As the digital nomad lifestyle has spread, more and more people work remotely from locations abroad. Whether Bali, Bangkok, Lisbon or Barcelona is your base, reliable internet access is essential. An eSIM offers a perfect solution for this.
Why is an eSIM best for digital nomads?
- No local-SIM complications: You don't have to find a shop, queue and haggle in a foreign language in every country
- Fast country switching: When you move on to the next country, you buy a new plan in the app, install it, and you're done
- Dual SIM: Your home number stays active — you remain reachable for your clients and family
- Reliable coverage: The eSIM uses the networks of the major local operators
Assessing your data needs
| Activity | Hourly use |
|---|---|
| Email, chat (Slack, Teams) | 50–100 MB |
| Video call (Zoom, Teams, Meet) | 0.5–1.5 GB |
| Cloud sync (Google Drive, Dropbox) | 100–500 MB |
| Web browsing, research | 100–300 MB |
| Streaming (background music) | 100–150 MB |
4–6 hours of daily remote work with video calls: about 3–5 GB a day, i.e. 60–100 GB a month.
Regional vs. country-specific eSIM
| Aspect | Country-specific | Regional |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per GB) | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Flexibility | One country | Several countries |
| Ideal for | 1+ month in one place | Several countries in 1–2 weeks |
Recommendation: If you stay in one place for a longer time (Bali, Bangkok, Lisbon), a country-specific large plan is cheaper. If you're moving from country to country, a regional eSIM is more convenient.
Popular digital nomad locations and internet quality
- Bali (Indonesia): Excellent Wi-Fi in the co-working spaces around Canggu and Ubud. The mobile network is 4G, but variable in the island interior. An eSIM + co-working space combination is ideal
- Bangkok (Thailand): Excellent 4G/5G coverage. The AIS and TrueMove H networks are reliable and fast. Plenty of co-working spaces
- Lisbon (Portugal): An EU country, so roaming is an option too. The Portuguese 5G/4G network is excellent. A growing nomad community
- Barcelona (Spain): EU, excellent network. But note: the 90-day Schengen rule for non-EU citizens
Security tips for remote work
- Always use a VPN — especially on public Wi-Fi (cafés, co-working spaces)
- Two-factor authentication: Don't use SMS-based (your home SIM may not receive it abroad), but app-based (Google Authenticator, Authy)
- Backup internet: Have a second eSIM plan or know the nearest co-working space in case your primary internet fails
Summary
For the digital nomad lifestyle, an eSIM is the most flexible and convenient internet solution. When switching countries you don't have to swap a SIM card, your home number stays active, and you browse on the quality of local networks. The most important thing: assess your data needs and choose a plan to match.