Nomad Outfit.
Complete digital nomad WiFi and connectivity guide

The Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected as a Digital Nomad: WiFi, eSIMs, Hotspots & More

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The call dropped mid-sentence. My client's face froze on screen, pixelated into an unrecognizable blur, then vanished entirely. I was in a Bali coworking space that advertised "high-speed WiFi," pitching a $15,000 project. By the time I reconnected—seven agonizing minutes later—she'd moved on to her next meeting. I never heard from her again.

That moment cost me more than the lost contract. It crystallized something I'd been learning the hard way across three years of nomadic life: for digital nomads, connectivity isn't a convenience—it's infrastructure. It's the foundation everything else depends on. Your income, your reputation, your ability to function professionally—all of it collapses the moment your internet does.

Since that Bali disaster, I've obsessively tested every connectivity solution I could find. eSIMs across 40+ countries. Portable hotspots from budget to premium. Travel routers in hotels from Tokyo to Tallinn. I've dropped hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars figuring out what actually works.

This guide is everything I've learned. Whether you're a first-time nomad figuring out the basics or a seasoned remote worker looking to bulletproof your setup, you'll find a connectivity strategy that works for your travel style, budget, and work requirements.

What's in This Guide

  • The Connectivity Landscape in 2026 — How travel internet has evolved and why old solutions don't cut it anymore
  • Understanding Your Options — eSIMs, portable hotspots, travel routers, local SIMs, and roaming explained
  • The Digital Nomad Connectivity Stack — The layered approach I use for reliable internet anywhere
  • Region-Specific Recommendations — What works best in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and restricted countries
  • Essential Hardware — The best devices for staying connected, with specific recommendations
  • Security Essentials — Protecting yourself on public networks
  • Complete Connectivity Packing List — Everything you need, with weights and costs
  • Frequently Asked Questions — Quick answers to common questions

Deep-Dive Guides

Throughout this guide, I'll link to detailed articles on specific topics:

The Connectivity Landscape in 2026

Travel connectivity has transformed dramatically in the past five years. Understanding where we are helps you make smarter choices about where to invest.

The eSIM Revolution

eSIM technology has gone from "early adopter curiosity" to mainstream essential. Most smartphones released since 2020 support eSIM, and provider options have exploded. Where you once had two or three choices, you now have dozens of eSIM providers competing on price, coverage, and features.

This competition is great for nomads. Prices have dropped significantly—you can now get 1GB of data in Europe for under $5, compared to $15+ just a few years ago. Regional plans covering 40+ countries mean you don't need to swap SIMs at every border crossing.

The catch: not all eSIMs are equal. Coverage claims can be misleading, hotspot policies vary wildly, and "unlimited" rarely means unlimited. Navigating these differences is crucial, which is why I wrote a comprehensive guide to the best eSIMs for digital nomads.

5G Goes Global - Sort Of

5G networks are now live in most major cities across Europe, Asia, and North America. When you can access it, the speed difference is remarkable—download speeds that rival home fiber, latency low enough for real-time collaboration.

The reality check: 5G coverage remains patchy outside major urban centers. Rural areas, smaller cities, and much of the developing world are still 4G territory (or worse). And 5G-capable devices and plans cost more. For most nomads, 4G LTE remains the practical baseline.

Why Hotel and Cafe WiFi Falls Short

"Free WiFi" sounds great until you're on a client call and the connection drops because fifty other guests are streaming Netflix. Hotel and cafe networks have fundamental problems:

Shared bandwidth. You're competing with everyone else on the network. Peak hours become unusable.

Inconsistent quality. That coworking space might have blazing internet in the morning and crawl by afternoon.

Security risks. Public networks are hunting grounds for anyone interested in intercepting your traffic. More on this in the security section.

Unreliability. Networks go down. Passwords change. Some places turn off WiFi at certain hours.

None of this means you should avoid public WiFi entirely—it's often your best option for heavy data tasks. But relying on it as your only connection is asking for trouble.

