How much mobile data do you need when travelling?
How much data do you need on a trip? It is the question every traveller asks when choosing an eSIM. Too little and you run out halfway, too much and you pay for nothing. This guide gives you a clear guideline per trip type and activity, with tips to make your bundle last longer.
Guideline per trip type
| Type of traveller | Usage | Recommended data |
|---|---|---|
| Light (weekend) | Maps, WhatsApp, occasional social media | 1 to 3 GB |
| Average (week) | Social media, sharing photos, navigation | 5 GB |
| Intensive (1 to 2 weeks) | Lots of navigation, videos, stories | 10 GB |
| Long trip or sharing | Tethering, working, family | 20 GB or more |
If you are hesitating between two sizes, choose the larger one. A few euros extra is always cheaper than running out of data halfway through your trip and having to buy more in a hurry.
What uses a lot, what uses little?
| Activity | Usage per hour (guideline) |
|---|---|
| Messages and maps | Very little |
| Scrolling social media | About 0.5 to 1 GB |
| Streaming music | About 0.5 GB |
| Streaming video (HD) | 1 to 3 GB |
| Video calling | About 1 GB |
Videos and uploads weigh the heaviest. Maps and messages cost almost nothing.
Tips to save your bundle
- Download offline maps and your travel route before you leave.
- Turn off autoplay video in social apps.
- Stream downloaded music and series instead of live.
- Set cloud backups and updates to Wi-Fi only.
- Do large downloads over the Wi-Fi at your accommodation.
If you pay attention to this, you often get surprisingly far on 5 or 10 GB. If you do run short, with many eSIMs you can top up.
Frequently asked questions
How much data for a week-long city trip?
For maps, messages and some social media, 3 to 5 GB is usually enough.
How much data for a two-week tour?
Count on 10 GB or more, certainly if you navigate and share a lot.
What if I choose too little?
With many eSIMs you can top up without installing a new one.
Conclusion
How much data you need depends on your trip type and usage: 1 to 3 GB for a weekend, 5 GB for a week, 10 GB or more for a longer trip. When in doubt choose a size up and save your bundle with a few smart habits. At esimzu you choose your own volume and receive your eSIM by email right away.