Best Offline Maps for Travel (2025): Google vs Apple vs Maps.me

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Best Offline Maps for Travel (2025): G...

Best Offline Maps for Travel (2025): Google vs Apple vs Maps.me

28 Oct 2025

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Best Offline Maps for Travel (2025): Google vs Apple vs Maps.me

Offline maps are the safety net every traveller needs. Whether you’re driving across the States, wandering Paris backstreets, or hiking in the Dolomites, having maps that work with no signal can save battery, data, and stress. In 2025, three apps stand out: Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Maps.me. Each handles downloads, storage, and navigation modes differently—and those differences matter when you’re abroad, on a budget, or off-grid.

This guide compares them side by side: how big the downloads are, how well driving vs walking works offline, what’s searchable without data, and how easy it is to keep maps up to date. You’ll also find quick setup steps, traveller checklists, and pro tips to avoid common gotchas. Want occasional data for place details or live traffic? Pair your offline maps with a local eSIM—options for the US, Europe and more are linked throughout so you can plan, download, and go with confidence.

Quick take: Which offline map should you use in 2025?

  • City breaks and mixed transport: Apple Maps (iOS 17+) for excellent offline walking/driving navigation and clean place info. Pair with a regional eSIM like Esim Western Europe for live transit and restaurant updates.
  • Long road trips: Google Maps for reliable offline driving and big POI database; set storage to SD on Android. Add traffic with Esim North America or Esim United States.
  • Hiking/off-grid: Maps.me for fully offline hiking trails and GPX/KML support. Great where coverage is patchy (e.g., national parks in Italy/Spain—see Esim Italy and Esim Spain for towns and transfer days).
  • Low storage phones: Google Maps or Apple Maps (choose smaller areas). Maps.me is efficient for single regions but large if you grab whole countries.
  • Android users with SD cards: Google Maps or Maps.me—both can store to SD, saving internal space.

Explore where you’re heading with our country and city guides: Destinations.

Side-by-side comparison (2025)

Coverage and region downloads

  • Google Maps
  • Download by drawing a rectangle. Large trips often need multiple tiles.
  • Good for cities/regions; entire countries require several downloads.
  • Auto-updates available on Wi‑Fi.
  • Apple Maps (iOS 17+)
  • Download by area (rectangle). Simple to manage; can be large for whole-country coverage.
  • Auto-updates on Wi‑Fi; “Use Offline Maps Only” option helps preserve data.
  • Maps.me
  • Download by country/region (OpenStreetMap-based). Straightforward for full-country travel.
  • Sub-regions available for big countries (e.g., states/provinces).
  • Google Maps
  • Turn-by-turn offline: driving only.
  • Walking/cycling: maps display offline, but routing typically requires data.
  • No offline public transport routing.
  • Apple Maps
  • Turn-by-turn offline: driving, walking, and cycling supported.
  • Transit timetables/updates require data.
  • Maps.me
  • Turn-by-turn offline: driving, walking, and cycling, plus many hiking trails.
  • No built-in transit schedules.

Search and place details offline

  • Google Maps
  • Offline search works for saved area: place names, categories (e.g., “cafe”), and saved lists.
  • Limited reviews/photos offline; star ratings may be cached.
  • Apple Maps
  • Offline search for places within the downloaded area; place cards show key info cached at download.
  • Rich details (live photos, opening hours updates) need data.
  • Maps.me
  • Offline search across OSM POIs; very good for landmarks and trails, variable for small businesses.
  • Fewer phone numbers/website links; info depends on community data.

Storage size and space management

Typical ranges (heavily variable by density and coverage you select): - Google Maps - Major city: ~300–700 MB - Large region: 0.8–2.5 GB - Whole-country coverage: multiple tiles totalling several GB - Android: can store offline areas on SD card. - Apple Maps - Major city: ~250–700 MB - Large region: 1–3 GB - Whole-country: 4–9 GB+ depending on detail - iPhone only; no SD card—manage space carefully. - Maps.me - City/region: ~50–300 MB - Medium country: ~300 MB–1.5 GB - Large country: 2–5 GB+ (downloaded as regional chunks) - Android: supports SD card storage.

Tip: Sizes expand with road density, 3D buildings, and POI richness. Always check your free space before trips.

Battery and data use

  • All three work in aeroplane mode with GPS on. Expect 3–7% battery per hour of screen-on navigation; less if you lock the screen and use voice prompts.
  • Live traffic, satellite imagery, and photos drive data usage—offline maps avoid this unless you go online.
  • Apple and Google reduce data by preferring offline areas for routing when available.

Privacy notes

  • Offline navigation reduces data transfer but location services still operate. Review each app’s privacy settings before travel.

How to download and set up offline maps

Google Maps (iOS/Android)

  1. Open Google Maps > tap your profile picture > Offline maps.
  2. Tap Select your own map > pinch/drag to cover your area > Download.
  3. Repeat for long routes (ensure overlaps). Aim to cover airports and fallback routes.
  4. Settings > Offline maps > turn on Auto-update and set Download preferences to Wi‑Fi only.
  5. Android only: Settings > Offline maps > Storage preferences > SD card (if available).
  6. Save key places to a List (e.g., Hotels, Must-eats) so they load offline.

