Internet & connectivity for digital nomads.
Real speeds, SIM card recommendations, and backup strategies for every major nomad city. Know before you land.
Internet speeds and SIM card plan prices change regularly. Mobile speeds vary by location within each city — the figures shown are city-wide averages from independent speed tests. SIM card prices shown are approximate USD equivalents as of May 2026. Always verify current plans with carriers directly. Local SIM cards typically offer better value for stays of 6+ weeks compared to international eSIM plans.
City Comparison
Click column headers to sort.
| City ↑ | Fixed broadband | Mobile | Rating | Top SIM | SIM from | VPN needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BaliIndonesia | 50–200 | 30–45 | Good | Telkomsel | $12/mo | No |
| Buenos AiresArgentina | 35 | 25–35 | Good | Personal (Telecom Argentina) | $15/mo | No |
| Chiang MaiThailand | 100–300 | 55–173 | Excellent | AIS | $15/mo | No |
| LisbonPortugal | 195 | 100–150 | Excellent | NOS | $20/mo | No |
| MedellínColombia | 50–100 | 32 | Good | Claro Colombia | $15/mo | No |
| Mexico CityMexico | 45–67 | 38 | Good | Telcel | $20/mo | No |
| SeoulSouth Korea | 180+ | 140+ | Excellent | SKT (SK Telecom) | $35/mo | No |
| TbilisiGeorgia | 44 | 36 | Excellent | Geocell (now Silknet Mobile) | $10/mo | No |
Global eSIM Providers
The best options for staying connected across multiple countries without a physical SIM.
Airalo
200+ countries and territories · From $4.50 for 1GB / 7 days
Best for
Multi-country nomads who want a single app for everywhere
The default recommendation for most nomads. Reliable, widely compatible, and the Airmoney loyalty program adds genuine value over time. Install the Airalo Discover Global eSIM as your landing eSIM and top up country-specific plans as you go.
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓Largest coverage of any eSIM provider — 200+ countries
- ✓Best app experience and easiest setup
- ✓Airmoney loyalty program — credits add up quickly with frequent travel
- ✓Regional bundles cover multi-country itineraries without switching
- ✓Widely reviewed and trusted — large nomad community uses it
Cons
- ✗Data-only — no calls or texts
- ✗Fixed data bundles — need to top up rather than truly unlimited
- ✗Not always the cheapest option for single-country long stays
Holafly
170+ countries · From $6/day (unlimited)
Best for
Heavy data users who need truly unlimited data without throttle anxiety
The right choice if you burn through data — video calls all day, constant hotspot tethering, streaming. The unlimited plans eliminate the anxiety of watching your data counter. More expensive than Airalo but the peace of mind has value for heavy users.
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓Truly unlimited data in most countries — no cap anxiety
- ✓Tested extensively in Thailand, Mexico, Portugal, Japan, Indonesia without issues
- ✓24/7 customer support
- ✓Great for heavy tethering users
Cons
- ✗More expensive than fixed-data alternatives
- ✗Daily high-speed caps in some countries — throttled after limit
- ✗Less competitive for light data users
Saily
150+ countries · From $3.99 for 1GB
Best for
Nomads who want excellent value with NordVPN security integration
Built by the NordVPN team, which brings credibility on privacy and security. Competitive pricing and 10–20% faster than Nomad in head-to-head tests. Increasingly the top recommendation for privacy-conscious nomads.
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓Backed by NordVPN — strong privacy and security credentials
- ✓10–20% faster than Nomad eSIM in independent testing
- ✓Competitive pricing on regional plans
- ✓Clean, reliable app
Cons
- ✗Newer provider — less community track record than Airalo
- ✗Data-only — no calls or texts
- ✗Smaller coverage than Airalo
Nomad eSIM
190+ countries · From $4.50 for 1GB / 7 days
Best for
Nomads who want simple, reliable data without overthinking provider choice
Not the cheapest or the fastest but consistently reliable and easy to use. The app is the most straightforward of any provider — open, pick your country, activate, done. Good middle-ground option for nomads who don't want to research eSIMs every time they move.
