Comparison
ConnectSIM eSIM vs Verizon TravelPass
TravelPass is the easiest international option from Verizon — and one of the most expensive ways to use data abroad. Here's the math, and how to use an eSIM alongside your Verizon line.
The short version
A 10-day European trip costs $120 on Verizon TravelPass (throttled to 2G after 500 MB/day). The same trip on a ConnectSIM Europe eSIM is about $20 for 10 GB at full LTE/5G speeds. You keep your Verizon number live for calls and 2FA — you just route data through the eSIM.
Side-by-side pricing
| Scenario | Verizon TravelPass | ConnectSIM eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend in Mexico (3 days) | $15 ($5/day) | ~$5 (3 GB) |
| 10-day Europe trip | $120 (throttled after 500 MB/day) | ~$20 (10 GB / 15 days) |
| 2 weeks in Japan | $168 (throttled after 500 MB/day) | ~$25 (20 GB / 30 days) |
| 30-day digital nomad month | $360 (assuming you stay on it) | ~$40 (unlimited 30 days) |
Verizon TravelPass rates as published at verizon.com/plans/international. ConnectSIM prices vary by destination; see country pages for exact pricing.
How to use an eSIM with your Verizon line
- Buy a ConnectSIM eSIM for your destination — country or regional plan. You'll get the QR code by email instantly.
- Before takeoff, on Wi-Fi: open Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. Scan the QR code. The profile installs in ~60 seconds.
- Label the new line 'Travel' so it's obvious in Settings.
- Set the new line as your Cellular Data line. Leave Verizon as your primary voice line.
- CRITICAL: in Settings → Cellular → [Verizon line], turn OFF 'Data Roaming' AND 'Cellular Data' for the Verizon line. This is what prevents TravelPass from auto-charging.
- On the new eSIM line, turn ON 'Data Roaming' (yes, even though you're not technically roaming — local carriers see it that way).
- Land, switch to airplane mode and back. You'll register on a local network within ~30 seconds. Maps, browsing, and messaging all work. Calls and texts to your Verizon number arrive over Wi-Fi Calling or the secondary line.
Common questions
Is an eSIM cheaper than Verizon TravelPass?
For trips longer than 3 days, almost always. TravelPass is $12/day in 200+ countries and $5/day in Mexico/Canada — so a 10-day Europe trip is $120 with throttling after 500 MB/day. A ConnectSIM 10 GB / 15-day Europe eSIM is roughly $20.
Will I still receive calls and texts on my Verizon number while using an eSIM?
Yes. Keep your Verizon line active as the primary line; install the eSIM as a secondary data line. Calls and SMS arrive on your Verizon number; data routes through the eSIM. No roaming charges as long as you only receive (not place) calls and don't use Verizon data.
Does TravelPass auto-charge if I just use data abroad?
Yes — that's the catch. Verizon charges TravelPass the moment any device on your line uses data, sends a text, or makes a call abroad. To avoid it, turn off Verizon data and cellular for that line in Settings before you land, and route data through the eSIM only.
Will an eSIM work on my Verizon iPhone?
Yes. Every iPhone Verizon has sold since the iPhone XS (2018) supports eSIM. iPhone 14, 15, and 16 are eSIM-only in the US. You can hold multiple eSIM profiles at once — your Verizon line and a travel eSIM live side by side.
Is Verizon's '5G Travel' add-on a better deal?
Sometimes for very short trips. 5G Travel is $100 for a one-time 30-day pass with 50 GB of data. For most leisure trips, an eSIM is still cheaper per-GB and you keep the Verizon line for calls.
What if I'm on an unlimited plan that includes international data?
Verizon's Unlimited Plus / Unlimited Ultimate include international data in 210+ countries — but the data is throttled (about 256 kbps after the first 2 GB). Fine for messaging, painful for Maps. An eSIM gives you full-speed local data for usually less than the plan upgrade cost.