Reliable internet access is an absolute must for most digital nomads. It’s the backbone of their work and a key component of life outside of work, too. Good internet connections allow us to find new places to visit, plan trips and book flights, stay in touch with family and friends back home (and abroad), research local events or activities–the list goes on.
So what makes a country good for digital nomads?
There are many factors that go into this decision:
- cost of living
- ease of getting around
- safety
- culture
- weather
But we’ll focus on one thing here:
- reliable internet access!
1. Thailand
Thailand offers reliable and fast internet speeds at an affordable cost, making it a great destination for digital nomads. The internet speed in Thailand is an average speed of 20 Mbps. The country has a wide variety of internet service providers (ISPs), including TrueMove H, AIS, and DTAC, making it easy to find a plan that fits your needs.
As an added bonus, the cost of living is relatively low–especially when compared with other countries in Southeast Asia–making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget.
2. Mexico
Mexico is an amazing destination for digital nomads, offering reliable and fast internet speeds at a reasonable cost. The country has a wide range of internet service providers (ISPs) that make it easy to find a plan that fits your needs.
In addition to its affordability and accessibility, Mexico’s location makes it an ideal place for those looking to work remotely while traveling abroad or just visiting friends or family.
And, you’ll be able to travel around the country without worrying about losing your connection!
3. Colombia
Colombia is another good choice for digital nomads who want to live on the cheap.
It has reliable internet, with speeds that are comparable to those in the US and Europe, and a wide variety of ISPs from which to choose, including Claro, Movistar, and Tigo (the latter two being owned by AT&T). The cost of living in Colombia is low compared with other countries in South America. Currently it’s possible to get by on less than $800 per month if you’re careful about your expenses.
And, it’s possible to find apartments as cheap as $300 per month!
4. Portugal
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. Its cost of living is about 30% lower than the United States. In addition to that, it boasts fast and reliable internet speeds with a wide variety of ISPs.
Portugal is an excellent jumping-off point to explore the rest of Europe. There are many easy-to-find flights from Lisbon or Porto (the two largest cities) directly to any other cities in Europe.
If your travels take you further afield, there are plenty of affordable options from Lisbon airport.
5. Spain
Spain is another option when looking for an affordable place to live with reliable internet. Internet speeds in Spain are among the fastest in Europe, with an average speed of 30 Mbps (megabits per second). This makes it easy to stay connected while working remotely or streaming videos on Netflix.
Spain also has a wide variety of ISPs, so you can choose one that best fits your needs and budget. The country’s largest ISP is Telefonica (which owns Movistar), but there are also many smaller providers such as Vodafone or Jazztel that offer low-cost plans with good coverage.
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular destination for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why. They have reliable and fast internet speeds, with an average download speed of 11.5 Mbps according to Akamai Technologies’ State of the 2018 Internet report.
There is a wide variety of ISPs, including Claro and Orange (the largest mobile network operator), as well as several smaller providers like ICE Wireless or Tigo Mobile.
Costa Rica’s low cost of living makes it an attractive option for digital nomads watching their budget. The cost of living index was 78% lower than in the United States in 2018.
7. Romania
Romania has both affordable internet and a low cost of living. It has reliable and fast internet speeds, with an average of 22 Mbps with a wide variety of ISPs, including RCS&RDS, UPC Romania, and Orange Romania.
The capital city of Bucharest is located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, making it easy to travel around the region by train or bus without having to worry about long flights or expensive airfare.
It’s also home to some interesting museums like the Museum of Art Collections (MAC), the National History Museum (MNIR), the National Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Anthropology & Ethnography.
8. Hungary
Hungary is another exceptional choice if you want to live cheaply and have access to reliable internet.
This country has some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, with an average download speed of 29 Mbps and upload speed of 18 Mbps.
In addition to its fast connections, Hungary also offers a wide variety of ISPs (internet service providers). You’ll find the major players like T-Mobile or Magyar Telekom here, and smaller local providers too, like Vodafone or UPC Cablecom who offer competitive pricing plans at different speeds.
And, if you need help setting up your home office or finding an apartment in Budapest, there are plenty of coworking spaces where you can work alongside other freelancers while saving money on rent!
9. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has fast and reliable internet speeds and a wide variety of ISPs. The average download speed is 23 Mbps (megabits per second), bringing it in at number six in Europe for average speed rankings. Streaming video content or playing online games won’t be an issue here!
It also has some of the lowest costs for living in Europe, making it an attractive destination for those looking to save money on their travels.
10. Bulgaria
Bulgaria has internet speeds that are reliable, fast, and affordable. You can choose between unlimited data plans or pay as you go for each gigabyte used (GB). The latter option is better if your business requires less than 1GB per month and doesn’t require constant access to the web at all times.
There are also companies that offer mobile hotspots so that you don’t have to rely on Wi-Fi when traveling around town or taking public transportation outside urban areas.
The cost of living here is low compared to other European countries, but it’s still relatively expensive compared to Southeast Asia or Latin America.
Other Countries
Other countries worth mentioning include Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovenia, which all have fast internet speeds and low costs of living. Estonia, in particular, is known for its highly developed digital infrastructure, with free Wi-Fi available in many public areas, making it a great option for tech-savvy digital nomads.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best country for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, by considering the factors mentioned above and doing thorough research on internet connectivity, any digital nomad can find the perfect destination for their remote work and travel lifestyle.