There are many messenger and VoIP apps on the market right now, but not all of them make security a priority. The secure messaging app Signal prides itself on its data protection and high security. The platform has even been praised by the likes of Elon Musk, Edward Snowden, and Brian Acton (who was the co-founder of WhatsApp).

So, What is Signal?

Signal is a messenger application, much like Telegram and WhatsApp. You can use it to communicate easily with your peers/colleagues who may be in different countries or who may have different phones.

Signal uses end-to-end encryption. What does this mean? That means messages are encrypted on one device and can only be decrypted by the device the message is sent to–keeping your communications safe. For this reason, it has become popular by individuals requiring higher levels of privacy like activists. The app is also a nonprofit organization that’s run by a foundation, rather than a large tech company.

Signal is free-to-use and can be used on both your Apple and Android devices, as well as on your desktop. You just need a phone number to join and, once you’ve signed up, you can text and make voice/video calls both to individual people and groups. Group chats can be created on Signal, but they’re limited to 150 members.

What Other Privacy Features Does Signal Offer?

Signal has a disappearing message feature, meaning that users can select a timeframe for messages to disappear from 5 seconds to one week. The app also doesn’t collect data from its users. The only piece of information the company has of yours is the phone number given during signup, and they’re trying to find a way to eliminate the need for that as well.

Since Signal is a non-profit organization, it doesn’t have advertisements, so it has no reason to collect user data.

How Does Signal Compare to WhatsApp?

Signal and WhatsApp use the same end-to-end encryption technology. However, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook which collects plenty of user data. WhatsApp recently updated its privacy policy to include information on its data-sharing policies with the popular social media platform.

Another difference between Signal and WhatsApp, is that people who are sent an invitation to group chats must accept the invitation to join the group. On WhatsApp, anyone with your contact information can add you straight into a group. Users on Signal can’t see when you’re online either, unlike the Status feature on WhatsApp.

You also can’t backup your Signal chats to Google Drive or iCloud. You can only transfer data if you have the original device with all your Signal messages, pictures, and files. Otherwise, you’ll lose all your previous chats. You’ll also lose your Signal chat data if you previously cleared the data on your phone or changed your phone number.

Therefore, while WhatsApp has more customization features on its application, Signal has much better privacy.

How Can POND mobile Help?

Stay connected to all your messenger applications without Wi-Fi with POND mobile. POND mobile offers International Voice, SMS, and Data services in 210+ countries worldwide! Messenger apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram aren’t available in certain countries because of strict laws. With POND, you can bypass these restrictions without having to rely on an unstable and unsafe VPN, or public Wi-Fi which carries its own safety risks.

We’re also upfront about all costs and fees included in our plans. Information on both daily and monthly costs, data, and high-speed allowance are all listed, and taxes/VAT and fees are already included in our pricing. We also have some of the least restricted unlimited options available for those of you who live a fast-paced lifestyle and need access to high-speed internet at all times. With travel opening back up, it’s important for you to be able to stay connected to your work life and colleagues while you’re abroad.

POND mobile doesn’t collect or sell your personal data much like Signal, so your phone number will always be secure with us!

Using a tablet is easy enough when you’re near a reliable Wi-Fi connection, like when you’re at home or in your workplace. But what about when you’re away from the Internet and need to find a way to stay connected to access applications on your tablet? You could use public Wi-Fi, but that carries its own security risks.

A solution is getting a tablet with LTE capabilities, either built-in or enabled with an external accessory.

Why Get 4G LTE Access for Your Tablet?

Using a tablet for work has many benefits. It has a wider screen so you can see your documents clearly, and it’s easier to carry around than a laptop. For those who create digital artwork or graphics, using a tablet can make your job a lot easier. During your commute, it’s hard to stay connected on your tablet because you may not be near a hotspot or reliable Wi-Fi connection. You could use offline features on your tablet or you could secure a SIM card for your tablet. If you get a tablet with LTE capabilities, you can simply insert the SIM card into your device and get high-speed Internet for your tablet.

POND mobile provides solutions for both mobile and tablet users. Upon request, a SIM card can be provided for your tablet and easily added onto your plan.

Get International Voice and Internet Services

Data roaming is another issue. When you’re traveling internationally, using data can result in astronomical fees on your bill if you’re using your domestic carrier. If you’re a frequent traveler that needs constant access to the Internet, social networking apps, and digital media, you may be better off using an international service provider. Doing so will allow you to get Internet through roaming on your tablet, without the hassle of roaming fees.

POND mobile provides Voice, SMS, and Data services in 210+ countries around the world! With our service, you can select the plan that best fits your needs and pay a fixed monthly fee (so there’s no need to consider hidden costs). This price will remain the same across all countries, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about in your travels. For those of you who are heavy data users, we have specific Global Data Plans. You can learn how much data it takes to surf the Internet here, and determine the amount of data you’ll need. If you can’t find a plan that matches your specific needs, reach out to us and we’ll come up with a customized plan, specially made for you.

Until recently, working remotely was a privilege enjoyed by highly qualified individuals, usually in the IT field. It was hard to imagine any other profession switching to online work. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of remote work was proven and the demand for freelance services increased in the market.

Jobs That Allow You to Work Remotely

If your current job doesn’t allow you to work remotely and travel freely, then here are other positions that do. There are also numerous domestic and international freelancer platforms that can help you find offers for remote work like Upwork and Freelancer. Here are some examples of jobs that you can do remotely:

Web Developer

A web developer works to develop websites and provide technical support including communication with clients, drawing up technical tasks, design development, and generating website and page layouts.

