Best connectivity tools for business travellers who work on the move
Photo by Yan Krukau
Working while travelling is pretty common nowadays because remote positions that do not require office visits are becoming more popular. You can casually see people answering emails in airports, join Zoom calls from hotel rooms, and edit documents between meetings.
There is only one requirement: a stable internet connection and tools that don’t fail when you move from one country to another. There are a few useful tools that help business travellers stay connected and actually get work done without stress.
1. eSIM
One of the biggest problems a remote worker can face when travelling is a poor mobile internet connection. It may be expensive and time-consuming to buy SIM cards every time you visit a new country.
That’s where eSIM comes in. It’s a digital SIM that can be simply installed on your phone in a few minutes.
A good example of a high-quality eSIM is Simify, which gives you mobile data plans for different countries. All you need to do is just pick a plan before your trip, activate it, and you’re online as soon as you land.
Its main advantages are:
- Works right after landing
- No need to find local SIM shops
- Easy switching between countries
- Usually cheaper than roaming
This option solves the most common connectivity problem of people who need to work remotely and have a stable internet connection.
2. Roaming
Roaming is the default option most people already have with their mobile provider. You simply turn it on, and your phone works abroad the same as it does in your own country.
However, roaming can be quite expensive, especially if you need to join video calls or download large files that consume a lot of data. While it may work as a backup solution, it is not cost-effective in the long term.
3. Portable WiFi Devices
A portable WiFi hotspot is a small device that provides internet access almost anywhere via mobile networks.
It’s quite useful in the following situations:
- You’re working on trains, in airports, or in cars.
- You need to connect a laptop and a phone at the same time.
- You want a more stable internet than hotel WiFi.
Some travellers prefer this over phone hotspots because it’s more stable and doesn’t drain the phone battery.
4. VPN
There may be public WiFi hotspots in airports, cafés, or hotels, and it’s quite a convenient option. However, it is not that safe because your connection is not protected.
That’s where VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be helpful. It encrypts your data so others can’t easily see your online activity. Business travellers use VPNs to:
- Access company systems securely.
- Protect sensitive emails and files.
- Work safely on public networks.
This can help to protect the sensitive data of the company you work for.
5. Cloud storage
Instead of carrying files only on a USB stick or laptop, most travellers now rely on cloud storage. Tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive let you:
- Access files from any device
- Share documents instantly
- Work with your team in real time.
It ensures that you don’t forget any important files or documents on your PC or USB stick and can access them at any time.
6. Offline tools
Even with the best setup, the internet can still fail during flights, in rural areas, or during travel delays. That’s why it is important to consider offline tools that may be useful for the type of work you do.
For example, you can download Google Docs for offline editing, save maps for navigation without an internet connection, write emails offline and send them later. While heavy development tasks like utilizing an AI App Builder to create mobile software require an active connection, outlining your project assets offline ensures your productivity never drops. This way, you can save time and work in places with poor internet connections. This way, you can save time and work in places with poor internet connections.
7. Password managers
You may have various devices and accounts that require unique access data. The problem is that it can be easily forgotten, and it is not safe to leave passwords and login information unprotected in your notes.
This is where a password manager can be useful because it stores all your passwords securely, and you only need to remember one master password. It can help you to log in faster, avoid password mistakes, and stay secure across devices.
Final words
Business travel can be much easier if you are prepared and aware of the useful tools that provide a stable internet connection and simplify your remote work.
Most people today combine several tools, such as eSIM like Simify for mobile data, VPN for safety, and cloud storage for files. Thanks to these tools, you can have a full mobile office anywhere in the world and work smoothly and effectively.