Best Carrier To Switch To From Total By Verizon For International Calling - Complete Guide
If you're using Total by Verizon and need better international calling options, you're likely frustrated with their limited features and high international rates. Total by Verizon lacks competitive international calling plans, making it expensive to stay connected with family and friends abroad.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Pick | Visible |
| Best For | International calls |
| Price | $25/month |
| Network | Verizon |
| Our Score | 10/11 |
If you're using Total by Verizon and need better international calling options, you're likely frustrated with their limited features and high international rates. Total by Verizon lacks competitive international calling plans, making it expensive to stay connected with family and friends abroad.
Our research shows that Visible (10/11) offers the best combination of affordable domestic service and flexible international calling options for former Total by Verizon customers. At just $25/month with taxes included on Verizon's premium network, Visible provides a superior value proposition.
Bottom Line: Visible is your best upgrade from Total by Verizon, offering premium Verizon network coverage for $25/month plus affordable international add-ons. For heavy international users, Tello (9.5/11) provides the most competitive international rates on T-Mobile's network.
Pros of Switching from Total by Verizon
- Access to premium Verizon network (not just basic coverage)
- Significantly lower monthly costs
- Better international calling options
- No annual contracts or commitments
- Modern features like eSIM support
- Transparent pricing with taxes included
Cons to Consider
- May need to purchase new phone if locked to Total
- Learning curve with new carrier features
- International calling still requires add-ons
- Some carriers require upfront payments
Why Switch Away from Total by Verizon?
Total by Verizon operates as a budget subsidiary that provides limited network access and minimal international features. Users frequently report poor customer service, expensive international rates, and restrictive plan options that don't meet modern communication needs.
The biggest limitation is their international calling structure. Total by Verizon charges premium rates for international calls without offering competitive monthly add-ons or unlimited international options. This creates surprisingly high bills for customers who regularly call family abroad.
Additionally, Total by Verizon customers often experience deprioritized data speeds during network congestion. Since Total operates as a lower-tier Verizon brand, your data gets slowed before premium Verizon customers, affecting call quality and overall experience.
Best International Calling Carriers for Total by Verizon Switchers
Visible: Our Top Pick (10/11)
Visible earns our highest rating at 10/11 for good reason. This Verizon-owned carrier provides full access to Verizon's premium 5G and 4G LTE networks for just $25/month, taxes included.
International Features:
- International calling add-ons starting at $5/month for select countries
- Global calling rates as low as $0.05/minute to many destinations
- No contracts or commitments required
- Same Verizon network quality you're used to
The carrier offers transparent international pricing without hidden fees. Their $5/month Mexico and Canada add-on provides unlimited calling to both countries, while their global calling rates remain competitive for other destinations.
Check Visible Plans →Tello: Best International Rates (9.5/11)
Tello scores 9.5/11 and excels specifically in international calling affordability. Operating on T-Mobile's network, Tello offers the most competitive international rates among major carriers.
International Features:
- Pay-per-use international calling from $0.01/minute
- International text messaging included in all plans
- No monthly add-on fees required
- Flexible plan customization from $8-25/month
Tello also offers unlimited mobile hotspot on all plans, making it valuable for travelers who need both domestic and international connectivity options.
Comparing International Calling Costs
| Destination | Total by Verizon | Visible Add-on | Tello Per-Minute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $2.99/min | $5/mo unlimited | $0.03/min |
| Canada | $2.99/min | $5/mo unlimited | $0.02/min |
| UK | $3.99/min | $15/mo (300 min) | $0.05/min |
| India | $3.99/min | $15/mo (300 min) | $0.09/min |
| China | $3.99/min | $15/mo (300 min) | $0.12/min |
- Total by Verizon: $299/month
- Visible: $5/month (unlimited)
- Tello: $3/month (pay-per-use)
Additional Carrier Options for International Users
US Mobile: Multi-Network Flexibility (9.5/11)
US Mobile (9.5/11) offers unique advantages for international calling through their multi-network approach. You can choose between Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks based on your coverage needs.
International Benefits:
- Network flexibility for optimal coverage
- Competitive international add-on pricing
- Custom plan building from $15/month
- Premium network features available
Google Fi: Best for International Travel (5.5/11)
While Google Fi scores lower overall at 5.5/11, it deserves consideration for users who frequently travel internationally. Fi provides seamless international roaming and calling features.
International Features:
- No international roaming fees in 200+ countries
- Same data rates abroad as domestic usage
- International calling included in unlimited plans
- Automatic network switching between carriers
Why Trust Our Analysis? We evaluate carriers on 11 data-driven criteria including security features (2FA, SIM PIN protection), data breach history, and real user experience. Our rankings are based on verifiable facts, not paid placements.
