A prepaid travel eSIM handily keeps your phone connected while travelling without the usual, and often expensive, data roaming bill. Connecting an eSIM is easy, the next question we are often asked is harder to answer: how much data do you actually need, and how much should you buy for your next overseas trip?
The short answer
Most travellers usually need 5GB to 10GB for a one-week trip to stay fully connected without running out of data. Light users may only need 2GB to 3GB, while streaming, video calls and hotspot use may require a beefier 10GB to 20GB or an unlimited data plan.
Your trip length, phone settings and access to Wi-Fi will affect the final amount. This guide will help you choose a suitable FlexySim travel eSIM without overpaying for data you are unlikely to use.
Start with how you use your phone
Think about a normal day away from home when you are travelling. Depending on the type of travel you may use your phone for maps, transport times, restaurant bookings and messages. Social media, music and video streaming may also form part of the day
Some activities require very little data usage. Others can use up an eSIM plan within hours if not monitored.
| Type of use | Estimated data per day | Suggested data for 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| Messages, email and occasional maps | 100–300MB | 1–3GB |
| Social media, maps and web browsing | 300–700MB | 3–5GB |
| Regular social media and short videos | 700MB–1GB | 5–10GB |
| Streaming, video calls or hotspot use | 1–3GB+ | 10–20GB+ |
These estimates assume a mix of mobile data and Wi-Fi. Video quality, background apps, cloud backups and automatic downloads may increase your total data usage.
For light phone use
A light user may need data for WhatsApp, email, maps, boarding passes and a few searches during the day while sitting by the hotel pool.
For a short city break, 1GB may be enough. For one weeks holiday, consider a 2GB or 3GB FlexySim plan. Hotel, airport and café Wi-Fi can certainly help to keep mobile data use low.
This option suits travellers who want data available when needed but spend little time online, and try to switch off where possible.
For everyday travel use
Most travellers fall into this group, especially when we like to keep in touch while overseas.
You may use maps throughout the day, check social media, browse the web and upload a few photos. You may also use translation apps, and book travel with Uber or other rideshare apps.
For a one week trip, 5GB is a really good starting point. For two weeks, 10GB may offer a more suitable data allowance.
A FlexySim plan with this amount should be enough data to cover regular travel use, provided heavy video streaming remains limited.
For high data use
It goes without saying that data use rises very quickly with streaming, video calls and hotspot connections. Cloud backups and automatic app updates can also use data without much notice.
High-use activities may include:
- Netflix or YouTube
- FaceTime or Zoom
- Frequent video uploads
- Remote work
- Hotspot use
- Automatic photo backups
For one week trip, consider 10GB to 20GB. If your daily use is difficult to predict, alternatively a FlexySim unlimited data eSIM may be a better fit.
For unlimited data plans check the details before purchase, including any fair-use policy or daily high-speed data allowance.
How much data do you need for a weekend?
For a two or three-day trip, 1GB to 3GB will suit many travellers.
1GB will likely cover messages, maps and bookings. 3GB provides more wiggle room for browsing, social media and streaming music via Spotify, Apple Music, or similar.
If your plans include video or hotspot use, choose a higher allowance to ensure you do not run out of data.
How much data do you need for one week?
For seven days, use this as a guide:
- Light use: 2GB to 3GB
- Average use: 5GB to 10GB
- High use: 10GB to 20GB or unlimited data
A small buffer may help with airport delays, changes to accommodation or limited Wi-Fi.
How much data do you need for two weeks?
For a two-week trip:
- Light use: 3GB to 5GB
- Average use: 10GB to 15GB
- High use: 20GB or more
If top-ups are available for your chosen FlexySim eSIM, you can start with a smaller plan and add data during the trip if required.
A simple data use example
Consider a seven-day trip to Japan.
Your daily phone use includes Google Maps, train times, WhatsApp, restaurant searches and some social media. The hotel has Wi-Fi, and you do not plan to stream video while outside.
A 5GB FlexySim Japan eSIM may cover this type of trip. If you plan to watch videos, make video calls or share data with another device, 10GB offers more wiggle room.
