Top 7 Countries with Fastest Internet Speed for Digital Nomads in 2024
More people are turning to remote work and becoming digital nomads. Whether leaving behind the hustle and bustle of big cities, looking for a big city, or experiencing brain drain and searching for a better, healthier work-life balance, more remote workers are looking abroad. But to work remotely, you will need a good internet connection.
Digital nomads know how important it is to find a fast and reliable internet connection. Whether or not you need to upload files, stream videos, or join online meetings, you don't want to waste your time and money on slow or unstable internet. That's why choosing a destination with high-speed internet is essential for your productivity and satisfaction.
But where can you find the fastest internet speed in the world? According to the Speedtest Global Index, which ranks countries by their average download speed on fixed broadband and mobile, the top 7 countries with the fastest internet speed for digital nomads as of November 2023 are:
Singapore
Hong Kong
Chile
United Arab Emirates
China
Thailand
United States
Singapore
Image: Mike Enerio
With an average broadband speed of 264.15 Mbps and a mobile speed of 89.45 Mbps, Singapore is the fastest country in the world for internet speed. Singapore is known as a hub for innovation, and business. Coupled with its vibrant and friendly culture, it is an attractive destination for digital nomads who want to enjoy a high quality of life and a cosmopolitan environment. A high quality of life comes with a high cost of living in Singapore, with average monthly expenses of $3285 for a single person. Singapore offers visa-free entry for citizens of about 170 countries and territories. Foreigners can stay from 7 days to 180 days depending on nationality.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the second-fastest country in the world with an average internet speed of 263.07 Mbps. Hong Kong is another popular destination for digital nomads because of its vibrant city life that offers a mix of cultures, cuisines, and attractions. It’s also a major financial center and a gateway to mainland China. Like Singapore, Hong Kong has a high cost of living, with an average monthly expense of $2630 for a single person. Hong Kong grants visa-free entry to nationals of about 170 countries and territories, who can stay 7 days to up to 180 days depending on nationality.
Image: Nic Low
Chile
Chile is the third-fastest country in the world for internet speed, with an average broadband speed of 248.65 Mbps and a mobile speed of 34.97 Mbps. Chile has a vibrant culture from the Andes mountains to the Pacific coast. Its stable economy and friendly visa policy make it a prime choice for remote workers. Chile has a moderate cost of living, with an average monthly expense of $1021 for a single person. Chile offers visa-free entry to nationals of about 90 countries and territories, who can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
Image: Bailey Hall
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is the fourth-fastest country in the world with broadband speeds averaging 235.72 Mbps and a mobile speed of 503.07 Mbps. The UAE is world-renowned for its luxury amenities, awe-inspiring architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a center for trade, tourism, and innovation, with a high cost of living, averaging a monthly expense of $1719 for a single person. The UAE grants visa-free entry to nationals of about 60 countries and territories, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
Image: David Rodrigo
China
China takes fifth place for the fastest internet in the world. With a booming gaming industry, its average broadband speed is 230.39 Mbps, with mobile speeds of 208.05 Mbps. China is one of the most populous countries in the world and home to over 50 ethnic groups, making it one of the most diverse countries. China’s low cost of living, with an average monthly expense of $678 for a single person makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and tourists. China requires a visa for most foreign nationals who wish to enter the country.
Image: Toby Yang
Thailand
Thailand ranks as the sixth-fastest country in the world for internet speed, with an average broadband speed of 218.94 Mbps and a mobile speed of 81.44 Mbps. This tropical paradise is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its amazing cuisine, stunning beaches, and low cost of living. Thailand has already garnered a vibrant community of remote workers, entrepreneurs, and travelers who help each other network and socialize. Thailand has an average monthly expense of $817 for a single person, offering visa-free entry to nationals of about 90 countries and territories, who can stay for up to 60 days without a visa. And US citizens traveling to Thailand can get a 60-day tourist visa upon arrival.
Image: Pascal Debrunner
United States
The United States is the seventh-fastest country in the world for internet speed, with an average broadband speed of 215.72 Mbps and a mobile speed of 202.04 Mbps. The U.S. is one of the most diverse and developed countries, giving remote workers plenty of locations to choose from. The United States has a high cost of living, with an average monthly expense of $2434 for a single person, even though the federal minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour. The U.S. requires a visa for most foreign nationals who wish to enter the country, except for those who are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or other exemptions.
Image: Keith Luke
These countries offer many other benefits for digital nomads who want to live and work abroad. However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, understand that there is more to being a digital nomad than just picking a destination and going. Be sure to research your destinations
Cost of living: Depending on your budget and lifestyle, you may find some countries more affordable or expensive than others. You should research the average prices of accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, health care, and other expenses in your chosen destination and compare them with your income and savings.
Visa requirements: Depending on your nationality and duration of stay, you may need to apply for a visa or a permit to enter and work in your chosen destination. You should check the visa policies and procedures of each country and make sure you have all the necessary documents and fees ready before you travel.
Cultural differences: Culture shock can vary depending on your background and personality. You should actively learn about the culture, customs, language, values, and etiquette of each country to prepare yourself for potential challenges or misunderstandings during your stay.
To help you make an informed decision about where to go as a digital nomad, you can check out Xfinity Internet plans and other Xfinity tools, which allow you to compare the internet speed, cost, and availability of different destinations worldwide. You can also read reviews, blogs, and guides from other digital nomads who have lived and worked in these countries and get their insights and tips.
To enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling experience as a digital nomad, consider more than just fast internet speed when choosing your destination. Evaluate each country's pros and cons to find the one that best aligns with your goals, preferences, and expectations.
References:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/internet-speeds-by-country
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements
https://www.chinahighlights.com/hong-kong/visa.htm
https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
https://www.visahq.com/thailand/
