How much mobile data should you take on a trip?
Sized to how you use your phone, so you avoid buying too little or too much.
A normal holiday week needs about 1 to 3 GB for navigation, chat apps and occasional web use. If you also post on social networks and share photos, aim for roughly 5 GB; video streaming, video calls or acting as a hotspot call for 10 GB or more. Running out is not a problem, as you can add another plan at any moment.
How much data you will go through abroad depends largely on your habits. Navigation, chat and reservations barely register, while streaming, video calls and tethering eat far more. Use the table below to size your plan. A top tip: save shows, playlists and maps for offline use over Wi-Fi before departure, as that cuts consumption the most.
Data use by profile
| Usage profile | Typical apps | Recommendation per week |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Maps, messaging, email, bookings | 1 to 3 GB |
| Medium | Adds social networks, photo sharing, music | 5 GB |
| Heavy | + video streaming, video calls, tethering | 10 GB or more |
How to save data
- Before departure, save maps, shows and playlists to your phone over Wi-Fi.
- Pick a lower resolution or the data-saver option in your streaming apps.
- Use hotel or coffee shop Wi-Fi for large uploads and video calls.
- Do not let app updates or cloud backups run on mobile data.
Choose a plan that suits you
Choose your destination and compare plans of different sizes.