Wi Fi calling.

I'm not tech savvy either. I have learned that the 24-hour cycle is based on Eastern time (NY time), not your home time or location time.
To try to keep from getting daily charges overseas, I put my phone in Airplane Mode. To make WiFi calls and text, I use Google Voice. I turned off all auto updates for apps and software updates. I also turned off background app refresh on all apps. I read that these can trigger data charges.
This all seemed to work because I didn't as many "oops" daily charges on my last trip.

Phone calls and SMS texts do not use data, they use cell service. (RCS texts on some plans require data, mine does.)

A possibility. Were you actually on wifi .....

....when you received each of the 2 phone calls?

... when you texted?

If you were not on wifi, regardless of whether data was on or off, the call or the texts would have used cell service, thus triggering the Verizon TravelPass.

I was on wi fi, and the phone notification said "wi fi calling" for the call that I received. I didn't have it on airplane mode, so maybe that was the problem. For some reason, I thought that you couldn't get wi fi if it was in airplane mode.

If you had "Data Roaming" turned on it immediately used the pass. I usually turn it off unless i want to use the daily pass. Even better, keep the phone in airplane mode and enable wi-fi - is easier to switch between modes. Depending on the phone/network it could work for Wi-fi calling - you can test it at home.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

Diane, when you put your phone in airplane mode, you can either turn off WiFi or set it to your hotel or wherever. If you turn it off you will have neither cellular or wifi. Some neighborhoods have an unsecured community WiFi, good for basics but I wouldn’t do any financial on it. If available you’ll see it in your wifi list, no password. As you know, hotels have wifi and give you a password at check in, but not all hotels have secure wifi for guests.

Months ago I was on a trip where a person in our group received a “welcome to _____do you want to buy cellular service reply yes if ….” She replied no (using WIFI), had cellular service off the whole trip, and ended up with multiple days of charges for using cellular service but never did. It was Verizon. She called to get the charges removed. So don’t assume the charge is valid and you ever used any data.

If you had cellular data and roaming both turned off, you should have been fine I think. Airplane mode - this turns off cellular service but not wifi. You can also manually turn off cellular service in your settings. Depending on your phone, you may also need to toggle off the phone cell access just to be sure - settings/cellular/cellular data/phone.

It is also possible that Verizon messed up. I know I was charged for days I didn't use on TravelPass several years ago - I disputed it with Verizon and they removed the charge. But I honestly don't recall if I needed to submit proof or what that proof would even be. Still, worth asking perhaps.

What is really strange is that last Sept., my husband had wi fi calling on but his data roaming was not turned off. He made a call to the US and texted, and his travel pass didn't kick in. I checked on the bill and he was never charged for it.

Diane: It is possible to randomly connect to WIFI while walking down the street. I have had the cellular service turned off but the phone still ring while walking through a previously unvisited area.

Also: the number of people on this forum who do not buy celluar service is tiny, so most have no experience with this kind of issue.

For some reason, I thought that you couldn't get wi fi if it was in airplane mode.

That's not correct. For example, when you fly, you can access wifi but must have your cell phone in airplane mode, which cuts off the cellular service, NOT the wifi.

Thanks everyone. From now on I will keep airplane mode on.

Diane, also consider use of the "Do Not Disturb" mode. At least on Verizon Android phones, you can enter exceptions for family and other people you're willing to pay to talk to.

I always use a local eSIM for data, as I find I can't live without my data.