How much mobile data do I need for my trip?

Where the numbers come from

They are typical figures for a phone. Real use depends on the apps, video quality and network speed, so we add 15% headroom so the data doesn't run out on your last day.

Maps and finding places Google Maps, directions, restaurant search

~30 MB/hr

Social media Facebook, Instagram, X

~300 MB/hr

Short videos TikTok, Reels, Shorts

~700 MB/hr

Streaming video YouTube, Netflix at normal quality

~1,000 MB/hr

Video calls WhatsApp, FaceTime, LINE

~5 MB/min

Posting photos or stories Uploading photos and short clips

~5 MB/post

Chat, email and background apps

~50 MB/day

A data plan or unlimited?

If you use under about 2–2.5 GB a day on average, a plan with a set amount of data usually costs less. If you watch video or short clips every day, unlimited is often better value and you won't worry about running out. In Japan, for example, 20GB for 5 days costs more than unlimited at 10 Mbps: see the Japan eSIM comparison.

Saving data while you travel

• Download offline maps in Google Maps before you leave, while you're on Wi-Fi.
• Download the shows or clips you'll watch on the plane or train instead of streaming on the way.
• Turn off automatic photo backup (iCloud Photos, Google Photos) over mobile data and back up on hotel Wi-Fi.
• Turn off automatic app updates over mobile data.
• Set YouTube or Netflix to data saver quality: it uses roughly half the data.

Not sure your phone supports eSIM? See how to check and install an eSIM.