Travel data calculator
Estimate how much mobile data your trip needs, so you buy the right eSIM or roaming plan the first time.
You need about
9GB- Per day
- 1.1 GB
- Biggest use
- Social media
- Plan size to buy
- 10 GB
Includes a 20% buffer for app updates and background data.
How the estimate works
Each activity uses a fairly predictable amount of data per hour. The calculator multiplies your daily hours by these rates, adds 200 MB a day for messaging, browsing and background apps, then adds a 20% buffer. Plan sizes are rounded up to the sizes most eSIM providers sell.
| Activity | Data per hour |
|---|---|
| Maps and navigation | about 10 MB |
| Music streaming | about 70 MB |
| Social media, mostly photos | about 150 MB |
| Social media, mixed | about 450 MB |
| Reels and TikTok | about 850 MB |
| Video calls | about 400 MB |
| Streaming video, standard | about 700 MB |
| Streaming video, HD | about 2.5 GB |
These are middle values from the ranges published by carriers and eSIM providers. Real usage swings with video quality and app settings, which is why the buffer is there.
How to use less data abroad
- Download offline maps for your destination before you leave. Navigation then uses almost nothing.
- Turn on data saver in TikTok and Instagram. Short video is the fastest way to burn through a plan.
- Pause photo and video backup to iCloud or Google Photos until you are on Wi-Fi.
- Download shows and playlists on Wi-Fi instead of streaming them.
Common questions
Is 5 GB enough for a week?
For maps, messaging and light social media, usually yes. If you scroll Reels or TikTok for an hour or more a day, 5 GB can run out within a few days.
Does hotspot or tethering count?
Yes. Anything a laptop or tablet does through your phone's hotspot comes out of the same plan, and laptops tend to use more than phones. Add those hours to the matching activity above.
What happens if I run out?
Most eSIM and roaming plans let you top up from the app. Topping up is often more expensive per GB than buying the right size upfront, so it pays to size the plan with some room.