This article explains options, costs, and best practices for using Drake-issued iPhones internationally, with a focus on Verizon’s International Travel Pass and alternatives for extended stays.
Applicability and Important Exclusions
This guidance does not apply to individuals traveling to Countries of Concern (for example, China).
Travel to Countries of Concern is subject to additional security, compliance, and technology requirements. Cellular devices, mobile plans, and permitted usage may differ significantly from what is described in this article.
If you're traveling to a Country of Concern:
- Do not rely on this article for guidance.
- Contact ITS well in advance of travel.
- Follow all institutionally-required security and data protection guidance specific to that destination.
ITS will provide country‑specific instructions, approved devices, and connectivity options as appropriate.
Overview of Available Options
Drake-issued iPhones can be used internationally in several ways:
- Verizon International Travel Pass (included with our plan, billed per day when activated)
- Local cellular service using eSIM (recommended for longer stays)
- Wi‑Fi–only usage with collaboration apps (Teams, iMessage, etc.)
Standalone international plans are available but not recommended due to high cost and low data allowances.
Verizon International Travel Pass
Cost and What’s Included
- Included with Drake’s Verizon plan; billed at $5 per day only on days it's activated.
- Includes:
- Unlimited calls
- Unlimited texts
- 2 GB of high speed data per day
- If the 2 GB limit is exceeded, no overage charges apply, and data speeds are throttled instead.
Note: Costs and data allowances are set by Drake’s Verizon contract. When reviewing Verizon’s public documentation, substitute Drake’s contracted amounts as needed.
Additional details are available on Verizon’s site about the international travel pass.
How the Travel Pass Is Activated
The Travel Pass is activated when:
- You arrive in another country, and
- You receive a text message asking whether you want to activate the Travel Pass, and
- You reply affirmatively to that message.
How to Avoid Activating the Travel Pass on a Given Day
If you don't want the Travel Pass to activate:
- Put the phone in Airplane Mode, and
- Connect using Wi‑Fi only.
You may also ignore the activation text; the Travel Pass won't be enabled unless you opt in. Using this approach allows you to avoid daily charges when cellular service isn't needed.
Standalone International Plans (Not Recommended)
Verizon offers one‑time international plans that are added on top of the monthly plan. These are generally not recommended due to limited data and high overage costs.
Examples:
- $85 plan: 250 minutes, unlimited incoming texts, 250 outgoing texts, 250 MB of data
- $40 plan: 100 minutes, unlimited incoming texts, 100 outgoing texts, 100 MB of data
Exceeding the data allowance results in $25 per additional 100 MB, which can add up quickly.
Local Cellular Service Using eSIM (Recommended for Long Stays)
For extended international stays, another option is to use a Drake-issued iPhone with a local cellular provider.
Key Points
- ITS has a few iPhone devices available; and new phones may not need to be ordered.
- These devices support eSIM (no physical SIM card required).
- A local provider can set up in‑country service.
- You'll need to verify:
- Local plan pricing
- Costs for calling or texting U.S. numbers
Finding Compatible Providers
Apple maintains a list of international carriers that support eSIM by country. Provider websites are linked, and browser translation tools may be helpful when reviewing pricing.
Calling and Messaging While Abroad
Calling Within the Same Country
- If you place a call within the country you're visiting (e.g., Panama to Panama), the receiver doesn't incur any charges for accepting the call.
Text Messaging
- If you text someone internationally, the recipient may incur charges when replying, depending on their plan.
- If both parties are using iMessage on iPhones while connected to Wi‑Fi, messages are sent over the internet rather than cellular service and should not incur carrier charges.
Using Wi‑Fi Based Communication Tools
When connected to Wi‑Fi, you can avoid cellular charges by using internet‑based communication tools.
Microsoft Teams (Supported)
- Chatting or calling other Drake users via Teams while on Wi‑Fi does not use cellular service.
- This applies to both messages and voice/video calls.
Other Apps (Not Officially Supported)
Some commonly used apps include:
These may be useful internationally, but ITS does not officially support them and may not be able to troubleshoot issues.
Requesting a Phone for International Use
If you plan to use a Drake-issued phone internationally:
- Submit a Phone Service Request ticket approximately two weeks before your departure.
- The ticket will be assigned to ITS for setup.
- You'll be notified when the phone is ready.
Summary
- The Verizon Travel Pass is flexible and cost effective when used selectively.
- Airplane Mode + Wi‑Fi can prevent daily Travel Pass charges.
- Local eSIM service is often the best option for long term international stays.
- Teams and other Wi‑Fi based tools can significantly reduce cellular usage and costs.