How Fast Is the Wi-Fi in the World’s Most Visited Countries?

Forget sightseeing itineraries — according to a recent study, 63% of travelers rank fast internet as a top priority when choosing a destination. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar streets, booking last-minute plans, or streaming after a long day, a bad connection can turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare.

But speed isn’t the only thing that matters. A country can have the fastest Wi-Fi in the world, but if you can’t find a hotspot when you need one, it’s useless. And when there’s no Wi-Fi at all, mobile data becomes your lifeline — if it’s fast and affordable.

Some destinations make it effortless to stay connected, offering blazing-fast Wi-Fi, widespread hotspots, and solid mobile data coverage. Others? You might waste more time searching for a signal than enjoying your trip. We analyzed some of the most visited countries and jurisdictions to see where you’ll stay seamlessly connected — and where you might need to plan ahead to avoid frustration.

We also share essential travel tips, including why you should buy a VPN before your trip to protect your data on public Wi-Fi and access your favorite sites securely.

How We Ranked Internet Access

We set out to find which destinations make it easiest to stay connected from the moment you land. We looked at factors that matter to every traveler, like how fast Wi-Fi really is, how many places offer it, and whether your phone’s data can handle tasks from browsing to video calls. Our goal is to give you a reliable guide, so you can focus on exploring instead of hunting for a decent signal.

Wi-Fi Speed

You don’t need the world’s fastest internet to check emails, but a slow connection can turn simple tasks into a waiting game.

• Under 10 Mbps: Painfully slow. Barely enough for emails, and video calls will be glitchy.
• 25 Mbps: Fine for browsing, social media, and video calls.
• 50 Mbps+: Solid. Enough for multiple devices, video calls, and streaming.
• 100 Mbps+: Smooth 4K streaming, fast downloads, and no lag.

Wi-Fi Availability

Speed doesn’t matter if you can’t find a hotspot when you need one. A country could have gigabit-speed internet, but if you’re stuck hunting for a café with Wi-Fi, it’s useless.

We looked at how many public hotspots exist, from airports to cafes to parks. More hotspots = less time desperately refreshing your phone, hoping for a signal.

Mobile Data Speed

When Wi-Fi isn’t an option, mobile data is your lifeline — whether it’s navigating a foreign city, booking a ride, or translating a menu.

But not all mobile networks are created equal. Some countries offer incredibly fast mobile data that feels just like Wi-Fi, while others leave you with frustratingly slow speeds that make Google Maps barely load.

Fast mobile data = instant access anywhere.
Slow mobile data = constantly waiting for pages to load.

• Under 10 Mbps: Painfully slow.
• 20–50 Mbps:Usable, but expect delays.
• 50–100 Mbps: Smooth for browsing, streaming, and apps.
• 100 Mbps+: Near-instant connectivity, just like Wi-Fi.

Which Travel Destinations Offer the Best Wi-Fi?

Whether you’re working remotely, streaming on the go, or just trying to navigate a new city, a strong internet connection can make or break a trip. But not all destinations make it easy. Some countries have invested heavily in digital infrastructure, offering Wi-Fi speeds that rival top-tier home broadband, while others still struggle to provide a consistent connection.

Looking at the most-visited destinations, we found some clear winners — and some places where you might need a backup plan.

Fastest Wi-Fi: Where You’ll Stay Seamlessly Connected

If speed is king, then France reigns supreme. With an average Wi-Fi speed of 271 Mbps, France is an outlier in global travel destinations, offering speeds that are not only ultra-fast but also widely available in hotels, cafés, and public spaces. Whether you’re streaming, making video calls, or working remotely, you won’t have to worry about lag — especially in major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux.

Thailand isn’t far behind at 261 Mbps, proving that Southeast Asia isn’t just about tropical getaways — it’s also a rising hub for digital nomads. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket all boast fast, stable Wi-Fi, making them ideal for travelers who need reliable internet access.

Other powerhouses include the UAE and the US (256 Mbps), both of which provide super-fast Wi-Fi in urban areas and major hotels. The UAE, in particular, has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, making Dubai one of the most connected cities in the world. The U.S. offers fast speeds in major cities, but rural areas still struggle with spotty connectivity — something to keep in mind if you’re planning a cross-country trip.

Rounding out the top-performing destinations are Spain (248 Mbps), Canada (240 Mbps), and Portugal (205 Mbps), all of which make it easy to stream, browse, and work without interruption. These countries have strong public Wi-Fi networks in airports, cafés, and even public transport, ensuring travelers stay connected with ease.

Where Wi-Fi Lags Behind

On the other end of the spectrum, some of the world’s most popular travel destinations struggle to provide decent Wi-Fi speeds.

