PrepaidData-Only SIM Plans for Travel (2026)
- Data only, no voice
- From $3.00/GB
- 200+ countries
- Updated June 2026
The Basics
What is a data-only plan?
A data-only plan provides mobile internet and nothing else. No voice minutes, no SMS allowance, no local phone number. You get a pool of data (measured in gigabytes) that you use for maps, messaging apps, web browsing, streaming, and tethering.
This is exactly what most travelers need. WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, and similar apps handle messaging and voice calls over data. FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet handle video calls. The traditional phone call is irrelevant for 95% of travelers.
Data-only plans cost 30-50% less than plans that include voice and SMS because the provider only pays for data capacity. The savings go directly to you.
Compared
Best data-only eSIM providers (2026).
All four providers offer data-only plans by default. Sorted by overall rating.
| Provider | Rating | From / GB |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4 / 5 | from $3.00/GB | |
 AiraloBest Overall | 4.8 / 5 | from $4.50/GB |
| 4.5 / 5 | from $3.99/GB | |
 HolaflyBest Unlimited | 4.6 / 5 | from $2.99/day |
How Much Data
Daily data usage by activity.
| Activity | Data / hour |
|---|---|
| Google Maps navigation | 5-10 MB |
| WhatsApp messaging | 1-3 MB |
| WhatsApp voice call | 30-40 MB |
| WhatsApp video call | 250-300 MB |
| Social media browsing | 100-200 MB |
| Web browsing | 50-100 MB |
| Music streaming (Spotify) | 70-150 MB |
| Video streaming (720p) | 700 MB-1 GB |
| Email with attachments | 20-50 MB |
| Photo uploads (Instagram) | 50-100 MB |
Choosing
Fixed data vs unlimited daily.
Fixed data (Airalo, Saily, Nomad)
- Pay for a set amount: 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB
- Cheapest option for light-to-moderate users
- Top up in-app if you run low
- Best for trips where you control your usage
- From $3.00/GB across popular destinations
Unlimited daily (Holafly)
- Use as much data as you want each day
- Flat daily rate from $2.99/day
- No data anxiety or top-up decisions
- Best for streamers, remote workers, heavy tethering
- Fair-use throttle may apply after daily threshold
Rule of thumb: if you use under 1 GB per day, a fixed data plan is cheaper. If you consistently use 2+ GB per day or cannot predict your usage, unlimited daily saves money and removes the guesswork.
FAQ
Data-only plan questions.
What is a data-only SIM plan?
A data-only SIM plan provides mobile internet without voice calls or SMS. You use it strictly for data: maps, messaging apps, browsing, streaming, and tethering. Most travel eSIMs are data-only by default.
Can I make phone calls with a data-only plan?
Not traditional phone calls. However, you can use WiFi calling apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype over your data connection. For most travelers, this is more than enough.
Is a data-only plan cheaper than a plan with calls and texts?
Yes. Data-only plans cost 30-50% less than full plans with voice and SMS because providers only pay for data capacity. Since most travelers use messaging apps instead of traditional calls, the savings are practical.
Will I keep my home phone number with a data-only eSIM?
Yes. A data-only eSIM adds a second line for internet. Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts on your original number. Both lines work at the same time.
How much data do I need per day while traveling?
Light use (maps, messaging): 200-500 MB/day. Moderate use (social media, photos): 500 MB-1 GB/day. Heavy use (streaming, video calls, tethering): 2-3 GB/day. Most travelers fall in the moderate range.
Can I tether a laptop with a data-only plan?
Most prepaid eSIM providers allow tethering and personal hotspot at no extra charge. Holafly limits hotspot to 1 GB/day on some plans. Check the provider terms for your specific plan.
Read our provider reviews
Popular destination guides
Related guides: Activate eSIM | WiFi vs eSIM | Prepaid vs postpaid
Find a data-only plan for your trip.
200+ countries. From $3.00/GB. No voice, just fast internet.