simowl

Travel data calculator

Tell us how long you travel and how you use your phone. We estimate the data you need, with a 10% safety margin.

Most travellers use 0.3 to 1 GB per day for maps, messaging, social media and browsing. Video is what really uses data: one hour of HD streaming can use 2 GB, and an hour of video calls about 400 MB.

Start from a profile

Each day, roughly how long do you spend on…

Messaging (WhatsApp texts, voice notes and photos) is already included.

How much data each activity uses

ActivityData used
Maps and navigation≈ 15 MB per hour
Web, email and apps≈ 60 MB per hour
Music and podcast streaming≈ 70 MB per hour
Social media (Instagram, TikTok…)≈ 400 MB per hour
Video calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime…)≈ 400 MB per hour
Video streaming, standard quality≈ 700 MB per hour
Video streaming, HD≈ 2 GB per hour

Use less data abroad

  • Download offline maps, playlists and shows on Wi-Fi before you leave.
  • Turn off video autoplay in social apps and automatic photo backup.
  • Set video apps to standard quality on mobile data.
  • Running low? Top up the same eSIM in a few taps, without reinstalling anything.

Questions about travel data

How much data do I need for a week abroad?

1 to 3 GB is enough for maps, messaging, social media and browsing. If you stream video or make video calls every day, take 5 to 10 GB, or an unlimited plan.

Is 1 GB a day enough?

Yes for most travellers: 1 GB covers several hours of maps, social media and browsing. It goes fast with video: about 30 minutes of HD streaming.

What uses the most data on a trip?

Video: streaming, video calls and videos that autoplay in social apps. Maps, messaging and email use very little.