Tip: If you need more data, you can buy a top up anytime during your trip.
We calculate how much data you'll need based on your selection. Keep in mind that actual usage may vary depending on automatic updates of your apps, photo uploads, and other background activity, which we don't include in this estimate.
FAQ about Travel Data Usage
What influences how much data I need for travel?
How much data you'll use abroad depends mainly on what you do online, which apps you use, and what quality settings you choose. Here's a rough breakdown of hourly data usage by activity:
- Netflix uses about 0.3 GB/hr in Low, up to 0.7 GB/hr in Medium, and up to 3 GB/hr in High. YouTube ranges from 300 MB to 3 GB/hr depending on video quality. Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram Reels can burn through 600 MB to 1.5 GB/hr. - Video calls (Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet) use roughly 500 MB to 1.5 GB/hr depending on resolution - Music streaming on Spotify ranges from about 10 MB/hr on low quality to 150 MB/hr on the highest setting. - Navigation apps themselves are light on data. Google Maps uses only about 3–5 MB/hr for turn-by-turn directions. However, keep in mind that browsing user-uploaded photos and videos on location pages (restaurant reviews, hotel listings, points of interest) can use significantly more data. The navigation itself isn't the problem. It's the media content around it. If you're trying to save data, stick to the map and directions and skip browsing photos and videos. - General browsing (checking emails, reading news, scrolling social feeds without video) uses around 20–100 MB/hr.
The two biggest factors that push your usage up are streaming quality and downloading large files over mobile data instead of Wi-Fi. If you lower your streaming resolution and save downloads for when you're on Wi-Fi, you can cut your data needs significantly.
What uses the most mobile data?
- Video streaming (Netflix, YouTube, TikTok) uses the most data by far, up to 7 GB/hr in 4K - Social media with auto-playing video (Instagram, TikTok) can use 600 MB to 1.5 GB/hr - Video calls (Zoom, FaceTime) use 500 MB to 1.5 GB/hr. - Music streaming at high quality settings can reach 150 MB/hr - Uploading or downloading large files to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) - Background photo and video cloud uploads - Automatic app updates
How much data do people usually buy for travel?
Here's a quick guide by usage type:
- Light users (email, messaging, occasional browsing): 1–3 GB per week - Moderate users (maps, social media, some music streaming): 5–10 GB per week - Heavy users (video streaming, video calls, frequent uploads to Instagram/TikTok): 10+ GB per week - Digital nomads (people who work remotely): 20–50 GB
As a general rule, 5 GB is a good starting point for a one-week trip for most travelers. It gives you enough room for staying connected, navigation, social media, and light streaming.
What is travel data?
Travel data is the mobile data your phone uses to access the internet while you're in another country. It covers everything from Google Maps and walking directions to streaming music on Apple Music or Spotify, scrolling social media apps, making video calls on Google Meet, and sending messages to friends and family.
Without a data plan, your phone either won't connect to the internet at all, or your home carrier will charge roaming fees, which can add up quickly.
The easiest way to avoid this is getting a prepaid travel eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into most modern phones. Instead of buying a physical SIM card at the airport, you download a data plan straight to your phone before you leave. You can keep your regular number active on your physical SIM, choose how many GB you need based on your travel style, and start using mobile data the moment you land. Most people prefer eSIMs over unsecured public Wi-FI.
Many providers, including WonderConnect, offer single-country plans, regional plans, and a global plan with international coverage across multiple countries.
How to buy an eSIM with mobile data for travel?
You can buy an eSIM online, even weeks before your trip. At WonderConnect, we offer travel eSIMs through our webstore and app. After purchase, your eSIM is delivered straight to your email - no waiting for a physical SIM card. Our eSIMs are data-only, so you keep your regular phone number. Once you're on your trip, you can use the WonderConnect app to check data usage and buy top-ups if you need more.
How to use an eSIM?
To use an eSIM, your phone needs a built-in eSIM chip. Most modern smartphones have one. You can check yours on the list of eSIM-compatible devices. 1. Buy a data plan. Pick your destination and choose the right data plan. At WonderConnect, your eSIM is delivered right after purchase, via email and to your account, which you can access on the web or through our app. All plans are prepaid, so you pay once. No contracts or hidden fees.
2. Install the eSIM. Scan the QR code from your email or install directly through the app. The eSIM will appear in your phone settings next to your regular SIM. You can do this well before your trip. Installing won't start the validity period.
3. Activate on arrival. In the settings of your phone, select the eSIM as your mobile data line, and turn on data roaming. Your phone will connect to a local network and you'll have internet without roaming fees.
