Pack the bags (and the phone): Verizon Wireless customers can use their phones In popular destinations around the globe

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless customers heading North or South of the border as well as to ten other international destinations can pack up their existing tri-mode or digital wireless phones and take comfort in knowing they can phone home. Verizon Wireless' international roaming allows customers traveling to Bermuda, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Taiwan and Venezuela to make calls and receive calls with the same Verizon Wireless handset they carry in the United States.

"Through agreements with various wireless companies around the globe, Verizon Wireless customers can pack the wireless phone they use everyday when they travel to these destinations," said Bill Stone, vice president of marketing for Verizon Wireless. "The flexibility international calling offers our customers is yet another way we help them stay in touch while away from home."

Travelers can make sure their wireless phone is fully prepared for their trip by calling Verizon Wireless customer service or visiting a Verizon Wireless Communications Store to add the international calling feature to their service. They will be assisted through the process which includes dialing *228 to update their Preferred Roaming List wirelessly. Once back in the United States, customers dial *228 and select option 2 to change back to the Preferred Roaming List that is most relevant for their home calling plan.

Verizon Wireless customers with a one- or two-year service agreement of $39.99 or higher will pay $0.69 per minute for international roaming, plus the servicing carrier's long distance, toll, surcharges and taxes. International long distance charges also apply for incoming calls and voicemail messages retrieval listened to while abroad in select countries*. Rates may vary depending upon country and location. For a complete list of rates by country, visit www.verzionwireless.com/international.  

Customers can also send and receive TXT Messages while visiting Canada and the Dominican Republic. While in Canada or the Dominican Republic, TXT Messages decrement from customers' home message bundles and are billed at domestic rates. Those rates are $0.10 to send and $0.02 to receive in Canada and $0.25 to send and $0.02 to receive in the Dominican Republic. These are the same rates when sending TXT Messages to these countries from the United States.

Verizon Wireless also offers a number of device options for customers traveling to other destinations. For more information about purchasing the Samsung SCH-a790 Global Phone or renting through the Verizon Wireless Global Rental program visit www.verizonwireless.com/international. These wireless global options provide affordable wireless service in more than 100 countries.

Verizon Wireless products and services are available at more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless stores nationwide, including Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and stores within Circuit City, as well as at authorized retailers including Best Buy and participating RadioShack locations. Customers can also find information and purchase Verizon Wireless products and services online at www.verizonwireless.com.  

*Voice mail retrieval currently available in Canada, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.