Whether you are a full-time traveler or a remote worker, you need reliable internet everywhere. As a remote worker and aspiring nomad, I am reliant on safe and fast wifi to get my work done. If you grow up with technology, your life is probably on your laptop or phone. Miine definitely is! That is why it is essential to be able to access all your information whenever you need it, whether that is your banking information, work documents, or cloud storage. I will share my top 7 options for having the best WiFi for travel, regardless of the location. All these options are fantastic, but if you are a nomad, you must utilize backup options.
You’ll learn about the best portable wifi for international travel, portable wifi for travel, portable wifi for travel unlimited data, and portable wifi hotspot for travel.
After reading this post, you will know about the best portable wifi for travel to quickly and safely access all your virtual information.
This post is about the best WiFi for Travel that all nomads need to know about before starting their journey to becoming nomads!
The Best WiFi for Travel Options
Travel WiFi Options for All Types of Travel
Traveling with Cellular Data for Wifi
The easiest way to access Wi-Fi is to use your smartphone. Almost everyone has their cell phone with them at all times, which makes it convenient. However, there are some drawbacks to using your phone, so I don’t suggest making it your primary source of Wi-Fi while you travel. You can get charged roaming fees. Plans with unlimited hotspot data are usually expensive and, honestly, too slow for the price! If you travel internationally, you’ll have to upgrade to an international plan, which means you will pay more.
Google Fi is a good option for nomads who travel globally. The service rates are reasonably priced. You can get plans starting as low as $35 for a couple. Obviously, that is the most basic plan so that it will be very limited. Google Fi has lots of other options for every budget.
When Traveling Research WiFi Accommodation
If you need a good WiFi connection, then you need to Look for hotels, hostels, or rentals that offer complimentary Wi-Fi. In this day and age, you would think that everyone does, but they don’t. So, it’s one for you to do some research before you book your stay. You should also check the reviews to see what previous guests say about the WiFi. I highly recommend contacting the facility directly to ask about the WiFi speed, quality, and reliability. You can even ask them to do a speed test, especially if you stay for an extended period.
Questions to ask before booking:
- “Can you run a WiFi speed test?”
- “Are there any limits to how much I can use?”
- “Is the Wifi complementary?”
- “How reliable it s the WiFi?”
Wi-Fi Finder App is a Must When Traveling
The most important app you can have when traveling is a Wi-Fi finder! These apps can help you locate nearby places with free or paid Wi-Fi access. They are straightforward and convenient to use when you are desperate for a WiFi connection.
Even though WiFi finders can be helpful, they aren’t always accurate because they depend on users updating the maps. For that reason, I have downloaded two different applications to my device. WiFi-finding apps are free but come with ads, so sometimes, they can get annoying. Keep in mind that if you use this to find free Wi-Fi, hackers do as well. Yes, it is convenient, but be careful when connecting to public WiFi, especially if your livelihood depends on your device.
When traveling, especially if you do it full-time, you should be very cautious when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Consider purchasing a virtual private network (VPN) for extra security measures. A VPN will protect your personal information and data privacy. The most popular VPNs that nomads use are Surfshark and NordVPN because of their speed, price, and privacy.
WiFi Options for Full-Time International Travelers
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots for WiFi Travel
Portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices are so important when traveling full-time because you need to be able to access the internet anywhere. Other names for Portable WiFi hotspots are pocket Wi-Fi, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, or Mi-Fi devices. These tiny devices are like your personal router. They use cellular data networks to provide wireless internet connection on multiple devices.
Portable hotspots can be a more cost-effective and reliable option for travel Wi-Fi. People tend to use roaming data, which adds up over time, especially if you are a full-time traveler. Most portable hotspot devices usually have flat rates or affordable data packages for international use, helping travelers avoid expensive roaming charges or data plans. Pocket Wi-Fis provides a secure connection, which is the most significant advantage, especially for digital nomads. You need to be able to access sensitive information or make online transactions without worrying that you will be hacked, and that is what a Mi-Fi will do for you on your trip.
