The lowest headline price may not cover the data and days you need. Two plans at a similar price can differ by several gigabytes, by weeks of validity, or by whether you can tether a laptop. This guide walks through the order we suggest checking things in, using the columns in our comparison table.
1. Estimate what you'll actually use
Start with your own usage, not the plan list. Your phone's settings show mobile data used over the last month or billing cycle. Divide by the number of days to get a daily figure, then adjust for travel: maps and ride-hailing use more than usual, while hotel Wi-Fi may mean you use less.
Check which apps used the most data in your phone settings. Video calls, streaming and large downloads can change the total substantially. Your own history is a better guide than a generic daily allowance.
2. Divide the price two ways
Our table shows price per GB and price per day. They answer different questions:
- Per GB matters when you know roughly how much data you'll use and the trip is short.
- Per day matters when you're travelling for a long time and need the plan to last.
At the same price, a 3 GB plan that lasts 30 days and a 3 GB plan that lasts 7 days have the same per-GB cost, but only one works for a month-long trip. Sort by each column and see which plans stay near the top in both.
3. Check the terms that change the value
| Term | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hotspot | If you need to work from a laptop, a plan that blocks tethering is worth nothing to you. |
| Activation | A plan that starts counting on install, rather than on first connection, can lose days if you install early. |
| Coverage | Regional plans can be good value for multi-country trips, but confirm every country you'll visit is listed. |
| Unlimited | Usually means full speed up to a threshold, then reduced speed. Compare it against a large fixed plan. |
Where a term isn't stated for a plan, we show “Not stated” rather than guessing. If that term matters for your trip, ask us through the support form before you buy.
4. Consider topping up instead of buying big
If you're unsure, a smaller plan plus the option to top up later can cost less than buying the largest plan up front. Top-up options depend on the plan; you can check them from your order page once you have an eSIM.
Summary
- Estimate your data from your phone's own history.
- Sort by per-GB for short trips and per-day for long ones.
- Rule out plans with the wrong hotspot or activation terms.
- Check every destination country is listed.