Graphic Designer

A graphic designer is an individual that designs graphic content like billboards, flyers, and other material for a company. They might work for websites, newspapers, magazines, and even places like cafes and restaurants to create promotional material. A main task of graphic designers working for a company is designing logos and packaging or advertising material.

Illustrator

An illustrator works not only on books designs, but also in developing animations and computer games.

SEO Specialist

An SEO specialist works on promoting websites to the top search results of search engines like Google. They eliminate technical problems and select keywords to be used in website content to generate traffic. They also work on building links and adding thematic content to resources.

Copywriter

A Copywriter writes articles, blogs, and promotional material. Professional copywriting includes inventing titles and slogans, and writing content that generates brand awareness.

In addition to professions that are largely Internet-based, there are other professions that can be done remotely. Such as, being an interpreter, lawyer, accountant, teacher, or tutor.

How Can You Successfully Work and Travel?

Thanks to modern technology, today you can freely combine work and travel. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, many jobs have transferred to remote work over office work. This has shown us that it’s not necessary to go to a physical office to get work done. In reality, you just need a computer, and a reliable Internet and cellphone connection.

In order to successfully work remotely, however, you need self-discipline and strong time management skills. To start, you should create a schedule that designates time for both work and rest. You can do this by taking into account any time difference with your employer and/or colleagues. Then, divide work tasks into those that are urgent and those that are not. Doing so will allow you to avoid stressful situations and spending your entire day in front of a computer screen. If you choose to travel while working remotely, doing this will give you time to explore surrounding areas and local attractions without compromising your work.

How Can POND mobile Help On Your Remote Work Journey?

POND mobile is an international mobile service operator that provides customers with international roaming in 210+ countries around the world. Our “World Phone” and “Global Data” plans are designed to provide reliable communication and high-speed internet in any country that you choose for remote work, or during your travels.

Each rate plan includes a certain number of minutes for calls, SMS, and GB of high-speed Internet, so you can pick the plan that meets your specific needs. Our pricing is transparent– you pay the fixed monthly subscription fee specified in your rate plan. There are no hidden costs or additional roaming charges, and taxes and fees are already included.

With our service, you no longer need to worry about buying a local or international SIM card and spending hours researching the various local carriers in each country. When you need to use the Internet, you can use it freely without worrying about roaming charges or looking for free Wi-Fi.

By having the ability to add local numbers for 90+ countries, in addition to the US number you receive, your family, friends, and colleagues will be able to call you at their local rates without extra charges in their phone bills. POND mobile, keeping you connected.

With COVID-19 vaccines becoming more widespread, many countries are re-opening their borders for foreign travelers. However, there are still restrictions in place which vary depending on the country.

Countries Open for Travel and Their Travel Restrictions

Albania

Travelers will be subjected to health screenings upon arrival, otherwise there is no pre-departure testing or quarantine periods required.

Anguilla

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter but they will still need to present a negative COVID-19 test 3-5 days prior to arrival. Pre-approved visitors must also complete an application to visit Anguilla.

Antigua and Barbuda

Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test within 7 days of departure. Upon arrival, medical screening will be conducted and a health declaration form will need to be completed. Travelers will also be monitored for COVID-19 for a 14-day period upon their arrival.

Argentina

All travelers must fill out a “sworn statement” form online 2 days prior to departure and present a negative PCR test 3 days prior to arrival. They must also acquire medical insurance that covers any COVID-19 treatment costs. Travelers will be subjected to additional testing and isolation periods, and must follow COVID-19 protocols throughout the country (i.e. wearing face coverings).

Aruba

Eligible travelers need to obtain online travel authorization and will be sent a health questionnaire 3 days prior to departure of their home country and a negative COVID-19 test must be presented within this time as well. Travelers visiting Aruba must also purchase the country’s COVID-19 insurance and agree to health screenings upon arrival.

The Bahamas

Approved travelers must apply for a Health Visa online and present a negative PCR test that was taken no more than 5 days prior to departure. Travelers staying longer than 5 days will be tested again on day 5.

Bangladesh

Travelers need to present a negative PCR test taken at least 3 days prior to departure. A 14-day quarantine period is also required, and the traveler will need to cover those costs.

Barbados

Vaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test 3 days prior to departure, proof of vaccination, complete a PCR test at the airport, and quarantine for 1-2 days.

Belize

Travelers who are fully vaccinated, and show proof of vaccination, will not be subjected to COVID-19 testing. All travelers must download the Belize health app and present a negative PCR test 2 days prior to departure.

Bermuda

Travelers to Bermuda must obtain “Travel Authorisation” which will require a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 7 days of departure. They must also complete a screening form, demonstrate proof of health insurance, and undergo additional COVID-19 testing and quarantine periods as required.

Bolivia

Travelers must present a PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior to departure and quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Another PCR test must be taken on the 7th day of quarantine and costs will be covered by the travelers who must also show proof of medical insurance to cover treatment costs.

Botswana

Vaccinated travelers must present proof of a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure and will be subjected to additional health screening upon arrival.

Brazil

Travelers will need to present a medical declaration showing that they do not have COVID-19 and proof of valid health insurance.

British Virgin Islands

All fully vaccinated travelers will need to show a negative PCR test taken within 5 days of departure and provide evidence of vaccination. They will need to register on the BVI Gateway App and submit their test results on the app to receive their Travel Certificate (valid for 5 days).

Bulgaria

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Bulgaria with proof of a complete COVID-19 vaccination series.

Canada

All passengers who are five years or older are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test 3 days prior to departure. Once landing, they are required to complete a 14-day quarantine period unless they are fully vaccinated.