Understanding Your Options

Before building your connectivity strategy, you need to understand what tools are available and what each does best.

eSIMs: The New Default

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of swapping physical cards, you download a data plan through an app and activate it instantly. Most modern smartphones support eSIM alongside a physical SIM slot, giving you dual connectivity options.

Why eSIMs work for nomads:

  • Instant activation. Buy a plan in the airport, activate it before you land.
  • No physical cards to lose. Everything's managed through an app.
  • Easy country-hopping. Regional plans cover multiple countries without swapping.
  • Keep your home number. Your physical SIM stays active for calls and texts.
  • Competitive pricing. Provider competition has driven costs down significantly.

The limitations:

  • Device compatibility. Older phones don't support eSIM.
  • Data only. Most travel eSIMs don't include phone numbers for calls/texts.
  • Hotspot restrictions. Some providers limit or block tethering.
  • Coverage varies. "200 countries" doesn't mean great coverage everywhere.

For most digital nomads, eSIM should be your primary connectivity solution. The question is which provider. I've tested the major options extensively—see my complete eSIM comparison for specific recommendations.

If you're trying to decide between eSIM providers, the Airalo vs Holafly vs Nomad comparison breaks down the three most popular options head-to-head.

Portable WiFi Hotspots: Dedicated Connectivity

A portable WiFi hotspot (also called MiFi or pocket WiFi) is a small, battery-powered device that connects to cellular networks and creates its own WiFi network. You connect your phone, laptop, and other devices to it.

Why hotspots make sense:

  • Multiple device support. Connect your laptop, phone, tablet, and e-reader simultaneously.
  • Dedicated connection. Your bandwidth isn't shared with strangers.
  • Better antennas. Purpose-built devices often get better signal than phones.
  • No phone battery drain. Your phone's battery isn't depleted by data duties.
  • Flexibility. Use any SIM card or carrier, not just eSIM-compatible ones.

The tradeoffs:

  • Another device to carry. More weight, more charging, more to lose.
  • Additional cost. Quality hotspots run $150-$700, plus data plans.
  • Battery management. One more device that can die at the wrong moment.

Hotspots make the most sense for nomads who need to connect multiple devices simultaneously, travel in groups, or work in areas with weak cell coverage where dedicated antennas help.

For specific device recommendations, see my guide to the best portable WiFi hotspots for international travel.

Travel Routers: Extending and Securing WiFi

A travel router is a different beast entirely. Instead of connecting to cellular networks, it connects to existing WiFi (like hotel networks) and creates a private, secure network for your devices.

Why travel routers are underrated:

  • Security layer. Create a private network on public WiFi, run VPN at router level.
  • Extend weak signals. Boost that terrible hotel WiFi to actually usable levels.
  • Connect wired devices. Use the hotel's ethernet port for faster, more stable internet.
  • Consistent network. Your devices auto-connect to your router, not each hotel's network.
  • No cellular costs. Uses existing WiFi, no data plans needed.

The limitations:

  • Requires existing internet. Useless without WiFi or ethernet to connect to.
  • Technical setup. More complex than eSIM or hotspot activation.
  • Can't create internet. If there's no connection available, a router won't help.

Travel routers are ideal for nomads who stay in one location for weeks or months, work from hotels and Airbnbs with existing WiFi, or prioritize security. They complement rather than replace eSIMs and hotspots.

I've tested most major options and detailed my findings in the best travel routers for digital nomads guide.

Local SIM Cards: The Traditional Approach

Before eSIMs, everyone bought local SIM cards upon arrival. You'd find a carrier shop, buy a prepaid SIM, and swap it into your phone.

When local SIMs still make sense:

  • Cheapest option in many countries, especially for longer stays.
  • Phone number included for local calls and texts.
  • Works on older phones that don't support eSIM.
  • Sometimes better coverage from local carriers vs. international roaming partners.

The downsides:

  • Hassle factor. Finding shops, language barriers, activation requirements.
  • SIM management. Swapping cards, keeping track of multiple SIMs.
  • Lose your home number while local SIM is active (unless dual-SIM phone).
  • Country-specific. Need a new SIM for each country.

