Verizon TravelPass is now $12 a day: when an eSIM is cheaper (and when it isn't)
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Verizon TravelPass costs $12 per line, per day in more than 210 countries and destinations, and $6 a day in Canada and Mexico. A 7-day trip to the UAE therefore costs $84 for one phone, compared with $12.99 for a 5GB SimSwift eSIM. Many comparison pages still quote the old $10 rate. TravelPass does win in a few cases, and we cover those honestly below.
Last verified: November 8, 2026. Verizon prices come from Verizon's TravelPass page, its TravelPass FAQs and its international travel plans page, all read on that date. SimSwift prices are our live store prices in USD on the same date. This guide is published by SimSwift, so it compares our own plans.
See the UAE 5GB / 30-day eSIM ($12.99) or browse plans for Saudi Arabia, Israel and Indonesia.
How Verizon TravelPass works in 2026
These are the rules that decide your bill. Each one comes from Verizon's own pages.
- $12 per line, per day in TravelPass destinations outside North America. Verizon lists it as "$12 /line per day," plus taxes and fees.
- $6 per line, per day in Canada and Mexico. Verizon also says "Roaming in Canada and Mexico is included with Simplicity and Unlimited plans."
- A day is a 24-hour session. "A 24-hour TravelPass session starts automatically when you use your device in a TravelPass country." Making or answering a call, sending a text or using data all count.
- Background data counts too. Verizon notes that app refreshes, email syncing and software updates can start a session once data roaming is on.
- No monthly cap is listed. Verizon's pages describe no maximum, so every day you use the phone abroad is another $12.
Verizon only charges on days you actually use the phone abroad, and you get a text two hours into each session telling you when it ends. Visiting two countries within one session counts as one charge.
What happens after 5GB a day
Each TravelPass session includes 5GB of high-speed data. In Verizon's words, after that you get "unlimited data at 3G speeds for the remainder of the TravelPass session." The FAQs add that you can buy another 2GB of high-speed data for $10, or $5 in Canada and Mexico.
5GB a day is generous. Maps, messaging, ride-hailing and social media use far less than that for most travelers. You pay the same $12 whether you use 50MB or the full 5GB.
Plans that include TravelPass or international use
- Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome: Verizon says TravelPass "is automatically added" to these plans. That means it switches on by itself when you travel. It does not mean the days are free.
- Unlimited Ultimate: Verizon says TravelPass can't be added "because Unlimited Ultimate includes international data, talk and text." If you're on Ultimate, check your included allowance in My Verizon first.
- Verizon Visa Card: cardholders get 2 free TravelPass days per calendar year.
- Older 5G Get More and 5G Do More plans included a monthly TravelPass day. Verizon notes these plans are no longer available.
The real cost for 3, 7 and 10+ days
Here is one traveler in the UAE, the most popular destination for our US customers. TravelPass totals use Verizon's $12 daily rate. The eSIM column shows the SimSwift UAE plan that fits each trip.
| Trip length | Verizon TravelPass, 1 line | SimSwift UAE eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $36 | 1GB / 7 days, $3.49 or 3GB / 15 days, $7.99 |
| 7 days | $84 | 5GB / 30 days, $12.99 |
| 10 days | $120 | 5GB / 30 days, $12.99, or 10GB / 30 days, $22.99 |
| 14 days | $168 | 10GB / 30 days, $22.99 |
| 14 days, heavy use | $100 International Monthly Plan (20GB) | 20GB / 30 days, $40.99 |
For long trips, Verizon itself points to its $100 International Monthly Plan. Verizon calls it "Ideal for trips for 9 days or longer." It includes 20GB of high-speed data, then 3G speeds, plus unlimited texting and 250 minutes. That makes $100 the realistic Verizon ceiling for a stay of nine days or more.
Traveling as a family
Unlike some carriers, Verizon publishes no cheaper rate for extra lines. TravelPass is $12 on each line. These totals assume four Verizon lines, all used every day.
| Trip length | TravelPass, 4 lines | 4 SimSwift UAE eSIMs |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 4 x $36 = $144 | 4 x $3.49 = $13.96 |
| 7 days | 4 x $84 = $336 | 4 x $12.99 = $51.96 |
| 10 days | 4 x $120 = $480 | 4 x $12.99 = $51.96 |
A family doesn't always need four eSIMs. Our UAE eSIM supports hotspot, so children who only need maps and messaging can share one parent's allowance. Size the plan for every device that connects.
