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How much data do I need for a trip? A quick guide to picking a plan
Work out how many GB to pack based on your trip length and how you use your phone: maps, social media, video calls or remote work.
By Hoppifi Team
The most common question before buying an eSIM is how many GB to get. There is no exact number, because it depends on how long you travel and how you use your phone, but you can estimate a range in two minutes.
How much each activity uses
These are rough figures: they change with the app, video quality and network.
| Activity | Approximate usage |
|---|---|
| Text messages on WhatsApp | Very low |
| Maps and navigation | Low, a few MB per hour |
| Social media with photos | Medium |
| Social media with video (reels, stories) | High |
| Video calls | High, hundreds of MB per hour |
| Streaming shows or movies | Very high, around 1 GB or more per hour |
Three kinds of traveler
- Light use (3–5 GB per trip): maps, messaging, email and the occasional search.
- Regular use (10–20 GB per trip): daily browsing, social media, some internet calls.
- Heavy use (large data plans): remote work, frequent video or sharing your connection with other devices, if the plan allows hotspot.
If your trip is longer than a week or you watch a lot of video, go one level up.
Easy ways to use less
- Download offline maps at your hotel or before you leave.
- Turn off video autoplay in social apps.
- Upload photos and backups over wifi: automatic gallery backup can burn through several GB in a day.
- Download shows before your flight instead of streaming them.
Pick your plan
With your profile in mind, find your destination in the catalog and compare validity and data for each plan. New to eSIM? Check that your phone is compatible.