Local SIMs remain the right choice for extended stays in one country, budget-conscious travelers, and destinations where eSIM coverage is poor.

For a detailed breakdown of when to use each option, see eSIM vs Pocket WiFi vs Local SIM: Which Should You Choose?

International Roaming: When Convenience Wins

Your home carrier probably offers international roaming—using your existing plan abroad, usually at premium rates.

When roaming makes sense:

  • Short trips where convenience beats cost.
  • Carrier deals that include international data (T-Mobile, some Google Fi plans).
  • Emergency backup when other options fail.
  • Phone calls to your home number work normally.

When to avoid:

  • Extended travel. Costs add up fast—$10+/day is common.
  • Data-heavy work. Roaming caps and throttling hurt.
  • Most situations. eSIMs offer similar convenience at a fraction of the cost.

I rarely recommend roaming for full-time nomads, but for occasional travelers or as backup, it has its place. See the detailed international roaming vs eSIM cost comparison for specific numbers.

The Digital Nomad Connectivity Stack

After years of trial and error, I've developed a layered approach to connectivity that's kept me reliably online across four continents. The key insight: no single solution works everywhere, so you need redundancy.

Layer 1: Primary Connection - eSIM

Your eSIM should be your first line of connectivity. It's always with you, activates instantly, and handles 80%+ of your connectivity needs.

Choosing your primary eSIM provider:

| Need | Recommendation | |------|----------------| | Best overall | Airalo — largest coverage, reliable, good app | | Unlimited data | Holafly — truly unlimited, with fair use throttling | | Guaranteed hotspot | Nomad eSIM — tethering works on all plans | | Security features | Saily — built by NordVPN, includes protection | | Budget priority | aloSIM — lowest prices, solid coverage |

My setup: Airalo as primary (widest coverage, best app), with Nomad eSIM as backup for hotspot-critical situations.

Full breakdown: Best eSIMs for Digital Nomads

Layer 2: Secondary Connection - Hotspot or Router

Your secondary layer depends on your travel style:

Choose a portable hotspot if:

  • You frequently work from places with poor WiFi
  • You travel in groups and share connectivity
  • You need maximum independence from existing infrastructure
  • You often work from remote locations

Choose a travel router if:

  • You stay in one location for weeks at a time
  • You primarily work from hotels, Airbnbs, and coworking spaces
  • Security is a top priority
  • You want to extend weak existing WiFi

For most location-independent nomads staying in cities, a travel router provides the best value. For adventure travelers and those in developing regions, a portable hotspot offers more flexibility.

Device recommendations: Best Portable WiFi Hotspots | Best Travel Routers

Layer 3: Backup and Tethering

Even with two layers, stuff happens. Your backup options:

Phone hotspot/tethering. Your eSIM can share its connection with your laptop. Not all eSIM plans allow this—check before you need it. I've written a detailed guide on using eSIM with hotspot tethering for laptop work.

Public WiFi. Coworking spaces, cafes, libraries. Not reliable enough as primary, but works for backup.

Carrier roaming. Keep it disabled normally, but know it's there for emergencies.

Second phone. Some nomads carry a cheap backup phone with a different carrier's SIM. Overkill for most, essential for some.

The Decision Framework

Not sure which stack to build? Use this flowchart:

Question 1: How critical is uptime for your work?

  • Missed meetings cost clients → Full three-layer stack
  • Flexible schedule, can reschedule → Two layers sufficient
  • Very flexible, mostly async work → eSIM alone may work

Question 2: Where are you traveling?

  • Major cities, developed countries → eSIM + travel router
  • Remote areas, developing regions → eSIM + portable hotspot
  • Mix of both → Consider both secondary options

Question 3: What's your budget?

  • Full investment ($400-800 upfront) → Premium hotspot + travel router
  • Moderate ($150-300) → Good travel router OR budget hotspot
  • Minimal - under $100 → eSIM only, rely on public WiFi backup

Region-Specific Recommendations

Connectivity quality varies dramatically by region. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.