If you’re heading to Morocco (34 Mbps), the Dominican Republic (38 Mbps), or Indonesia (43 Mbps), prepare for frustratingly slow connections that can make even basic browsing feel like a chore. Streaming? Video calls? Large downloads? Not without patience.

Mexico (77 Mbps) and India (78 Mbps) also fall behind, offering speeds that are fine for checking emails and casual browsing but aren’t ideal for remote work or high-bandwidth tasks.

And while Greece (56 Mbps) and Turkey (65 Mbps) are well-connected in major tourist areas, outside the main hubs, you might struggle to find a fast or stable connection. If you’re island-hopping in Greece or exploring Turkey’s less touristy regions, a local SIM card, eSIM, or mobile hotspot is a must.

Regions with the Most Wi-Fi Hotspots

Speed isn’t the only thing that determines how easy it is to stay connected. A travel destination can have record-breaking Wi-Fi speeds, but if public hotspots are scarce, travelers are out of luck. Unless you’re relying on hotel connections 24/7, you need easily accessible Wi-Fi in places like cafés, transit hubs, and public spaces.

Some destinations prioritize connectivity, with hundreds of thousands of hotspots that make getting online effortless. Others? You might find yourself scouring the airport for a signal before heading into a city with patchy coverage at best.

Rank	Country	No. of Wi-Fi Hotspots
1	🇺🇸 United States	981,000+
2	🇵🇹 Portugal	683,000+
3	🇹🇷 Turkey	576,000+
4	🇷🇺 Russia	539,000+
5	🇲🇽 Mexico	307,000+
6	🇹🇭 Thailand	306,000+
7	🇪🇸 Spain	185,000+
8	🇫🇷 France	152,000+
9	🇬🇷 Greece	148,000+
10	🇮🇹 Italy	146,000+
11	🇩🇪 Germany	140,000+
12	🇬🇧 United Kingdom	138,000+
13	🇨🇦 Canada	122,000+
14	🇲🇾 Malaysia	108,000+
15	🇨🇳 China	95,000+
16	🇳🇱Netherlands	77,000+
17	🇯🇵 Japan	44,000+
18	🇵🇱 Poland	29,000+
19	🇦🇹 Austria	23,000+
20	🇭🇰 Hong Kong	13,000+

Where Wi-Fi Hotspots Are Everywhere

The US tops the list with nearly 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots, meaning you’re never far from a connection. And with average speeds of 267 Mbps, you can stream, work, and video call effortlessly. The only downside? Many places require a purchase before handing over the password.

If you want both speed and easy access, Portugal (683,000 hotspots) and Turkey (576,000 hotspots) are top choices. Portugal’s public Wi-Fi averages 201 Mbps, while Turkey clocks in at 150 Mbps — plenty fast for browsing, streaming, and uploading photos from your trip.

Other standouts include Spain (185,000 hotspots, 239 Mbps speed), France (152,000 hotspots, 271 Mbps speed), Japan (44,000 hotspots, 202 Mbps speed), and Thailand (306,000 hotspots, 235 Mbps speed). These countries don’t just have tons of hotspots—they also have some of the fastest public Wi-Fi available. Whether you’re working from a beach café in Thailand or grabbing an espresso in Paris, you won’t be stuck waiting for pages to load.

And while Hong Kong has “only” 13,000 hotspots, don’t let the number fool you. With its dense urban landscape, those hotspots provide nearly citywide coverage. Thanks to initiatives like Wi-Fi.HK, free Wi-Fi is everywhere — from shopping malls and government buildings to public transport hubs and even some buses. Speeds in Hong Kong often exceed 250 Mbps, making it one of the most reliably connected places in the world.

Where Wi-Fi Is Everywhere — But Speed Might Be an Issue

Some countries offer lots of hotspots but suffer from slower speeds, meaning you’ll still need patience.

• Mexico (307,000 hotspots, 84 Mbps speed) and Russia (539,000 hotspots, 89 Mbps speed) both have huge Wi-Fi networks, but don’t expect lightning-fast connections everywhere. Good for checking emails, not great for streaming in HD.
• Malaysia (108,000 hotspots, 118 Mbps speed) provides decent coverage in major cities, but outside of urban areas, speeds can drop significantly.
• China (95,000 hotspots, 230 Mbps speed) has one of the fastest public Wi-Fi networks globally — but many services are restricted.

Where Public Wi-Fi Is Harder to Find — and Slower

In some places, even when you find public Wi-Fi, it’s not always worth using.

