The internet situation in your new country will define your first few weeks more than almost anything else. It’s how you find your feet, stay in touch with home, handle the paperwork, and do your job if you’re working remotely. Getting it wrong — or not planning at all — is one of the most common avoidable frustrations of a first overseas move.

The Day One Problem

Every expat faces the same version of this problem: you land, you’re exhausted, you need to navigate to your accommodation, your home carrier is charging roaming rates that feel criminal, and you haven’t yet worked out where to get a local SIM. The solution is to remove the problem entirely by arriving already connected. An eSIM activated before you leave home means you step off the plane with working data on your phone.

Internet Quality by Region: What to Expect

Western Europe: Generally excellent fixed broadband and strong mobile coverage in cities. France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands all have competitive ISP markets with fast installation timelines.

Eastern Europe: Often underrated. Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, and the Baltic states have excellent speeds at low prices. SIM cards are cheap and easy to get.

Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia): Strong urban infrastructure, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ISP market is more controlled but generally reliable.

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia): 4G is strong in major cities. Rural and island coverage is inconsistent. Prepaid SIM cards are extremely cheap and easy to obtain.

East Asia (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan): Some of the fastest fixed broadband in the world. Japan and South Korea consistently rank at the top of global internet speed indices.

North America (USA, Canada): Solid but expensive compared to European benchmarks. Urban 5G is strong.

Australia and New Zealand: Strong urban coverage, much weaker in rural and remote areas. Important given the geography.

What You’ll Need on Arrival Day

1. Working phone data — eSIM activated in advance, or roaming turned on. 2. Offline maps downloaded before you leave. 3. Key documents accessible offline — accommodation address, emergency contacts, booking confirmations. 4. A portable WiFi device arriving at your accommodation.

Getting a Local SIM: What to Know

In most countries, getting a local prepaid SIM is straightforward. Most countries require you to register a SIM with a passport or ID. Some countries have stricter documentation requirements — Japan historically required a residence card for some contract SIM plans. If your phone is locked to your home carrier, you cannot use a local SIM. Unlock your phone before you leave.

eSIM vs Local SIM: Which Should You Use?

For the first 2-4 weeks of a new country, an eSIM data plan is usually the better choice — it’s instant, there’s no hardware to sort out, and it works from the moment you arrive. Once you’re settled and have a local address, switching to a local prepaid or contract SIM often makes more sense for a longer stay because you get a local phone number and local pricing.

Working Remotely Abroad: Higher Stakes

If you’re working remotely while you relocate, the connectivity question is even more critical. Video calls, shared documents, VPNs — these all require consistent, reasonably fast connections. A 4G portable WiFi device with a good local signal is typically fine for remote work.

The Longest Part: Getting Fixed Broadband Set Up

Unless you’re in serviced accommodation with broadband included, getting a fixed home internet connection abroad often takes longer than you expect. You typically need a local address and proof of residency. Some countries require a local bank account or tax identification number. Installation waitlists vary — plan your temporary connectivity solution accordingly.