Many travellers burn through their travel data without even realizing it. It only takes a few sneaky settings and a couple “quick checks” on your latest social media post, and suddenly your 5GB plan is close to running on empty.
To help you stretch every megabyte, here are 8 common travel mistakes that quietly devour your SIM data, and how to combat them.
1. Updating apps with data instead of Wi-Fi
It’s all too easy to make the mistake of updating apps on your phone with your data instead of Wi-Fi. App updates can use up hundreds of MBs of data, and are one of the most common mistake travellers fall into when they only have limited data.
Fix: Set your updates to manual or Wi-Fi only, or install an eSIM for additional data that you can top up anytime. Even if you forget to switch to Wi-Fi for an update, aloSIM has your back!
2. Using Google / Apple maps
If you’re in a new place, it’s a given that you’ll need to use maps on your phone to help you navigate. However, it’s good to know that navigation apps can be huge data eaters when left unchecked.
If you’re constantly rerouting, using the 3D function or switching to satellite mode, your data will quickly disappear.
Fix: Download offline maps on Wi-Fi before you start your day. You can press “start” on your navigation route while on Wi-Fi. Even if you turn your data off, the route will still load as you’re on your way — as long as you don’t need to reroute. If you miss a turn or need to reroute, you’ll need to flip your data back on.
3. Doom scrolling on social media
Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, these platforms don’t just snack on data, they consume it with an insatiable appetite. Getting carried away with scrolling can burn through tons of MBs of mobile data.
Fix: Turn off autoplay on any social media app. (Your brain and battery will also appreciate it.)
4. Backing up vacation photos
By now most of us have our phones set to automatically upload our travel pics to iCloud or Google Photos… but saving longer videos can chew through data faster than you realize (maybe even eating a Gig just to save that sunset video).
Fix: Make sure your backup settings are Wi-Fi only. You can still take the selfie but just upload it later.
5. Running apps in the background
You might not even realize how many apps quietly sip data in the background… while others guzzle it like an open bar. Weather based on your location, syncing your emails, and other apps that keep refreshing unnecessarily are the ones to watch out for.
Fix: Be diligent about turning off “Background App Refresh” for everything you do not need.
6. Using your phone’s SIM data as a hotspot
Being able to hotspot is a fun feature, but try to only use it when necessary — lest a system update burn through your entire data plan.
Fix: Keep hotspotting short and sweet, and be sure to switch off automatic updates on laptops and tablets. Also, don’t forget to turn if off once you have access to Wi-Fi again for your other devices.
7. Streaming “just one more episode…”
Come on. If you’re bingeing the latest season of The Bear, it’s so hard to keep it to just one episode. Not to mention, even a single HD video stream can burn 1GB per hour.
Fix: Download shows to your device on Wi-Fi before watching.
8. Forgetting Wi-Fi assist exists
Both iPhone and Android devices have a feature that will switch your device to mobile data when your Wi-Fi signal is weak. While it can be helpful, it absolutely will drain your data without you realizing it.
Fix: You can turn off Wi-Fi Assist in your device’s settings.
Increase your data limit with an eSIM!
If you frequently find yourself running out of data, even when implementing these fixes, maybe you just need more data!
Try an international eSIM with aloSIM the next time you travel. aloSIM provides prepaid mobile data packages in 200+ destinations worldwide, so you can get more data for less!