Europe

Europe is the easiest continent for digital nomad connectivity. Strong 4G/5G networks blanket most areas, and EU regulations mean one eSIM works across 40+ countries without roaming charges between member states.

What works well:

  • Regional eSIMs with EU coverage
  • Coworking spaces with reliable fiber internet
  • Good mobile coverage even in smaller cities
  • WiFi widely available in cafes and public spaces

What to watch out for:

  • Switzerland and UK are outside EU roaming, requiring separate coverage
  • Rural areas in Southern and Eastern Europe can have spotty coverage
  • Some countries require ID registration for local SIMs

My recommendation: A regional Europe eSIM from Airalo or Holafly covers most needs. Add a travel router for longer stays in one country.

Detailed breakdown: Best eSIMs for Europe

Asia

Asia is a mixed bag. Japan and South Korea have world-class connectivity. Southeast Asia ranges from excellent (Thailand, Vietnam cities) to challenging (rural areas, islands). China adds the complexity of internet restrictions.

What works well:

  • Major cities generally have strong 4G/5G
  • Local SIMs are cheap and widely available
  • High-speed WiFi in most coworking spaces

What to watch out for:

  • China blocks most Western services (Google, social media, many VPNs)
  • Indonesia and Philippines have inconsistent coverage outside major areas
  • Some countries have complex SIM registration requirements

My recommendation: Country-specific eSIMs often outperform regional plans in Asia. For China, prepare VPN and connectivity solutions before arrival.

Detailed breakdown: Best eSIMs for Asia | Staying Connected in Countries with Internet Restrictions

The Americas

North America has solid infrastructure but high prices. Latin America varies widely by country—major cities are usually fine, but rural connectivity can be limited.

North America:

  • Excellent coverage in US and Canada
  • Higher prices than Europe or Asia
  • Good regional eSIM options available

Latin America:

  • Mexico, Colombia, Argentina have strong urban coverage
  • Infrastructure varies significantly by country
  • Local SIMs often cheaper than international eSIMs

My recommendation: For North America, aloSIM's regional plan offers good value. For Latin America, country-specific eSIMs or local SIMs typically beat regional plans.

Countries with Internet Restrictions

Some countries restrict internet access, blocking services or requiring VPN workarounds. Notable examples:

  • China: The Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many VPNs
  • Russia: Increasing restrictions, some VPNs blocked
  • Iran: Heavy filtering of social media and news sites
  • UAE: VoIP services often blocked

For detailed preparation strategies, see How to Stay Connected in Countries with Internet Restrictions.

Essential Hardware

Let's get specific about devices. Here's what I recommend after extensive testing.

Quick Comparison

| Category | Best Overall | Best Budget | Best Premium | |----------|--------------|-------------|--------------| | Portable Hotspot | GlocalMe G4 Pro - $179 | Netgear Nighthawk M1 - $249 | Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro - $899 | | Travel Router | GL.iNet Beryl AX - $99 | GL.iNet Mango - $23 | GL.iNet Slate AX - $119 | | eSIM Provider | Airalo | aloSIM | Saily Ultra |

Portable Hotspots: Detailed Recommendations

For most nomads: GlocalMe G4 Pro - $179

The sweet spot of features, reliability, and price. Uses cloud SIM technology, so you can buy data through their app without physical SIMs. Solid battery life, connects up to 10 devices, works globally.

For 5G and power users: Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro - $899

The premium choice for those who need the absolute best. Blazing 5G speeds where available, falls back gracefully to 4G. Excellent antenna performance, WiFi 6 support, all-day battery. Worth it if connectivity is directly tied to income.

Full review: Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Review

For budget-conscious travelers: Netgear Nighthawk M1 - $249

Still excellent despite being an older model. Reliable 4G LTE, great battery life, proven track record. Lacks 5G but delivers consistent performance at a lower price point.

