Using a Verizon network smartphone in "pay-as-you-go" mode in Europe

Also, I have a question, the answer to which may seem obvious, but I need to ask, anyway: If you get a call that you do not answer, is there any charge for that?

And one more: If you have had voicemails, what was the process for listening to them, and were you charged only for the time it took for you to listen to them?

Thank you,
Steve

Look into WiFi calling - if Verizon supports it. This may allow free calls and texts on WiFi:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032

https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/wifi-calling-faqs/

Additionally, you might be able to use a free texting app like WhatsApp.

If you ask at a Verizon store, call their regular number, or use the web site, you may or may not get accurate information. However, they have a dedicated international department that has always been spot on with regard to giving accurate information. The telephone number is 1-800-711-8300 if you want to contact them.

TC, I have sent you a private message on this topic, asking about your experiences, in case you haven't seen it.

Thanks,
Steve

If you expect to use it that little, look into Verizon's $10 a day international plan. That sounds expensive, but you're only charged for the 24-hour periods you actually use data. For our 12-day trip to Italy last year, I used it only on our last day in Rome, when I wanted to have turn-by-turn directions on Google Maps. Otherwise, wi-fi and Facebook Messenger satisfied all our communication needs, including dealing with a mini health crisis for one of our cats.

Thank you all for your responses, so far. There are good suggestions regarding how to communicate over the Internet with a WiFi connection. What I know that I will need to do is to send several texts and have the ability to receive texts on several days when I am away from any WiFi source. I do not anticipate making any telephone calls, nor needing to use data (except with a WiFi source), but, of course, I might have to in an emergency.

I gather that no one who has responded has used their smartphone in “pay-as-you-go” mode, that is, roaming without an international calling plan. I am really hoping to hear from folks who have done so, so that they can share their experience and advise me regarding whether it worked well for them.

I have Verizon, and have never bought their roaming plans. This past summer for a month trip to Scandinavia and Denmark, and last year in Australia, I just bought a cheap SIM card on arrival at the airports. I never got anywhere near the limit, but always used WhatsApp for texting family ( love it for adding photos), and wifi whenever possible. I also use Skype or Hangouts for calls.

I have Verizon. I have never, ever done pay as you go in multiple trips outside the US.

What I do use is their Travel Pass plan. It's $10/day for most countries in Europe, and it ONLY kicks in if used. If you stay in airplane mode and use WiFi only, you could skip it entirely unless you have to switch to non-airplane mode at any point.

Even if used, the plan is good for 24 hours. You'll receive a text at the beginning of that period and just before the 24-hour period ends. If you only need to use your phone once or twice, you might only spend $10-20 if you spend the rest of your overseas time on WiFi only.

Have a wonderful adventure!

I also used the $40 plan on our first trip and it was pretty much a waste, albeit it a tiny one. We really had no need to make phone calls but the plan was there for if we did. Our last two trips to Europe I have not used a plan at all and keep my data turned off. I did have the daily pass activated so I could use it if I needed to but I never did. I use Whatsapp for text and phone calls over wifi. I check my emails over wifi. I do not use my phone if no wifi available.

I used pay as you go in Cuba. I highly recommend that you call the number listed above for an international plan employee. They will walk through the available plans with you and help you choose the best option. I can't remember if I had to do anything to activate the pay as you go feature. They also have a trip planner on the website. You put in all of the countries you are going, your expected usage, and they give you a recommendation.
I like to avoid speaking with people too, but I think in this case getting it from the horse's mouth is your best action.

I also have Verizon and have used their $10 a day Travel Pass on multiple trips without any “bill surprises”. As previously mentioned, you are charged for a 24 hour period if you use your phone that day. I never keep it in airplane mode (unless I am on a flight) and use it like I use it at home. For me, I can relax more on vacation knowing that if any of my family or my dog kennel for that matter needs to contact me, then they can. I also use it routinely to confirm reservations and use various apps. Have a great trip!

Thank you all for your replies. It has been very helpful to me. I appreciate this community.

Steve

If you expect to use it that little, look into Verizon's $10 a day
international plan.

This is exactly what we do.

Steve, if you look at your last italy trip, you would have been much better off just roaming. 5 outgoing x $0.50 and 4 incoming x $0.05 equals $2.70 which is a lot cheaper than a $40-70 plan or $10 per day.

The first time we used Verizon's Travel Pass program was on vacation in Canada. At $5/day, we both kept our phones connected. It really paid for itself the first day, when I spent a total of 1 1/2 hours on the phone with the rental car company upon discovering there was a problem and the car had to be swapped out.

Although Verizon's TP page says, "We'll send you a text message with an offer for an additional 512 MB of high speed data to use during the same 24-hour session.", we never received a text for the option to buy more data when we hit the daily limit.

On our upcoming trip we will use Wifi with a VPN as much as possible for email because Travel Pass's data throttle is horrrrrrible after the first 1/2GB is used, and we can't count on above-mentioned Verizon text coming in with option to buy more data. One of our phones will stay connected to Travel Pass for work-related emergency calls, contact from boarding kennel in case of emergency, etc.