So you want to be a digital nomad?
You want to travel the world and experience new cultures all while working remotely so you can actually support your [healthy] travel addiction. It’s a great life but you have to go into it prepared.
One of the most crucial (and sometimes difficult) parts of being a digital nomad is reliably connecting to Wi-Fi so you can get your work done. This article aims to reveal some awesome hacks that will help you stay connected and get your work done even in the most distant corners of the world.
First…do your homework
Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just beginning your journey, it’s extremely important that you do your research before heading off to a new place. Do not assume your internet connection will just work itself out. Here are some things to look into.
- Do a search online and through digital nomad/expat forums to gain an understanding of the reliability of local internet providers in your location of choice.
- Data providers. Dive into the nitty gritty of your mobile data provider. Make sure you understand the coverage and speed you are signing up for as this will frequently be your backup plan if (more like when) internet is unavailable. We’ll get into that more later.
- Find the right accommodations. Do NOT just book that Airbnb because it looks cute. Remember, you are not just there to travel. You have to support yourself financially too and that means you need internet. We recommend you look for properties (hotels, hostels, and rentals) that emphasize their high-speed Wi-Fi as a main asset. Don’t just take their word for it, though. Be sure to do a deep dive into reviews mentioning Wi-Fi from fellow travelers.
Look outside the house. Wi-Fi in hostels and Airbnbs etc. can be dodgy (and you might want to get out of the house sometimes), so check into the availability of cafes and coworking spaces that offer high-speed internet access.
Then…use the resources modern technology provides
Invest in a quality mobile data plan
As mentioned above, it’s vital that you do some research on your current mobile plan. You want to make sure it offers ample coverage in the place/places you plan on setting up shop. You also want to sign up for the proper amount of data. This is important not only to stay connected to humans (family, your boss, etc.) but also in order to use your cell phone’s hotspot to connect to the internet. Generally speaking, you will need about 1 GB of data per hour of hotspot use (JUST hotspot use). So do the math and make sure that your plan can support your current workload. If it doesn’t, purchase a different one.
Consider a mobile hotspot
While a cellular hotspot is sufficient for many digital nomads, you might want to take things one step further and invest in a mobile hotspot. Like your phone’s hotspot, mobile hotspots pull internet from nearby cell towers but they tend to pull a stronger connection and have the added benefit of being able to connect to multiple devices. Plus, you won’t be running your cell phone battery down while you use it. As with your phone’s hotspot, it is important to look into the plan you sign up for as this will limit the amount of data you can use to connect to the internet.
Products like GlocalMe’s G4 Pro 4G LTE hotspot offer pay-as-you-go plans, which contributes to making it one of our top picks for mobile hot spots. It also works in over 140 countries and its touch screen makes it super user-friendly.
Pack a travel router
Travel routers are the cat's pajamas for those of you who don’t want to rely on cellular data for Wi-Fi. Travel routers pull internet connection from public networks and deliver it to your devices. They allow you to connect multiple devices to the internet and aren’t any more cumbersome than a travel hotspot. One downside is that you will need to sign into a nearby Wi-Fi network or pay for a connection. That being said, you will not have to pay for a plan to use your router. Once you buy the device, you’re good to go.
We have been really excited about the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router. Not only can it connect to up to 120 devices (at the same time!) but it offers a super-fast connection and built-in security features to keep your connection safe. It also features a built-in repeater, a technology that extends an existing Wi-Fi signal so you can pick them up from a greater distance. It’s also got a great battery life and has several ports (USB-C, USB-3, and more) so you can plug your other devices into it if they’re running low on battery.
Starlink Roam
If you’re really serious about staying connected in the farthest corners of the world (or even out on the open ocean!), Starlink is for you. It’s a nifty contraption that plugs into a power source, points up at the sky, and funnels high-speed satellite internet right to you. One thing to note about satellite internet (through Starlink or otherwise) is that connection can get a little spotty in difficult weather conditions. There also aren’t endless numbers of satellites out there, so connection can be a tad spotty depending on where you are under the stars. Other than that, though, Starlink is pretty much a digital nomad’s dream.
Opt for their Starlink Roam. It’s a relatively compact device but still gets you the same connection as their more heavy-duty models. Hardware for Starlink Roam starts at around $600 and you have to pay a monthly fee of $150 for their most basic plan. We know. It’s a little pricy, but the good thing about Starlink’s rates is that you can pause and un-pause your subscription at any time. So, you can opt to use it only when you know none of the other options listed above will work.
Always have something to do offline
So you did all the homework, got the killer data plan, and have all of the technology but, for whatever reason, you can’t get a connection. These moments will happen at some point (likely somewhat frequently) in your career as a digital nomad. That’s why it is always important to have something you can work on offline at all times. What that thing is will, of course, depend on what kind of work you do, but it’s good to come up with a game plan for no-internet moments so that you can stay productive.
A side note on VPNs
While we are on the subject of Wi-Fi, one thing to keep in mind when you are working as a digital nomad is that Wi-Fi networks are not always secure. By joining such networks, you risk exposing your data to ill-willed entities that could do anything from steal your credit card information to steal your identity. No fun. A VPN helps you get around that. It also allows you to disguise your location and access regional content. We have been loving ExpressVPN. It’s trustworthy, reliable, and just under $7 per month (depending on your plan).
Exploring the world and having the ability to support yourself financially while you do it is pretty unbeatable. We live in a world where, if you want that life, having consistent access to the internet is almost always crucial. So set yourself up for success by using these tips and tricks. Guess what? Now that you’ve read this post, you are one step closer to your dream life. Happy travels!