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓Easiest setup and most intuitive app in the category
- ✓Transparent pricing — no hidden conditions
- ✓Top up without reinstalling a new eSIM
- ✓Tested across 10 countries over 5 months in independent review
Cons
- ✗10–20% slower than Saily in head-to-head testing
- ✗Limited unlimited data options
- ✗Data-only — no calls or texts
City Breakdowns
SIM options, WiFi context, and practical tips for each city.
8 of 8 cities
Chiang Mai
Thailand · Southeast Asia
One of the most reliable internet cities in Southeast Asia. Coworking spaces have redundant connections. Apartment WiFi varies by building — always test before committing.
☕ Café WiFi
Generally excellent. Most Nimman cafés have fast, reliable connections. Can drop during peak hours (12–2pm) when full.
🖥️ Coworking
Excellent. Punspace and Yellow Coworking have 100–300 Mbps fiber. Reliable for video calls throughout the day.
🏠 Apartment
Good to excellent depending on building. Ask for a speed test before signing a monthly lease. Newer condos in Nimman are consistently fast.
🔄 Backup plan
AIS SIM as backup — 55+ Mbps mobile data means you can hotspot through any café WiFi issues. Most nomads never need this.
SIM options
Unlimited (throttled after daily cap) · Best coverage in Thailand — 98.7% 4G coverage nationally
Buy at: Airport arrivals (Suvarnabhumi or Doi Inthanoi), AIS shops throughout Nimman
The default recommendation for nomads in Thailand. Fastest median speeds at 58 Mbps. Airport kiosks may have queues — buy at an AIS shop in Nimman instead.
Unlimited (throttled after daily cap) · Good — slightly less coverage than AIS outside cities
Buy at: Airport and convenience stores (7-Eleven)
Slightly cheaper than AIS. Perfectly adequate for city-based nomads. AIS preferred for rural or multi-city travel.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- Buy your AIS SIM at the airport on arrival — AIS kiosk is in the arrivals hall. Avoid the tourist-oriented resellers outside the terminal.
- Burning season (Feb–April) affects air quality but not internet quality — connectivity is consistent year-round.
- Test apartment WiFi with a speed test app before committing to a monthly lease. Some older buildings have slow shared connections.
- Most coworking spaces offer a trial day — test the WiFi during peak hours before buying a monthly pass.
- CAMP (free coworking at Maya Mall) requires an AIS SIM to access their free WiFi. Buy the SIM, use CAMP as a free backup workspace.
Verdict
Chiang Mai has the best combination of affordable internet infrastructure and coworking density in Southeast Asia. You will not have connectivity problems here if you stay in the Nimman area. The AIS SIM is a no-brainer purchase at the airport.
🔗 Sources (3)
- SEAsia.co — fastest mobile internet in ASEAN cities (Speedtest Global Index Aug 2025)— verified May 2026
- Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki — Thailand AIS coverage data— verified May 2026
- Earth SIMs — best internet for digital nomads 2026— verified May 2026
Bali
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Power outages are real and frequent in Bali — this affects WiFi reliability more than internet infrastructure quality. Dojo Bali's 7-hour backup generator exists for good reason. Coworking WiFi is excellent. Residential and café WiFi is inconsistent.
☕ Café WiFi
Variable. Good cafés in Canggu have reliable connections. Can drop significantly during power fluctuations. Test before relying on it for calls.
🖥️ Coworking
Excellent at Dojo Bali (200 Mbps, 6 fiber lines, backup generator). Good at Outpost and Hubud. Coworking is the right infrastructure choice for serious work in Bali.
🏠 Apartment
Inconsistent. Ask specifically about backup power and fiber vs. cable connection before committing. Some villas have excellent setups; others are unreliable.
🔄 Backup plan
Telkomsel SIM is essential as a backup. When café or villa WiFi drops during a power flicker, mobile data keeps you on your call. Never rely solely on venue WiFi in Bali.
SIM options
Large data packages available — 50GB+ monthly options · Best coverage across Bali and all Indonesian islands
Buy at: Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) arrivals hall, or any Indomaret/Alfamart convenience store
The standard recommendation for Bali. Costs 30% more than competitors but significantly better coverage outside Canggu and Seminyak. Worth the premium.