For cloud SIM vs traditional: Solis 5G vs GlocalMe G4 Pro Comparison

Full guide: Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for International Travel

Travel Routers: Detailed Recommendations

For most nomads: GL.iNet Beryl AX GL-MT3000 - $99

My current daily driver. WiFi 6 support, two ethernet ports, excellent VPN performance, compact design. Extends weak hotel WiFi into something usable and adds a security layer. The best balance of features and price.

Full review: GL.iNet Beryl AX Review

For budget-conscious travelers: GL.iNet Mango GL-MT300N-V2 - $23

Tiny, cheap, gets the job done. Won't win speed tests, but creates a private network and supports VPN. Perfect if you're testing whether a travel router fits your workflow.

For power users: GL.iNet Slate AX GL-AXT1800 - $119

Faster WiFi 6, more processing power for VPN, better range. Worth the upgrade if you're sharing with multiple people or have demanding bandwidth needs.

Full guide: Best Travel Routers for Digital Nomads

Security Essentials

Connectivity isn't just about getting online—it's about staying safe while online. Public networks present real risks that most nomads underestimate.

The Actual Risks

Man-in-the-middle attacks. On poorly secured networks, attackers can intercept your traffic. Passwords, session tokens, sensitive data—all potentially exposed.

Fake networks. "Free Airport WiFi" might not be the airport's network. Evil twin attacks create convincing fake networks to harvest credentials.

Network sniffing. Even without sophisticated attacks, unencrypted traffic on shared networks can be observed by other users.

Session hijacking. Attackers grab your authenticated session cookies to access your accounts without needing passwords.

Protecting Yourself

Use a VPN—always. A VPN encrypts all your traffic, making interception useless. Essential on any network you don't control.

Recommended VPNs for nomads:

  • NordVPN — Fast, reliable, works in most restricted countries
  • ExpressVPN — Premium option with excellent apps
  • Surfshark — Budget-friendly with unlimited devices

Enable HTTPS everywhere. Most browsers now default to HTTPS, but verify the lock icon before entering sensitive information.

Use a travel router. Running VPN at the router level protects all your devices automatically, even those that don't support VPN apps (like some IoT devices).

Enable two-factor authentication. Even if credentials are compromised, 2FA blocks account access.

Avoid sensitive transactions on public WiFi. Banking, important logins, confidential work—save these for your secured connection.

For a complete security setup guide, see How to Secure Your Connection on Public WiFi When Traveling.

Complete Connectivity Packing List

Here's everything you need for bulletproof digital nomad connectivity, with weights and costs.

Essential Tier - Everyone

| Item | Weight | Cost | Notes | |------|--------|------|-------| | eSIM-compatible smartphone | — | — | You already have this | | eSIM data plan | — | $20-60/mo | Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad | | VPN subscription | — | $3-12/mo | NordVPN or ExpressVPN | | USB-C cable 1m | 20g | $15 | For phone charging |

Total: ~20g, $25-75/month

Recommended Tier - Most Nomads

Everything above, plus:

| Item | Weight | Cost | Notes | |------|--------|------|-------| | Travel router | 150g | $89 | GL.iNet Beryl AX | | Ethernet cable 1m | 30g | $8 | For wired hotel connections | | USB-C charger 65W | 120g | $35 | Powers everything | | Small power bank | 180g | $40 | 10,000mAh backup |

Total: ~500g, $170 equipment + $25-75/month

Professional Tier - Mission-Critical Work

Everything above, plus:

| Item | Weight | Cost | Notes | |------|--------|------|-------| | Portable hotspot | 240g | $180-700 | GlocalMe G4 Pro or Nighthawk M6 | | Hotspot data plan | — | $30-60/mo | Or pay-as-you-go | | Second eSIM provider | — | $15-30/mo | Backup coverage | | Large power bank | 350g | $80 | 20,000mAh for hotspot |

Total: ~1.1kg, $450-950 equipment + $70-165/month

For the complete list with specific product links and alternatives, see the Digital Nomad's Complete Connectivity Packing List.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best eSIM for digital nomads?

