blackberry Storm/Tour/World, Samsung Renown, or the Verizon Wireless Escapade, you may have issues when traveling abroad.

CDMA is a technology native to the United States and about 40 other countries. If you decide you're going to travel to a country that isn't part of the limited list of 40, you are in for a surprise--your phone will not work.

If your one of the lucky people to be on a GSM network, like AT&T or T-Mobile, none of this applies to you in anyway. You can enjoy your iPhone or the G-1 in all of the 240 countries where GSM exists.

Using your standard Verizon Wireless phone while outside of the United States will be a huge challenge. Yes, CDMA is available in 40 countries...but GSM (the other popular technology) is available in well over 240 countries.

While on a CDMA carrier, you may have options. Below are a few options Verizon Wireless offers.


  • Purchase a Global Phone. These require no special plans (unless you get a Blackberry or Smartphone)
  • If your a short term travel, try the Global Travel Program (details below)
In the past, they used to have options for the occasional international traveler. This was called the Global Rental Program and you got to use the phone for 3 months FOR FREE and $3.99 per day after the three months. This program will be discontinued due to an expiration of the partnership between Verizon and Vodafone International next month. These customers should just purchase a global phone.

Global Travel Program


  • For customers who will only be gone for 21 days or less.
  • No daily or monthly access.
  • No security deposits.
  • All international roaming fees appear on your monthly bill.
  • Keep your same number and voicemail.
Basically, all you're responsible for is the international roaming fees. These fees actually can be reduced with an additional fee of $4.99 per month. You do have to pay for the two day delivery of $9.99. Return shipping is free.

You also get full international tech support.

You also can transfer all your numbers to the rental phone using backup assistant free!

Current Verizon Wireless Global Phones available for Rental and/or full purchase:


  • VZW Escapade
  • Samsung Renown
  • BlackBerry Storm 9530
  • BlackBerry Tour 9630
 
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