Chad

Travelers must show proof of a negative PCR test taken 7 days prior to departure and they must adhere to the curfew from 8pm to 5am.

Chile

All travelers must follow a mandatory 10-day quarantine regardless of vaccination status. On the 7th day, they can take a PCR test and, if the result is negative, the quarantine will be lifted.

Colombia

All travelers must fill out an online immigration form 1 day prior to departure.

Costa Rica

Travelers must fill out an epidemiological form prior to departure, meet the visa requirements, and have a travel insurance policy that covers COVID-19 treatment costs.

Croatia

Vaccinated travelers can enter Croatia with proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination series (administered at least 14 days prior to departure).

Cuba

Travelers must complete a Health Declaration, confirm where they are staying, and take a PCR test. Upon taking the test, they must quarantine for 1 day while waiting for the results.

Cyprus

Vaccinated travelers from eligible countries can enter Cyprus with a negative PCR test or quarantine period, however the second dose must have been administered at least 7 days prior to departure. Travelers need to complete the Cyprus Flight Pass online 1 day prior to travel.

The Democratic Republic of Congo

Travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior to arrival and pay for an additional COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Denmark

Denmark is accepting a Digital Health Certificate from approved countries. Most travelers will still need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test 3 days prior to arrival and some will need to isolate for up to 10 days. A corona passport is also needed to visit many establishments in Denmark including restaurants and museums.

Dominica

All travelers must complete an online questionnaire 1 day prior to departure and provide results of a negative PCR test 3 days prior to their flight. Travelers are subjected to a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) upon arrival.

Dominican Republic

A negative COVID-19 test must be presented 3 days prior to departure and all travelers must complete a Traveler’s Health Affidavit. Travelers will be subjected to additional health and COVID-19 screenings.

Ecuador

Travelers must present proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to departure).

Egypt

Travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior to arrival. They must also fill out a Public Health Card and show proof of health insurance.

El Salvador

All travelers must have a printed certificate of negative PCR test results issued 3 days prior to departure.

Estonia

All travelers must present a valid vaccine certificate or vaccine passport. It needs to include details like vaccine origin and where/when it was issued.

Ethiopia

Travelers must show proof of a negative PCR test taken 5 days prior to departure. All travelers will be required to self-isolate for 7 days.

Finland

Fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries can enter Finland for leisure travel.

France

Travelers from “green” countries are able to enter the country if they’re fully vaccinated. All travelers must complete a “sworn statement” confirming that they have no COVID-19 symptoms and have not been in contact with any positive cases in the past 14 day.

French Polynesia

Fully vaccinated travelers need to show a receipt of registration from the ETIS platform, travel authorization for French Polynesia, a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure, and a sworn statement to follow all COVID-19 protocols.

Georgia

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Georgia with proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series.

Germany

Travel without restriction is permitted from countries that are not deemed as “high-risk”. Travelers from high-risk countries will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test and potentially face a self-isolation period.

Greece

Fully vaccinated travelers can visit Greece with a vaccine certificate, as long as vaccination was completed 14 days prior to departure.

Grenada

Travelers need to provide a negative PCR test 3 days prior to departure even if they’re fully vaccinated. They will also need to pay online for a PCR test once they arrive at the island and a Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate is necessary. Travelers can register for this authorization online.

Guatemala

Travelers must present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and complete a Health Pass online.

Guyana

All travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 7 days prior to departure. If the test was taken within 3 days of arrival, the traveler will be granted immediate entry with no restrictions. If taken between 7-4 days prior to arrival, they will be subjected to additional testing and self-isolation periods.

Honduras

Travelers must present a negative PCR test 3 days prior to departure and fill out a form online. No quarantine is required with proof of a negative PCR test.

Iceland

Fully vaccinated travelers may enter Iceland without additional testing or quarantine restrictions, provided the second vaccination was administered at least 14 days prior to departure to Iceland.

Ireland

Travelers must fill out a health passenger locator form and present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure. They will be subjected to additional quarantine periods.

Iran

Travelers from eligible countries can enter Iran with a negative PCR test taken at least 4 days prior to departure.

Israel

Vaccinated travelers have to present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure and adhere to additional isolation periods. All travelers have to submit an entry statement.

Italy

Fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries can enter Italy with proof of vaccination. All travelers need to submit an online form which will give them a QR code.

Jamaica

All travelers must get authorization to visit from the Visit Jamaica website. Upon arrival, they have to follow COVID-19 protocols the island has set forth including an island-wide curfew from 8pm-5am. They will also need to present a negative COVID-19 test to check-in to their Jamaica flight.

Jordan

All travelers need to present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure. They will also need to register on the Visit Jordan platform.

Kuwait

Travelers from eligible countries must present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure and are subjected to medical screenings, and additional testing and quarantine periods.

Lebanon

Vaccinated travelers can enter Lebanon with a negative PCR test taken 4 days prior to departure and a second test on arrival. Travelers will also be subjected to additional quarantine periods.

Lithuania

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Lithuania without restriction if they show proof of vaccination. This form needs to be filled out upon arrival.

Madeira

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Madeira with proof of vaccination. Documents must be submitted here before arrival.

Maldives

Travelers need to present a negative PCR test taken 4 days prior to departure, and fill out a health declaration form and immigrant arrival card.

Malta

Vaccinated travelers must have proof of vaccination. Travelers are still required to show results of a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to arrival.

Mauritius

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Mauritius with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. There will be a required 14-day quarantine period and a negative PCR test from 3 days prior to departure must be presented.

Mexico

While travel along the US-Mexico land border is still restricted to essential travel, international air travel is allowed. All travelers have to complete a questionnaire upon arrival.

