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How much data each app uses while traveling (2026 table)

This is the table to look at before buying a per-GB plan. Typical usage per hour of real use, measured in travel conditions.

Usage per app (typical use)

AppUsageOn a trip it means
Google Maps (navigating)5-10 MB/hourLow, but constant all day
WhatsApp (text+voice notes)~50 MB/dayLittle; video calls blow it up
WhatsApp/FaceTime video call300-500 MB/hourThe daily call home adds up
Instagram (feed+stories)500-800 MB/hourThe silent big eater
TikTok700 MB-1 GB/hourThe heaviest social app
YouTube 1080p~1.5 GB/hourOne video at the hotel = half a small plan
Netflix HD~3 GB/hourUnlimited or Wi-Fi only
Uber/Lyft/Grab~10-20 MB/rideLow, but critical: no data, no ride
Spotify (streaming)~50-150 MB/hourDownload your playlists first
Photos to iCloud/Google Photos3-8 MB per photo100 photos/day = up to 1 GB just in backup

The math for a normal travel day

Maps all day + WhatsApp + 1 hour of social media + cloud photo backup + a couple of Ubers ≈ 1.5-2 GB/day. Over 10 days: 15-20 GB. That is the number to compare any per-GB plan against.

VoaSim prices today (truly unlimited internet, today's promo)

DaysPricePer day
5 daysUSD 18.90USD 3.78/day
7 daysUSD 23.90USD 3.42/day
10 daysUSD 30.90USD 3.09/day
15 daysUSD 42.90USD 2.86/day
30 daysUSD 61.90USD 2.07/day
60 daysUSD 106.90USD 1.79/day

Today's promo prices, the same in 160+ countries. Second eSIM in the same order gets an extra 10% off.

With truly unlimited data, this table stops mattering: use your phone like at home.

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Frequently asked questions

How many GB do I need per travel day?
With normal use (maps, WhatsApp, social media, cloud photo backup), 1.5-2 GB/day. With daily video calls or lots of video, 3+ GB/day.
Which app uses the most data while traveling?
TikTok and YouTube per hour of use; Instagram by accumulation (opened many times a day); automatic photo backup is the biggest invisible expense.
How do I use less data while traveling?
Download offline maps and playlists before leaving, restrict photo backup to Wi-Fi, and lower video quality on social apps. Or use an unlimited plan and stop thinking about it.

Keep reading

Travel eSIM cost-per-day indexThe "fair use" map for unlimited eSIMseSIM glossary for travelersInternet checklist before you travel