30–50GB monthly plans · Good in Canggu and Seminyak — less reliable elsewhere on the island
Buy at: Airport and convenience stores
Cheaper alternative to Telkomsel. Fine if you're staying entirely in Canggu. Switch to Telkomsel if you plan to explore the island.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- Get your Telkomsel SIM at Ngurah Rai Airport arrivals — the official Telkomsel kiosk is inside, not outside with the resellers.
- Power outages can last 30 minutes to several hours. A fully charged laptop and a power bank are essential.
- If your villa WiFi is poor, get a Dojo Bali day pass for important call days rather than hoping the connection holds.
- Test your villa or accommodation WiFi during the first evening before you commit to it for work.
- Ubud internet is generally slower than Canggu — plan lighter work weeks during Ubud stays.
Verdict
Bali internet is good enough if you set up correctly — Telkomsel SIM as backup, coworking space for critical work days, and a villa with confirmed good WiFi. Don't wing it. The power outage issue is the main variable that catches nomads out.
🔗 Sources (3)
- Earth SIMs — Nomad eSIM review: Bali speeds 30–45 Mbps tested— verified May 2026
- Simology — digital nomad data costs Indonesia 2026— verified May 2026
- Digital Nomads World — Dojo Bali 6-fiber-line infrastructure— verified May 2026
Lisbon
Portugal · Europe
Lisbon has excellent and consistent internet infrastructure. No power outage issues, no reliability concerns. The main variable is landlord-provided routers in older buildings — some are slow. Confirm fiber vs. ADSL before signing a lease.
☕ Café WiFi
Generally excellent. Most cafés in Príncipe Real, Chiado, and Bairro Alto have fast, reliable connections. Some older tascas may have slower setups.
🖥️ Coworking
Excellent throughout. Second Home Lisboa has 500 Mbps fiber. Impact Hub has 200+ Mbps. Consistency is reliable across all established spaces.
🏠 Apartment
Generally excellent in newer buildings. Some older Alfama and Mouraria buildings have slower infrastructure. Always confirm the connection type.
🔄 Backup plan
Rarely needed given Lisbon's reliability. A NOS or MEO prepaid SIM for mobile data is worth having for commutes or outdoor work.
SIM options
Unlimited with fair use cap · Excellent throughout Portugal
Buy at: NOS stores throughout Lisbon — Colombo mall has a large NOS store
One of the three main Portuguese carriers. All three (NOS, MEO, Vodafone) are excellent — choose based on plan and price rather than coverage differences in Lisbon.
Large data plans available · Excellent throughout Portugal
Buy at: MEO stores, airports, and larger supermarkets
Slightly cheaper than NOS. Plans from €17. Prepaid options ideal for shorter stays. For the D8 visa, you'll want a contract SIM eventually — which requires a NIF.
Budget plans available · Uses NOS network — same physical infrastructure
Buy at: Online or select stores
Budget option starting from €8/month. Uses NOS infrastructure so coverage is identical. Good for nomads who want to minimise connectivity costs.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- You need a NIF (Portuguese tax number) to get a contract SIM. Prepaid SIMs are available without it — important for your first weeks.
- MEO, NOS, and Vodafone all operate on the same infrastructure level in Lisbon — price and plan matter more than carrier brand.
- The Navegante monthly transit pass (€43) is your best transport tool — also keeps you moving between coworking spaces easily.
- Free WiFi exists throughout the Miraflores equivalent areas — but don't rely on public WiFi for work calls.
- 5G is well-established in Lisbon — if your phone supports it, you'll get excellent speeds throughout the city.
Verdict
Lisbon has some of the best internet infrastructure in Southern Europe at 195 Mbps average download speeds. Connectivity is never a concern here. The only issue is confirming your apartment has fiber rather than ADSL in older buildings.