Moldova

Eligible travelers may enter Moldova with proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Montenegro

Fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries can enter Montenegro with no restrictions upon showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The second dose of the vaccine must have been administered 7 days prior to departure.

Morocco

Fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries can enter Morocco with proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Mozambique

Travelers must present a negative PCR test 3 days prior to departure.

Nigeria

Travelers must present a negative PCR test 4 days prior to arrival and register on the Nigerian International Travel Portal. A Health Declaration Form must be filled out prior to arrival.

Norway

All travelers must fill out a self-declaration form and will be required to spend 10 days in quarantine upon arrival.

Nicaragua

All travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken 3 days prior to departure.

The Netherlands

All travelers must present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure.

Palau

Travelers will need to present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to arrival, and they are subjected to additional testing and quarantine periods.

Panama

Travelers need to present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure and sign a health declaration form.

Paraguay

All travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior to departure. They must also have international medical insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment costs. A Traveler’s Health information form must be filled out online 1 day prior to departure.

Portugal

Fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries can enter Portugal without completing the quarantine period. All travelers must show a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure.

Romania

Travelers who are fully vaccinated can enter Romania with proof of COVID-19 vaccination, given the second dose was administered over 10 days prior to departure.

Russia

Travelers from eligible countries can visit Russia with a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure.

Senegal

Travelers from eligible countries will need to present a negative PCR test 3 days prior to departure.

Serbia

Travelers are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test unless they are from approved countries.

Sierra Leone

Travelers have to obtain authorization from the Government of Sierra Leone and present a negative PCR test taken 3 days prior to departure. A public health passenger locator form will have to be filled out prior to departure as well, and proof of payment for COVID-19 tests that will be taken on arrival.

Slovenia

Vaccinated travelers from eligible countries may enter with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers must adhere to all COVID-19 protocols set forth by the country like face coverings and a curfew.<

Somaliland

Travelers need to present a negative PCR test taken 4 days prior to departure.

South Africa

Travelers will need to show a paper copy of their negative COVID-19 test and download a government contact tracing application.

Spain

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Spain with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All travelers must complete the FCS form online and show the QR code upon arrival.

St Lucia

All travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 7 days prior to departure, and they need to fill out a Pre-Arrival registration form. All travelers will be subjected to additional health screenings and quarantine periods

St Kitts and Nevis

All travelers need to fill out a Travel Authorization Form online and upload a negative PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior to departure.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Travelers must complete a Pre-Arrival Travel Form online and present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 5 days prior to departure. They will also be subjected to additional testing and quarantine periods.

Sudan

All travelers will be required to present a negative PCR test taken 4 days prior to arrival. They will also be subjected to additional health screening measures.

Switzerland

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Switzerland with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Additional quarantine periods may be required depending on country of origin.

Tanzania

Travelers must fill out a “Health Form” prior to arrival.

Thailand

Travelers can enter Thailand under a Special Tourist Visa but they will need to adhere to the 14-day mandatory quarantine period. A negative PCR test will also be required.

Trinidad and Tobago

Fully vaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test 3 days prior to departure, but they will not be required to follow through the additional 14-day quarantine period.

Turkey

All travelers from eligible countries need to fill out an online form 3 days prior to departure. They must also adhere to curfew restrictions set by the country.

Turks and Caicos

All travelers need to obtain travel authorization with the TCI Assured portal 3 days prior to departure. They must also present a negative COVID test 5 days prior to departure, show proof of health and travel insurance, and complete a health screening questionnaire.

Ukraine

Vaccinated travelers can enter Ukraine with proof of COVID-19 vaccination and health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment.

United Arab Emirates

Travelers need to present proof of a negative PCR test taken 4 days prior to departure and international health insurance. They also need to fill out a health declaration form and quarantine form.

United Kingdom

Fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries can enter the UK with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All travelers must fill out this online form and may also be subjected to self-isolation periods.

United States

Travelers are required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken 3 days prior to departure. These passengers are required to self-isolate for at least 7 days and take another COVID-19 test within 3-5 days after arrival.

Zambia

Travelers must present a negative PCR test result taken 3 days prior to arrival. They will also need to monitor their health conditions for a 14-day period.

This may not be a complete list of all countries open for travel, as the list is ever-changing as we learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccines. Please keep in mind that the travel restrictions are ever-changing as well, and they vary depending on your country of origin. Be sure to check what travel restrictions are in place for your home country!

How Can POND mobile Help?

POND mobile is an international service provider that offers a one SIM card solution. Our solution provides international internet and voice services that allow for permanent roaming. With POND mobile, you will only need to purchase one SIM card, one plan, and you will have coverage in 210+ countries.

We are also upfront about all costs and fees included in our plans. Information on both daily and monthly costs, data, and high-speed allowance are all listed, and taxes/VAT and fees are already included in our pricing. We also have some of the least restricted unlimited options available for those of you who live a fast-paced lifestyle and need access to high-speed internet at all times. With travel opening back up, it’s important for you to be able to stay connected to your work life while you’re abroad.

In some of the countries on this list, you will find that certain applications are blocked. Like social media platforms, messenger apps, or even search engines. With POND mobile, you will still be able to gain access to these services without having to rely on a VPN (which can lead to numerous security issues).

To make things even easier for you, with our plans, you also have the option of adding both SMART Caller ID and 1-10 local numbers from 90+ countries all over the world.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have had to shift their employees to remote work. It’s now clear that the need for office time for specific job roles has diminished. And, once strict travel restrictions were lifted, it became possible to travel without interrupting the work process. Some countries have responded to this change by revising their visa policy and even implementing new visas. With remote work taking over, many countries are now offering digital nomad and remote worker visas!

