Worried about running out of data while you're traveling on an eSIM? Here's the short answer first: with Bloomy eSIM, you can add more data to the eSIM you're already using through a top-up (data add-on). The advantage of a top-up is that it usually costs less and takes less effort than buying a brand-new eSIM. And if you turn on auto-recharge, data is added automatically when you're running low, at an even more discounted price. In this article, we'll break down how top-ups and auto-recharge work, how they differ from a new purchase, how to read the pricing, the steps to do it, and a few things to keep in mind — all in plain terms for first-time users (information current as of June 2026; prices and plans may change, so please check the live display on the comparison page for the latest details).
- A top-up lets you add data to the eSIM you're already using
- Top-ups are discounted versus a new purchase, with no re-setup needed
- Auto-recharge adds even more savings and helps prevent running out
- Data-only — no phone number, calls or SMS; app calls like WhatsApp can work over data
- As a rough guide, plan for a few hundred MB to 2GB per day, and add with some buffer
What is a top-up (data add-on)?
A top-up is a feature that lets you add more data or more days to the eSIM you're currently using. There's no need to buy a new eSIM, scan a QR code, and set everything up again. Just a few taps from My Account and you're done — you keep using the same eSIM.
Whether you're traveling, studying abroad, or on a long stay, it's common to think "I used more data than I expected" or "I just need a little more for the next few days." Between maps, translation, sharing photos and videos, and video calls, data tends to run down faster than you'd think. That's exactly where a top-up helps — you can extend your data without interrupting your connection.
Why a top-up is more cost-effective than buying new
Bloomy top-ups can be added at a discount off the new-purchase price. Because you're adding to an eSIM you already have, it's an easy way to keep costs down compared with buying a new one. On top of that, a new purchase often involves the kind of "redo" steps below — with a top-up, you can skip all of them.
- No need to install a new eSIM (no QR code scanning)
- No line switching or re-setup — keep going on the same eSIM
- Avoid cluttering your device with multiple eSIMs that get hard to manage
It suits not only people who "want to keep it affordable," but also those who "want to reduce the worry of losing connection partway through." The actual discount varies by country and plan, so please check the live price table further down.
Auto-recharge: even better value, with less worry about running out
Auto-recharge is a setting that "automatically adds data when you're running low." With it turned on, top-ups become even more discounted, and you're less likely to lose connection without having to keep checking your remaining balance yourself. Abroad, suddenly losing access to maps or translation right when your data runs out can quickly make things inconvenient. Auto-recharge works like a safety net that helps prevent those "oops, I ran out" moments.
If "being charged automatically" makes you uneasy, no worries — you can switch auto-recharge ON or OFF anytime from My Account. The design makes it easy to choose what fits you: turn it ON for long stays or if checking your balance often is a hassle, or leave it OFF and top up manually if you're on a short trip and want to use up a set amount.
New purchase vs. top-up vs. auto-recharge at a glance
| Method | Pricing guide | Re-setup (QR) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| New purchase | Standard price | Required | About to travel / need an eSIM for a different country |
| Top-up (manual) | Discounted vs. new | Not needed | Want to add only when you run short during your stay |
| Auto-recharge | Discounted further vs. top-up | Not needed | Don't want to lose connection / want to skip checking your balance |
As the table shows, if you're adding data during a stay on an eSIM you already use, a top-up beats buying new, and auto-recharge is the most cost-effective if you'd rather not keep checking. The actual difference depends on the country, data amount, and number of days, so the surest way is to check the price table below.
Real top-up pricing (example: South Korea)
The table below compares new-purchase price, top-up price, and auto-recharge price using plans available in South Korea as an example (live prices shown as of the time of viewing, taxes included where applicable). The amounts shown update automatically to the latest figures. The same structure applies to other countries and regions, with top-up and auto-recharge discounts.
[bloomy_price_table code="kr" name="South Korea" topup="1"]Traveling somewhere other than South Korea? From the comparison page you can check plans and pricing by country, data amount, and number of days. If you're curious about which local network a given country's eSIM connects to, take a look at What are "supported networks" for travel eSIMs? Choosing by the local carrier you connect to as well.
How much should you add? A rough data guide
If you're unsure how much more to add, here's a rough guide. Actual usage varies a lot depending on how you use your phone and your network conditions, so please treat this as a reference only (real consumption goes up or down based on the apps you use and your quality settings).
- Mostly maps, quick searches, and messaging apps (e.g. WhatsApp): often fits within a few hundred MB to about 1GB per day
- Frequently sharing photos/videos or using social media: planning for around 1GB per day is a safe bet
- Lots of video streaming or video calls: can reach 2GB or more per day
The trick is to multiply your remaining days by the daily guide above, then add a little extra buffer. If you're unsure, it's perfectly fine to add a smaller amount first and top up again if you fall short. And if topping up repeatedly feels like a chore, turning on auto-recharge will extend your data automatically.
How to top up (3 easy steps)
- Log in to My Account and open the eSIM you want
- From "Add data," choose the data amount and number of days you'd like to add
- Complete the payment and you're done (turn on auto-recharge to add data automatically — at a discount — from then on)
The data you add is applied directly to the eSIM you're already using. There's no new QR code to scan and no line to swap, so the process stays simple even somewhere with a shaky signal. For a detailed walkthrough, the setup guide is also helpful.
Things to keep in mind when topping up
Top-ups are convenient, but there are a few points worth knowing for peace of mind. To avoid trouble, check the following.
- Data-only service. Bloomy plans are basically data-only and do not include a phone number, SMS, or voice calls. If you need SMS verification or a phone number, please also look into other options. App-based calls such as WhatsApp may work wherever you have a working data connection.
- Available data amounts and durations vary by plan. Options and discounts differ by country and plan, so please check what's shown before you buy.
- Connection speed depends on the local network, area, and congestion. Even after adding data, speeds may be limited in areas with weak signal or during busy times.
- Mind the expiry. The validity of added data follows the plan's conditions. We recommend adding with an eye on the balance between your remaining days and data.
If a top-up doesn't seem to go through or isn't reflected, try toggling airplane mode on and off or restarting your device, then check what to do when you can't connect. If that still doesn't resolve it, you can reach us via Contact.
What you can do with Bloomy (next steps)
The beauty of a top-up is that even when you run short, you can add data affordably on the same eSIM. If you want to avoid running out during a longer stay, turning on auto-recharge lets you use your eSIM with confidence. If you're still choosing where to go, start with the comparison page to find a plan by country, data amount, and number of days. If you want plenty of data, considering an unlimited plan is one option too (unlimited plans may also have usage conditions and a fair-use policy, so please check the terms before purchasing). To add data to an eSIM you've already bought, head to My Account.