🔗 Sources (3)
- Nomad Magazine — Lisbon internet speeds 195 Mbps average— verified May 2026
- Relocate.me — MEO/NOS/Vodafone Portugal plans— verified May 2026
- Simology — Portugal connectivity costs 2026— verified May 2026
Mexico City
Mexico · The Americas
CDMX internet is functional rather than exceptional. Fixed broadband in apartments is generally good. Coworking spaces have much faster dedicated connections. Mobile speeds are the weakest link — 38 Mbps average is fine for most tasks but can struggle during peak hours.
☕ Café WiFi
Variable. Roma Norte cafés generally good for async work. Can be unreliable for video calls — always have your Telcel SIM as backup.
🖥️ Coworking
Good to excellent. WeWork Reforma has fiber-grade speeds. Homework and Impact Hub are solid. Dedicated coworking is the right choice for video-heavy work days.
🏠 Apartment
Generally reliable in Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco. Izzi and Totalplay are the main providers. Fiber available in newer buildings. Confirm before signing.
🔄 Backup plan
Telcel SIM is essential. Mobile data at 38 Mbps handles most tasks if fixed WiFi is unreliable. DiDi WiFi in cars is sometimes surprisingly fast for quick emails.
SIM options
Unlimited with fair use · Best coverage in Mexico — dominant carrier nationally
Buy at: Telcel stores throughout the city, OXXO convenience stores, airport
The default recommendation for CDMX. Largest network, best coverage. Slightly pricier than AT&T Mexico but worth it for reliability.
Large data plans · Good in CDMX — less reliable outside major cities
Buy at: AT&T stores and airport
Cheaper alternative. Good for nomads staying entirely in Mexico City. Telcel preferred for multi-city Mexico travel.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- Internet speeds in CDMX are lower than Asia or Europe — factor this into your setup. Coworking spaces compensate with dedicated fiber.
- Never rely on café WiFi alone for important video calls — always have Telcel as backup.
- Some furnished apartment listings in Roma Norte advertise fast WiFi but deliver slow cable connections — test on day one.
- VPN is more important in CDMX than in Europe — public WiFi security is weaker. Use one consistently.
- WeWork has the most reliable internet in the city — worth a day pass on days with critical client calls.
Verdict
Mexico City internet is good enough but not exceptional. Coworking spaces cover the gap between average residential speeds and what nomads need for professional work. The Telcel SIM is non-negotiable as a backup.
🔗 Sources (3)
- Cost Living Explorer — CDMX internet speed 45 Mbps average— verified May 2026
- Earth SIMs — Mexico mobile speed 38 Mbps tested— verified May 2026
- Simology — Mexico connectivity costs 2026— verified May 2026
Medellín
Colombia · The Americas
Medellín internet has improved dramatically over the last decade. El Poblado has solid infrastructure. Outside the main nomad neighbourhoods, reliability drops. Mobile speeds are lower than Southeast Asian cities but adequate for standard remote work.
☕ Café WiFi
Good in El Poblado and Laureles. Variable outside these areas. Some cafés have excellent connections — ask before settling in for a long session.
🖥️ Coworking
Good to excellent. Selina and WeWork have reliable dedicated connections. Atomhouse is solid for the price. Better than café WiFi for anything requiring consistent speed.
🏠 Apartment
Good in El Poblado. ETB and Claro are the main providers. Fiber available in newer buildings. Ask specifically about provider and confirm speeds before committing.
🔄 Backup plan
Claro or Tigo SIM as backup. Mobile speeds at 32 Mbps are functional for most tasks if fixed WiFi has issues.
SIM options
Large data plans available · Best overall coverage in Colombia
Buy at: Claro stores in El Centro Comercial El Tesoro and throughout El Poblado
Recommended for Medellín. Best coverage nationally — important if you plan to explore outside the city.
Good data packages · Good in Medellín — less comprehensive nationally
Buy at: Tigo stores and convenience stores
Cheaper alternative to Claro. Fine for El Poblado and Laureles. Claro preferred for travel outside Medellín.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- Internet in El Poblado and Laureles is reliable — choose accommodation in these neighbourhoods for best connectivity.
- The Medellín metro has WiFi — useful for staying connected during commutes between El Poblado and the city centre.
