If you are an expat living overseas and want to keep in touch with family or access information, having a reliable and quick internet connection is important. There is a large difference when it comes to internet speeds between countries. This is especially important for digital nomads for obvious reasons.
According to ExpressVPN’s research, Monaco has the fastest internet speed in the world, with an average download speed of 319.59 Mbps. In comparison, Cuba sits at the bottom of the list with an average speed of 7.21 Mbps.
So when searching for ways to optimize your internet speed, take note of the average internet speed of the region you’ll be traveling to. This article will discuss ten efficient ways for expats to improve their internet connection when living in a different country.
Here are top 10 ways expats can optimize their internet speeds abroad:
Choose the Right Internet Service Provider (ISP):
Choosing a reliable and trustworthy ISP in your host country is considered to be the first step towards ensuring a great internet connection. It is important to research and compares the service levels, feedback from customers, and the pricing structures of different solutions. Look out for ISPs that have a reputable history of delivering great service and fast connections.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan:
Considering moving to a plan with a decently high speed if you find that the internet plan you currently plan is not working out. To learn about options that are faster and take a look at the benefit and costs of upgrading your plan, contact your ISP. Sometimes the best and most highspeed plan that is available may not be the number one choice, especially if you are heavily reliant on gaming online, video conferences, and streaming. Most experts note that a decent bandwidth for digital nomads is between 12 to 28 Mbps.
Optimize Wi-Fi Network Setup:
An unreliable Wi-Fi network can slow down the speed of your Internet. To make the best use of the connection you have, make sure that your router is properly placed in a midway location that avoids interferences or barriers. Make sure that it is placed at a tall height to ensure the best coverage. Also, it is best to have a good password to prevent people from using your network without your permission, and Wi-Fi channel changing should be considered to avoid obstruction with networks that neighbor your own expat router or network.
Utilize Ethernet Connections:
Despite Wi-Fi offering convenience, it can occasionally be prone to speed issues and interference with the signal. When possible, connect your devices to the router using an Ethernet cable. This connection means more stable and faster internet speed, especially for high-level bandwidth.
Limit Background Processes and Bandwidth-Hungry Apps:
Slower internet connections can occur because of background processes and because of certain programs, which leads to a substantial amount of bandwidth. Any unneeded applications that are operating within the background, especially those that continue to upload or download data, should be shut down or deactivated. Furthermore, make sure to think twice before using a high-speed network connection that uses a lot of bandwidth, which includes downloading big files and HD video.
Enable Quality of Service (QoS) Settings
A lot of routers in the modern day have a Quality of Service (QoS), which allows you to give priority to specific devices or applications. Digital nomads can ensure a smoother experience for important activities by distributing more bandwidth for essential engagement, such as VoIP or conference calls. Based on what you are in need of, make sure to make customizations to the priority settings and take a look at the settings of your router.
Clear Browser Cache and Disable Unnecessary Extensions
Eventually, your internet browsing experience can become slow because your browser’s cache becomes disarranged. To have a lot of free space and a faster loading speed, make sure your browser’s cache is empty. Make sure to turn off extensions that are not of use in your browser or plugins that cause issues with your network or use bandwidth.
Update Firmware and Software
For the best performance and security, it is important for ex-pats to keep your router’s firmware updated. Make sure to check the manufacturer of your router’s website frequently for updates in the firmware and then install them. Check that your software and your computer’s operating system have the latest versions installed since updates usually have bug fixes and improvements.
Monitor and Manage Network Usage
When you are a digital nomad, it may be useful to monitor internet usage and manage it carefully. One way to do this is to use your ISP’s home network management app. Some foreign ISPs offer apps that allow you to view your data usage and set usage limits. For expats with kids, you may also want to set up parental controls to restrict access to certain websites – one such system is to use OpenDNS, which is an easy way to make your Internet safer for your expat kids. It can even protect your family across all devices on your home network as long as they are using the wifi or wired network.
What Are Some Internet Access Challenges for Digital Nomads?
It is key to understand your network usage patterns to spot potential bottlenecks and improve your top three challenges for travellers using the Internet.
Internet Speed and Connectivity Variations:
Unreliable internet connection and speed across different countries and areas is one of the largest problems global nomads face. Some countries have a great internet connection that has high speed, while others might have Internet that is constantly disrupted and has a slower speed. This can be difficult for expats, since some require a high-speed and steady connection to engage in online activities. This includes video conferences or the transfer of large files.
Geographical Restrictions and Censorship:
Global nomads frequently struggle to get internet access due to online censorship and geographical limitations. It can be difficult to access specific websites, social media platforms, or streaming services because of strict laws in some countries. These restrictions can make it difficult for expats to communicate freely with others and or access their preferred content online.
Language and Cultural Barriers:
Global nomads might run into problems when trying to use the Internet in other countries because of language and cultural barriers. The majority of websites, applications, and customer services could only be accessible in the local language, which can be difficult for expats who do not speak the language well. Additionally, differences and cultural norms in online behaviour could have an impact on expats interactions online and experiences, which can lead to miscommunications or discomfort while using these network services.
Some Final Thoughts for Digital Expats
Internet access can be difficult for global nomads because of bad internet speed and issues with connectivity and speed, geographical limitations, censorship, and language and cultural barriers. Expats can choose good strategies that have reliable ISPs, and remain aware of local regulations. Expats can overcome these problems and enhance their internet usage while living in a different country.
