How to Make Sure You Have Good Internet Access as a Digital Nomad
Having a good internet access is crucial as a digital nomad, but it’s not a given everywhere you go. Here’s what digital nomads need to know about securing internet.
Having a good internet as a digital nomad is crucial to allow you to be able to work while you travel. But internet and WIFI isn’t a given everywhere you’ll go as a nomad, which is why it’s so important to make sure you have it covered in advance.
Here’s what you need to know to secure good internet as a digital nomad, plus backup tips just in case your go-to service taps out on you.
Check the internet speed at your future residence
Given how important the internet is to your ability to work, this is almost as vital a question as the number of bedrooms and location. Make sure you ask your host about speed upfront and, if they’re unsure, send them a link to software like SpeedTest.net and ask them to send you a screenshot of the results.
In general, a ping time (i.e. reaction time of your internet) of 20 milliseconds or less is great, while a ping between 20 and 100 milliseconds is good.
(Just a heads up: Most mid-term and monthly apartment and coliving space listings on NomadX will tell their WIFI speed upfront. If not, definitely ask.)
Locate a coworking space
This isn’t a bad idea regardless, especially if you enjoy working around other people. But joining a coworking space means you’ll have regular access to reliable internet, just in case the internet at your place goes out. The cost of joining a coworking space can vary by location, but expect to pay at least $100 a month.
Have a hotspot handy
It’s important to have backup internet, which is where this comes into play. A hotspot is a device that allows you to get internet just about anywhere. It connects to the internet with a SIM card.
Use your phone
You won’t want this to be your go-to source for internet, since it can eat up data and your battery life pretty quickly. It’s also better to do this with a local SIM card, which tends to be more affordable than an international one. (PC Mag has instructions on how to do this, broken down by phone type.)
Keep in mind that internet is more readily available in some places, like Finland, where a free connection is considered a human right. But asking a few quick questions before you travel to a new place, and having backups handy for the just in case will go a long way toward helping you out in the future.
Read also: The 8 Best Digital Nomad Books to Check Out
ABOUT NOMADX
NOMADX is a real estate technology platform developed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing global community of location-independent remote workers, or “Digital Nomads”.
As Digital Nomads ourselves, we know what the market is looking for: trusted, affordable accommodations in highly-attractive locations worldwide at 45% less than AirBNB. We also offer educational masterclasses to help master the lifestyle as well as community events to help foster new friendships.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dave Williams is the CEO and Co-founder of NOMADX with his base in Lisbon, Portugal. Dave is a US pioneer in the digital marketing, advertising, and ad tech industries as a serial digital entrepreneur over the past 20+ years with multiple exits in the early formative stages of the search engine marketing, social media, and ad tech industries.
