Germany
Germany is one of the best European countries for remote work connectivity. Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 provide comprehensive 4G coverage, with 5G expanding rapidly in major cities. Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt have excellent connectivity. Rural Bavaria and the Black Forest can have gaps. Coworking spaces are widely available in major cities. Local SIM cards offer excellent value — a 20GB prepaid plan typically costs €10–15.
France
France has four major operators providing strong urban coverage. Paris is excellent for connectivity. The TGV network maintains good coverage on major routes. Rural France, particularly in the Massif Central and Pyrenees, can have significant gaps. Free Mobile offers very competitive pricing but has more limited rural coverage. For nomads based in Paris or major cities, connectivity is rarely an issue.
Spain
Spain is a popular nomad destination with generally good connectivity in cities and coastal areas. Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia have excellent coverage. The Canary Islands and Balearics are well-served for tourists. Interior Spain can be more challenging. Spain has a strong coworking culture, particularly in Barcelona and Madrid. Local SIM cards from Movistar or Vodafone offer good value.
Italy
Italy's major cities — Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna — offer excellent connectivity. The Dolomites and Apennines present coverage challenges. Iliad has disrupted the market with very competitive pricing. TIM has the most extensive coverage. For nomads working from Italian hill towns or coastal villages, testing coverage before committing to a location is advisable.
Netherlands
The Netherlands consistently ranks among Europe's best for connectivity. Near-complete 4G coverage, strong 5G expansion, and excellent coworking infrastructure make it ideal for remote work. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague have world-class connectivity. Even rural areas have reliable coverage. eSIM adoption is high, and most providers have strong Dutch network partnerships.
Portugal
Portugal has become a top nomad destination, and connectivity has kept pace. Lisbon and Porto have excellent coverage. The Algarve coast is well-served. The interior Alentejo region is more variable. NOS and MEO offer competitive local SIM options. Lisbon has a thriving coworking scene. Portugal's NHR tax regime has attracted many long-term nomads, driving investment in connectivity infrastructure.
Belgium, Austria & Czech Republic
Belgium offers excellent coverage in its compact territory. Austria's Alpine terrain creates challenges but cities are well-served. The Czech Republic has strong urban coverage with Prague being particularly well-connected. All three countries have good eSIM provider support and competitive local SIM options.
Poland
Poland has invested heavily in mobile infrastructure and now offers excellent urban connectivity. Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk are well-served. Rural eastern Poland has more coverage gaps. Poland's growing tech scene has driven demand for reliable connectivity, and the market is competitive with good value local SIM options.
Border Crossing Tips for Nomads
When crossing between EU countries with an eSIM plan, connectivity should switch automatically. However, we recommend manually checking your connection after crossing a border — sometimes automatic switching doesn't happen immediately. If you're crossing into a non-EU country (Switzerland, Norway, UK), check your plan's coverage for that specific country before you go.