> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.e-banano.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Monitor and Manage Your eBanano Data Balance Abroad

> Check your remaining eBanano data balance, understand how data is counted, and avoid nasty surprises before you run out on the road.

Knowing how much data you have left is one of those small things that can make a big difference on the road. Whether you're navigating a new city, sharing photos from a mountaintop, or just keeping in touch with home, staying on top of your balance means no nasty surprises — and no frantic searching for Wi-Fi when you need it most.

## Check Your Data Balance

You can check your remaining data in two ways: straight from the eBanano app, or through your phone's built-in settings.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="In the eBanano App">
    The app is the easiest way to see exactly how much data you have left — and when your plan expires.

    1. Open the **eBanano app** on your phone.
    2. Tap **My eSIMs** from the home screen.
    3. Tap your **active plan** to open the plan details.
    4. You'll see your **remaining data** and your plan's **expiry date** right at the top.

    The app updates your balance in real time, so what you see is what you've got.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="On Your Phone">
    Your phone also tracks data usage natively. The numbers here reflect all data used on that SIM line, so it's a handy cross-check.

    **iPhone:**

    1. Go to **Settings** → **Cellular**.
    2. Scroll down and tap your **eBanano eSIM** line.
    3. View **Current Period** usage stats at the bottom of the screen.

    > Note: iPhone usage stats reset manually — tap **Reset Statistics** at the bottom to start fresh when your plan begins.

    **Android:**

    1. Go to **Settings** → **Connections** → **Data Usage**.
    2. Tap your **eBanano SIM** from the list of lines.
    3. View your data usage over the current period.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  Heading somewhere remote — a national park, a mountain trail, a small island? Check your balance before you go. It's much easier to top up while you still have a signal!
</Tip>

## Data Usage Tips

Wondering where all your data went? These quick tips will help you stretch every megabyte a little further.

<Accordion title="How to reduce data usage while travelling">
  A few simple habits can go a long way:

  * **Download offline maps** (Google Maps, Maps.me) before you leave your hotel's Wi-Fi.
  * **Turn off background app refresh** — apps love to quietly update themselves in the background. On iPhone: Settings → General → Background App Refresh. On Android: Settings → Apps → your app → Battery → Background usage.
  * **Stream at lower quality** — if you're watching videos on the go, drop the resolution to 480p. You'll barely notice the difference; your data balance will.
  * **Use Wi-Fi whenever it's available** — cafés, hotels, and airports are your friends.
  * **Disable auto-play videos** in social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Does WhatsApp or iMessage use data?">
  Yes — both WhatsApp and iMessage send messages and calls over the internet, so they do use your mobile data when you're not on Wi-Fi.

  The good news: text messages use a tiny amount of data (just a few kilobytes each). Voice and video calls use more — roughly **1–3 MB per minute** depending on quality.

  To keep usage low, switch to voice notes or text instead of video calls when you're on the go.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Does my plan include calls or SMS?">
  eBanano plans are **data-only**. They don't include traditional phone calls or SMS text messages.

  For calls and texts, you have two great options:

  * Keep your **home SIM active** in your phone alongside your eBanano eSIM — your regular number stays reachable for calls and texts.
  * Use **internet-based apps** like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or Signal for messaging and calls over data.

  Either way, you're covered!
</Accordion>

<Info>
  eBanano plans are data-only — traditional calls and SMS are not included. Keep your regular SIM active for calls and texts, or use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime over your eBanano data connection.
</Info>

## Related Articles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Top Up Data" icon="bolt" href="/using-esim/top-up">
    Running low? Add more data to your existing plan in just a few taps — no new eSIM needed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Switching Networks" icon="shuffle" href="/using-esim/switching-networks">
    Learn how to set eBanano as your default data SIM while keeping your home number active.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>