10 Smart Tips to Save Data on Your Prepaid Travel eSIM
Traveling abroad is exciting but managing your mobile data while on the go can be a bit tricky, especially when you're using a travel eSIM with lower data limit or if your budget is somewhat limited.
At airsims.com.au – we understand and appreciate customers have varying tech skills and budgets.
Due to the wide variance of users and use cases it is difficult to give a "one size fits all" recommendation. After some research and doing some rough calculations, a typical user may use somewhere between 700MB to 1500MB (1.5GB) per day. Granted there are heavier and lighter users – the figure given is an average.
It's important to be mindful of how you use your data. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can adopt to stretch your data as far as possible. Here are 10 smart tips to help you economize data usage on your travel eSIM.
📊 Not sure how much data you’ll need?
Try Our Data Usage Calculator →1. Keep an Eye on Your Data Usage 📈
One of the simplest ways to avoid running out of data unexpectedly is by keeping track of how much you're using. Most smartphones come with a built-in data usage tracker, and airsims.com.au also has a link (that comes with your emailed eSIM order) where you can check your usage. Make it a habit to check your usage regularly, so you don’t overshoot your limit without realizing it.
2. Turn Off Auto-Updates for Apps
Apps often update in the background, and some of those updates can be hefty, especially if you're not connected to Wi-Fi. To avoid unwanted data consumption, turn off automatic app updates and set them to update only when you're connected to Wi-Fi. This small change can save you a significant amount of data.
💡 BONUS TIP: Update all your apps and any important security updates a day or so before you leave your home country. This will typically ensure you have the latest version of the apps + any security updates before you leave.
3. Enable Data-Saving Features in Apps
Many popular apps—like Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp—offer built-in data-saving modes. For example, YouTube allows you to stream videos in lower resolution, while WhatsApp lets you limit automatic media downloads. By enabling these features, you can continue using the apps you love without burning through your data.
4. Restrict Background Data Usage ⚠️
Some apps use data even when you're not actively using them. This background data can add up quickly, especially with apps that sync or update constantly. An example are Apps like an accidentally misconfigured Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud/iCloud photos – misconfigured apps will typically burn through your data very quickly and drain your battery when out and about.
Go into your phone’s settings and disable background data for apps that don’t require constant updates, like email, social media, or news apps. This will help reduce your overall data consumption.
5. Activate Data Saver Mode on Your Phone
Most modern smartphones have a "Data Saver" mode, which limits the amount of data apps and services can use. Enabling this feature can significantly reduce your data consumption by limiting background processes and compressing data in apps that support it. It’s an easy way to ensure you’re using data efficiently.
💡 BONUS TIPS:
- Check on your hotspot buddies – gently remind them that the data is limited and they too need to adjust their usage.
- 💻 Laptop hot spotting can inadvertently get around data saver mode, be mindful of things such as automated updates (eg Software, Windows updates or Mac updates) that can easily consume large amounts of data. Laptops/PCs by nature consume more data, as apps and web pages are generally larger.
6. Download Large Maps and Entertainment Content for Offline Use ⏬
Planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to save data while traveling. Before your trip, download content like large maps, music, videos, and podcasts over Wi-Fi. This way, you can enjoy your favourite shows, playlists, or navigate the city without needing to only rely on mobile data. Apps like Google Maps, Netflix, Spotify, and Audible allow you to download content for offline use.
7. Use Wi-Fi – Where Safe to Do So 🛜
While traveling, you’ll likely come across plenty of public Wi-Fi spots, from hotels and cafes to airports and shopping malls. If you have to – connect to Wi-Fi with a VPN to reduce/avoid using your eSIM data. Just be cautious when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks; avoid logging into banking apps or entering sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi – switch to your eSIM when working with any sensitive data.
8. Lower Your Video Streaming Quality
Streaming videos on services like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu can quickly eat up your data, especially if you’re streaming in HD or 4K. Most of these platforms allow you to adjust the video quality settings. Lowering the resolution to 480p (or even 360p) can drastically reduce data usage while still allowing you to watch content on the go. Alternatively, pre-download (known as offline use) your entertainment as noted in point 6.
BONUS TIP: Video calls/Web meetings are also considered "video streaming", so treat each interaction as if you were streaming a movie – that way data usage is front of mind.
9. Switch Off Mobile Data/Airplane Mode – When Not in Use
This one is simple but effective. If you’re not actively using data—whether you’re in a meeting, sightseeing, or just relaxing—turn off mobile data entirely. This prevents your phone from consuming data for background tasks like checking for emails or updating apps. You’ll also save battery life by doing this.
10. Download Offline Maps for Navigation 🗺️
Controversial tip, as the whole point for a data eSIM is to make navigation easier – When you're navigating in an unfamiliar city with many roads and features or on a very long drive, using GPS can potentially eat up a lot of data. Fortunately, many map apps like Google Maps and Maps.me let you download maps for offline use. Simply download the map of your destination before you leave your hotel or cafe, and you’ll be able to get turn-by-turn directions either without using any mobile data or greatly minimising data usage (as the main route and surrounding areas are downloaded – only extreme detours well beyond the offline map will use your data).
Final Thoughts
Managing your data usage while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. By using these simple tricks, you can make the most out of your prepaid travel eSIM without worrying about running out of data or having to quickly top up. From tracking your usage and limiting background processes to downloading offline content and using Wi-Fi, these tips can help you stay connected while keeping your costs in check.
With a little planning and smart data management, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of travel without the fear of going over your data allowance. Safe travels!
