Picture this: you’re finally living the digital nomad dream. You’ve escaped the confines of your cubicle, traded your daily commute for breathtaking views, and you’re working from a charming café overlooking the Mediterranean… but then, disaster strikes. Your internet connection drops out mid-call, leaving you scrambling for a stable signal.
Finding reliable, high-speed internet is crucial for remote workers, but it can be a challenge when you’re exploring new destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just starting out, this guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge to stay connected no matter where your work takes you.
Understanding Your Internet Needs
Before you pack your bags, it’s important to assess your internet requirements. Consider the following:
- What type of work do you do? Video conferencing, large file uploads, and graphic-intensive tasks demand a much faster and more stable connection than simply checking emails.
- What are your internet usage habits? Do you rely heavily on video calls, streaming, or online gaming? These activities consume a lot of bandwidth and require a robust connection.
- How much can you afford to spend on internet access? Internet costs can vary significantly depending on location and provider.
Researching Your Destination
Once you have a clear understanding of your internet needs, it’s time to research your destination.
Utilize Online Resources:
- Nomad List: A comprehensive database of cities worldwide, ranked by internet speed, cost of living, and other factors important to remote workers.
- Speedtest.net: Check average internet speeds in your chosen location and compare providers.
- Coworker.com: Discover coworking spaces in your destination, many of which offer reliable, high-speed internet access.
Check Online Forums and Reviews:
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/digitalnomad and r/remotework are treasure troves of information from experienced remote workers.
- Facebook Groups: Join digital nomad or expat groups specific to your destination for real-time advice and recommendations.
Contact Accommodation Providers:
Don’t hesitate to contact potential hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnb hosts to inquire about their internet speed and reliability.
Internet Speed Test
Choosing the Right Internet Option
You’ve done your research and you’re ready to choose an internet option. Here are some popular choices for remote workers:
Coworking Spaces
- Pros: Typically offer fast, reliable internet, a dedicated workspace, and networking opportunities.
- Cons: Can be expensive, may have limited hours of operation.
Mobile Hotspot
- Pros: Portable, convenient, works in most locations with cell service.
- Cons: Data limits can be restrictive, speed can be inconsistent, may be expensive for long-term use.
Local SIM Cards
- Pros: Often the most affordable option, especially for short stays, good coverage in many countries.
- Cons: May require unlocking your phone, can be tricky to set up in some countries.
Public Wi-Fi (Use with Caution!)
- Pros: Widely available, often free.
- Cons: Rarely secure, speeds can be slow and unreliable.
Invest in a Portable Router
A portable router can enhance your internet experience by:
- Boosting weak signals: Amplify existing Wi-Fi signals for better range and performance.
- Creating a secure network: Protect your data from security risks on public Wi-Fi.
- Connecting multiple devices: Share a single internet connection with your laptop, phone, and tablet.
Tips for Staying Connected on the Go
Here are a few extra tips to ensure a seamless online experience:
- Download important files in advance. This is especially important for large presentations or videos you’ll need offline.
- Have a backup plan. Consider a mobile hotspot or local SIM card as a backup in case your primary internet connection fails.
- Use a VPN. A virtual private network encrypts your internet traffic and protects your data on public Wi-Fi.
- Be mindful of peak hours. Internet speeds can slow down during peak usage times.
- Be patient. Finding reliable internet in a new location can take time and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations.
Conclusion
Finding fast and reliable internet is essential for remote workers to thrive in the digital age. By understanding your needs, researching your destination thoroughly, and choosing the right internet options, you can stay connected, productive, and enjoy the freedom of working from anywhere in the world. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable remote work experience. Now, go forth and conquer the world, one gigabit at a time!
SaleBestseller No. 1
GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router, AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Network, IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3, 128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode, Router for Public Use
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
Bestseller No. 2
TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X | Easy Public WiFi Sharing | Hotel/RV/Travel Approved | Phone WiFi Tether | USB C Powered | Multi-Mode | Tether App | Durable Design
- 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 - TL-WR1502X delivers fast wireless speed (1201 Mbps on 5 GHz, 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) for uninterrupted video streaming, downloading, and online gaming all at the same time.
