How much data do you need?
Most travellers over-buy. Pick your travel style and trip length below and we'll tell you roughly how much eSIM data to get — no guessing.
Estimates only — actual use depends on your apps, video quality, and habits.
Data by traveller & trip.
A rough guide to how much data to buy, by how long you're away and how heavily you use your phone.
| Trip length | Light | Everyday | Streamer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend (3 days) | ~1 GB | ~2 GB | ~5 GB |
| 1 week | ~2 GB | ~5 GB | ~10 GB |
| 2 weeks | ~4 GB | ~10 GB | ~20 GB |
| 1 month | ~10 GB | ~20 GB | Unlimited |
Estimates based on ~0.3 GB/day (light), ~0.7 GB/day (everyday), and ~1.5 GB/day (streamer). Actual use varies with video quality and habits.
What really uses data.
Data use comes down to what you do online. Navigation and messaging are cheap — Google Maps uses about 20 MB per 30 minutes, and a day of WhatsApp texts, email, and web browsing rarely tops a few hundred megabytes. That's why light travellers get by on 2–3 GB a week.
Streaming is what adds up. YouTube at 480p is around 250 MB per 30 minutes and Netflix in HD about 700 MB — so an hour of nightly video can use more data than a whole day of maps and chat. If you stream, video-call, or tether a laptop, budget 1.5 GB or more per day, or pick an unlimited daily plan and stop counting.
The practical rule: estimate your daily habit, multiply by trip length, and round up to the next plan size. Sizes like 5 GB and 10 GB cover the vast majority of one- and two-week trips. And with Flysimio you can top up mid-trip if you run low, so there's no need to over-buy up front.
Common questions.
How much data do I need for a week abroad?
For a typical week, most travellers do well with about 5 GB. Light users who mainly use maps, messaging, and email can get by on 2–3 GB, while heavy streamers or anyone tethering a laptop should plan for 10 GB or an unlimited daily plan. Use the calculator above to match your own travel style.
Is 5 GB enough for a 2-week trip?
It depends how you use your phone. 5 GB over two weeks is fine for light use — navigation, WhatsApp, and email. If you stream video, upload photos, or scroll social media daily, plan for around 10 GB; for constant streaming or hotspot use, choose 20 GB or an unlimited plan.
How much data does Google Maps use?
Google Maps uses roughly 20 MB per 30 minutes of navigation — very light. Downloading offline maps over Wi-Fi before you travel cuts this even further, so navigation is rarely what drains a travel plan.
How much data does streaming video use?
Streaming is the biggest data user. YouTube at 480p uses about 250 MB per 30 minutes, and Netflix in HD around 700 MB per 30 minutes. If you plan to stream regularly, budget at least 1.5 GB per day or choose an unlimited plan.
Do I need an unlimited eSIM plan?
Most travellers don't. A fixed plan sized to your trip is usually cheaper and gives you the same speeds. Unlimited daily plans make sense for heavy streamers, remote workers, or anyone tethering several devices over a longer stay.
How can I use less data while travelling?
Download maps, playlists, and shows over Wi-Fi before you go; set streaming apps to a lower quality; turn off auto-play video and background app refresh; and back up photos on Wi-Fi rather than cellular. These habits can cut data use by half or more.
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