By Mark Lovett
Since the COVID-19 lockdown, remote work has increased in popularity, leading to many people re-evaluating their approach to life and work. With more professionals looking to strike a better work-life balance, the opportunity to work from any location is now a cherished reality.
As more people embrace the freedom to travel and work from anywhere, the need for instant and reliable internet connectivity has become paramount. And this is where eSIMs come into play, offering seamless solutions for continued connectivity all over Singapore.
Digital nomads exploring this vibrant city can use eSIM technology to switch between local networks, thus ensuring they’re never offline. Read on to learn more about this revolutionary technology!
Fast WI-FI isn’t everywhere—why eSIM is a must
Even the most seasoned nomad can get frustrated when trying to stay connected while in Singapore. Anyone who has ever had to walk miles of city streets to find a café with Wi-Fi that they can use can understand how frustrating this experience can be.
Additionally, jumping from one WiFi connection to the next is unreliable and impractical and comes with certain risks. Examples of risks associated with using public WiFi networks include:
- Malware infections
- Fake WiFi used to gather sensitive information
- Eavesdroppers
Using an eSIM to stay connected during your travels is far more reliable. With an activated eSIM, you can choose a data plan from any one of tens of mobile carriers, allowing you to remain safe while reconnecting with friends and family.
One such eSIM provider in Singapore is Holafly. Click here to see their offer and choose a plan that will let you stay connected at reasonable rates. This can be up to 85% cheaper than using the international roaming rates offered by your carrier.
Coworking spaces in Singapore with great vibes
Whether you’re a digital nomad working remotely or an entrepreneur looking to save on office costs, there’s a coworking space in Singapore that will meet your needs. Many of these are open 24 hours, while others offer additional services such as daycare and preschool learning.
They include:
CSuites: 24/7 office access
Located in Paya Lebar, this coworking space by The Great Room is ideal for entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to set up an office without the additional costs of running one. It offers plenty of space and privacy, similar to what you’d find in a normal office. The spaces are fully furnished and include everything you need to complete your work.
Crane: Coworking space with a community
Nomads in the know will tell you this is the place to visit if you’re looking for a coworking space with a sense of community. Its family-friendly coworking spaces offer free WiFi and are the perfect place to shop, dine, and network.
Where to work remotely: cafés, hotels & hidden gems
Working at home is the ultimate dream for most office workers. But as many have come to realize, remote work can often be lonely and can sometimes prove distracting due to the temptation to take a nap or watch daytime television.
This explains why coffee shops have become a beloved spot for digital nomads and remote workers. With coffee shops, you get two benefits: the buzz of caffeine and working in a stimulating environment surrounded by people from all walks of life.
While beneficial, coffee shops do have certain downsides. For starters, they’re crowded with freelancers and are, at times, too loud for business calls. And this is not forgetting the fact that too many laptops connected to a single WiFi makes the connection slow and unreliable.
So, what’s a digital nomad to do? Check out these possible alternatives!
Hotel lobbies
Hotel lobbies are a favorite of many remote workers and digital nomads looking to get some work done. They’re often deserted during the week, making them perfect for phone calls. If you need to print or fax a document, you can always visit the business center.
Libraries
City libraries are a hidden gem and a great place to get your work done, provided you don’t need to make any calls. Seasoned digital nomads love them because they have lots of tables and free WiFi. Remember to buy a data plan in case the WiFi connection proves to be unreliable.
Managing work and travel with seamless connectivity
Balancing work and travel can prove challenging for a digital nomad, no matter how organized one is. By researching locations with quiet workspaces and reliable connectivity, you can ensure minimal disruptions to your workflow.
To maintain productivity, try to establish a routine that includes defining your work hours, setting realistic goals, and tracking your progress. Embracing time management techniques such as time blocking can help you stay focused.
Other tips to keep in mind include the following:
Plan ahead for efficiency and focus
Business trips come with a packed schedule. Try to outline your tasks beforehand and prioritize them based on their importance and sense of urgency. Starting out with a clear plan allows you to tackle all high-priority tasks without getting overwhelmed.
A mobile office for flexibility
You need to create a mobile office setup to guarantee continued productivity while on the go. Make sure to pack all your essentials, including your laptop, charger, and headphones with a built-in microphone. For storage, leverage cloud solutions.
Security tips for using eSIM on public networks
eSIMs are designed with user security in mind and come equipped with built-in security measures to prevent fraud and cyber attacks. Some of the features that help keep them secure are:
- Advanced encryption
- Protection against cloning
- Secure remote authentication
- Reduced physical exposure
Despite their security advantages, eSIMs raise several concerns, and knowing how to protect against them can ensure the safety of your information when connected to public networks. Some of the pointers to keep in mind include:
- Use strong passwords to protect your profile. It’s recommended that you enable 2FA
- Keep your smartphone updated to protect the eSIM from potential vulnerabilities
- Use a reliable VPN to safeguard your information when using public WiFi
- Deactivate the eSIM remotely if you lose your device or if it gets stolen
It may also help to read the privacy policies before buying any data plan.
About the Author: Mark is a tenured writer for NewsWatch, focusing on technology and emerging trends. Mark gives readers insight into how tomorrow’s innovations will transform our relationship with technology in everyday life.
