In our interconnected world, staying in touch with friends, family, or business associates abroad is essential. Verizon Wireless offers various international calling plans and options, but there can be times when you might find that your international calling functionality is not working as expected. If you are experiencing issues with making international calls through your Verizon service, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will explore possible reasons why your international calling isn’t functioning, provide troubleshooting tips, and suggest effective solutions to get you back in touch with your international contacts.
Understanding International Calling on Verizon
Verizon provides several options for calling internationally. These options include international calling plans, which can be added to your existing plan, as well as pay-per-use rates for those who make calls infrequently. Understanding how these services work is crucial in identifying why your international calling might not be operational.
Types of International Calling Plans
Verizon offers a range of international calling options:
- Global Calling Plans: These plans allow you to call various countries at a flat rate per month.
- Pay-Per-Use Rates: This option charges you a set rate for each international call made.
Subscription Requirements
When using international calling, it’s essential to have the appropriate plan activated. If you attempt to make an international call without an active plan or with a plan that does not cover the country you are trying to reach, the call will fail.
Common Reasons Why Verizon International Calling Isn’t Working
Several factors might result in your inability to make international calls. It is important to evaluate these potential reasons before contacting customer support. Below are some of the most common issues:
1. Issues with Your Verizon Plan
Often, the simplest explanation is that your current Verizon plan does not include international calling. Even if you’re an account holder, you may need to activate or upgrade your plan to include international calling features.
How to Check Your Plan
You can check your plan details through:
- The **My Verizon app** on your smartphone.
- Your account on the **Verizon website**.
Once logged in, navigate to the plan summary section to verify if international calling is included.
2. Network or Service Issues
Sometimes, the problem might stem from network issues or service interruptions. These interruptions can affect your ability to make international calls.
Investigating Network Problems
To troubleshoot potential network problems, follow these steps:
- **Restart your phone**: This can help refresh the network connection.
- **Check for coverage**: Ensure you are in an area with strong Verizon signal and that the network is up and running.
Verifying the Verizon service status in your area can provide insight into whether there’s an ongoing outage.
3. Dialing Issues
Improper dialing procedure can often lead to failed international calls. Ensure you are using the correct format when dialing international numbers.
Correct Dialing Format
The standard format for an international call is as follows:
- Dial the exit code (for the USA, this is 011).
- Follow with the country code (varies by country).
- Finally, dial the local number.
For example, if you are calling a number in the UK, you would dial:
011 + 44 + local number.
Misunderstanding Country Codes
Ensure that you always look up the correct country codes if you are unsure. Mismatching codes can lead to call failures.
4. Phone Settings Misconfiguration
Settings on your device may be incorrectly configured to prevent international calls. Here is what to check:
Check These Settings
Ensure that:
– Your phone is not in flight mode.
– Your Do Not Disturb settings are not preventing calls.
– Your phone is updated with the latest software.
Keeping your device updated ensures you benefit from the most stable and secure network protocols.
5. Billing Issues
Sometimes billing issues can prevent international calling. If your account has overdue payments or if there’s a restriction placed on your account due to non-payment, thereby limiting your ability to make calls.
Resolving Billing Problems
Here’s how to check your billing status:
– Log into your My Verizon account.
– Review unpaid bills or alerts regarding payment issues.
Resolving these matters with Verizon customer service can immediately rectify any restrictions imposed on your account.
Troubleshooting Steps for Verizon International Calling Issues
When faced with international calling issues, you can take the following steps to diagnose and address the problem.
Step 1: Verify Your Plan and Features
Start by confirming that your plan includes international calling. If it doesn’t, consider upgrading or adding an option that fits your needs.
Step 2: Restart Your Device
A simple restart may resolve temporary network glitches, restoring your ability to make international calls.
Step 3: Check Network Status
Use the Verizon website or app to check for network outages in your area. If an outage is reported, you might have to wait until it’s resolved.
Step 4: Check Caller Settings
Review your phone settings including carrier settings and ensure that your calling features are correctly set up.
Step 5: Contact Verizon Support
If all else fails, reach out to Verizon customer support. They can troubleshoot the issue more deeply or provide account-specific solutions.
When to Contact Verizon Customer Support
While troubleshooting can solve many problems, there are situations where direct intervention from Verizon customer support becomes necessary:
Persistent Issues
If you’ve tried every mentioned step and nothing seems to resolve the issue, your calling feature might be tied to a deeper account issue or network configuration.
Account Restrictions
Having an account flagged for security reasons or overdue payments often requires direct communication with customer service to resolve it.
Requesting a Service Change
If you realize that your plan doesn’t fit your needs anymore, discussing options for plan changes with support agents can help optimize your international calling experience.
