When traveling abroad, it’s essential to know how much mobile data you’ll consume. This helps you choose an eSIM plan that fits your needs and avoid unpleasant surprises. This guide will help you estimate your consumption, understand how mobile data works, and provide practical tips for using less.
What is mobile data?
Mobile data refers to information exchanged between your phone and the Internet via a cellular network (3G, 4G, 5G), without using Wi-Fi.
When you use the Internet without being connected to a Wi-Fi network, you consume mobile data. With an eSIM, this connection is made directly via the local mobile network of the country you’re visiting.
Difference between Wi-Fi and mobile data
Wi-Fi relies on a signal emitted by a local router, usually free or included with accommodation. Mobile data, on the other hand, uses a telecom operator’s network.
The advantage of mobile data is that it allows you to access the Internet everywhere, without depending on an access point. However, it can incur additional costs if you exceed your quota or are roaming.
What uses consume the most data?
The amount of data consumed depends on the applications used and the type of content loaded. Here’s an indicative estimate of consumption per activity:
- Google Maps: ~5 MB/hour
- Social networks (photos, short videos): ~50 MB/hour
- Standard web browsing: ~50 MB/hour
- Online games: ~70 MB/hour or more
- Music streaming: ~100 MB/hour
- Video in SD quality: ~1 GB/hour
- Video in HD: ~4 GB/hour
- Video in 4K: ~7 GB/hour
How much eSIM data do I need?
1 GB of data allows for approximately 20 to 30 minutes of daily use for browsing, emails, and social networks. If you primarily use the card for communication, 1 to 3 GB per week may suffice. However, for frequent streaming or video calls, plan for a volume between 5 and 10 GB.
For a two-week stay in France with moderate usage, a 3 GB plan valid for 15 days is generally sufficient. Vostra offers flexible eSIMs for every destination.
How to track my eSIM data usage?
On iPhone, you can add a tracking widget. It shows you the remaining data in real time. You can also receive alerts via push notifications.
- iPhone: Settings > Notifications > Vostra App > Allow Notifications
- Android: Settings > Notifications > App settings > Vostra
How to top up my eSIM data?
If you have a top-up plan, log in to your Vostra eSIM app, go to « My eSIMs, » select your plan, and choose « Top Up. » If the option doesn’t appear, it means the plan is not top-upable, and you’ll need to purchase a new one.
Now, if you choose to disable mobile data, you must connect to Wi-Fi to access the Internet. This can be useful for saving your quota, but be careful not to be without access if you are traveling without a secure Wi-Fi network.
5 practical tips to reduce your data consumption while traveling
Here are 5 concrete tips to use your eSIM more intelligently and extend your plan’s duration.
1. Block background data usage
Many applications continue to consume data, even when you are not actively using them. This is the case for social networks, messaging apps, weather apps, and emails that synchronize automatically. To prevent this, disable background app refresh in your phone settings.
On iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
On Android: Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Background data.
By blocking these invisible uses, you will drastically reduce your consumption without compromising the user experience.
2. Activate « Low Data Mode » on iPhone or « Data Saver » mode on Android
« Low Data Mode » is designed to limit the amount of data your iPhone uses. It automatically suspends certain features like automatic updates, iCloud backups, or photo uploads. This is particularly useful when traveling with a limited plan.
How to activate it: Settings > Cellular Data > eSIM Line > Low Data Mode.
On Android, « Data Saver » mode acts similarly. It prevents applications from receiving or sending data when they are not active.
To activate it on Samsung: Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Data Saver.
On standard Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage > Data Saver.
Result: you stay connected, but your data is reserved only for priority tasks đ.
3. Download your maps in advance
Using Google Maps or other online navigation apps can consume a lot of data, especially on long journeys. A simple trick is to download maps of your destination before you leave. How to do it? Open the app with a Wi-Fi connection, search for the desired area, and tap « More » > « Download offline map. »
4. Store music, videos, and podcasts in advance
Streaming is one of the most data-intensive uses of mobile data. A YouTube HD video can consume between 1 and 4 GB per hour. To avoid this, download your content in advance via Wi-Fi: Spotify playlists, Netflix series, podcast episodes… Once downloaded, this content will be accessible offline, with no additional charges.
5. Disable Wi-Fi Assist
Wi-Fi Assist is a feature that automatically switches to mobile data as soon as the Wi-Fi connection is deemed unstable. This can lead to unintentional consumption, especially in hotels, cafes, or train stations where Wi-Fi is sometimes slow or intermittent.
On iPhone: Settings > Cellular Data > Disable âWi-Fi Assistâ.
On Android: Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced settings > Disable automatic switch to mobile network.
Once disabled, your device will remain connected to Wi-Fi, even if the signal quality temporarily drops.