A reliable internet connection is crucial when travelling. After all, we rely on the internet for almost everything related to travel and leisure, from booking tickets to checking restaurant reviews. But data transmission can be costly – especially when you’re on the go, and Wi-Fi is not that easy to come by. So, how can you save mobile data so you don’t spend more than intended? Let’s find out.
Install an eSIM
When you’re out exploring new places and relying on your phone to guide you, it’s easy to go through your mobile data without even noticing. Before you know it, your data’s all used up and your phone bill skyrockets.
This is especially true if you use roaming to connect to the internet abroad. Roaming can be absurdly expensive, which is why it’s worth switching to an eSIM app if you plan to travel.
eSIM apps act like marketplaces where you can buy a prepaid local data plan for your trip and use the internet once you reach your destination. For example, if you’re visiting the UK, a UK prepaid eSIM plan will allow you to stay connected without any problems or high bills.
Using an eSIM app, you can also quickly add to your data plan if needed. But let’s see how to save data so you don’t have to.
Stop apps from using data in the background
Many apps will refresh even after you’ve finished using them at a given time. They make your smartphone “leak” data just sitting in your pocket, causing your data plan to run out much faster than intended. You can turn off this feature to save data. Here’s how to do it:
On iOS:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select the Background app refresh feature and turn it off, or select Wi-Fi to limit refreshing to when Wi-Fi is available.
On Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Connections and Data usage.
- Select Mobile data usage.
- Select an app and toggle Allow background data usage off.
Review app settings
Do you really need certain apps when you should be exploring? Perhaps limiting the data usage of certain apps would be beneficial and even help you live in the moment. You can always check Instagram or Facebook later when you’re relaxing in a hotel with Wi-Fi.
If you want to check which apps consume the most data and limit them, you can do the following:
On iOS:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Mobile data or Cellular.
- Scroll to see how much data each app is using.
- Use the on/off toggle next to each app to allow or disable cellular data use.
On Android:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet > Data usage or Connections > Data usage.
- Select Mobile data usage.
- Review the list of apps that consume cellular data.
- Tap an app that you want to limit and toggle the Mobile data option off to disable it from draining your data plan.
Download maps for offline use
Maps can drain your data, but at the same time, every traveller needs them. How can you get around without a map? Especially one on your phone that contains all the information you need, such as nearby places of interest.
You can save some data by simply downloading maps when connected to Wi-Fi and using them offline later. Most map apps allow this. In the most popular map app, Google Maps, you can download them in a few simple steps:
- Open Google Maps and log in.
- Type in the name of the place you want a map of, e.g., Cardiff.
- Swipe up so the information card takes up the entire screen.
- Tap the three dots icon in the upper right corner and select Download offline map.
Download media instead of streaming it
Travelling isn’t just about sightseeing. Sometimes, you just want to relax in your hotel room and watch a movie. But! Streaming high-quality media consumes massive amounts of data, so using a mobile plan isn’t recommended.
Instead, either stream while connected to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network or download the media in advance if you plan to watch something on the go. Most streaming apps allow you to download episodes for later, so don’t waste your mobile data.
Remember, it’s all about making those smart moves to keep the phone bill in check without missing out on the fun stuff.