BlackBerry Storm 9530

I recently took a trip to Israel and when I landed I turned on my storm to receive the Verizon text message on how to call out. I proceeded to dial a number inside the U.S. with the 001 code for calling to the U.S. However when I called I got a prerecorded message in a language that I did not understand. I talked to Verizon reps before I left and they assured me that I could use the phone in Israel. I was able to send and receive texts/emails/data. Also I was able to receive calls. Does anyone have a clue why I was not able to place calls. I will be traveling again soon and I would like to have this problem fixed.