Digital nomad internet options are a dime a dozen these days. In countries like Mexico, digital nomads in certain regions can even enjoy internet access right from the beach.
But what if you’re not at the beach, or if public networks aren’t speedy enough for you?
The needs of each digital nomad vary greatly, as do the jobs that power their travel, the level of connection they need and time spent in each country.
All of these factors mean that internet can be a source of frustration for digital nomads and remote workers in general. But there’s an easy solution to staying connected: prepaid eSIM data.
eSIM data vs. digital nomad internet options
Digital nomad internet option #1: Public Wi-Fi
The number of large, international cities with public Wi-Fi is steadily growing. These networks can often work for basic scrolling, but don’t necessarily work for everyone in need of a steady, strong connection.
When was the last time a video call truly worked on public Wi-Fi, if ever? Chances are your call drop at least once (and likely more).
The other issue with public Wi-Fi as digital nomad internet options is its general lack of security. For anyone using them, and especially those of us working in security-conscious feels, this can pose a serious risk. eSIM data, by contrast, is always private to you and your devices connected to it. More on that in a minute.
For those sticking with Wi-Fi, we’d recommend making use of apps that help find public Wi-Fi (Instabridge, Wi-Fi Finder + Map, Wi-Fi Space). And, when you’ve found some spots, use a network speed test app (Meteor, SpeedTest Master) to test their speed.
For those looking to carry their Wi-Fi connection with them (and use it across multiple devices), consider using unlocked (not tied to a specific carrier) hotspot hardware like the Netgear Nighthawk M6. This hardware will support more devices than your phone’s hotspot, will save its battery and can keep many different devices connected (tablets, cameras and so many others).
And for Wi-Fi safety, using a VPN (NordVPN, IPVanish, ExpressVPN) will help keep your connection secure while using public networks.
Digital nomad internet option #2: Wi-Fi at home
The next choice on most people’s list of internet options is likely getting your own at-home Wi-Fi connection. But key to being a digital nomad is, well, being a nomad! Nomadic lives don’t tend to jive well with home Wi-Fi, contracts and unwanted fees.
Prepaid eSIM data, by contrast, comes without contracts or hidden fees. Let’s look at it as our final digital nomad internet options consideration.
Digital nomad internet option #3: Prepaid eSIM data
Having your own private source of data is likely the best among these digital nomad internet options. And the easiest way to get one is with prepaid eSIM data.
How to buy prepaid data
Get the free aloSIM app, and make a profile. Then follow these three steps:
- Browse and buy your data package.
- Install your data before you leave.
- Activate your data after you arrive.
Digital nomad destinations to consider
- Indonesia (hello Bali!)
Get the most out of your data
There are a few factors to consider when learning how to get the most out of your data. A big one is to make sure your eSIM data provider has hotspotting/tethering enabled (many don’t).
If you do choose to use prepaid eSIM data, check if your carrier throttles data (slows down your connection on purpose) after a certain amount of data is used.Data throttling is one of the reasons why unlimited data is often not as unlimited as it sounds.
But, when you buy a package and top it up when you need more data, your connection will pick up where it left off. This essentially creates an unlimited data connection. With aloSIM, for example, topping up takes just a few seconds (get the app and top up there, or online at aloSIM.com).
And remember—never delete that eSIM, friend! They never expire, and you can use it again when you revisit that country again someday.