Pro tip: Name each area clearly (e.g., “France North”) to avoid gaps.

Apple Maps (iOS 17+)

  1. Apple Maps > tap your photo/initials > Offline Maps > Download New Map.
  2. Search a city/region, adjust the rectangle to cover all planned travel.
  3. Toggle Auto-Update on. Enable Only Use Offline Maps to avoid roaming charges.
  4. Download multiple areas for long drives (e.g., Calais–Lyon–Nice).
  5. Add favourites (home, hotels, car hire) for quick access offline.

Pro tip: If space is tight, download city centres plus intercity corridors rather than whole countries.

Maps.me (iOS/Android)

  1. Install Maps.me and open once with data/Wi‑Fi.
  2. Search your destination; Maps.me offers the relevant regional download—confirm.
  3. For big countries, pick only the regions you need (e.g., “Lombardy” instead of all Italy).
  4. Settings > Map storage > SD card (Android) if available.
  5. Import GPX/KML hiking routes via email, cloud drive, or file manager.

Pro tip: Create bookmark groups (e.g., “Trailheads”, “Cafes”) so they stay visible offline.

Traveller checklists

Before you fly

  • Download maps on Wi‑Fi and while charging.
  • Cover airports, train stations, accommodation, and planned day trips.
  • Turn on auto-update; verify last-updated date for each area.
  • Save/bookmark essential places with local-language names.
  • Test in aeroplane mode: open the app, get a route, start navigation.
  • Pack a power bank; voice navigation drains less battery than screen-on use.

On the ground

Driving and hiking specifics

  • Driving: Preload fuel stops and rest areas. Expect no live traffic offline; allow buffer time.
  • Hiking: Use Maps.me and import GPX tracks; download entire mountain regions. Carry a paper map/compass as backup in remote terrain.

Accuracy notes by use case

Driving accuracy

  • Google Maps: Best-in-class road coverage and address search; offline routing is robust, but no live traffic or dynamic rerouting around closures without data.
  • Apple Maps: Strong lane guidance and clear visuals; offline driving is smooth. Traffic-aware routing requires data.
  • Maps.me: Gets you from A to B offline; occasional quirks at complex interchanges. No traffic layer.

Walking and cycling

  • Apple Maps: Reliable offline walking/cycling directions with readable cues—great in dense cities.
  • Maps.me: Good for walking and cycling; strengths include parks, trails, and shortcuts from OSM.
  • Google Maps: Walking/cycling routing typically needs data. Use offline map for visual reference if needed.

Hiking and off-grid

  • Maps.me shines with trail coverage and GPX import. Still, verify trail status locally.
  • Apple/Google can display terrain and paths, but aren’t designed as primary hiking tools offline.

Pro tips to save time, space, and battery

  • Use two apps: Google or Apple for driving and addresses; Maps.me for trails or neighbourhood shortcuts.
  • SD card on Android: Move Google/Maps.me downloads to SD to free internal storage.
  • Minimalist downloads: City + intercity corridors instead of entire countries to keep sizes down.
  • Save essentials: Hotel, embassy, car park, metro entrances, ATMs—by name and by dropping pins.
  • Naming matters: Store shots of hotel exteriors and local-language names in your notes for easier offline search.
  • Keep a light data fallback: A low-cost regional eSIM (e.g., Esim Western Europe) unlocks live traffic, restaurant hours, and last-minute changes.
  • Teams on the road: Standardise one app + shared lists; see For Business.
  • Creators and agencies: Share travel tech checklists with your audience via our Partner Hub.

FAQs

1) Do Google Maps work offline for walking? - You can view the map and saved places offline, but turn-by-turn offline navigation is primarily for driving. For reliable offline walking routes, use Apple Maps (iOS 17+) or Maps.me.

2) Will offline maps expire? - Yes. Google and Apple periodically expire or update downloads to ensure freshness. Keep Auto-update on and refresh before long trips.

3) How much storage should I budget? - For a multi-city week: 1–3 GB is typical. Whole countries can run 4–9 GB+. Maps.me regions are smaller but add up if you grab many. Always check free space first.

4) Can I rely on offline maps without GPS? - No. GPS is required for blue‑dot positioning and navigation. You can still browse maps without GPS, but routing and location accuracy suffer.

5) Is Maps.me accurate in cities? - Generally yes for landmarks and streets, but small-business POIs may lag. Pair with Google or Apple when you have data for the latest openings.

6) Should I use one app or two? - Use the best tool per task: Google or Apple for addresses and driving; Maps.me for trails and deep offline use. Download both if space allows.

The bottom line

  • Pick based on your trip: Apple Maps for city walking and clear offline guidance; Google Maps for road trips and strong POI search; Maps.me for hiking and fully offline scenarios.
  • Download early, test in aeroplane mode, and keep auto-updates on.
  • Consider a light data layer for live essentials—traffic, opening hours, and last-minute changes.

Next step: Travelling across multiple countries? Add flexible coverage with Esim Western Europe so your offline maps are backed by instant data when you need it.

