Blacktel
Start with your own daily mobile-data use, multiply it by the trip length and leave a margin. Maps and messaging can fit a smaller budget; frequent video, uploads and laptop sharing need more room.
A simple planning example
The table uses chosen daily budgets, not guaranteed app-consumption figures. Real use depends on video quality, background activity, downloads and your habits. Pick the nearest budget using your phone's recent usage, then round up if you expect more activity abroad.
| Daily budget | 7 days | 14 days |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 GB | 1.75 GB | 3.5 GB |
| 0.75 GB | 5.25 GB | 10.5 GB |
| 2 GB | 14 GB | 28 GB |
Check your own starting point
- Open the mobile-data usage view in your phone's settings. On iPhone, look under Cellular or Mobile Data; Android labels vary by device.
- Check the period being measured. A lifetime or old billing-period total does not show one day's usage.
- Look at which apps use the most data, then estimate a daily amount for similar activity.
- Multiply by your travel days and add extra for photo uploads, navigation changes or work calls.
The activities that change the budget
- Video streaming and video calls: quality and call length can change usage substantially.
- Hotspot sharing: laptop updates, cloud backups and other connected devices use the same allowance.
- Maps and travel information: download useful offline content over Wi-Fi before leaving.
- Background activity: automatic app updates and photo uploads may continue without you opening the app.
Match the budget to the plan
Compare the destination, validity period and data allowance together. A package that expires before the trip ends is not enough simply because it contains many gigabytes. Check when validity begins and whether hotspot use is allowed.
Top up only when the selected package explicitly supports recharge; otherwise another package may be needed. Review unlimited plans for speed, fair-use or sharing conditions. Monitor usage during the trip rather than waiting for the allowance to run out.
Questions and answers
Is 1 GB enough for a week?
It may suit very light use, but is not a universal recommendation. Check your recent usage and how often you expect to use video or share your connection.
Is Wi-Fi usage taken from the eSIM allowance?
Traffic carried entirely by a Wi-Fi connection is not eSIM mobile data. Check automatic fallback settings if you want to control which connection your phone uses.
Useful tools and links
Official references
Next step
Compare destinations and data plans for your device.