Conclusion
Having reliable international calling capabilities is essential, especially in a globalized world. Understanding the potential issues that could prevent your international calling on Verizon from functioning properly can save you time and frustration. From plan requirements and network connectivity to incorrect dialing procedures and account restrictions, being informed allows you to troubleshoot effectively.
If you’ve gone through this guide and still find yourself unable to make international calls, don’t hesitate to reach out to Verizon customer support. They are equipped to assist you with any technical issues or billing problems that may be preventing you from connecting with the world beyond your borders.
By being proactive in addressing issues with your Verizon international calling services, and knowing when to reach out for expert assistance, you can ensure seamless communication with your loved ones and colleagues around the globe.
What should I check first if my Verizon international calling isn’t working?
To start troubleshooting, ensure that international calling has been enabled on your account. You can check this by logging into your Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app. Sometimes, international calling is disabled by default, and you may need to call customer service to activate the feature. If you’ve recently changed your plan or payment method, it’s also worth verifying that your settings haven’t inadvertently changed.
Additionally, confirm that you are using the correct dialing format for international calls. Typically, this includes a “+” sign, followed by the country code and then the local number. Errors in the phone number format, such as missing country codes or using the wrong sequence, can prevent the call from connecting. A simple oversight in dialing can lead to frustration, so double-check the number before proceeding.
Why do I receive a message saying my call cannot be completed?
Receiving a message that your call cannot be completed indicates a potential issue with either your plan or the dialing sequence. This might happen if you are calling a country or mobile number that is not included in your international calling plan. Review your plan details to ensure that the destination you are calling is covered; some plans have limitations based on geographic regions.
Another possibility is that there might be an issue with the telephone network connection itself. Network congestion, maintenance, or technical problems can sometimes disrupt international calls. You might want to try calling the destination number again after some time, or try reaching out using an alternative method, such as Wi-Fi calling if your phone and plan support it.
Could my phone settings be causing calling issues?
Yes, your phone settings can significantly impact your ability to make international calls. First, ensure that your phone is not in airplane mode, as this will disable all network connectivity, including calling capabilities. You should also check that your mobile data is enabled since some international calling features rely on data connections, particularly when using VoIP services.
Furthermore, you might want to verify that call blocking features or any third-party calling applications are not interfering with your attempts to reach international numbers. Sometimes, settings within apps can hinder your ability to connect calls, so reviewing your permissions and app settings can help resolve the issue. Resetting your network settings may also refresh your connection and eliminate potential configuration problems.
What can I do if my Verizon account is flagged for suspicious activity?
If your account has been flagged for suspicious activity, it could affect your ability to make international calls. Verizon employs security measures to protect users from unauthorized access, and if your account has been compromised or if there are unusual calling patterns, the company might restrict certain features until the issue is resolved. To address this, contact Verizon Customer Service as soon as possible to clarify the situation.
During your conversation with customer support, be prepared to verify your identity with your account password or other identifying information. They may perform a security review of your account and require you to perform certain actions to restore full access to your international calling features. Ensuring that your account is secure can help prevent similar issues in the future.
Are there restrictions on calling certain countries?
Yes, there are restrictions on calling certain countries based on Verizon’s policies and agreements with international carriers. Some countries may not be included in your calling plan, and calls to these destinations might either be blocked or incur high charges. It’s essential to check Verizon’s international calling guidelines on their website or contact customer service for the most current information about specific countries.
Additionally, political or regulatory issues can lead to restrictions on telecommunications services in certain regions. For example, conflicts or trade sanctions may impose limitations on calling abilities. If you’re trying to reach a country that you find has no clear availability, it might be beneficial to consider alternative communication methods like email, messaging apps, or social media until the situation changes.
What is Wi-Fi calling and can it help with international calls?
Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of the traditional cellular network. This can be especially helpful for international calls, as it can provide better connection quality in areas with poor cellular coverage. If your device and plan support Wi-Fi calling and you’re on a Wi-Fi network, this may help bypass issues you’re experiencing with standard international calling.
To enable Wi-Fi calling, check your phone settings and ensure it is turned on. Keep in mind that you may still incur charges based on your plan for international calls made through Wi-Fi, depending on the destination and your service provisions. Make sure to review your plan details to know what fees, if any, may apply when using this feature for international communication.
What is the best way to reach Verizon customer support for assistance?
The best way to contact Verizon customer support for assistance regarding international calling issues is through their official customer service hotline. You can typically find the appropriate number on their website or in your billing statement. When you call, be prepared to provide your account information and details regarding the challenges you are encountering to expedite the troubleshooting process.
In addition to calling, Verizon offers support through the My Verizon app, where you can chat with a representative or initiate support inquiries. For less urgent questions, visiting their official website can provide access to resources such as FAQs, forums, and even online troubleshooting guides, which might help you resolve your issue without needing to call.