Get 5% of discount using the code
MYESIMNOW5
Buy eSIM

Pack your luggage! Here we go...

We are redirecting you. If you encounter any problems, please reload the page and try again.

WhatsApp 24/7: +1 (661) 384-8482
Menu
Holafly
  • Destinations
  • About us
  • FAQs
  • Reviews
  • Contact us
Login

  EN - USD ($)
Login
holafly

Best sellers

  • USA
  • Canada
  • Turkey
  • Spain
  • France
  • Mexico

Regional plans

  • Europe
  • Asia
  • North America
  • South America
  • United Kingdom
  • Caribbean

All destinations

  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • Asia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Cyprus
  • Egypt
  • Czech Republic
  • Estonia
  • Europe
  • Fiji
  • El Salvador
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Faroe Islands
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Finland
  • Greece
  • France
  • Grenada
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Hawaii
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Israel
  • Ivory Coast
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Malawi
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Malta
  • Madagascar
  • Malaysia
  • Martinique
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • North America
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Nicaragua
  • Oman
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar
  • Republic of Congo
  • Reunion (France)
  • Romania
  • Sweden
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • South America
  • Sudan
  • St. Martin
  • St. Pierre and Miquelon
  • Swaziland
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • The Netherlands
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turks and Caicos
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • Uruguay
  • USA
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen
  • Zambia

Cart


You haven't added products to the cart

Shop now!

Total: USD$0.00

Continue shopping

Language
Currency

Choose a currency

Suggested languages

Euro
EUR - €
United States (US) dollar
USD - $
Pound sterling
GBP - £
Australian dollar
AUD - $
Canadian dollar
CAD - $
eSIM Supported Phones list
Apple

iPhone XR

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2020)

iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPad Pro (2018 and onwards)

iPad Air

iPad

Watch series 3

Watch series 4

Watch series 5

Watch series 6

Watch SE

Google

Pixel 3

Pixel 3a

Pixel 4

Pixel 4a

Pixel 5

Pixel 6

Pixel 6a

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 7

Pixel 7 Pro

Huawei

P40

P40 Pro (not including the P40 Pro +)

Mate 40 Pro

Motorola

Razr 2019

Razr 5G

Samsung

Galaxy Z Flip

Galaxy Z Flip 5G

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Galaxy Z Flip4

Galaxy Fold

Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Galaxy Z Fold4

Galaxy S20

Galaxy S21

Galaxy S21+ 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S22

Galaxy S22+

Galaxy S22 Ultra

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G 

Galaxy Note 20

Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

Planet Computers

Gemini PDA

Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten Mini

Big-S

Big

Hand

Hand 5G

Oppo

Find X3 Pro

Reno 5 A

Find X5

Find X5 Pro

Sony

Xperia 10 III Lite 

Xperia 10 IV

Xperia 1 IV

Xperia 5 IV

Honor

Magic 4 Pro

Xiaomi

12T Pro

Sharp

Aquos Sense6s

Aquos Wish

DOOGEE

V30

No results found

Check out our guide on how to find out if my device is eSIM compatible or contact us on our online chat

Trustpilot

How much data do I need for International travel?

By Mark Robins

Last updated September 1, 2023

How to
We'll let you know how much data you need when you go abroad, so you can be sure you'll stay connected to the internet at all times.
Trustpilot stars Excelent 4.6 + 25.000 reviews on Trustpilot
Reviews avatars +1M Users have traveled with an Holafly eSIM
Unlimited data Unlimited data in almost every destination
Save moneyWith Holafly, you save +30% compared to roaming fees
Buy eSIM

If you’re buying a SIM card or an eSIM to travel abroad, you might be faced with many different options. Do I need 1GB, 7GB, or Unlimited data? I need internet to work while I’m abroad – will a SIM card or eSIM give me enough data? These questions are important to answer so you can buy the right product when traveling abroad. In this post, we’ll tell you how much data you need when you travel abroad so you can make sure you always have enough.

Table of contents

  • Common reasons to use data when you travel
  • How much is 1MB of data?
  • Do you use more data abroad?
  • How much data do I need for foreign travel?
  • How can I save mobile data when I travel?
  • Can I use unlimited data abroad?
  • I’m ready to buy my card
    • Related reading

Common reasons to use data when you travel

Use cellphone abroad. Source: Unsplash

In the following table, we’ll show you how much internet is used on the following apps and websites. This will help you to calculate how much data you might need on your trip.

Remember that the following figures are averages, and the amount of data you use will vary accordingly.

Action1 minute1 hour1 week (2 hours each day)1 month (2 hours each day)
Using Google Maps for directions1 MB60 MB840 MB3.6 GB
Listening to music1.2 MB72 MB1 GB4.3 GB
Searching on Google1.5 MB90 MB1.26 GB5.4 GB
Using social media 1.5 MB90 MB1.26 GB5.4 GB
Making calls with WhatsApp or Facebook3 MB180 MB2.52 GB10.8 GB
Streaming shows or movies11.6 MB700 MB9.8 GB42 GB
Watching YouTube videos18.75 MB1.13 MB15.75 GB67 GB
Video calls30 MB1.8 GB25.2 GB108 GB
Table N° 1 How much data do I need to use the internet?

As you can see, using mobile data to stream videos or make video calls could use a lot of data. Imagine planning your trip to the USA and not finding a solution with enough data. Holafly has eSIM for USA travel with unlimited data. If your destination is elsewhere, you can also use virtual SIM cards for more than 160 countries.

