New data from NordVPN’s travel eSIM app Saily’s Internet Connectivity Index reveals the best countries where staying connected is a breeze.

Designed for digital nomads and always-on travelers, the index translates telecom jargon into insights across things travelers actually feel online: speed, stability, safety, openness, and the price of mobile data.

Staying online is essential for today’s traveler, but access isn’t seamless everywhere. Some countries allow for an effortless connection, while others still present barriers like censorship and high costs.

What can we learn from the data?

Europe leads the way

France, Denmark, Italy, Poland, and Spain claim the top five spots. They offer a blend of fast connections, strong digital freedom, and affordable data, making it a winning mix for travelers who rely on staying connected.

Safety meets speed in the north

Finland, Canada, the U.S., and Germany stand out for cybersecurity. These countries take online protection seriously, offering secure connections and strong legal safeguards.

Low cost, high performance

Italy, France, and Poland deliver both affordability, performance, and cyber safety. Budget travelers and remote workers alike get more for less in these countries.

Emerging markets face hurdles

Bangladesh, Algeria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe score low across several categories. While affordable data may be available, limited freedom and unstable connections still pose challenges for travelers.

North America offers quality at a cost

The U.S. and Canada offer some of the best networks globally, but at a much higher price point than Europe. Travelers should expect reliable access and a steeper bill.

Freedom isn’t universal

Countries like China and the UAE offer reliable infrastructure and great speeds, but score zero on internet freedom. Connectivity without openness is still a limitation.

Key points:

– Europe leads the way. France, Denmark, Italy, Poland, and Spain claim the top five spots
– Freedom isn’t universal. Countries like China and the UAE offer quality, but score zero on internet freedom
– Some winner are unexpected: Canada tops the US, Austria leads DACH region