What to do with cell phone services when traveling abroad. Most cell phone companies have an international travel program. Verizon has a program called Travel Pass. For only $10 a day, you can access using your US cell phone services. As part of this plan, you are required to use your US data and minutes allowance.
If the Travel Pass is not an option, you can request a list of international services and pricing while traveling outside of the US from your cell phone carrier
Check with your carrier to see what other plans may be available. As of this posting, Verizon has an $85 plan that provides you with 250 minutes a month and no data while you are traveling abroad.
Other options, depending on the length of time that you are traveling, would be to purchase an international SIM card that will work throughout Europe. Many of the international SIM cards will provide data which can be used to call home free using various apps such as Facebook Messenger, Google Voice and WhatsApp. If you decide to use Google Voice, make sure that you get your Google Voice number in the US. You will not be able to get a Google Voice phone number if you are out of the US. After attaining your Google Voice number you can forward all your calls to that number and receive free calls and text messages while you are traveling abroad.
If you are traveling for a long period of time and do not want to continue to pay your monthly carrier charges, you can choose to Port your number to a porting service such as “Number Barn. This will allow you to keep your number and received text messages and emails on calls made to your phone number. Keep in mind if you have a service agreement or contract with your current carrier porting your number to “Number Barn” or any other similar service provider may create early termination fees with your carrier.
P.S. Note you can only switch a SIMS card if your phone is unlocked.
Whatever you decide to do with your wireless service, make sure you are clear on how to use your phone while abroad to avoid costly roaming charges.