In order to find the right country for you to start your digital nomad journey, there are a few things you need to figure out. First, you need to determine what climate and time zone will work best for you. Doing so will ensure there’s no large time difference between you and your boss or other colleagues, and that your work and sleep schedule will not be disrupted. It should help you feel more at ease in the location you choose to reside in as well.

When choosing your digital nomad destination, here are a few things you should pay attention to:

• The cost of living. It may go without saying, but your cost of living should not exceed your income level. You want to make sure you’re living comfortably enough to get all your work done and have all living expenses covered.
• Living conditions. Your living conditions must meet the requirements for permanent life, even if you’re only staying for a few months. For example, there must be a strong Internet connection and a comfortable sleeping area and amenities. Housing should be full-fledged. The options of living in a tent or a bungalow may not be optimal for your digital nomad lifestyle.

Additional criteria to keep in mind when making your decision are the level of security in the country, attitudes toward foreigners, and language barriers.

The Best Countries for Remote Work

We have selected five countries to highlight as popular destinations for digital nomads and remote workers.

Georgia

In Georgia, you can get good-quality rental housing for a low price. The internet is efficient and doesn’t have a high price point. You can also rent a car without any issues even if you have an international driving license. The climate is pleasant and nature is diverse. You can enjoy both the sea and the mountains, so there’s something for everyone. The locals are also good-natured and hospitable so you’ll feel right at home!

Thailand

Thailand has an abundance of housing options. There are a multitude of apartments and small houses available for rent. The climate tends to be warm and favorable, making it a favorite place for those looking to escape cold winters in their home countries. There’s also a well-developed infrastructure. The internet is stable and works well, but it’s on the pricier side.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a favorite among remote workers. Especially Bali which is considered one of the world’s centers of freelancers. This place has been favored by expatriates from a multitude of countries thanks to its great infrastructure. You can find all kinds of cafes with fast internet, supermarkets with European foods, and comfortable and inexpensive housing (which also has reliable internet). All of these features make Indonesia a highly favored choice for digital nomads and remote workers alike.

Portugal

Portugal is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Prices for both food and housing are not very high, making the cost of living relatively low. There’s also a strong Internet connection throughout the land and an inexpensive local communication rate. Portugal is a clean location, and locals are very friendly to visitors. Portugal also contains its own digital nomad community in the islands of Madeira!

Turkey

There are fairly cheap and comfortable housing options in Turkey. Food also tends to be inexpensive. Fresh vegetables and fruits from the village can be purchased from local markets for a very low cost. The internet connection is quite good but tends to be on the pricier side. In terms of language barriers, if you choose to live in large tourist cities, such as Antalya, then there shouldn’t be any language problems at all.

How Can POND mobile Help With Your Remote Work Journey?

POND mobile is an international mobile service operator that provides its customers with international roaming in 210+ countries around the world. The “World Phone” and “Global Data” plans are designed to provide reliable communication and high-speed internet in any country that you choose for remote work, or during your travels.

Each rate plan includes a certain number of minutes for calls, SMS, and GB of high-speed Internet, so you can pick the plan that meets your specific needs. Our pricing is transparent– you pay the fixed monthly subscription fee specified in your rate plan. There are no hidden costs or additional roaming charges, and taxes and fees are already included.

With our service, you no longer need to worry about buying a local or international SIM card and spending hours researching the various local carriers in each country. When you need to use the Internet, you can use it freely without worrying about roaming charges or looking for free Wi-Fi.

By having the ability to add local numbers for 90+ countries, in addition to the U.S. number you receive, your family, friends, and colleagues will be able to call you at their local rates without extra charges in their phone bills. POND mobile, keeping you connected.

The Internet has become an integral part of our lives. It’s hard to imagine our life without constant access to the Internet because of how often we use it. Typically when we imagine a stable Internet connection, we think of fixed broadband Internet. However, mobile Internet has developed widely in recent years. The speed increases every year and, in some countries, it almost equals the speed of fixed broadband Internet.

What Countries Have the Best Internet Coverage?

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Internet access has become especially important because of the switch to remote work and distance learning. This switch requires a stable and fast Internet connection. This is also necessary during our travels.

The data for June 2021, according to the Speedtest Global Index, gives us an idea where mobile Internet has reached the maximum speed indicators (the data reception indicator was used). Here are a few countries in particular:

Southeast Asia
• South Korea – 180.48 Mbps
• China – 159.47 Mbps
• Singapore – 86.96 Mbps
• Hong Kong – 78.06 Mbps

Middle East
• UAE – 193.51 Mbps
• Qatar – 171.76 Mbps
• Saudi Arabia – 153.18 Mbps
• Kuwait – 137.51 Mbps

Europe
• Norway – 167.60 Mbps
• Cyprus – 161.80 Mbps
• Luxembourg – 112.64 Mbps
• Bulgaria – 110.40 Mbps
• Switzerland – 109.51 Mbps

North America
• Canada – 90.97 Mbps
• USA – 88.08 Mbps
• Mexico – 34.74 Mbps

South America
• Uruguay – 34.20 Mbps
• Costa Rica – 33.15 Mbps
• Brazil – 32.73 Mbps
• Argentina – 30.06 Mbps

Africa
• South Africa – 44.60 Mbps
• Morocco – 40.07 Mbps
• Tunisia – 34.22 Mbps
• Cameroon – 33.98 Mbps

Each year, network coverage is expanding and Internet speeds are increasing. For example, in June 2020, the speed of the mobile Internet in the UAE was 107.53 Mbps and, a year later, in June 2021 it reached 193.51 Mbps. Similarly, in South Korea, the speed was 110.10 Mbps and a year later the indicator became 180.48 Mbps. In Norway, the numbers were 70.16 Mbps and 167.60 Mbps respectively. Data shows that mobile operators around the world continue to work on improving the communication services they provide.