- Test coworking WiFi during peak hours (10am–12pm) before committing to a monthly pass.
- Some newer apartment buildings in Manila and El Poblado have excellent fiber connections — ask specifically when booking.
- Mobile speeds are lower than Asia — build coworking costs into your budget rather than relying on mobile data for video calls.
Verdict
Medellín internet has come a long way and is now adequate for professional remote work. El Poblado coworking spaces are reliable. Mobile speeds are the weak point — build coworking into your budget rather than expecting mobile data to carry your work.
🔗 Sources (2)
- Earth SIMs — Colombia mobile speed 32 Mbps tested— verified May 2026
- Coliving.com — Medellín internet infrastructure data— verified May 2026
Tbilisi
Georgia · Europe
Tbilisi has surprisingly excellent internet infrastructure — 82% fiber optic coverage is higher than many Western European cities. Both fixed and mobile speeds are reliable and consistent. One of the most underrated internet cities for nomads.
☕ Café WiFi
Generally good. The café culture in Fabrika and Vera areas caters to nomads with reliable connections. Ask for the password — most café WiFi requires it.
🖥️ Coworking
Excellent. Impact Hub Tbilisi and Fabrika coworking have fast dedicated fiber connections.
🏠 Apartment
Generally excellent given the 82% fiber coverage. Magticom and Silknet are the main providers. Most apartments in Vera, Vake, and Fabrika areas have fast connections.
🔄 Backup plan
Geocell or Magti SIM for mobile backup. At 36 Mbps mobile speeds, backup connectivity is reliable for most tasks.
SIM options
Good data plans — 30GB+ monthly options · Good coverage throughout Georgia
Buy at: Tbilisi airport arrivals, Geocell/Silknet stores throughout the city
One of the two main Georgian carriers. Both are reliable in Tbilisi. Exceptional value at $10/month for a solid data plan.
Comparable plans to Geocell · Good in Tbilisi — can be patchy in rural mountain areas
Buy at: Airport and Magticom stores
Equally good option to Geocell. Choose based on which SIM is easier to get when you arrive. Both are excellent value.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- Get your SIM at the airport arrivals hall — both Geocell and Magticom have kiosks. Either is fine.
- The Fabrika area (a converted Soviet factory) is the nomad hub — good WiFi, coworking, and cafés all concentrated in one place.
- 82% fiber coverage means most apartments have fast connections — one of Tbilisi's hidden advantages.
- Bolt ride-hailing works throughout Tbilisi — you can stay connected during rides without worrying about data.
- Free WiFi in many parks and public spaces — useful for lighter tasks when you're exploring the city.
Verdict
Tbilisi is one of the most underrated internet cities for nomads. 82% fiber optic coverage, reliable mobile speeds at 36 Mbps, and SIM cards for $10/month make it genuinely excellent value. Add the 365-day visa-free entry and this is one of the best connectivity-to-cost ratios anywhere.
🔗 Sources (1)
- Coliving.com — Tbilisi fiber optic coverage 82% data— verified May 2026
Seoul
South Korea · East Asia
South Korea has the fastest and most reliable internet infrastructure on earth. Seoul is the apex. Speed, reliability, and coverage are essentially flawless. Free WiFi is available in most public spaces, subway stations, and cafés. This is the benchmark against which every other nomad city should be measured.
☕ Café WiFi
Extraordinary. Korean café culture is built around working — fast WiFi, no time limits, and many cafés offer unlimited refills. The free working environment is unmatched globally.
🖥️ Coworking
Excellent. FastFive and WeWork have 200+ Mbps fiber. Honestly, the café WiFi in Seoul is often as fast as dedicated coworking spaces in other countries.
🏠 Apartment
Excellent throughout. KT, SKT, and LG U+ all provide fiber connections standard in most buildings. Speeds of 500 Mbps+ in newer apartment blocks.
🔄 Backup plan
Backup connectivity is essentially unnecessary in Seoul. An SKT or KT SIM provides 140 Mbps mobile data as a convenient backup anyway.
