Staying connected while travelling can make life easier, but without the right plan and budgeting your data, it can quickly get expensive. From navigating new cities to checking out restaurant reviews or keeping in touch with loved ones, mobile data is often a necessity on the go. Yet, it’s easy to burn through your data without even realizing it.
Photo by Andrew Neel
The good news? With a few simple adjustments and mindful planning, you can manage your data usage and avoid surprises on your bill. In this guide, we’ll walk through some practical tips to help you budget your data while exploring the world.
1. Choose the Right Data Plan Before You Leave
The most crucial step in managing your data starts before your trip. Instead of relying on your carrier’s international roaming plan—which often comes with high fees—look into better alternatives. Local SIM cards and eSIMs can offer significantly more affordable data options while you’re abroad.
eSIMs are particularly convenient for travelers since they don’t require you to physically swap out SIM cards. You can download and activate an eSIM plan before you arrive at your destination, and it automatically connects to local networks.
Unlike local SIM cards you buy at airports, which come at tourist prices, you can find travel eSIM plans at local rates. For example, Truely’s eSIM Japan starts at only $3.99, which is a fraction of the price of the traditional alternatives.
2. Download Offline Content Before Your Trip
A great way to save data is to download essential content before your trip begins. Doing this while connected to Wi-Fi means you can access important apps and information without burning through your mobile data.
Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:
- Maps: Download offline maps through Google Maps or another mapping service. This way, you can still navigate cities and explore without needing constant data access.
- Entertainment: Save movies, shows, or playlists from platforms like Netflix or Spotify. This will allow you to enjoy your favorite content during long flights or train rides without data use.
- Travel Guides: Download blog posts, guides, or apps with tips for your destination to use them without needing an internet connection.
- Language Packs: Tools like Google Translate offer offline language packs, which can help you communicate when you’re exploring areas without Wi-Fi or data.
With everything you need already on your device, you can conserve your data for when you need it most.
Once you’re on your trip, it’s important to stay aware of how much data you’re using. Your phone’s built-in tools can help with this. For iPhone users, check Settings > Cellular to see how much data each app is using. On Android, head to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
If you’re using an eSIM with an app, it should also include a data tracker. By setting limits or receiving alerts, you can make sure you don’t go over your data plan. Here’s an estimate of how much data common tasks consume:
- Web browsing: ~1MB per minute
- Scrolling through social media: 2-4MB per minute
- Streaming music: 2-5MB per minute
- GPS navigation (Google Maps): 5MB per hour
- Streaming video (SD): 50-70MB per 10 minutes
Having a clearer sense of how data gets used up allows you to make informed decisions while you’re out exploring.
3. Keep Track of Your Usage
Once you’re on your trip, it’s important to stay aware of how much data you’re using. Your phone’s built-in tools can help with this. For iPhone users, check Settings > Cellular to see how much data each app is using. On Android, head to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
If you’re using an eSIM with an app, it should also include a data tracker. By setting limits or receiving alerts, you can make sure you don’t go over your data plan. Here’s an estimate of how much data common tasks consume:
- Web browsing: ~1MB per minute
- Scrolling through social media: 2-4MB per minute
- Streaming music: 2-5MB per minute
- GPS navigation (Google Maps): 5MB per hour
- Streaming video (SD): 50-70MB per 10 minutes
Having a clearer sense of how data gets used up allows you to make informed decisions while you’re out exploring.
4. Use Free Wi-Fi Whenever You Can
Many places offer free Wi-Fi these days, making it a great option to save mobile data. Whether you’re at a hotel, cafe, airport, or in the comforts of a home, take advantage of Wi-Fi wherever possible. Just make sure to check that the network is secure before connecting.
To keep your information safe while using public Wi-Fi, here are a few simple security tips:
- Use a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) will help protect your data and privacy by encrypting your internet connection.
- Avoid entering sensitive information: It’s best not to access banking apps or sensitive accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi.
- Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections: Disable auto-connect to unknown Wi-Fi networks to ensure you don’t inadvertently connect to an unsecure one.
Wi-Fi is a simple and free way to stay connected without worrying about data limits, as long as you stay cautious.
Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash
5. Adjust App Settings to Save Data
Many apps use data in the background without you realizing it. By tweaking a few settings, you can reduce this unnecessary usage and stretch your data further.
Here are some settings to adjust for your most-used apps:
- Social Media: Turn off video auto-play in apps like Instagram and Facebook to save data. Video auto-play can consume a surprising amount of data quickly.
- Email: Set your email app to “manual sync,” so it only updates when you open it, rather than constantly syncing in the background.
- Cloud Storage: Pause automatic backups to services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox while using mobile data.
- App Updates: Make sure your apps only update when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. You can adjust these settings in your app store preferences.
With these small adjustments, you can limit the data your phone uses in the background, helping you stay within your data budget.
6. Use Messaging Apps for Calls and Texts
When you’re travelling abroad, international calls and texts through your mobile carrier can get expensive. Instead, use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Telegram, which rely on data or Wi-Fi for communication.
These apps allow you to send messages and make voice or video calls at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone services. If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, the cost is zero. This is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends without having to worry about additional fees.
Photo by Plann
7. Share Data Across Devices Using Tethering
If you’re travelling with multiple devices—like a laptop or tablet—consider using your smartphone as a hotspot. Tethering allows you to share your phone’s data plan with your other devices.
However, keep in mind that tethering can use up your data more quickly, especially if you’re streaming or downloading on other devices. Monitor your usage closely, and make sure you’re staying within the limits of your plan.
Conclusion
Travelling doesn’t have to mean paying a fortune to stay connected. With the right data plan, careful monitoring, and some simple adjustments, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about surprise charges. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi, optimize your app settings, and be mindful of how much data you’re using day-to-day.
When you budget your data effectively, you’ll have the freedom to focus on your adventures and make the most of your journey.
