How much data do I need for my trip? A simple guide

October 6, 2026

Buy too little data and you're rationing maps on day three. Buy too much and you've paid for gigabytes you never used. Here's how to pick the right size.

What uses data (rough guide)

These are typical figures. Actual use depends on your phone, app settings and how you use it.

Messaging (WhatsApp, iMessage text): very little, a few MB a day.
Voice calls on WhatsApp or FaceTime audio: around 0.5 to 1 MB per minute.
Video calls: roughly 5 to 15 MB per minute.
Maps and navigation: around 5 to 20 MB per hour of active use.
Browsing and email: around 50 to 100 MB per hour.
Social media (Instagram, TikTok): often 300 MB to 1 GB per hour, mostly from video.
Video streaming: around 1 GB per hour in standard quality, more in HD.

Quick plan-size guide

Light user (maps, messages, some browsing) About 300 to 500 MB a day. 3 to 5 GB covers a week.

Average user (all the above plus social media) About 1 GB a day. 7 to 10 GB covers a week.

Heavy user (video calls, streaming, hotspot for a laptop) 2 GB a day or more. Look at 20 GB or larger plans for a week.

Ways to make your data go further

Download offline maps of your destination before you leave.
Turn off automatic photo and video backups until you're back on Wi-Fi.
Set apps to download updates on Wi-Fi only.
Lower the video quality in streaming and social apps.
Use hotel and café Wi-Fi for big downloads.

Running low mid-trip?

With SimOrbit you can top up the same eSIM in a minute, with no new QR code to scan. We'll also email you when you've used most of your data, so you're never caught out.

Ready to choose? Browse eSIM plans by destination.

How much data do I need for my trip? A simple guide

October 6, 2026

Buy too little data and you're rationing maps on day three. Buy too much and you've paid for gigabytes you never used. Here's how to pick the right size.

What uses data (rough guide)

These are typical figures. Actual use depends on your phone, app settings and how you use it.

Messaging (WhatsApp, iMessage text): very little, a few MB a day.
Voice calls on WhatsApp or FaceTime audio: around 0.5 to 1 MB per minute.
Video calls: roughly 5 to 15 MB per minute.
Maps and navigation: around 5 to 20 MB per hour of active use.
Browsing and email: around 50 to 100 MB per hour.
Social media (Instagram, TikTok): often 300 MB to 1 GB per hour, mostly from video.
Video streaming: around 1 GB per hour in standard quality, more in HD.

Quick plan-size guide

Light user (maps, messages, some browsing) About 300 to 500 MB a day. 3 to 5 GB covers a week.

Average user (all the above plus social media) About 1 GB a day. 7 to 10 GB covers a week.

Heavy user (video calls, streaming, hotspot for a laptop) 2 GB a day or more. Look at 20 GB or larger plans for a week.

Ways to make your data go further

Download offline maps of your destination before you leave.
Turn off automatic photo and video backups until you're back on Wi-Fi.
Set apps to download updates on Wi-Fi only.
Lower the video quality in streaming and social apps.
Use hotel and café Wi-Fi for big downloads.

Running low mid-trip?

With SimOrbit you can top up the same eSIM in a minute, with no new QR code to scan. We'll also email you when you've used most of your data, so you're never caught out.

Ready to choose? Browse eSIM plans by destination.