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - The TL-WR1502X, measuring a compact 4.09 in. × 3.54 in. × 1.10 in., is a pocket-sized travel router perfect for your next trip or adventure. With no moving parts, it's built for long-lasting portability. Its small size ensures easy, travel-friendly storage.
Bestseller No. 3
TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC) - Support Multiple Modes, WiFi Router/Hotspot/Bridge/Range Extender/Access Point/Client Modes, Dual Band WiFi, 1 USB 2.0 Port
- Travel Sized Design: Conveniently small and light to pack and take on the road, creating Wi Fi network via Ethernet
- Dual Band AC750 Wi Fi: Strong, fast connection for HD streaming on all your devices
SaleBestseller No. 4
GL.iNet GL-AXT1800(Slate AX) Portable Gigabit Travel Router, Pocket-Sized, Wi-Fi 6, Extender/Repeater for Hotel&Public Network Storage, VPN Client&Server, OpenWrt, Adguard Home, USB3.0, TF Card Slot
- 【AXT1800 WiFi 6 Wireless Router】Slate AX offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection with a dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz). Enhance Wi-Fi performance with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS color and able to connect to up to 120 devices simultaneously.
- 【Fast and Secure Browsing】IPv6 supported; OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, OpenVPN speed up to 120 Mbps; WireGuard speed up to 550 Mbps. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
SaleBestseller No. 5
GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Portable Travel Router, Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router, with OpenVPN & Wireguard for Public & Hotel Wi-Fi Use, Suitable for Cruise/RV/Airplane/Hotel
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
Bestseller No. 6
GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2(Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN WiFi Router - Access Point/Extender/WDS | OpenWrt | 2 x Ethernet Ports | OpenVPN/Wireguard VPN | USB 2.0 | 128MB RAM
- 【WIRELESS MOBILE MINI TRAVEL ROUTER】 Convert a public network (wired or wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. Tethering. Powered by any laptop USB, power banks or 5V/2A DC adapters (sold separately). 39g (1.41 Oz) only, portable and pocket friendly. 2.4GHz ONLY
- 【OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMMABLE】 OpenWrt pre-installed, USB disk extendable.
Bestseller No. 7
SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot, Local & International Coverage Router, Multi-Carrier Access, No Contract or SIM Card Required, 10 Connected Devices, 1GB/Month Lifetime Data
- Portable WiFi Hotspot for Travel: Experience seamless connectivity with the Solis Lite, your pocket-friendly companion that offers secure and reliable mobile WiFi hotspot coverage in over 135 countries. Ideal as a hotspot device for your global adventures or business trips. But that's not all; with every Solis hotspot, we're thrilled to include our groundbreaking Lifetime Data* plan, which features 1GB of Global Data per month for the life of your hotspot.
- SIMO’s virtual, multi-carrier network, includes all the major carriers, so you can work, learn, or play from anywhere. Stay connected domestically or abroad with your personal Wi-Fi hotspot and Solis’ fast, reliable mobile data in over 135 countries around the world. Global and Domestic Wi-Fi plans available.
Bestseller No. 8
RoamWiFi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router, Worldwide Portable High Speed Hotspot with US 10GB & Global 1GB Data 30Day,No SIM Card Needed,Pocket Hotspot for Travel in 160+ Countries
- 1GB Global data plus 10GB local data 30day – RoamWiFi R10 Mobile Hotspot router comes with 10GB local data that can be used in USA plus 1GB global data that can be used in all our supported countries (over 160 countries and regions)
- Home & Travel Essential – Support for travel abroad, self-driving tours, family gatherings or international business negotiations. You can use the secure network we provide you to meet your network needs in different scenarios, whether it is at the airport, hotel, highway or at home
Bestseller No. 9
Amazon eero mesh WiFi router
- FAST STANDALONE ROUTER - The eero mesh WiFi router brings up to 1,500 sq. ft. of fast, reliable WiFi to your home.
- WORKS WITH ALEXA- With eero and an Alexa device (not included), you can easily manage wifi access for network profiles to take focus away from screens and back to what’s important.
Bestseller No. 10
TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR802N) - WiFi Bridge/Range Extender/Access Point/Client Modes, Mobile in Pocket
- Pocket sized Wireless N router Travels effortlessly
- Quickly create a secure Wi Fi hotspot to Share with family and friends; External Power Supply 5V/1A
