{"id":4142,"date":"2016-08-02T17:28:19","date_gmt":"2016-08-02T17:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-alliance-virtual-office-blog.pantheonsite.io\/?p=4142"},"modified":"2025-04-05T08:30:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-05T12:30:14","slug":"5-ways-to-find-wi-fi-when-youre-working-on-the-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/5-ways-to-find-wi-fi-when-youre-working-on-the-road\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Find Wi-Fi When You’re Working on the Road"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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For freelance entrepreneurs, mobile workers and digital nomads,<\/a> working remotely is a way of life. Thanks to awesome mobile technology and wireless Internet access, you no longer have to be chained to a desk to get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that doesn’t mean finding a reliable Wi-Fi connection is an easy task – especially when you’re combining work with travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We asked wandering worker Josh Rigo (Wander With Josh<\/a>) how he finds a good reliable Internet connection on the road:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As we know, finding Wi-Fi can be difficult and spotty and I’m still on a quest for a good portable Wi-Fi solution. However, many countries have great cell service. If you get a local SIM card you can usually get pretty decent (if not excellent) data speeds, and then use your phone as a hotspot to tether your other devices.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can get a reasonably stable 3G or 4G connection, your mobile cell phone makes an excellent portable Wi-Fi source. Bear in mind that not all smartphones support tethering, and you’ll need to make sure it’s included on your contract too – otherwise be prepared to pay extra. Check out PC Advisor’s<\/a> step-by-step guide on smartphone hotspots.It\u2019s one of the most accessible tools for setting up your own virtual office<\/a> while traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of other ways to get connected, too. Here’s a quick overview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Smartphones:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we discussed above, you can use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot and tether your laptop to your cell phone connection. Be sure to set a secure password so only you can access the wireless connection. That way, you’ll keep your online activity safe and you’ll also prevent others from stealing your Internet bandwidth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. MiFi:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nick, a photographer and blogger of Nick’s Wanderings<\/a>, says: “I tend to use a local SIM if I can get one and a MiFi when out and about.” MiFi is the brand name for a wireless router that acts as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Depending on your network, it may look like a miniature router or a ‘dongle’ that plugs into your laptop’s USB port. Ask your smartphone operator about mobile routers and compare prices against other operators, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Local Cafes:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While small independent cafes provide a more authentic local experience – and support the local economy – the larger chains do tend to offer a more reliable Wi-Fi connection. If you’re just replying to emails, an independent cafe should work fine. For more demanding tasks such as Skype calls or uploading large files, you’ll often have better luck at a chain cafe or fast-food joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Accommodation:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most hostels offer Wi-Fi, but be sure to check the speed and whether it’s in your room or only in shared spaces. If you can only get Wi-Fi in the common room, it may hinder your concentration and you’ll also have to share your bandwidth with several other users. Check out AirBnB apartments if your budget allows; you’re more likely to get faster speeds and more privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Day Desks:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Coworking spaces are springing up in towns, cities and off-the-beaten track locations all over the world. Wi-Fi quality is often of a high standard, although the cheaper options usually require you to share an open-plan office with other users. That’s great for collaboration and networking; less so when you need to jump on a private Skype call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a more professional experience, you can rent meeting space<\/a> and day offices on-demand. Prices vary enormously, but they’re not as expensive as you think. For instance in the US, $10 per hour gives you a private cubicle on 5th Avenue in New York<\/a> (right near the Empire State Building) or a business lounge in Orlando, while this business center in Miami provides individual office pods for $12 per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NEXT STEPS: 25 Easy to Start Mobile Business Ideas in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Wi-Fi Speed Do You Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This awesome infographic from Live Work Anywhere<\/a> tells you how fast your Wi-Fi needs to be for certain tasks. For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n