Hi there,
When I bought my Verizon MiFi 8800L jetpack hotspot, the idea was to be able to work remotely on my laptop. I specifically purchased this product because Verizon's website says it works in over 200 countries. Before going abroad, I called Verizon about 3 or 4 times to MAKE VERY SURE that it would actually work in those countries from the list.
The first three agents had no idea what I was talking about and didn't understand what a hotspot is. They thought I meant the capability of my iPhone to turn into a hotspot, and kept trying to sell me the $10/day international travel pass for my phone. I kept saying no, I'm not talking about my phone, I have an entirely separate device called the 8800L jetpack, this is what I'll be using to work on my laptop. Do I need to purchase some kind of separate data plan for the hotspot to work abroad? They were stumped. Finally one guy told me no, I don't have to purchase any extra data. I can just keep paying my monthly fee that I already pay for the hotspot to work domestically, and it will work in the 200 countries it's supposed to work in. I took his word for it because I can't find any information on the internet explaining this further.
When I arrived in Europe, lo and behold, the hotspot doesn't work.
At this point I'm back home so it doesn't matter anymore, but just for reference I want to understand the situation. What am I supposed to do to make the hotspot work in the advertised locations?
Thanks.
@ whatever38 We're sorry to read about the experience you had overseas with no service. The device should have automatically connected to the local network. We'd like to check the settings on your account. We've sent you a private note. ~Peter
I'm curious about the outcome for this. I'm traveling to Japan and I'm hoping to use my Jetpack hotspot.
If it's a settings issue, what settings should I confirm are set correctly for international usage?
Hey tabascolvr, a trip to Japan sounds wonderful, and it something that is on my bucket list. I, too, would want to stay connected with a personal hotspot myself. The great news is that you can plan your trip (check device compatibility, review eligible International plans, and review specific device settings) right here: https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/trip-planner-tool/
-Joseph
The bad news is that the MiFi Jetpack 8000L is not listed as a compatible device on the Travel Planner tool page - so you can't get any information for using that device while travelling internationally.
You'd think that the Customer Service Reps would actually try the Travel Planner tool, using the exact device we are discussing, before posting info that does not work.
Thanks for sharing that information. MiFi model Jetpack 8000L is a world device and will work internationally which is confirmed in the device specifications. Please let us know if you have any questions about setting up plans for international travel.
-Deb
If the 8800L is to work internationally, what do I need to do? Would it provide the 15GB of data for the monthly cycle, just as it does here? Thank you for your help.
I have the same question and would like to know how to have the jetpack 8800L work properly internationally. Thank you.
Linerh1, we'd be happy to clear up your questions regarding international options. The MiFi model Jetpack 8000L is a world device and will work internationally. To ensure you're able to use your device abroad, you'll also need to set up an international plan to cover your usage: https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/trip-planner-tool/ We're here if you have any other questions!
~Izzy
Can you please tell me the benefit of using a jetpack with an international plan compared with using my phone with the same plan?
I have recently called and asked about using the 8800L jetpack and was told I did not need an additional international plan to use it.
I would like to know for sure before I travel.
Hi Linerh1,
When I travel abroad, if all I want is for my cell phone to work, I buy an eSIM. That way I can use apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Safari, Maps, etc. But my job is remote and I work on my laptop. To do a full 9-5 workday, I need real wifi. Connecting my laptop to my cell phone's built-in "hotspot" option is not enough, and even if it was, that will use up my eSIM data plan extremely quickly. This is why I purchased the 8800L.
Verizon customer service finally told me that the MiFi 8800L cannot be used internationally. I don't remember what the exact reasoning was, because they send a private chat link to talk to customers through, and this link expires after a couple days and you can't go back and see the conversation anymore. Maybe they had said something about needing to pay for an extremely expensive international plan to make it work and my mind just filed that under "it doesn't work" because I'm never going to pay that.
I still don't know why the advertising for the 8800L says it works in 200 countries and why some of the less informed customer service agents tell people it will just automatically work without needing to do anything special. None of that is correct.
You should be purchasing a Sim card for the dedicated hotspot with a local provider outside the United States. The hotspot will work with other providers because it is a world device and unlocked.
International use of the mifi hotspot 8800L. Verizon keeps responding to use the "plan your travel." Plan Your Travel does NOT include an option for the mifi hotspot 8800L.
this Verizon page (https://www.verizon.com/articles/7-easy-options-for-staying-connected-abroad/) says,
By renting or buying a mobile hotspot, you can bring your own connectivity with you around the world. These devices work by tapping into cellular data connectivity and then sharing that connection with nearby laptops, tablets and other Wi-Fi-compatible devices. Users typically pay a daily or monthly fee to access the connectivity. Or, with the Verizon Jetpack hotspot device, your traveling party can connect phones, computers, cameras and gaming devices using your cellular data. Mobile hotspots are a good fit if youโll be using your laptop and other larger devices extensively during your trip."
No answer in this thread has, so far, has provided any information on how to add an international Verizon plan to, or to otherwise use, the 8800L mifi hotspot internationally (specifically with regards to Canada in my case).
Hi rebaandbuddy. You make a great point. For a MiFi, it would be a data only device. Let us help you figure out what plan would be compatible with your travels. Where will you be traveling to and how long. Here is the updated International trip planner we will reference: https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/trip-planner-tool/
-Deb
Could you please let us know the outcome of this situation, after an agent contacted you? I have the same jetpack and have questions about using it internationally. Thank you.
I would like to know what the agent said when they messaged you. I have the same question before my and am getting the same answers from Verizon.
Linerh1 Our international plans provide data options while abroad and these will affect how you can use this device. You will need to set up an international plan to use this outside of the country and data will be a set amount. You can find information on our plans for your destinations here: https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/ ~Peter
they never messaged me. customer service said prepaid hotspot will not work internationally. but they do now have international add-ons for prepaid phone plans . I will be going to an unlimited plan and using my phone as the hotspot.
Are the Verizon customer service reps here aware that the international travel tool they keep posting lists ZERO jetpack devices as being compatibile with international?
It is always good to know your options when traveling. At the moment, we do not offer international services for our jetpack devices.
~Freddy
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