Maps and messages use data very differently from hours of streaming. Start with what your phone already records, then add only the activities that will be new on this trip.
Two people can take the same USA holiday and need completely different allowances. One downloads entertainment before flying and mostly uses hotel Wi-Fi; the other streams every evening and shares data with another device. The most useful estimate therefore starts with your own recent usage, not a generic label such as light or heavy traveller.
Published 11 September 2026 · Editorially updated 12 September 2026 · Source checks last completed 11 September 2026 · Editorial image is illustrative · Commercial disclosure: suitcase.ie sells travel eSIMs.
Start with what your phone has already measured
Open the mobile-data settings on your phone and find a normal recent week. That figure reflects your habits far better than a universal traveller average. Separate mobile data from Wi-Fi, then ask what the USA trip will add: perhaps more navigation, photo uploads or evening streaming than you use at home.
Per-device data worksheet
Estimate from your own usage or build a planning scenario
Worked calculations, not traveller averages
A worked example makes the range easier to see. Netflix says its mobile Automatic setting can provide approximately four hours per GB. Thirty minutes per day for seven days is 3.5 hours: 3.5 ÷ 4 = approximately 0.875GB.
Spotify documents 160kbit/s for its High compressed-audio setting. 160 × 3,600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1,000 = 72MB per hour before overhead. One hour per day for seven days is approximately 504MB.
These coefficients apply only to the named settings. Netflix warns that Maximum Data can use 1GB per 20 minutes or more. Spotify rates do not describe video or lossless audio. Other apps, uploads, background use and protocol overhead remain additional.
Keep each phone separate
Add the estimates for a family only as a planning total. Each eSIM is attached to one phone, so that total is not automatically a shared allowance. If people separate, one adult’s hotspot disappears with them. Even when everyone stays together, check that the selected plan permits tethering before relying on it.
Downloaded entertainment uses Wi-Fi before departure rather than mobile data abroad. Offline Google Maps can support driving when the full route is downloaded, but offline transit, walking and cycling directions are unavailable; driving also loses live traffic and alternate routes.
Match allowance and validity
A plan can contain enough gigabytes and still be unsuitable if it expires before your return flight. Compare the final estimate with both allowance and validity. If no single current option covers both, the useful answer is to keep looking rather than force a poor match.
Compare current USA plansEvidence
Sources
- Netflix Help Center: How to control how much data Netflix usesChecked 2026-09-11
- Spotify Support: Audio qualityChecked 2026-09-11
- Walt Disney World Resort: Wireless internet accessChecked 2026-09-11
- Orlando International Airport: Orlando International Airport Wi-FiChecked 2026-09-11
- Google Maps Help: Download areas and navigate offline in Google MapsChecked 2026-09-11
Tariffs, coverage and transport arrangements can change. Check the linked provider or operator source before relying on a time-sensitive detail. Material corrections are reflected on this page and in its evidence record.
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