How Much Travel Data Do You Actually Need?
Buying too much data is the most common travel mistake. A quick rule keeps you in the right range.
- Light use: 1 to 2 GB per week for maps and messaging
- Average use: 3 to 5 GB per week with social media
- Heavy use: 10 GB or more per week for streaming
- One hour of video is roughly 1 GB in HD
Download offline maps and videos on Wi-Fi first, and a 5 GB plan will usually cover a week comfortably.
Most travelers land somewhere in the middle, so a 5 GB weekly plan covers the majority of trips safely.