As someone who spends a good chunk of my life traveling and working remotely, fast and reliable Wi-Fi is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether I’m trying to upload content, hop on a video call, or just unwind with some Netflix after a long travel day, a slow connection can be a dealbreaker. And trust me, I’ve been to some incredible places where the internet speeds were laughably bad.

But what about the world’s most visited countries? You’d think they’d all have blazing-fast internet, but that’s not always the case. Some are ahead of the curve, while others still have a long way to go.

Wi-Fi Speed Across Popular Destinations

South Korea has been a dream come true in terms of internet speed. I remember landing in Seoul and being blown away by how fast and accessible Wi-Fi was—even in public spaces. Japan isn’t far behind, with lightning-quick internet in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. France and the UK also hold their own, making them solid choices for remote workers who want to balance work and play.

On the other hand, I’ve had my fair share of struggles in places like Mexico, Thailand, and Indonesia. While there are pockets of great connectivity—like coworking spaces in Bali—stepping outside of those digital-friendly zones can be frustrating. In Mexico, I’ve had days where the Wi-Fi was flawless and others where I spent an hour rebooting routers and tethering off my phone just to send an email. It’s hit or miss. If you’re curious about how different countries rank on Wi-Fi speed, this article revealed the breakdown.

The Struggles of Staying Connected on the Road

Even in countries with solid internet infrastructure, challenges pop up. Network congestion is real—especially in places flooded with tourists. Try getting decent speeds in a packed coffee shop in Paris or a hostel in Bangkok during peak hours. Good luck.

Security is another issue. Public Wi-Fi networks are everywhere, but they’re also breeding grounds for cyber threats. I’ve had my accounts flagged for suspicious logins more times than I can count, usually after connecting to a questionable airport network. And then there’s government censorship—certain destinations impose restrictions on internet access, which can be a headache if you rely on an unrestricted connection for work.

How to Make Sure You Stay Connected

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep my internet woes to a minimum. First, I always research a destination’s Wi-Fi situation before heading there—checking internet speed rankings and reading other travelers’ experiences can save a lot of frustration. I also never rely solely on public Wi-Fi; a local SIM card or a portable hotspot has been a game changer for staying online when the hotel network decides to take the day off. And when I know I’ll be in a spotty coverage area, I download everything I might need ahead of time—whether it’s work files, maps, or just a couple of movies for long flights.

The Bottom Line

If staying connected is a priority, choosing your travel destinations wisely makes all the difference. Some places, like South Korea and Japan, make it easy, while others will test your patience. Either way, knowing what to expect and planning ahead can mean the difference between a smooth remote work experience and a day spent swearing at your screen.