For most nomads, Airalo offers the best combination of coverage (200+ countries), pricing, and app experience. If you need guaranteed hotspot support, choose Nomad eSIM. For unlimited data, Holafly is best, though with some throttling after heavy use. See the complete eSIM comparison for detailed recommendations.

How much data do digital nomads typically need?

Most remote workers use 5-15GB monthly on mobile data when they have some WiFi access. Heavy video call users might need 20-30GB. Content creators uploading video can exceed 50GB. Track your usage for a month before committing to a plan size.

Can I use my phone as a hotspot with eSIM?

Depends on the provider and plan. Nomad eSIM and Saily allow hotspot on all plans. Airalo varies by plan—check before purchasing. Holafly generally restricts hotspot functionality. See the guide on using eSIM with hotspot tethering.

Do I need a portable hotspot if I have eSIM?

Not always. eSIM with hotspot capability covers most situations. A dedicated hotspot makes sense if you: need to connect many devices, travel in groups, work in areas with weak signal (hotspots have better antennas), or want to preserve phone battery for other uses.

What's the difference between a travel router and a portable hotspot?

A portable hotspot connects to cellular networks and creates WiFi—it generates internet access. A travel router connects to existing WiFi or ethernet and creates a private network—it extends and secures existing internet. They solve different problems and work well together.

Is hotel WiFi safe for work?

Hotel WiFi has security risks. Shared networks expose your traffic to other users. Always use a VPN on hotel WiFi. Better yet, use a travel router to create a private, VPN-protected network. See how to secure your connection on public WiFi.

What should I do about internet restrictions in China?

Prepare before you arrive. Most VPNs don't work in China without special configuration. Download and configure your VPN while still outside China. Consider a travel router with built-in VPN capability. Have backup options ready. Full guide: Staying Connected in Countries with Internet Restrictions.

How do I choose between eSIM, local SIM, and international roaming?

eSIM is best for most nomads—instant activation, no physical cards, competitive pricing. Local SIM is cheapest for long stays in one country, but requires store visits and loses your home number. International roaming is convenient for short trips but expensive for regular use. Detailed comparison: eSIM vs Pocket WiFi vs Local SIM.

What's the minimum connectivity setup for a digital nomad?

At minimum: an eSIM-compatible phone, a reliable eSIM provider (Airalo is the safe choice), and a VPN subscription. Total monthly cost: $25-60. This handles 80% of situations. Add a travel router ($89 one-time) for the next level of reliability.

How can I test my connectivity setup before an important call?

Run a speed test (fast.com or speedtest.net) at least 30 minutes before. Check that your VPN connects properly. Verify your backup option (hotspot, second eSIM) is ready to activate. For critical calls, have your backup already running and ready to switch.

Building Your Personal Connectivity Stack

The perfect connectivity setup depends on your specific situation. Here's how to think about it:

If you're just starting out: Get an Airalo eSIM and a VPN subscription. Use public WiFi as backup. Total investment under $50. This works for most situations and teaches you what you actually need.

If connectivity is important to your work: Add a GL.iNet Beryl AX travel router. Creates a secure, private network wherever you go. One-time $89 investment that pays for itself quickly in reliability and security.

If connectivity is mission-critical: Full stack—eSIM plus portable hotspot plus travel router. Multiple redundant options mean you're never truly offline. Higher investment, but worth it when income depends on uptime.

If budget is tight: eSIM-only approach with aggressive data management. Use WiFi whenever available, mobile data only when needed. Track usage carefully to avoid overages.

The goal isn't to carry every possible device—it's to have reliable options for your specific travel style and work requirements.

Keep Exploring

This guide covers the fundamentals, but connectivity is a deep topic. Here are the detailed guides for specific areas:

eSIM Guides

Hardware Guides

Strategy Guides

Reliable internet isn't glamorous, but it's what makes the digital nomad lifestyle actually work. Invest the time to build a connectivity stack that matches your needs, and you'll rarely think about it again—which is exactly the point.

Safe travels, and stay connected.

About the Author

Image for Author Peter Schneider

Peter Schneider