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Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Planning a south america itinerary 3 weeks through the high Andes? This route stitches together Peru’s Sacred Valley, Bolivia’s La Paz and Salar de Uyuni, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and northern Argentina’s quebradas or Mendoza wine country—often by long-distance bus and a couple of short flights. Connectivity is different at altitude: coverage is strong in cities but drops in high passes and salt flats; bus Wi‑Fi is patchy; border towns can be blackspots. The smart move is an eSIM with multi‑country coverage, backed by offline maps, offline translations, and a simple routine for crossing borders by bus without losing service. Below you’ll find a practical, connectivity-first itinerary; checklists to prep your phone, apps and documents; and on-the-ground tips for staying online where it matters: booking transport, hailing taxis, backing up photos, and navigating when the signal disappears.If you’re transiting via Europe or North America, you can also add a layover eSIM to stay connected door-to-door. Start with our country list on Destinations, then follow the steps, and you won’t waste time chasing SIM shops at 3,500 metres.The 3‑week Andes route at a glanceWeek 1: Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) - Fly into Cusco (or Lima then connect). - Base in Cusco; day trips to Pisac/Chinchero/Maras–Moray. - Train to Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu visit; return to Cusco or continue to Puno/Lake Titicaca.Week 2: Bolivia and Chile (La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama) - Bus/collectivo via Copacabana to La Paz. - Fly or overnight bus to Uyuni. - 3‑day Uyuni–altiplano tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).Week 3: Chile and Argentina (Atacama to Salta or Mendoza/Buenos Aires) - Choose: - North: San Pedro to Salta/Jujuy by bus; fly to Buenos Aires. - Or South: San Pedro–Calama flight to Santiago; bus or flight to Mendoza; onward to Buenos Aires.Connectivity notes (quick): - Cities: generally strong 4G/4G+; 5G in major hubs (Santiago, Buenos Aires). - Altitude/rural: expect long no‑signal stretches (Uyuni, altiplano passes, Paso Jama). - Bus Wi‑Fi: often advertised, rarely reliable. Plan to be offline onboard. - Border regions: networks switch; a multi‑country eSIM avoids sudden loss.eSIM vs local SIMs for a 4‑country tripFor a route with multiple borders and remote legs, eSIM wins on time and reliability.What a multi‑country eSIM gets you: - One plan across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina (check coverage per country on Destinations). - No passport/SIM registration queues at kiosks. - Keep your home number active on the physical SIM for calls/SMS codes. - Instant top‑ups if you burn data on photos or navigation.When a local SIM still helps: - Long stay in one country with heavy data use (e.g., a month in Buenos Aires). - Dead zones where a different local network performs better (rarely worth the hassle on a 3‑week pace).Practical approach: - Use an eSIM as your primary data line across all four countries. - If you find a specific local network far better in one region, add a cheap local SIM and keep the eSIM as backup.Device readiness checklist (before you fly)1) Check eSIM compatibility and SIM‑lock status on your phone.2) Buy and install your eSIM while on home Wi‑Fi. Keep a PDF/printed copy of the QR code.3) Label lines clearly (e.g., “eSIM Andes Data”, “Home SIM”).4) Turn on data roaming for the eSIM; leave roaming off for your home SIM to avoid charges.5) Set up dual‑SIM rules: data on eSIM; calls/SMS default to home SIM if needed.6) Download offline: Google Maps/Organic Maps for all target regions; language packs (Spanish at minimum); bus/air tickets; hotel confirmations.7) Cloud backups: set to upload on Wi‑Fi only; pre‑create shared albums for travel companions.8) Test tethering/hotspot with your laptop/tablet.If you’re transiting popular hubs, consider a short layover eSIM: - USA connections: add an Esim United States or a broader Esim North America.- Europe connections: Madrid/Barcelona? Use an Esim Spain. Paris or Rome? See Esim France and Esim Italy. Multi‑country layovers? Try Esim Western Europe.City‑by‑city connectivity notesCusco & the Sacred Valley (Peru)Coverage: Good in Cusco city; variable in high villages (Maras/Moray) and along Inca Trail approaches.Tips: Download Sacred Valley maps offline; pin viewpoints and ruins. most taxis use WhatsApp—save your accommodation’s number.Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes: Patchy to none at the citadel. Upload your photos later; don’t rely on live ticket retrieval.Lake Titicaca: Puno and CopacabanaPuno: Reasonable 4G; bus terminals crowded—screenshot QR tickets.Crossing to Copacabana: Expect a signal drop around the border; have directions saved offline.La Paz (Bolivia)Good urban 4G; the cable car network has decent signal but tunnels do not.Yungas/“Death Road” tours: Mountain valleys cause dead zones—share your emergency contacts with the operator, carry a charged power bank, and don’t plan remote calls.Uyuni and the Altiplano (Bolivia to Chile)Uyuni town: OK 4G; ATMs finicky—use Wi‑Fi for banking apps.Salt flats/lagunas: Assume offline for most of the 3‑day tour. Guides often carry satellite phones; agree a pickup time/place in San Pedro and preload your map route.San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)Town: Solid 4G; accommodations often have Wi‑Fi but speeds vary.Geysers, Valle de la Luna: Offline navigation essential; sunrise trips start before mobile networks wake up in some areas.Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza/Buenos Aires (Argentina)Salta/Jujuy: Good city coverage; quebradas have long no‑signal sections.Mendoza: City 4G/5G; vineyards outside town can be patchy.Buenos Aires: Strong 4G/5G; ideal for cloud backups and large downloads before you fly home.Border crossings by bus: step‑by‑stepThe big ones on this route: Peru–Bolivia (Puno/Copacabana), Bolivia–Chile (Uyuni–San Pedro via Hito Cajón), Chile–Argentina (Paso Jama to Salta or Los Libertadores to Mendoza).How to keep service and sanity:1) The day before:- Top up your eSIM data.- Confirm your plan includes both countries you’re entering/leaving.- Download offline maps for both sides of the border and your town of arrival.- Save bus company WhatsApp and terminal address offline.2) On departure morning:- Keep a paper copy or offline PDF of tickets, insurance, and accommodation proof.- Charge phone and power bank; pack a short cable in your daypack.3) On the bus:- Don’t count on bus Wi‑Fi. Keep your eSIM as primary, but expect drops near mountain passes.- If your phone supports it, enable “Wi‑Fi calling” for later when you reach accommodation Wi‑Fi.4) At the border posts:- Data may be unavailable. Keep QR codes and booking numbers offline.- After exiting one country and entering the next, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to re‑register on the new network.- If the eSIM doesn’t attach, manually select a network in Mobile Settings.5) Arrival:- Send your accommodation a quick WhatsApp when you’re back online.- Recheck your eSIM’s data roaming is on; confirm you’re on an in‑country network, not a weak roaming partner.Pro tips: - Dual profiles: If your eSIM allows, keep a secondary profile for a different network in the same country—helpful in border towns.- Cash buffer: Some border terminals don’t accept cards; download a currency converter for offline use.Offline survival kit (5‑minute setup)Maps: Download regions for Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro, Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.Translations: Download Spanish for offline use; add phrasebook favourites (bus tickets, directions, dietary needs).Documents: Save PDFs of passports, tickets, hotel addresses; star them for quick access.Rides: Screenshots of pickup points; pin bus terminals and hotel doors.Entertainment: Podcasts and playlists for long bus legs, set to download on Wi‑Fi only.Altitude and your tech: what changesCoverage gaps lengthen: Fewer towers at high altitude; valleys can block signal. Assume offline on remote excursions.Batteries drain faster in cold: Keep your phone warm and carry a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).Hotel Wi‑Fi may be congested: Schedule big uploads (photo backups, app updates) for big-city stays like Santiago or Buenos Aires.GPS still works offline: Your blue dot shows on offline maps without data—preload everything.Data budgeting for 3 weeksTypical traveller usage across this route: - Messaging/Maps/Bookings: 0.2–0.5 GB/day- Social and photo sharing: 0.3–0.7 GB/day- Occasional video calls/streaming: 0.5–1.0 GB/dayFor a mixed-use trip, plan 15–25 GB for 3 weeks. Heavy creators should double it and upload over hotel Wi‑Fi when possible. If you work remotely, consider a higher‑capacity plan and a backup eSIM; see our guidance on For Business.Practical route with transport and connectivity cuesDays 1–4 Cusco base: Strong city signal; day trips may be spotty—go offline-ready.Days 5–6 Machu Picchu: Expect no service at the ruins; sync tickets ahead.Days 7–8 Puno to La Paz via Copacabana: Border signal drop; re‑register networks after crossing.Days 9–11 Uyuni tour to San Pedro: Treat as offline; charge nightly; carry spare cables.Days 12–14 San Pedro: Stable in town; tours offline; top up data before Paso Jama.Days 15–17 Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza: Good urban 4G; rural patches are offline.Days 18–21 Buenos Aires: Strongest connectivity of the trip; clear your uploads and map downloads for the flight home.Partnering and stopover extrasHospitality and tour operators in the Andes: help your guests stay connected—explore co‑branded solutions via our Partner Hub.Transatlantic flyers: test your eSIM setup on a layover with an Esim United States or Esim Western Europe before hitting high-altitude blackspots.FAQs1) Do I need a local SIM in each country?No. A multi‑country eSIM covering Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is simpler and works well for a 3‑week pace. Consider a local SIM only if you’ll spend longer in one country and want the absolute best regional coverage.2) Will my WhatsApp number change with an eSIM?No. WhatsApp is tied to your registered number, not your data line. Keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS (roaming off if you wish), and use the eSIM for data—WhatsApp continues as normal.3) Can I hotspot to my laptop or camera?Yes. Enable tethering on your eSIM. Mind your data: cloud backups and OS updates can burn gigabytes—set them to Wi‑Fi only or schedule in big cities.4) What if there’s no signal on the Uyuni/Atacama legs?That’s expected. GPS still works offline. Pre-download maps and translations, carry a power bank, and sync plans with your tour operator before departure.5) Will I get roaming charges at borders?If you’re using a multi‑country eSIM with coverage in both countries, you won’t incur extra roaming fees from your home carrier. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid accidental use.6) I’m connecting via Europe or the US—worth getting a layover eSIM?Yes. It’s an easy way to test your setup and stay reachable. Try Esim North America or country options like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy for common hubs.Next step: Browse South America coverage options and build your plan on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025
Germany eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Coverage, FUP, Airport Steps

