The ultimate guide to staying connected while traveling as a digital nomad
As a digital nomad, you get to travel the world and work from wherever you want. It's the ultimate dream, right? Well, there's one drawback: You'll be forced to disconnect from your regular life while traveling. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing (it gives you an excuse to unplug), some people like to stay connected with their friends and family while they're on the road. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to do this—and we're here to help!
How to stay connected while traveling as a digital nomad
You've probably heard the term "digital nomad" before. In case you haven't, it refers to someone who works remotely and travels frequently. This can be a full-time job or just something you do on the side as an additional source of income.
For most people, this means that they need access to high-speed internet at all times in order for their work or business to function properly. Because of this need for constant connectivity and fast speeds, many digital nomads choose not to use cellular data plans while traveling abroad--and instead rely on WiFi hotspots in different cities around the world.
Use a mobile hotspot or MiFi device
A mobile hotspot is a portable, battery-powered device that lets you connect multiple devices to the internet. A MiFi device is a type of mobile hotspot that can be used by multiple people at once (this is helpful if you're traveling with friends). You can buy these devices from stores or get them from your provider.
Rent a local SIM card and use it on your phone
Renting a local SIM card is the easiest way to stay connected while traveling. You can use it on your phone, tablet and laptop. It's also possible to use it with hotspots or MiFi devices.
You just need to go to an operator's office (or one of their partner stores) in the country you're visiting and ask them for a prepaid plan that suits your needs. It only takes five minutes!
Get a data-only SIM card to use with your laptop or tablet
If you're traveling with a laptop or tablet, getting a data-only SIM card is an excellent option. You can use these to connect to the internet and stay in touch with friends and family while abroad.
Data-only SIM cards are perfect for those who don't need to make calls or send texts from their devices--they allow you to get online without having to worry about paying for voice minutes or texting packages. And because many of these plans come with unlimited data, they're also great if that's something that appeals to you (and it should).
You can buy a data-only SIM card in many countries around the world including Canada, Australia and Europe as well as some parts of Asia like Japan where they're called "pocket Wi-Fi."
Use free Wi-Fi apps and websites, including Google's Project Fi and Facebook's Onavo Protect.
There are a number of ways to stay connected while traveling, but there are three that we recommend above all the rest:
Google's Project Fi. With this service, you can keep your current number and pay $10 per gigabyte of data used (which is much cheaper than AT&T or Verizon). The only downside is that if you want to use it abroad, you'll have to buy another SIM card from one of its partners--but it's still worth looking into.
Facebook's Onavo Protect. This app helps protect privacy by compressing data so it uses less bandwidth; it also allows users to see how much data they're using in real time so they know when they need more or less before running out!
There are many ways to stay connected while traveling as a digital nomad.
Mobile Hotspot or MiFi Device
A mobile hotspot or MiFi device is a small device that allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet at once. These are great for traveling with friends and family, as it can allow everyone in your group to access the internet from their own devices without having to purchase individual SIM cards.
Rent a Local Sim Card and Use It on Your Phone
If you don't have an international data plan on your phone, this is likely your best bet for staying connected while traveling abroad. You can rent a local SIM card from one of many providers around the world; just make sure that they offer service where you'll be going (like Europe). Then when you arrive at your destination, simply swap out your current SIM card with this new one so that all of those calls and texts will go through locally rather than being charged back home!
The bottom line is that you need to be prepared for anything when traveling as a digital nomad. The best way to do this is by having multiple options for staying connected at all times. You should have an unlocked phone that supports local SIM cards, along with a mobile hotspot or MiFi device so that you can connect other devices such as laptops or tablets through Wi-Fi without needing internet access through cellular networks. This way, no matter where in the world you find yourself next week--or even tomorrow morning at breakfast time--I guarantee there will be some way for us all to stay in touch!
