Data guide
How much data do you need for a trip?
Pick Light (about 300MB a day), Balanced (about 1GB) or Heavy (about 2GB), set your days and see the GB a trip needs, plus what uses the most data.
Estimate your trip
Estimated data for your trip · about 1 GB a day
That is a lot of data. An unlimited plan is often simpler and cheaper than a large fixed one. See unlimited plans
Find your planWhat uses the most data
| Activity | Rough use |
|---|---|
| Maps and navigation | 10 MB per 30 min |
| Messaging and email | 5 MB a day |
| Web and social browsing | 150 MB an hour |
| Music streaming | 70 MB an hour |
| Video calls | 300 MB an hour |
| Video streaming (SD) | 700 MB an hour |
| Video streaming (HD) | 2 GB an hour |
Five ways to make data go further
- Download offline maps and playlists on Wi-Fi before you head out.
- Set streaming apps to a lower quality and turn off autoplay.
- Switch off background app refresh and auto-playing video in social apps.
- Use hotel and cafe Wi-Fi for big downloads and long video.
- Watch your balance in real time and top up only if you need to.
Fixed data or unlimited?
If you know roughly how much you use, a fixed-data plan is the cheapest way to cover a trip. If you would rather not think about it, an unlimited plan runs at full speed up to a set amount each day, then keeps working at a slower speed, so it never runs out.
Data questions, answered
How much data do I need for a week abroad?
For light use like maps, chat and email, 1 to 2 GB covers a week. For social, music, photos and video calls, plan for about 7 GB. If you stream video every day, an unlimited plan is usually simpler.
Is 1 GB enough for a trip?
1 GB suits a short trip or a light user: maps, messaging and email for a few days. It runs out quickly with social video or streaming.
Does Google Maps use a lot of data?
No. Turn-by-turn navigation is light, roughly 10 MB for 30 minutes. Download the offline map for your city and it uses almost none.
What happens if I run out of data?
Your RoamMore plan simply stops rather than charging a surprise bill. You can top up in a couple of taps, or choose an unlimited plan so it never stops.
Fixed data or unlimited, which is better?
Fixed is cheapest when you know roughly how much you use. Unlimited is simpler for heavy or unpredictable trips: full speed up to a daily amount, then a slower speed that keeps working.
Ready when you are
Tell us where you are going and we will match the right plan in three taps.
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