Germany eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Coverage, FUP, Airport Steps

Planning data for Germany in 2025? This guide shows you how to pick the right eSIM, get online at Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) in minutes, and stay connected on busy ICE train corridors. Germany has some of Europe’s strongest 4G and fast-expanding 5G networks, but performance varies by carrier, region and even by train window tint. We’ll cover which networks typically deliver the best speeds, what to expect on long‑distance trains, and how EU Fair Use Policy (FUP) affects roaming if you’re crossing borders. If you’re moving through Western Europe, we’ll also flag when a regional plan beats a local one. Ready to travel? Head to our Destinations page to view Germany eSIM options, or keep reading for practical, step‑by‑step advice.Quick Take: Is an eSIM right for Germany?Coverage: Excellent 4G nationwide; 5G strong in cities and along major transport corridors.Best networks: Telekom (widest/fastest), Vodafone (strong urban/suburban), O2/Telefónica (good value, improving).Trains: Expect intermittent drops in tunnels and rural stretches; choose Telekom or Vodafone for steadier coverage on main ICE routes.EU travel: If you’ll visit France, Italy or Spain on the same trip, consider a regional plan like Esim Western Europe rather than a Germany‑only eSIM.Airport setup: You can install and activate within 2–3 minutes on free airport Wi‑Fi at FRA or MUC.Networks and Coverage: What to expect in 2025Germany’s three major networks are:Telekom (Deutsche Telekom)VodafoneO2/Telefónica GermanyWhat you’ll likely see on a quality travel eSIM that supports 4G/5G:Cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart): 5G widely available on Telekom and Vodafone, increasingly on O2. Typical speeds:Telekom 5G: 150–500 Mbps in strong cells; 4G 40–150 Mbps.Vodafone 5G: 100–300 Mbps; 4G 30–120 Mbps.O2 5G: 60–200 Mbps; 4G 20–80 Mbps.Suburban/regional towns: 4G is solid; 5G more variable. Expect 20–120 Mbps.Rural/remote: Coverage is broad on 4G but speed can drop below 20 Mbps. Black Forest valleys, Eifel, Harz, some Bavarian Alps and Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania have patchier signal.Indoors: Modern offices and trains use coated glass that weakens signal. In trains, choose carriages with repeater icons or sit near doors.Pro tips: - If 5G handovers feel “sticky” while moving at speed, lock to 4G/LTE for stability (you’ll still stream HD). - Use Wi‑Fi calling when indoor coverage is marginal.Train Corridor Coverage: ICE routes that matterGermany’s ICE network is fast but demands a smart mobile setup. Here’s what to expect:Stronger corridors (best chance of steady 4G/5G): - Berlin–Hamburg - Berlin–Munich via Leipzig/Erfurt (VDE 8 high‑speed route) - Frankfurt–Cologne high‑speed line - Munich–Nuremberg high‑speed line - Rhine‑Ruhr mesh (Cologne–Düsseldorf–Duisburg–Dortmund–Essen) - Hamburg–Bremen–HanoverMore variable segments: - Sections through long tunnels (Thuringian Forest on Berlin–Munich; Siegburg/Montabaur area on Frankfurt–Cologne) - Rural stretches in Bavaria, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg - Alpine approaches south of MunichOn‑train realities: - Deutsche Bahn’s ICE Wi‑Fi aggregates multiple mobile networks but can slow at peaks. - Windows attenuate signal; modern sets use signal‑permeable panes, but older stock still weakens reception.Train pro tips: - Sit near carriage doors or under the repeater symbol for stronger signal. - Prefer Telekom or Vodafone networks if your eSIM lets you choose; they generally perform best along main lines. - Toggle “4G/LTE only” if 5G causes frequent dropouts at 250–300 km/h. - Download offline maps/playlists before boarding; set apps to “data saver”.Germany only or regional? Picking the right planChoose a Germany‑only eSIM if: - Your trip is entirely within Germany and you want the best in‑country rates.Choose a regional eSIM if: - You’re visiting neighbouring countries on the same itinerary. For example: - Germany + France: see Esim France - Germany + Italy: see Esim Italy - Germany + Spain: see Esim Spain - Multi‑country: see Esim Western EuropeBusiness travel across multiple markets? Centralise with pooled or multi‑line bundles via For Business. Partners and TMCs can explore co‑branded or embedded flows in our Partner Hub.EU FUP explained: How Fair Use affects roamingIf your plan includes EU/EEA roaming: - Roam‑like‑at‑home: You can use your plan across EU/EEA without extra charges, subject to Fair Use. - Roaming data cap: Your roamable data may be lower than your domestic allowance. Providers clearly state this cap (e.g., “20 GB in EU”). Once you hit it, speed may reduce or you may pay a small surcharge. - Long‑term roaming checks: If you spend more time roaming than at “home” over a rolling 4‑month window, some providers can apply a small surcharge after warning you. - Tethering: Usually allowed; intensive hotspotting could be rate‑limited by some plans. - Wholesale caps: EU cost caps continue to fall through 2030, helping keep retail roaming fair, but they don’t guarantee unlimited roaming data.If you buy a Germany‑only eSIM: - It may not roam outside Germany unless the plan states EU coverage. If you plan cross‑border trains (e.g., Munich–Salzburg or Cologne–Brussels), choose an EU‑enabled or regional plan.Device compatibility and setup basicsCompatible phones: - Apple: iPhone XR/XS and newer support eSIM; iPhone 