Why Do You Need a Stable Internet Connection?

With the development of modern technology, you can fulfill your dreams and go on life-changing trips while staying connected. And, you can do it without compromising your work! Remote work has become widespread with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the market for both freelancers and digital nomads has grown as a result. The most important condition for that kind of work is a stable Internet connection. We are used to having a stable and high-speed Internet connection by using fixed broadband. However, as you can see from the Speedtest Global Index data, mobile Internet is gradually catching up with the speed of broadband Internet. Let’s turn again to the data for June of the current year. Broadband and mobile Internet in Norway are equal in speed. The speed of broadband Internet is 167.07 Mbps and mobile is 167.60 Mbps. And in the UAE, the speed of mobile Internet has overtaken broadband Internet in terms of indicators: 193.51 Mbps and 179.45 Mbps respectively.

With the current pace of network development, soon we can expect a stable Internet connection in even the most remote corners of the globe! Business and leisure travelers alike will be able to enjoy their surroundings without worrying about how to stay connected.

How Can POND mobile Help?

POND mobile is an international mobile operator that provides customers with international roaming in over 210 countries around the world. Our World Phone and Global Data rate plans are designed to provide reliable communication and a high-speed Internet connection in any country you choose for remote work or your travels.

Each rate plan includes a certain number of minutes for calls, SMS and GB of high-speed Internet, so everyone can choose exactly what they need. The pricing is simple – you pay only a fixed monthly subscription fee, which is specified in the rate plan. Taxes and fees are already included so there’s no hidden charges or additional roaming fees.

With a POND mobile SIM card, you no longer need to worry about buying a local SIM card and spending time researching various carriers. When you need to use the Internet, you can simply use it, without worrying about roaming and looking for free Wi-Fi. The ability to add local numbers from more than 90 countries around the world and the US number that you get with our SIM will allow your family, friends and colleagues to call you at their local rates. POND mobile ensures that you stay connected, no matter what country you’re in!

What Is Roaming and How Does It Work?

Roaming allows you to use mobile services from your home network outside of their service zone. So when you’re abroad, you can activate data roaming and still use communication services, even if your domestic carrier doesn’t operate in that location.

Your domestic carrier has contracts with third-party carriers that allow their customers to use the third-party’s networks.

What Happens When You Go to Another Country?

Once you reach your destination, your phone will need to perform a series of tasks to access networks in the new country. It’ll take time for your phone to search through the signals and frequency bands it supports, especially for phone models that support a wide range of technologies. The roaming process varies based on the type of network, but generally the process is as follows:

• The phone will first search for the home network. If that’s not not available, it’ll look through the networks that are stored in a list on the SIM card. Next, the phone will go through all other networks as signal strength decreases. If roaming is not allowed between cellular networks, the device will try to register itself on the network. If the guest network is located in the same country as the home network, the phone will periodically check to see if the home network is available.
• Next, the guest network will connect to the home network and request service information about the device using its IMSI number. Then it’ll check whether the service is allowed.
• If the previous steps were done successfully, the guest network starts serving as a user’s temporary account for the device and the home network configures redirection towards it.

For example, let’s say you’re calling a phone number that’s using data roaming. In this case, the phone network is directing your call to the domestic carrier which already has that number registered. The domestic carrier, in turn, is sending this call to the guest network carrier. The guest network is providing a temporary internal phone number to this mobile device. Now, the home network is routing your call to the provided temporary phone number.

What Network Search Mode Is Better to Use In Roaming: Manual or Automatic?

When you turn on your phone, it automatically uses the network selection that was on before you turned it off. If your phone was in manual mode before you turned it off, for example, then it won’t be able to automatically select a network when you turn it on. Now, you won’t be able to communicate with anyone until you manually connect it to an available network.

Don’t forget that when you’re in roaming mode, you might get into an area where the coverage for the carrier you manually selected will disappear. As a result, you’ll be left without a mode of communication for some time. That’s why it’s better to use the automatic network selection mode. Doing so will allow your phone to search for available networks and register them on its own, providing you with an uninterrupted connection during your entire roaming period.

Types of Roaming

Depending on the network coverage, roaming is divided into several types.

Regional – allows you to use the connection in the same network between regions of the same country.

Inter-network (national) – allows you to use the networks of other operators within the same country. It’s usually used by new telecommunications companies because they don’t have their own networks and communication towers. They rent resources from larger operators and provide services to their customers through them until they build their own network.

International – allows you to stay connected in other countries with your phone number. International roaming is supported by most mobile operators. It works best in the GSM standard. But there still may be some difficulties, since not all countries operate on the same frequencies. The majority use a frequency of 900/1800MHz, but in the US, for example, 850/1900MHz is used. Therefore, in order for the phone to work in a country with different frequencies, it must support both frequencies and it should be a tri-band or quad-band phone.

Inter-standard – allows you to use a network that differs from the standard subscriber network. Because mobile communication technologies have developed independently on different continents, different standards appeared, which caused some difficulties in this type of roaming. In order to solve this problem, major mobile phone manufacturers have begun working together to achieve interoperability between technologies. For example, if your home network is CDMA, and you went to a country that has a completely different standard – GSM. You’ll be able to use this other network and make calls, provided that your phone supports this standard.