The destination matters less than your phone habits. The same approach applies to a weekend in Bali, a month in Europe or a stopover in Singapore.
How to estimate your travel data
Your phone can provide a useful starting point.
Check how much mobile data you used during the past month. Divide that figure by the number of days in the month, then multiply it by the length of your trip.
For example, if you normally use 20GB in 30 days:
20GB ÷ 30 days = around 0.67GB per day
For a seven-day trip:
0.67GB × 7 days = around 4.7GB
A 5GB plan may cover the trip, although a small buffer can help. Remember that your travel habits may differ from your routine at home.
Ways to reduce data use while travelling
A few settings can extend your allowance:
- Turn off automatic app updates
- Pause cloud photo and video backups
- Download offline maps before departure
- Download music and shows over Wi-Fi, or store them directly to your device before you travel
- Use a lower video quality
- Disable mobile data for apps you do not need
- Check your data use in your phone settings
It is also worth checking whether your phone switches to mobile data when a Wi-Fi signal becomes weak.
Fixed data or unlimited data?
A fixed FlexySim data plan suits most travellers with predictable data use. It is also the lower-cost option.
An unlimited data eSIM may suit remote workers, frequent streamers or anyone using a hotspot. It also means less time checking your remaining allowance, and more time enjoying your travels.
Neither option is right for every trip. Compare the plan cost, validity period and usage terms before making a choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5GB enough for one week overseas?
5GB may be enough for maps, messages, web browsing and moderate social media use over seven days. It may not be enough for regular video streaming, long video calls or hotspot use.
How long does 10GB last when travelling?
For an average traveller, 10GB may last one to two weeks. A light user could make it last longer. Frequent streaming or hotspot use may even reduce that time to a few days.
Does Google Maps use much data?
Google Maps usually requires less data than video or social media. Data use may increase with regular route searches, satellite view or map downloads. Downloading an offline map over Wi-Fi can reduce mobile data use.
Does WhatsApp use much travel data?
Text messages tend to use on a small amount of data per message. Data use can increase rapidly when you add photos, voice calls, and video calls. Long WhatsApp video calls can have a noticeable effect on a smaller eSIM allowance.
Is unlimited travel data worth it?
Unlimited data may be worth considering if you plan to stream video, work remotely, make frequent video calls or use your phone as a hotspot. A fixed plan may offer better value for maps, messages and general browsing.
Most unlimited data plans come with a fair-use policy. The fair-use policy usually means that you will have a daily amount of unrestricted data, often 2GB - 3GB, and if that data allowance is breached the speed will throttle for the remainder of the day. Always check whether an unlimited plan includes a fair-use policy or a daily high-speed data limit.
Can I use a travel eSIM as a hotspot?
Hotspot access depends on the eSIM plan and your device. Check the FlexySim plan details before purchase if you intend to share data with a laptop, tablet or another phone.
Hotspot use can consume data quickly, particularly during video calls, downloads or software updates, or if you share your data with someone constantly using social media or WhatsApp.
Can I top up my FlexySim eSIM?
Top-up options are available for nearly all FlexySim eSIM plans to add additional data if needed. Check the selected plan before purchase or via the FlexySim mobile app / online account during the trip. If a top-up is unavailable, you may need to purchase another eSIM package.
Should I leave my main SIM switched on?
You can certainly leave your main SIM active for calls and messages while using FlexySim for mobile data. It is is important to turn off data roaming on your main Primary SIM to help avoid roaming charges from your usual provider.
Device settings vary, so confirm which SIM has been selected for mobile data before departure.
Choosing your FlexySim travel eSIM
For many travellers, 5GB to 10GB will cover a one-week trip with maps, messages, browsing and social media.
Choose less if Wi-Fi will be available most days. Choose more if your trip includes streaming, video calls or remote work.
Check your recent phone usage, consider the length of your trip and add a small buffer. You can then compare FlexySim plans by destination, data allowance and validity period.
The aim is simple: enough data for the journey without paying for more than you need.
