Internet on the road: eSIMs, mobile data and wifi for digital nomads
How to stay reliably connected in any country: eSIM vs. local SIM, the speed you need to work and a backup plan that never fails.
For a digital nomad, internet isn't just a service: it's the office. A bad connection costs meetings, clients and sleep. At Zabel we believe connectivity should be planned like accommodation: before you arrive, with a backup plan.
What speed do you need to work remotely?
For HD video calls, around 10 Mbps down and 3–5 Mbps up, stable, is enough. If you upload video, design or handle heavy files, aim for 50 Mbps or more. Stability matters more than peak speed: a steady 20 Mbps beats a 200 Mbps line that keeps dropping.
**Zabeler tip:** before booking, ask the host for a speed-test screenshot taken that same day.
eSIM or local SIM: which one?
An **eSIM** is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code, no physical card needed. It works on most mid- and high-end phones made since 2019 (check your phone settings).
When a travel eSIM makes sense
- Short stays or frequent country changes.
- Having data the moment you land, no shop needed.
- As a backup line alongside your home SIM.
When a local SIM makes sense
- Stays of a month or more in the same country.
- When you need lots of data: it's usually much cheaper per GB.
- If you need a local number for delivery, banking or transport apps.
Practical rule: eSIM for the first days, local SIM if you stay.
A backup plan that never fails
1. **Two different networks.** Accommodation wifi + mobile data from another carrier. 2. **Phone hotspot.** Make sure your plan allows tethering. 3. **A nearby coworking.** Know the closest one for critical days. 4. **Offline work.** Download key documents before important meetings.
Staying safe on public wifi
In cafés and airports use a trusted VPN, turn on two-factor authentication and avoid banking on open networks. It's the simplest way to protect yourself.
FAQ
**Can I keep my usual number with a travel eSIM?** Yes. On dual-SIM phones you keep your line for calls and texts (handy for bank codes) and use the eSIM for data.
**What if the apartment wifi fails?** Switch to your backup: mobile hotspot or a nearby coworking. That's why you should always have two networks.
**Do eSIMs work in every country?** In most popular nomad destinations, yes. Before buying, check country coverage and which local carrier it uses.
*Ask in your city chat on Zabel: Zabelers already there know which carrier works best in each neighbourhood.*