International roaming with POND mobile

POND mobile is an international mobile service operator that provides its customers with international roaming in 210+ countries around the world. The “World Phone” and “Global Data” plans are designed to provide reliable communication and high-speed Internet during your travels.

Each rate plan includes a certain number of minutes for calls, SMS and GB of high-speed Internet, so you can pick the plan that meets your specific needs. Our pricing is transparent– you pay the fixed monthly subscription fee specified in your rate plan. There are no hidden costs or additional roaming charges, and taxes and fees are already included.

With our service, you no longer need to worry about buying a local or international SIM card and spending hours researching the various local carriers in each country. When you need to use the Internet, you can use it freely without worrying about roaming charges or looking for free Wi-Fi. This also protects you from the risk of scammers stealing your data when using public Wi-Fi!

By having the ability to add local numbers for 90+ countries, in addition to the U.S. number you receive, your family, friends and colleagues will be able to call you at their local rates without extra charges in their phone bills. POND mobile has made sure that you always stay connected no matter where you are, on land or out at sea!

Everyone is familiar with the Google Maps app. It comes pre-installed on Android smartphones and most iPhone users use it in addition to their pre-installed Apple Maps app. The app is user-friendly and has a number of features that make traveling a lot easier. For example, it displays information about objects on the map, shows traffic camera locations, and warns users about speed limits. A distinctive feature of the Google Maps app is the panorama street views it shows. This feature allows users to accurately determine the endpoint of their route.

However, Google Maps is mainly focused on the US and Europe. And this only includes large cities in Europe, roads in smaller locations tend to be mapped incorrectly. For example, Google Maps doesn’t have accurate maps and routes within Russian territories. Some lesser-known roads are not included in general which could lead you into a field or forest instead of your destination. In addition, some European countries aren’t compatible with the Google Maps app at all.

Therefore, if you’re planning on traveling to Europe or Russia, you should look for an alternative to the Google Maps app. One that is familiar with not only European capitals and major cities but also other territories beyond their borders.

Navigation Apps

There are various navigation apps available for download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play store. We’ve generated this list based on the opinions of experts and users. Each of these apps has high ratings and they can be used in many countries including Europe, Russia, and CIS countries.

OsmAnd – the OsmAnd app works both online and offline. It has detailed maps and is considered one of the best among the various navigation applications. It works based on several maps like OpenStreetMap, Osmarener, Microsoft Maps, Yandex.Maps and others. The biggest selling point of this app, however, is its offline feature. You can download a map of the country or region of interest in advance. Doing so will allow you to plan your travel route in advance and also avoid increased roaming charges. OsmAnd can easily be used by both drivers and pedestrians. The app also has options for ski trails, and boating and trekking routes.

Maps.Me – the Maps.Me app is another app that was designed to work without the Internet. You just need to download a map of the area you’re interested in before you head out. The app is powered by OpenStreetMap maps and can offer maps of the entire world, including Antarctica. It’s characterized by features like high accuracy and detailed maps. With this app, you can build routes for cars, bicycles, and walking. Maps.Me also has knowledge of all sorts of local treats, including bike paths and “secret” hiking trails. Since this application is not available for download in some countries, you should install it in advance.

Waze – the Waze app only works online, so there is no option to download the maps offline. However, because the app works online, it allows you to monitor the traffic situation in your area in real-time. App users participate in creating the maps by constantly reporting and updating the traffic and accident situations on the roads. This app works all over the world and the maps are detailed and informative. However, unlike the other apps on this list, with Waze, you can only set routes for cars and motorcycles. In the app’s settings, you can disable the selection of toll roads and ferries.

How Can POND mobile Help You During Your Travels?

In order for you to use these navigation apps, and any other apps, online during your foreign trips POND mobile has developed its World Phone and Global Data rate plans. These rate plans were developed to provide you with a reliable connection and high-speed Internet in 210+ countries around the world. Depending on the plan you select, you’ll get a certain amount of data, minutes for calls, and SMS. Our pricing policy is simple – you pay only a fixed monthly subscription fee, which is specified in the rate plan. No hidden charges or additional roaming charges. No matter what country you’re going to, the cost of the rate doesn’t change.

With POND mobile’s service, you’ll also get a US number and the ability to add local numbers for more than 90 countries around the world. Now you’ll be able to plan your travel routes in real-time in navigation apps, considering the current situation on the roads. You’ll also be able to stay connected with your family and friends. And at any time you can contact your hotel, for example, if you need to change the booking dates or book a room in a nearby hotel. That’s POND mobile, simple!

We’ve all received that pesky notification from our mobile carrier letting us know that we’ve reached our high-speed data limit for the month. It doesn’t even seem possible that we could run through data that quickly! So, what is it that’s using up all of our data?

How Much Data Do You Use Daily?

You’d be surprised how much data your regular day-to-day applications use up. If you have an iPhone, you can see the actual application data consumption for each app by going to Settings and then Cellular. You’ll notice that it’s your favorite social networking apps playing a big role in data consumption.

One key feature that uses up a large amount of data is autoplay. Apps like Twitter and Facebook automatically play videos which then eat right into your high-speed data. If you go to your Facebook settings, you can either disable the autoplay feature completely or choose to only autoplay videos when you have Wi-Fi.

On Twitter, you can also choose to turn off the autoplay feature or only use it when you have Wi-Fi. Twitter even lets you choose video quality to save data. You can choose to never play high-quality videos or only play them when you have Wi-Fi.

Instagram is another app that automatically plays videos, it even preloads videos and photos so they play as soon as you enter your feed. With Instagram, the setting to remove this feature isn’t as clear. Instead, go to Settings, select Cellular Data Use, and turn on the option that says “Use Less Data”. Videos will still autoplay with this feature, but they’ll stop preloading.