14+ in some regions are eSIM‑only. - Samsung: Galaxy S20/S20+ and newer (incl. Fold/Flip lines) with eSIM variant. - Google: Pixel 4 and newer. - Others: Many recent Android flagships support eSIM; check your exact model/region.Before you fly: - Update iOS/Android. - Unlock your device from any carrier lock. - Add a payment card for app stores if you’ll install via app. - Download offline maps and transport tickets just in case.How to get online at Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC)You can install and activate your eSIM in 2–3 minutes using airport Wi‑Fi.FRA: Step‑by‑step on arrivalEnable Airplane Mode, then turn Wi‑Fi back on.Join “Frankfurt Airport” free Wi‑Fi (follow the on‑screen portal).Open your eSIM email or app. Have your QR code ready (screenshot/printout helps).iOS: Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR code. Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.Label the line “Germany eSIM”. Set “Mobile Data” to the new eSIM; keep your home SIM for calls if needed.Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM.Enter the APN if prompted (use the APN provided in your activation email).Toggle Airplane Mode off. Wait 30–60 seconds for signal.Test with a speed check or map load.MUC: Step‑by‑step on arrivalAirplane Mode on; Wi‑Fi on.Connect to “Munich Airport” Wi‑Fi (free, no time limit).Add the eSIM via QR/app as above.Data line = eSIM; Voice line = your preference.Enable Data Roaming; add APN if prompted.Toggle Airplane Mode off; confirm 4G/5G icon appears.Test navigation to your hotel or S‑Bahn route.Airport tips: - If activation stalls, restart the phone and re‑enable the eSIM line. - Move nearer terminal windows for better initial signal. - Need a backup? Airport Wi‑Fi is reliable for calls/messages via apps until mobile data is live.Optimising performance in cities and on trainsPrefer 5G where strong; otherwise lock to LTE for smoother handoffs while moving.Disable “Low Data Mode/Data Saver” once you’re stable to allow background syncs.Hotspotting works well for laptops; expect 10–50 Mbps on 4G in most urban areas.Use messaging apps with offline queues for tunnels (WhatsApp/Teams).Download Bahn tickets to Apple/Google Wallet for offline inspection.Crossing borders by rail or roadNetwork switching: Your phone should automatically register on partner networks as you enter France, Italy, Austria, or the Netherlands. If not, manually select a major carrier in Settings.APN: Usually unchanged across EU on a regional plan. If you move from a Germany‑only eSIM to another country, verify that your plan includes EU roaming.Popular multi‑country routes:Munich–Salzburg/Vienna (Austria)Cologne–Brussels/AmsterdamBerlin–PragueIf your trip spans several countries, compare regional packs on Esim Western Europe. City‑hopping to Paris, Milan or Barcelona? Also see Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.Troubleshooting checklistNo service after install:Confirm Data Line = eSIM; Data Roaming = On.Restart the device.Manually select Telekom/Vodafone/O2 in Network Selection.Re‑enter APN from your activation email.Slow speeds:Move near a window; turn off VPN.Lock to 4G/LTE on trains for stability.Try another network if available.Can’t scan QR:Use the activation code via “Enter details manually”.Install from the provider app over Wi‑Fi.FAQ1) Which network is best for coverage and speed in Germany?Telekom generally leads for both coverage and peak speeds, especially in cities and along major ICE lines. Vodafone is close behind with strong urban/suburban performance. O2/Telefónica has improved rapidly and offers good value, but rural coverage can be patchier.2) Will my Germany eSIM work elsewhere in the EU?Only if the plan includes EU roaming or you choose a regional product. Germany‑only plans may be restricted to Germany. For multi‑country trips, consider Esim Western Europe.3) How does EU Fair Use (FUP) affect me?With EU‑enabled plans you can roam across the EU/EEA at domestic‑like rates, but providers often set a roaming data cap (e.g., a subset of your total data). Extended roaming without time in the “home” country over several months can trigger a small surcharge after warning.4) Can I hotspot my laptop from a travel eSIM?Yes—tethering is supported on modern eSIM‑capable devices. Watch your data usage if you run updates or cloud syncs. On 4G/5G in cities, 10–100+ Mbps is typical; on trains it varies more.5) How do I ensure stable data on high‑speed trains?Sit near doors or in carriages with repeater symbols, cache maps offline, and consider setting your phone to LTE only to reduce 5G handover interruptions at 250–300 km/h. Telekom and Vodafone tend to be more consistent along main corridors.6) I’m flying in from North America—anything special to know?Most recent iPhones, Pixels and Galaxy devices from the US/Canada work fine in Europe. Ensure they’re carrier‑unlocked and support European bands. Planning onward travel? See Esim United States for trips in the other direction or Esim North America for broader regional coverage.Final tips before you goSave your eSIM QR code offline (PDF/screenshot) and print a backup.Keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS 2FA while using eSIM for data.Turn on Wi‑Fi Calling for clearer indoor calls.Monitor usage in Settings; set alerts at 80% and 100% of your allowance.Next step: Compare Germany plans and regional options on our Destinations page and pick the eSIM that matches your route and data needs.

