Travel eSIM plans come in three shapes. They can cost similar amounts and behave very differently once you start using them, so the shape matters as much as the price.
Fixed data
A set amount of data, for example 10 GB, to use whenever you like during the plan's validity, for example 15 days.
- Good for: trips where your use varies day to day, such as a heavy day of maps and video calls followed by quiet beach days.
- When it runs out: data stops. You top up or buy another plan.
- Watch for: a big download or a photo backup can eat it fast. Turn off automatic backups and app updates on mobile data.
Daily data
A fresh allowance every day, for example 1.5 GB per day for 7 days.
- Good for: steady daily use: maps, messaging, social media, the odd video call.
- When you pass the day's allowance: speed drops sharply. Full speed comes back when the allowance resets, usually at midnight local time.
- Watch for: unused data does not carry over to the next day.
Unlimited
No cap on the total volume.
- Good for: heavy users, remote workers, and anyone who does not want to think about it.
- The catch: most unlimited plans have a fair-use limit. After a set amount each day, speed is reduced for the rest of the day. Check the plan's terms for that figure and for any limit on using your phone as a hotspot.
How much data does a trip use?
Rough figures for one phone on mobile data:
| Activity | Data |
|---|---|
| Maps and navigation, an hour | 5 to 20 MB |
| Messaging with photos, a day | 50 to 200 MB |
| Social media scrolling, an hour | 100 to 300 MB |
| Video call, an hour | 500 MB to 1.5 GB |
| Streaming video, an hour | 1 to 3 GB |
A typical traveler who navigates, messages and posts photos uses around 0.5 to 1.5 GB a day. Video calls and streaming push that up fast.
Which one to pick
- Short city break, light use: a small fixed plan.
- A week or two, steady use: daily data, sized at around 1 to 1.5 GB per day.
- Working remotely or sharing a hotspot: unlimited, after checking the fair-use and hotspot terms.
- Not sure: pick a fixed plan with some headroom. Running out mid-trip is more annoying than paying a little more.
To see the three types side by side for a real trip, compare the plans on the Japan or Thailand pages, or the Europe plans for a trip across several countries.
Make any plan last longer
- Download offline maps of the cities you visit before you go.
- Set photo and cloud backups to Wi-Fi only.
- Turn off automatic app updates on mobile data.
- Use hotel and café Wi-Fi for big downloads.
If you run out mid-trip, here is how to check usage and add a second plan.
New to eSIMs? Start with What is an eSIM?