Making the Switch: What You Need to Know
Phone Compatibility
Before switching from Total by Verizon, verify your phone compatibility with your chosen carrier. Total by Verizon phones are often locked to their network for a minimum period.
Steps to Check:
Most modern phones work across carriers once unlocked, but checking compatibility prevents switching delays.
Porting Your Number
Number porting from Total by Verizon follows standard industry procedures. The process typically takes 1-2 business days for completion.
Required Information:
- Current phone number
- Account number from Total by Verizon
- Account PIN or password
- Billing zip code
International Calling Setup
Each carrier handles international calling setup differently:
Visible: Add international features through their app or website. Most add-ons activate within 24 hours.
Tello: International calling works automatically with per-minute billing. No setup required beyond plan activation.
US Mobile: Configure international features during plan selection or add them later through customer dashboard.
Best Phone to Pair With This Plan
If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with these international-friendly carriers, we recommend the Google Pixel 9a. It's our top budget phone pick for 2026:
- Works with all US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T networks)
- Supports eSIM + physical SIM for easy switching
- 7 years of software updates
- Excellent camera and battery life
- Around $499 unlocked
Need Data Abroad?
Your MVNO plan won't work internationally. For travel, we recommend Saily eSIM — instant travel data in 200+ countries:
- Works alongside your existing US number
- No physical SIM swap needed
- Plans from $4.99
- Instant activation via app
- Made by the NordVPN team
Cost Analysis: Switching Scenarios
Light International User (50 minutes/month)
Current Total by Verizon Cost: ~$45/month + international charges Recommended Switch: Visible with $5 Mexico/Canada add-on New Monthly Cost: $30/month total Annual Savings: $180
Heavy International User (200+ minutes/month)
Current Total by Verizon Cost: ~$45/month + $200+ international charges Recommended Switch: Tello with pay-per-use international New Monthly Cost: $25 base + ~$15 international = $40/month Annual Savings: $2,460
International Traveler
Current Total by Verizon Cost: ~$45/month + roaming fees Recommended Switch: Google Fi Unlimited New Monthly Cost: $70/month with international included Benefits: No roaming fees, seamless international usage
Timeline for Switching
Week 1: Research and compare carriers using our Plan Finder tool. Request account information from Total by Verizon.
Week 2: Check phone unlock status and compatibility. Order SIM cards from chosen carrier.
Week 3: Initiate number porting process. Set up new account and international features.
Week 4: Complete switch and cancel Total by Verizon service after confirming successful port.
This timeline ensures smooth transition without service interruption or number loss.
The Bottom Line
Switching from Total by Verizon opens up significantly better international calling options at lower overall costs. Visible (10/11) provides the best overall value for most users, combining premium Verizon network access with affordable international add-ons for just $25/month.
For heavy international callers, Tello (9.5/11) offers unbeatable per-minute rates that often cost less than monthly add-ons from competitors. Their flexible pricing means you only pay for what you actually use.
The switching process requires some planning, particularly around phone unlocking and number porting, but the long-term savings and improved international features make the effort worthwhile for most Total by Verizon customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to switch from Total by Verizon?
The complete switching process typically takes 1-2 weeks. Phone unlocking from Total by Verizon can take 2-3 business days, while number porting usually completes within 24-48 hours once initiated.
Q: Will my phone work with these recommended carriers?
Most modern smartphones work across carriers once unlocked. Visible uses the same Verizon network as Total, ensuring compatibility. Tello uses T-Mobile's network, which supports most unlocked phones. Check your specific model using each carrier's compatibility tool.
Q: Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes, you can port your current number from Total by Verizon to any new carrier. The process is federally regulated and must be completed by your new carrier. Keep your Total service active until porting completes.
Q: Are international calling rates really that much better?
Yes, the savings are substantial. Total by Verizon charges $2.99-3.99 per minute for international calls, while Tello offers rates starting at $0.01/minute. Even Visible's unlimited Mexico/Canada add-on at $5/month costs less than two minutes of calls on Total by Verizon.
Q: What happens if I travel internationally?
Most MVNO plans don't include international roaming. For travel, you'll need a separate international eSIM service like Saily, or choose Google Fi which includes international roaming in their plans. International calling add-ons only work for calls made from the US.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Verizon network at half the price. Taxes included, no surprises.
- ✓ Verizon's best coverage
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- ✓ No data breaches
Build your own plan. Unlimited hotspot included. Taxes included.
- ✓ Plans from $8/mo
- ✓ Unlimited hotspot
- ✓ No contracts ever
Best unlocked phone for MVNOs. Works with Visible, Tello, and all carriers.
- ✓ Unlocked for any carrier
- ✓ 7 years of updates
- ✓ eSIM + physical SIM