30 Oct 2025
Bangkok Speed Test: BKK/DMK Airports, BTS/MRT, Old City

Bangkok Speed Test: BKK/DMK Airports, BTS/MRT, Old City

Traveller data performance in Bangkok is a story of two cities: excellent 5G in modern corridors, and uneven throughput where tourists actually linger. This bangkok mobile speed test focuses on the transit spine most visitors use—Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports, the BTS Skytrain, the MRT, and the Old City (Rattanakosin, incl. Khao San). We ran day-vs-night comparisons across crowded windows and quieter hours. The topline: Bangkok can be blisteringly fast, but speed swings are real during peak passenger surges and at dense nightlife hotspots. Underground MRT holds steady but is rarely the quickest; BTS platforms outperform trains in motion; airport arrivals are the slowest zones you’ll hit on arrival, especially mid‑day.This report is part of Simology’s Connectivity Lab series. We publish our raw measurements—download and upload throughput, latency, jitter and loss—as an open CSV for independent analysis. You can access methodology notes and the dataset via our Partner Hub, and browse more country snapshots on Destinations. If you’re flying onward to the US or Europe, we also link relevant eSIM options below.How we tested (field protocol)Devices: iPhone 15 Pro and Pixel 8 (dual-SIM eSIM), both 5G-capable.Networks: leading Thai operators (multi-network eSIM profiles); automatic network selection enabled.Tools: Ookla Speedtest app + nPerf cross-check; 3–5 runs per location per time window; medians reported.Time windows:Morning peak: 07:00–09:30Midday: 12:00–14:00Evening peak: 17:00–20:00Late night: 22:30–00:30Locations: BKK and DMK landside/airside zones, BTS core stations and on-train, MRT Blue/Purple platforms and in-car, Old City street-level (Grand Palace perimeter, Khao San Road, Phra Athit).SIM plans: 5G bundles with high fair-use thresholds (FUPs ≥100 GB) to avoid throttling during tests.Pro tip: - Before testing, toggle aeroplane mode for 10 seconds to refresh radio attach and clear stale sessions.Snapshot findings (medians across operators)Suvarnabhumi (BKK), main concourses:Day: 120–180 Mbps down, 18–35 Mbps up, 18–28 ms latencyNight: 250–420 Mbps down, 25–55 Mbps up, 15–22 ms latencyDon Mueang (DMK), older terminals:Day: 60–95 Mbps down, 12–25 Mbps up, 22–35 ms latencyNight: 130–200 Mbps down, 16–40 Mbps up, 18–28 ms latencyBTS Skytrain (platforms vs on-train):Platforms (core): 140–260 Mbps day, 210–380 Mbps nightOn-train (moving): 70–140 Mbps day, 120–220 Mbps night; brief dips during handoversMRT Blue Line (underground):Platforms: 80–150 Mbps day, 110–180 Mbps nightIn-car: 55–110 Mbps day, 90–140 Mbps night; latency 25–40 msOld City (Rattanakosin incl. Khao San):Day: 45–95 Mbps down, 10–20 Mbps upNight (21:00–23:30): 18–60 Mbps down, 8–16 Mbps up; crowd saturation often visibleNight-time generally yields 1.6–2.2× faster downloads in airports and on BTS; the Old City is the exception—heavy evening footfall compresses capacity.Airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) vs Don Mueang (DMK)BKK highlightsArrivals hall (Level 2): most congested zone. Midday medians: 90–140 Mbps down; uplink 15–25 Mbps. Night jumps to 220–320 Mbps.Check-in (Level 4) and security airside lounges: consistently faster—150–240 Mbps day, 280–450 Mbps night.Gate areas near outer piers (A/B/G): slight slowdowns compared with central concourses due to cell edge; expect 110–180 Mbps midday.What this means: - Cloud check-ins, media uploads and maps updates are painless outside arrivals. If you need a big app update, do it airside or later at your hotel Wi‑Fi.DMK highlightsOlder building fabric and crowd bursts around low-cost departures trim speeds.Landside halls: 60–90 Mbps day; 130–180 Mbps late night.Airside at newer gates: modest uplift—80–120 Mbps day.Traveller tip: - If your eSIM QR fails to activate in a packed arrivals hall, walk 100–150 metres to a quieter corner or head airside post-immigration on departure for a clean activation.Transit corridor: BTS SkytrainPlatforms vs on-trainPlatforms in central sections (Siam, Asok, Chit Lom): strongest performance. Day medians around 160–220 Mbps; late night 250–380 Mbps.On-train in motion: handovers between cells reduce peak throughput. Day medians 80–120 Mbps; late night 130–200 Mbps.Bottlenecks: river crossing near Saphan Taksin can cause quick drops; expect momentary sub‑50 Mbps dips.Checklist: to keep signal stable on BTS - Stand near carriage windows rather than doors flanked by advertising wraps and electronics clusters. - Pause large uploads until the train stops at a station platform. - Disable Wi‑Fi assist features that hop onto weak captive portals at stations.Transit corridor: MRT Blue and Purple LinesUnderground systems use in-tunnel coverage that prioritises continuity over raw peaks.Platforms: 90–140 Mbps (day), 120–170 Mbps (night). Latency sits 25–35 ms.In-car: 60–100 Mbps (day), 90–130 Mbps (night), with very low jitter—good