SIM options
Unlimited with generous high-speed cap · Best coverage in South Korea — premium carrier
Buy at: Incheon Airport arrivals — dedicated SKT tourist SIM counter
The benchmark Korean carrier. Tourist SIMs available at Incheon Airport with easy setup. Fastest mobile data on earth. Worth every penny.
Unlimited plans · Excellent — comparable to SKT
Buy at: Incheon Airport and KT stores throughout Seoul
Slightly cheaper than SKT with essentially the same performance. Either carrier is outstanding — choose based on price.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- Get your SKT or KT tourist SIM at Incheon Airport arrivals — dedicated counters with English-speaking staff.
- T-money card for metro is separate from your SIM — get both at the airport. Top up T-money at any convenience store.
- Naver Maps is more accurate than Google Maps for Seoul public transport — download before you arrive.
- Café WiFi in Seoul is extraordinary — many nomads never need a coworking membership. Test a few first.
- 24-hour cafés are common in Hongdae and university areas — useful for working across different time zones.
Verdict
Seoul has the best internet infrastructure on earth. Full stop. If connectivity is your top priority, Seoul is your city. The combination of 140+ Mbps mobile and 500 Mbps residential speeds with free café WiFi everywhere makes every other city look like it's still catching up.
🔗 Sources (2)
- Cost Living Explorer — Seoul 180 Mbps fixed, 140 Mbps mobile— verified May 2026
- SEAsia.co — ASEAN mobile internet speeds (Speedtest Global Index)— verified May 2026
Buenos Aires
Argentina · The Americas
Buenos Aires internet is functional rather than excellent. Residential and coworking speeds are adequate for standard remote work but slower than comparable cities. Video calls work reliably in coworking spaces. Café WiFi is inconsistent — use mobile data or coworking for important calls.
☕ Café WiFi
Variable. Palermo SoHo cafés generally adequate. Connection quality is inconsistent — test before relying on it for calls.
🖥️ Coworking
Good. AreatreBA and La Maquinista have dedicated connections reliable enough for professional work. Better than café WiFi by a meaningful margin.
🏠 Apartment
Adequate in Palermo and Recoleta. Fibertel and Telecentro are the main providers. Some older buildings have slow connections — confirm before committing.
🔄 Backup plan
Personal or Claro Argentina SIM essential as backup. Mobile data is slower than coworking WiFi but reliable enough for calls when needed.
SIM options
Plans vary — exchange rate affects effective cost · Good throughout Buenos Aires and major Argentine cities
Buy at: Personal stores throughout Palermo and Centro, airport
The main recommendation for Buenos Aires. Note: Argentine peso exchange rate complexity means USD equivalent varies. Pay in pesos at the blue rate for best value.
Comparable plans · Good in Buenos Aires
Buy at: Claro stores and airport
Alternative to Personal. Either works well in Buenos Aires. The exchange rate situation affects which plan gives best value — ask locals for current advice.
💡 Practical tips (5)
- Internet speeds in Buenos Aires are slower than other nomad cities — factor this into your setup. Coworking is essential for video-heavy work.
- Argentina's exchange rate situation means SIM card costs in USD equivalent fluctuate — check current rates when you arrive.
- Ezeiza Airport has a Telecom/Personal counter in arrivals — get your SIM before heading to the city.
- Palermo SoHo has the most reliable café WiFi in the city but still test before committing to a call.
- Most coworking spaces quote prices in USD or USD-linked pesos — stable against the exchange rate volatility.
Verdict
Buenos Aires internet is the weakest of the major nomad cities on this list at 35 Mbps average. Coworking spaces are necessary for serious video-call days. That said, the quality of life, food, and culture more than compensate — adjust your setup expectations and it works fine.
🔗 Sources (1)
- Cost Living Explorer — Buenos Aires 35 Mbps internet speed— verified May 2026
Internet speeds and SIM card plan prices change regularly. Mobile speeds vary by location within each city — the figures shown are city-wide averages from independent speed tests. SIM card prices shown are approximate USD equivalents as of May 2026. Always verify current plans with carriers directly. Local SIM cards typically offer better value for stays of 6+ weeks compared to international eSIM plans.