Other popular destinations for US travelers
After the UAE, our US customers most often buy plans for Saudi Arabia, Israel and Indonesia. TravelPass is $84 for a 7-day trip on one line in any of them. Confirm your destination in Verizon's TravelPass trip planner before you rely on it.
| Destination | 1GB / 7 days | 5GB / 30 days | Local networks listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | $3.49 | $12.99 | du |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.99 | $11.99 | STC |
| Israel | $1.99 | $6.99 | Cellcom, Pelephone, Hot Mobile |
| Indonesia | $1.99 | $4.99 | Telkomsel, XL, Indosat |
How much data should you buy?
TravelPass hands you 5GB every day whether you need it or not. An eSIM gives you one allowance for the whole trip, so size it to how you actually use your phone.
- 1GB covers a short stopover with maps, messaging and email. Photo uploads use it up quickly.
- 3GB to 5GB is the usual choice for a week of maps, ride-hailing, messaging and social media.
- 10GB to 20GB suits two weeks, regular video calls, or a laptop on hotspot.
Before you fly, turn off automatic photo backup and app updates over mobile data. Those two settings drain more data than most people expect.
Pick a UAE plan size or compare Saudi Arabia, Israel and Indonesia plans.
When TravelPass is the better choice
An eSIM is not always the right answer. TravelPass makes more sense in these situations.
- Very short trips. One or two days costs $12 to $24 with no setup at all. If you also need calls, that can be worth it.
- You need your own number for calls and texts. Our plans are data-only and don't come with a phone number for regular calls. TravelPass keeps your Verizon number working as usual.
- Canada and Mexico. If you're on a Verizon Unlimited or Simplicity plan, roaming there is already included, so you pay nothing extra. Even without it, TravelPass is $6 a day.
- Heavy daily users on short trips. Someone streaming or tethering several gigabytes a day for three days may find 5GB a day for $12 good value.
- Your phone can't use an eSIM. You need an unlocked, eSIM-capable phone. If yours is still locked to Verizon, TravelPass is the simple route.
- Cruises. Verizon says TravelPass days can't be used on cruise ships. A country eSIM won't help either, because it uses land networks. Verizon's Cruise Daily Pass is $20 a day with 0.5GB of high-speed data.
The hybrid setup: keep your Verizon number, use the eSIM for data
Most travelers can stay reachable on their Verizon number without starting a TravelPass session. The trick is to give all data to the eSIM and keep the Verizon line quiet.
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you leave.
- Set the eSIM as your cellular data line. On iPhone, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your Verizon line, but leave the line switched on.
- Don't make calls, answer calls or send texts from the Verizon line. Verizon counts each of these as usage that starts a session.
- Use WhatsApp, iMessage or FaceTime over the eSIM data instead. On iPhone, turn off Send as Text Message so a failed iMessage doesn't go out as a text.
Verizon's FAQs list sending a text as a trigger, not receiving one. Picture and group messages need data, though, so they may not arrive with data roaming off. If a bank code matters, test it before your trip.
FAQ
How much does Verizon TravelPass cost per day in 2026?
In more than 210 countries and destinations, Verizon TravelPass costs $12 per line, per day. In Canada and Mexico, it costs $6 per line, per day. Taxes and fees are extra, and you are charged only on the days you use your phone abroad.
Is Verizon TravelPass worth the money?
It pays off for trips of one or two days, or when you need your own number for calls. Over a week, it runs $84 per line. A data eSIM for the same trip often costs under $15.
What happens once I use 5GB on TravelPass?
Once you hit 5GB of high-speed data in a session, Verizon drops you to 3G speeds for the remainder of that 24-hour session. You can purchase an extra 2GB of high-speed data for $10, or $5 in Canada and Mexico.
Does TravelPass begin automatically?
Yes. According to Verizon, a 24-hour session begins automatically when you use your device in a TravelPass country. Making or answering a call, sending a text, or using data (including background data) all count.
Do I need TravelPass for Mexico or Canada?
Often you don't. Verizon says roaming in Canada and Mexico is included with its Simplicity and Unlimited plans. On other plans, TravelPass there costs $6 a day.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my Verizon number?
Yes. Keep your Verizon line turned on with data roaming off, and set the eSIM as your data line. Steer clear of calling, answering calls, or texting from the Verizon line, because Verizon counts those as usage.