for calls.Uploads are the MRT’s weak spot during peaks, sometimes dipping to 8–15 Mbps at interchange stations.Pro tip: - For video calls, MRT beats BTS during rush hour thanks to fewer handovers. Drop your video resolution to 480p/720p for consistent results.Old City and Khao San: the tricky zoneAround the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang: decent mid‑day 4G/5G, 60–110 Mbps down.Khao San Road and Rambuttri at night: saturation is common. We saw 18–40 Mbps down, uplink under 12 Mbps on busy nights.Latency spikes (40–65 ms) and jitter can skew live streams and real‑time translations when bars are full.Workarounds: - Step one block off Khao San to regain 2–3× throughput. - Schedule heavy uploads (drone footage, backups) outside 20:00–23:30. - If a booking app struggles at peak, toggle 5G off to force stable 4G where 5G is patchy; re‑enable later.Day vs night: where the delta mattersAirports: night delivers 2× throughput on average; best time to activate eSIMs, download offline maps, or upload reels.BTS: platforms show the biggest night boost; trains benefit less but still gain ~50–80%.MRT: steady gains of ~40–60% at night.Old City: inverse trend—night crowds reduce speeds by up to 50%.If your itinerary is tight, time your big data tasks for late evening at your hotel or after you clear airport security.Practical tips to stay fastPick a 5G plan with a high fair-use threshold (≥100 GB). Some “unlimited” plans throttle heavily after small caps.On iOS/Android, disable Low Data/Data Saver modes during navigation or tethering.Use offline maps for the Old City to avoid turn-by-turn hiccups in crowded alleys.Speedtest sanity check: run two providers (e.g., Speedtest and nPerf) and take the median.If tethering a laptop on BTS/MRT, cap cloud backup syncs to “paused on mobile data”.Going beyond Thailand soon? Consider region-friendly eSIMs such as Esim Western Europe, Esim North America, or single-country packs like Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.Reproduce our bangkok mobile speed test (step-by-step)Install two test apps: Ookla Speedtest and nPerf.Toggle aeroplane mode for 10 seconds; confirm 5G is available.Disable VPNs, Low Data/Data Saver and battery saver modes.Run 3 tests back-to-back, discard clear outliers (>2× from median).Move 10–15 metres and repeat to avoid a single-cell artefact.Log results with timestamp, GPS, operator, RAT (5G/4G), and note whether stationary or in motion.For train tests, mark station vs in-car and direction of travel.Dataset fields we publish: - timestamp_utc, lat, lon, location_name, venue_type (airport/platform/train/street), operator, radio (5G/4G), download_mbps, upload_mbps, latency_ms, jitter_ms, packet_loss_pct, device, notesOpen CSV access: - Download the raw CSV and notes from the Simology Partner Hub. You can filter by venue_type to isolate airports, BTS/MRT, or Old City snapshots.Example row (condensed, one line): 2025-02-18T12:42:00Z,13.9124,100.6068,BKK Arrivals L2,airport,AIS,5G,132.4,22.8,24,6,0.3,iPhone15Pro,midday crowdWhat this means for different travellersFirst-time visitors: don’t judge Bangkok speeds by the arrivals hall. Expect a strong uplift once you’re out of BKK/DMK or a few hours later.Remote workers: MRT is the safer choice for in-transit calls. For uploads, wait for platforms or quiet hours.Creators: plan story uploads for late night or hotel Wi‑Fi; shoot in the Old City, upload from Siam/Asok or back at base.Teams on the move: standardise a quick bandwidth check routine. For centralised reporting and fleet eSIM controls, see Simology For Business.For more country-by-country connectivity snapshots, head to Destinations.FAQ1) Is 5G widely available in central Bangkok? - Yes. 5G covers most city districts, major malls, BTS/MRT stations and both airports. Underground MRT is consistent but not the fastest; Old City at night is the patchiest.2) Why are airport arrivals slower than departures? - Crowding, radio noise and many devices reattaching at once. Airside and higher concourses usually have better cell distribution and less interference.3) Are BTS trains bad for video calls? - Not bad, but handovers can cause stutters. Use MRT for important calls at rush hour, or keep video to 480p/720p and turn off background uploads.4) My “unlimited” plan feels slow—why? - Many plans throttle after a small fair-use quota. Choose high‑FUP 5G packs. If your speed drops sharply after several GB, you’ve likely hit a throttle.5) What’s the best time to activate or switch eSIMs? - Late evening or once you’ve cleared the terminal. If activation fails in arrivals, step away from crowds or wait until you reach a less congested area.6) I’m transiting to Europe or the US. Can I keep one eSIM? - Yes. Use a regional plan such as Esim Western Europe or Esim North America. For country-specific trips, see Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.Next step: Explore more city-by-city field tests and plan your connectivity with Simology on Destinations.

30 Oct 2025