As a Filipino digital nomad, reliable internet is the lifeblood of my remote work setup. No matter where in the world I am – whether I’m sipping coffee in Ho Chi Minh City or exploring the markets of Istanbul – I need steady Wi-Fi to get my freelance tasks done and keep my travel plans running smoothly! Let me share my tried-and-tested internet hacks to help you stay connected and productive without breaking the bank. Want to learn how to become a digital nomad like me? Check out our eBook: The A-Z on How to Become a Digital Nomad! It’s your ultimate guide to starting your remote work journey and living the nomad life you’ve always dreamed of! Portable Wi-Fi Devices (Pocket Wi-Fi) I remember my first big trip to Japan. I was so worried about connectivity that I ended up renting a portable Wi-Fi device right at the airport. It saved me from the hassle of searching for public hotspots every time I needed to send a crucial email or check Google Maps. Device Options: Portable Wi-Fi hotspots and pocket Wi-Fi devices come from brands like Skyroam, Tep, and GlocalMe. These typically work in multiple countries, so you won’t have to switch devices when crossing borders. Pros: You can often connect several devices at once, which is perfect if you’re traveling with a group or carrying multiple gadgets. Cons: The upfront or rental cost can be higher than local SIMs, and battery life can vary. Some packages may have daily data caps. Pro Tip: If you’re planning a short visit to a specific country (like 1-2 weeks), renting a local pocket Wi-Fi at the airport can be cost-effective. But if you’re bouncing around multiple destinations, an international device may be a better long-term investment. Local SIM Card Options I learned early on that local SIM cards are often the most affordable way to stay connected. In countries like Thailand or Vietnam, a freelancer like you can grab a tourist visa SIM for just a few dollars and enjoy heaps of data for your daily work and social media updates. Research Before You Fly: I usually Google “best local SIM card [destination]” to compare offers. Some SIMs are only sold to residents, but many countries offer short-term tourist SIMs with generous data allowances. ID Requirements: Most countries require you to show your passport when buying a SIM. In some, you might even need to register your biometric data, so keep your ID handy. Data Packages: Check if the SIM supports tethering (hotspot) so you can connect your laptop or other devices. Pro Tip: I like to keep my Philippine SIM in a dual-SIM phone (or an old phone) to stay reachable by my family and local banking services, while using a local SIM for cheap data in my main phone. Traveling soon and need a hassle-free option?Try Yesim, an eSIM solution that lets you stay connected without the need for physical SIM cards! With Yesim, you can activate data plans instantly in multiple countries, making it perfect for digital nomads. Use my code KATRIN8414 for an exclusive discount! Regional Insights Southeast Asia I spend a lot of time in Southeast Asia, and let me tell you, data is relatively cheap here! Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia offer tourist-friendly packages with unlimited data for a fraction of what you’d pay in more developed regions. Finding SIMs: They’re sold in airports, cafe stalls, 7-Elevens, and even street stalls. Public Wi-Fi: Cafés and coworking spaces usually have decent speeds, but always test it out before settling in for a work session. Europe Europe can be trickier because prices and data caps vary by country. However, once you have a SIM card from an EU member country, you can roam with it across other EU countries at no extra cost (thanks to EU roaming regulations). Multi-Country SIMs: Some providers market specific “roam like at home” deals tailored to travelers. Coworking Spaces: I’m a fan of checking coworker.com or WeWork for day passes, especially in big hubs like Barcelona, Lisbon, or Berlin. Reliable speeds but costs can add up, so budget accordingly. North & South America North America: The U.S. has notoriously expensive phone plans, but T-Mobile and Mint Mobile sometimes have decent deals for short stays. Canada can be even pricier, so I rely on public Wi-Fi or a reliable pocket Wi-Fi device. South America: SIM cards in countries like Colombia or Brazil can be super cheap. Look for local carriers with good high-speed internet in rural areas if you’re off to explore Machu Picchu or Patagonia. Middle East & Africa Data can get expensive in the Middle East, especially in places like the UAE. For Africa, coverage can be spotty in rural regions, so pocket Wi-Fi devices or international SIM cards might be your best bet. Research your specific destination and check traveler forums for firsthand tips. Tips for Finding Reliable Internet Anywhere Ask Around: Fellow digital nomads and expats are gold mines of local info. Join Facebook groups or Telegram channels to get real-time advice on the best data packages or pocket Wi-Fi rentals. Speed Test: Once you have a SIM or log onto public Wi-Fi, run a test to check internet speeds (e.g., speedtest.net or fast.com) to see if it’s viable for video calls or large file uploads. Coworking Passes: Websites like Coworker or Deskpass allow you to book daily or weekly coworking passes in different cities. I do this if I need a quiet, stable environment for an important call. I’ve found that cities like Cebu often have great options with fast wifi at affordable rates. VPNs: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, so use a trusted VPN (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN) to protect sensitive data like bank transactions. Backup Plans: Always have a Plan B. If you’re attending a critical Zoom meeting, verify that your pocket Wi-Fi or phone’s data are charged and ready to go in case the café’s internet conks out. Another Pro Tip: Unreliable internet