Before purchasing a Portable Wi-Fi hotspot, consider a few things. The devices have limited coverage areas because they rely on cellular data networks for connectivity. If there isn’t cell service in that area, your device won’t work. Most Mi-Fi are battery-powered devices, and low battery will affect their performance, which can slow down your connectivity. If you purchase a Mi-Fi, make sure you consistently charge it.
If you choose to purchase one of these devices, I recommend a Solis Hotspot Device or an EZ Mobile device. They are both really popular among Nomads.
Mi-Fi devices are a convenient and flexible solution for digital nomads, business professionals, and travelers. These devices allow you to safely access the internet in areas where Wi-Fi access may be limited or unavailable.
WiFi for Travel eSim Cards
Another great option for accessing WiFi while traveling the world is embedded SIMs, more popularly known as eSIMs. These are digital SIM cards embedded directly into your device. These digital cards allow the user to access services anywhere around the world. You can also manage your mobile network subscriptions virtually and switch to local carriers or plans because no physical SIM card is required. Nomads and frequent travelers love to use eSims because they are flexible and convenient. Because it is digitally accessed, you don’t need to log around an extra device.
ESims are a cost-effective option for travelers and a great addition to any other Travel for WiFi option you choose. Many companies offer eSIMS at competitive rates, so you can customize your data plan to fit your budget and international needs. Some eSIM service options include pay-as-you-go, prepaid, or subscription-based. By utilizing an eSIM service, you can avoid roaming charges and purchasing a local SIM card. As a nomad, you will be able to save money on mobile connectivity while using reliable internet access.
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Before purchasing an eSIM card, ensure your device is compatible with this technology. Although most newer devices can use eSIMS, not all do. Your coverage with eSIM cards varies depending on the region, mobile carrier support, and device compatibility. Even if you have the digital card installed, it may be compatible with something other than local companies. Security concerns exist because everything is done virtually in eSIMs, so all your personal information and network credentials are stored on your eSIM profile. This makes it more susceptible to security breaches and hacking.
Even though there are some concerns with eSIM technology, there are many advantages for frequent travel users. Using eSIMs, Nomads can stay connected everywhere they go, allowing them to explore new places while confidently pursuing their professional endeavors.
Van Lifers and Sailors WiFi Travel Options
Starlink is Perfect for Traveling with Your Own Transportation
You’ve probably heard of Starlink by SpaceX, but if not, it’s a fantastic option for WiFi when traveling as a van lifer or boater. Starlink’s goal is to provide access to high-speed internet in remote areas worldwide. Space X uses a network of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit and ground stations equipped with laser communication technology to transmit high-speed internet to users.
There are a few things to consider before choosing this option. You will have to buy bulky hardware, so it is only accessible to people who stay in one place for a long time or have enough space for the equipment. The other thing to take into consideration is the cost of Starlink. Four different service plans, each with recommended hardware, start at $500. Once you purchase the device, you must sign up for monthly plans ranging from $120 at the low end to $250. Although Starlink is trying to have worldwide coverage, some locations are limited.
Most of the time, you will have reliable internet, but you will still need a backup option because SpaceX is still limited in certain areas of the world due to technology and local laws.
WiFi While Traveling North America with a Portable Router
A great way to stay connected is to use a portable travel router. You can use an Ethernet connection with a portable router to create a secure private Wi-Fi network. A router will allow you to connect multiple devices without compromising your internet speed.
Connecten is an internet service provider that allows you to stay connected to WiFi anywhere in the United States and Canada. Their portable routers can connect to all major carriers, so you can use fast internet anywhere you go. Connecten routers can connect to the strongest carrier around.
Connecten offers a variety of plans, so there is something that will fit your travel WiFi needs. This secure internet option is excellent for van lifers or people who plan to stay in one location for a while.
