Driving abroad: data for navigation
A day of navigation costs both data and battery, so prepare for both.
Author: eSIMonline Travel Desk · Travel content deskPublished: September 5, 2026Last updated: September 5, 2026
Quick answer
- Download offline maps for the whole route before setting off and use data only for live traffic.
- Have a charger in the car: continuous navigation is among the heaviest battery drains there is.
Driving differs from walking in that you depend on continuous navigation for hours, often through areas with uneven coverage. Preparing offline maps matters more than how much data you bought.
Before you set off
- Download offline maps covering the whole route and the area around it
- Save the destination, accommodation and stops in advance
- Fit a car charger and a phone mount
- Check that country's rules use while driving from an official source
Never set up or search a route while driving: stop somewhere safe first. Rules use at the wheel differ by country and carry penalties.
What still needs data
- Live traffic and rerouting
- Finding fuel, charging points and food en route
- Booking accommodation or contacting the rental company
- App-based tolls or parking in some countries
FAQ
Do offline maps give turn-by-turn directions?+
Yes, in the major map apps if you downloaded that area. What is missing is live traffic and automatic rerouting around congestion.
How large a plan for a driving trip?+
Navigation itself uses little data when maps are downloaded. The size is decided by your ordinary other use, so estimate from behaviour rather than distance.