For Snapchat users, you can also prevent both Snaps and Stories from preloading by enabling the “Travel Mode” feature on the app’s settings.

But what about browsing, how much data does browsing use? Know exactly how much data is used to surf the Internet by looking in your phone settings. The amount of data you’re using during web browsing really depends on the kind of websites you’re visiting. If you’re visiting websites with a lot of images and videos, it will use a lot more data. General speaking, if you’re just looking at the news or doing some online shopping, you may be using about 60MB per hour.

How Much Data Do Streaming Services Use?

The amount of data used in streaming depends on what you’re streaming. Streaming audio uses less data than streaming videos, as expected. So when you’re using Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, you’ll be using a range of roughly 0.72 to 2.40MB per minute depending on audio quality.

If you have Spotify premium, you can download songs or even specific playlists using Wi-Fi and stream them offline which will help save some of your data.

When you’re using your favorite streaming services, however, like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or Hulu, you might find yourself using between 0.3GB to 7.2GB per hour depending on video quality. Keep in mind that to use the estimated 0.3GB per hour would require extremely low-quality videos, like 240p. A standard quality video uses roughly 0.7GB each hour.

To adjust your data use for Netflix, launch the app, click the triple-line button, and select App Settings. Then, click on the option for “Cellular Data Usage” and adjust your settings as needed!

Remember, you’re always better off using Wi-Fi to stream videos and audio. However, you want to make sure you have a data package that covers all your needs.

Using Data While Traveling

Data roaming is another issue. When you’re traveling internationally, using data will result in astronomical fees on your bill if you’re using your domestic carrier. If you’re a frequent traveler that needs constant access to the Internet, social networking apps, and digital media, you may be better off using an international service provider.

POND mobile provides Voice, SMS, and Data services in 210+ countries around the world! With our service, you can select the plan that best fits your needs and pay a fixed monthly fee (so there’s no need to consider hidden costs). This price will remain the same across all countries, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about in your travels. For those of you who are heavy data users, we have specific Global Data Plans. If you can’t find a plan that matches your specific needs, reach out to us and we’ll come up with a customized plan, specially made for you.

Smartphones are useful for all travelers, for some, it’s the only electronic device they carry. This one device has really lightened the load we used to carry on travels. It replaced cameras, travel guides, flashlights, and maps! With a smartphone, we can easily stay in touch with our loved ones, book flights (and other accommodations), convert currency, and solve any other problems that may arise on our trip.

Knowing all this, it’s important to pick the right smartphone so you won’t have any issues during your trip.

Important Features to Look For

The battery should remain charged long enough for you to use the phone all day, even when you’re away from an outlet. You can always take a power bank with you, but that’s just one extra item to carry.

The camera should take good photos, both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the time of day. Photos are used to mark the occasion and give you fond memories to look back on. You want the quality of your photos to match the quality of your experience!

The memory should be at least 32 GB (ideally more). During your travels, you may not be able to find the time to transfer your photos and videos to a secondary storage location. So, you want to be sure your phone has enough memory to store these photos and videos.

Water resistance is another important feature. You’ll encounter various weather conditions and situations during your trips. It’s important that your phone remains in a working condition even if it’s caught in the rain or splashed with water.

So, What Are the Best Phones for Travel?

We’ve gone through numerous expert opinions to make a list of some of the best phones for tourists. While iPhones are a part of this group, they’re already very well-known so we did not include them in our list. We decided to focus on smartphones that aren’t as well known.

Google Pixel 5 – this phone contains two cameras, a main camera, and a wide-angle camera. As a result, it takes high quality day and night photos. It’s able to capture movement as well. The battery capacity is 4080mAh, giving you a full day of charge. It also has 128GB. Not to mention, it offers protection from water and dust according to the IP standard.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE – contains three cameras, including an ultra-wide-angle camera and a triple optical zoom camera. The main camera has a great night mode feature that takes bright and clear night photos. This smartphone is available with two memory options: 128GB or 256GB. The battery capacity is 4500mAh, which allows you to use your smartphone all day. This phone also has dust and water protection according to the IP standard.

OnePlus 8T – in addition to the main camera, there’s ultra-wide-angle, macro, and monochrome cameras. As a result, the image quality is great and video recording is possible in 4k quality. The battery capacity is 4500mAh, so you won’t have to worry about recharging during the day. It also has an instant charging feature, resulting in full charge within 15 minutes! The device is available in two memory options: 128GB or 256GB. However, while the manufacturer claims that the phone has passed all necessary certification tests for water and dust protection, there is no official certificate.

Asus Zenfone 7 Pro – equipped with a triple rotary camera, which also has an ultra-wide angle. The resulting photo quality is incredible both day and night, and even in artificial light. Video recording is possible in 8K quality. The memory option is 256GB, giving you plenty of space to store all your travel pictures and video. This smartphone also has a 5000mAh battery, which makes it possible to use the phone without recharging for almost a day and a half!

Once you decide on a reliable phone for travel, you need to think about securing a reliable connection. POND mobile can help you with this!

How Can POND mobile Help?

POND mobile is an international mobile service provider that offers reliable communication and comfort to travelers in 210+ countries around the world.

POND mobile offers World Phone and Global Data plans with a fixed monthly subscription fee. Depending on the selected plan, you get a certain volume of data, minutes for calls and SMS. No matter what country you’re traveling to, the price won’t change. Taxes and fees are already included, so you don’t need to worry about any hidden charges or unexpected roaming charges.

With POND mobile, you get a U.S. number (+1) and the ability to add local numbers for 90+ countries around the world!