If you only plan to use mobile data for simple tasks such as Google, music, and directions, you will not need more than a few GBs per week.

How much is 1MB of data?

Using data from our friends at buenavibra.es, here is what you could do with 1MB of data:

  • Publish five posts on Facebook (text only)
  • Publish one photo on Facebook
  • Tweet 17 times
  • 2 seconds of a videocall
  • Access Google Maps for one minute

This is not a lot, right? But if you use data roaming to travel you could be charged up to $15 just for each MB. That’s right: you’d be charged that much for each 2 seconds of a video call.

That’s why it’s important that you buy an eSIM or physical SIM card with prepaid plans to avoid high costs when traveling.

Holafly offers eSIM from 1GB to Unlimited data, depending on the destination.

But now let’s get to the important question.

Do you use more data abroad?

Yes, if you are in a country you don’t know, you may use more data to search for information and use apps. Especially if you don’t know the language, you will have to use a translator most of the time you are there.

Using Maps. Source: Unsplash

How much data do I need for foreign travel?

Right, let’s examine how much data you might need for different length of trips.

Let’s say you use the internet for the following reasons on your trip:

  • Google searches
  • Directions
  • Social media/messaging
  • Listening to music

The average person spends almost 3 hours each day using the internet, so let’s see how much data you would need for three hours of internet use.

Type of internet useData usage per dayData usage per week
Google searches (45 minutes per day)67.5 MB472.5 MB
Directions (45 minutes per day)45 MB315 MB
Social media/messaging (45 minutes per day)67.5 MB 472.5 MB
Listening to music (45 minutes per day)54 MB378 MB
Total (3 hours per day)234 MB1.64 GB
Table N° 2 How much data do I need when I travel abroad?

So here is an estimate of how much data you might need for different types of trips:

  • 1 week – 1.6 GB
  • 2 weeks – 3.2 GB
  • 3 weeks – 4.9 GB
  • 4 weeks – 6.6 GB

For most trips, 3GB or 5GB of data will be enough to cover common internet usage. However, if you plan on using the internet more or traveling for a month or longer, you might want to consider cards with up to 7GB of data. But you can always use Holafly’s eSIM for USA with unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about the amount of megabytes you consume.

Remember that everyone’s internet usage differs, so you might want to check how much you use in an average day.

How can I save mobile data when I travel?

Here are our top tips to make sure you never run out of data on your travels:

  • Set data usage limits to remind you if you’re using too much
  • Monitor how much data you’re using on your phone’s settings
  • Avoid watching videos or making video calls
  • Use free WiFi in your accommodation or a cafe if you need to download files (This is not as advisable since there are many risks in using public networks).
    Download music and videos before you travel
  • Turn Mobile Data off when you’re not using it

If you follow these steps, your data will go further than you imagine!

Can I use unlimited data abroad?

Currently, different operators and eSIM providers offer unlimited data plans for international destinations. For example, Holafly offers unlimited data and 60 minutes for voice calls in more than ten destinations.

Some of these destinations are:

  • USA: Unlimited data
  • Europe: Unlimited data and 60 minutes for voice calls
  • Australia: Unlimited data
  • Spain: Unlimited data and 60 minutes for voice calls
  • Japan: Unlimited data
  • Turkey: Unlimited data
  • UK: Unlimited data
  • And more!

I’m ready to buy my card

Now you know how much data you need, it’s time to buy. Get 5% OFF using the code MYESIMNOW5.

travel sim card unlimited data
Unlimited data eSIM for international travel from Holafly.

Related reading

  • how to set up esim samsung galaxy fold3
    eSIM on Samsung Galaxy: How it works and how to set it up
    By Mark Robins
    Learn how to set up an eSIM on Samsung's new and improved...
  • buying guide esim europe
    Buying Guide – How to Purchase an eSIM for Europe
    By Brenda B.
    Are you traveling to Europe and want to purchase an Holafly eSIM for Europe? Find the step-by-step process to buy the best eSIM for...
  • buying guide esim usa
    How to Purchase the Holafly eSIM for the USA (Buying Guide)
    By Brenda B.
    In this guide, you will find the step-by-step process to buy an eSIM for the USA from Holafly, so that you can enjoy the...
  • Travel in Europe with iPhone
    Travel in Europe with iPhone: Configuration guide and tips
    By Leoneska R.
    Discover in this guide how to set up and tips for traveling to Europe with iPhone, for first-time travelers and experienced travelers...

Related products

  • Europe
  • Asia
  • North America
  • South America
  • United Kingdom
  • Caribbean

Have Data when you are traveling

USA

USA

from

$19.00USD

$27.00

USA
Mexico

Mexico

from

$19.00USD

$27.00

Mexico
Europe

Europe

from

$19.00USD

$29.00

Europe
See all destinations
H
Holafly Holafly Holafly
Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin Twitter

Top destinations

Down Up
  • Europe
  • USA
  • Japan
  • Turkey
  • Spain
  • France

Legal

Down Up
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refund Policy

Interest

Down Up
  • What is an eSIM
  • eSIM compatible devices
  • How to install and activate your eSIM
  • FAQs
  • Blog

Made with by people who love to travel.

Holafy 2023 ®

Murcia

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

holafly
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

3rd Party Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!