In the modern work environment, remote working has become increasingly popular. A reliable Internet connection is essential for this. But what exactly do you need in terms of mobile data to work efficiently from another place or on the road? Especially when you are abroad. If you turn on your data roaming with your current provider, this can add up significantly in costs without you even realizing it. In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about using mobile data abroad.
What do you need mobile data for?
When working remotely, you want a stable Internet connection to do your job well. Think video conferencing via Zoom or Teams, uploading and downloading large files, using software such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, and staying up-to-date with emails and chats. No doubt you’ll also use it for Whatsapp and social media. In addition, using VPNs for secure connections can also consume additional data. To avoid high call charges, you can use mobile data by making calls via Whatsapp.
How much data do you need when working remotely?
The data volume needed depends on your specific activities as a digital nomad. For light tasks such as emailing and word processing, you need less data, for example around 5-10 GB per month. For more intensive tasks such as video conferencing, streaming large files or using heavy cloud applications, this can reach 20-50 GB per month or more. It is important to map your data usage well to avoid running into unexpected limits.
What is an eSIM and how does Firsty work with it?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. With an eSIM from Firsty, you can easily manage multiple subscriptions without changing SIM cards. This offers flexibility, especially for remote workers working in different countries. There are several eSIM options to suit your specific data needs, both inside and outside the EU.
The advantage of this is that you simply arrange it online and don’t have to figure out what to do when you arrive at your destination or accidentally rush through very expensive mobile data without realizing it. Alieke also used this during her remote working adventure in Morocco. “If you already arrange it at home, you can go online immediately when you arrive at your destination, ideal! And the app works super simple and is completely dummy-proof, which is necessary for me. When I had a quick question, I was helped super quickly through customer service.”
Mobile data inside versus outside the EU
Coverage and rates may vary depending on whether you work inside or outside the EU. Within the EU, you benefit from uniform rates and wide coverage thanks to the Roam-like-at-home scheme. Outside the EU, rates and coverage may vary by country. Firsty offers flexible data plans tailored to your location, so you always get the best coverage and price, no matter where you work.
To give you an idea, in Spain you pay from €1 per day for unlimited data and in Morocco it is €3 per day. Then you have the First class subscription, which gives you more than enough data to work well online. You create your own hotspot with this. With this you can get rid of all your mails, do video meetings and keep up with your social media.
Easily arrange everything online before departure
Arranging your mobile data before you leave is easy with an eSIM. So no hassle at your destination to still arrange this. Nothing more annoying than having to arrange this in a new country, after a long flight, where you don’t speak the language. Via the user-friendly online portal, you can quickly and easily choose the right subscription that suits your remote working needs. Plus, you can change or upgrade your subscription at any time, so you always have the right amount of data, wherever you are. Download the Firsty app and you’re good to go for your remote work adventure!
Learn more about workations and remote working:
Combineer hiken en remote werken op deze bestemmingen in Europa
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