• Greece (148,000 hotspots, 57 Mbps speed), Indonesia (43 Mbps speed), and Morocco (34 Mbps speed) all struggle with slow and inconsistent public Wi-Fi. If you rely on internet access, you’ll need mobile data in these destinations.
• Austria (23,000 hotspots, 99 Mbps speed) and Poland (29,000 hotspots, 183 Mbps speed) have decent speeds but fewer hotspots, so you might struggle to find a free connection outside city centers.

Where Mobile Data Keeps You Connected

Public Wi-Fi isn’t always an option. Whether you’re exploring a remote beach, hopping between landmarks, or just stepping outside a café’s Wi-Fi range, mobile data is your safety net. The right destination will keep you online without frustration, while slower networks might leave you staring at a buffering screen.

Some of the world’s most-visited destinations offer mobile speeds that rival home broadband, making it easy to navigate, stream, and stay connected on the go. Others? You’ll need patience or a plan for offline access.

Here’s where mobile data speeds will keep up with your travels — and where you might want to download maps in advance.

Where You’ll Stay Connected Easily on Mobile

If you’re traveling to the UAE, you’re in luck — at 200 Mbps, it has the fastest mobile data speeds of any major destination. Whether you’re booking rides in Dubai, streaming in Abu Dhabi, or sharing photos from the desert, you’ll barely notice a difference from high-speed Wi-Fi.

The UK (129 Mbps), France (88 Mbps), and Canada (81 Mbps) aren’t far behind, offering consistently fast mobile networks. You won’t have trouble making video calls or navigating new cities — even in crowded areas.

For travelers heading to Europe’s top destinations, mobile networks in Croatia (84 Mbps), Portugal (72 Mbps), and Greece (70 Mbps) also deliver solid speeds. Whether you’re road-tripping along the coast or getting lost in historic city centers, mobile data will be fast enough to keep up with your plans.

Where You Might Need to Rely on Wi-Fi

Not all destinations have equal mobile network performance. If you’re visiting Thailand (40 Mbps), Spain (37 Mbps), or Turkey (33 Mbps), expect mobile data to work fine for basic browsing but to struggle with heavy tasks like HD streaming or large file downloads.

Speeds drop even further in Mexico (27 Mbps), Egypt (26 Mbps), and Indonesia (23 Mbps) — meaning you might deal with laggy Google Maps loads, slow messaging, and buffering videos.

At the bottom of the rankings? The Dominican Republic (21 Mbps), where mobile data will work for basic needs but may leave you frustrated if you rely on it heavily.

Smart Travel: How to Stay Online Without the Hassle

You’ve seen the rankings. Some countries make staying connected effortless with blazing-fast Wi-Fi and widespread hotspots. Others leave you scrambling for a signal or relying on slow mobile data.

Wherever you’re headed, the key is knowing what to expect and preparing accordingly. Here’s how to stay online without stress, whether you’re dealing with spotty Wi-Fi, scarce hotspots, or sluggish mobile speeds.

1. Plan Your Internet Strategy Before You Land

• If you’re going somewhere with ultra-fast public Wi-Fi (France, Thailand, UAE), make sure your accommodation has reliable access. In many places, hotel and café networks are just as fast as home broadband, so you can rely on them for most tasks.
• If you’re visiting a hotspot-heavy country (US, Portugal, Turkey), se apps like Wi-Fi Map or Instabridge to locate nearby public Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that in some places, you may need to make a purchase to get access.
• If your destination has top-tier mobile data speeds (UAE, UK, France), consider getting an eSIM before you arrive. If mobile speeds are on par with Wi-Fi, you won’t need to rely on public networks as much.

2. Prepare for Slow Wi-Fi or Limited Access

Even in well-connected destinations, you might run into frustratingly slow speeds or Wi-Fi dead zones. To avoid getting caught off guard:

• Download maps, travel apps, and essential documents before your trip. This ensures you’re not stuck waiting for a slow connection just to access your itinerary.
• Keep an offline backup of translations and key addresses. If your mobile data is unreliable, you won’t have to struggle with a loading screen to get directions.
• Consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device. If your trip involves remote areas or multiple destinations, a portable hotspot can keep you connected without relying on spotty hotel Wi-Fi.

3. Stay Secure on Public Networks

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but it’s also risky. Whether you’re logging in at an airport, café, or hotel, your data is vulnerable to hackers, snoops, and malicious networks.

To protect yourself from security threats:

• Use a high-quality VPN like Private Internet Access before connecting to any public network to encrypt your data.
• Avoid entering sensitive information (like banking details) on unsecured Wi-Fi.
• Turn off auto-connect for Wi-Fi networks to prevent your phone from joining risky hotspots without your knowledge.

4. Know When to Rely on Mobile Data

There are places where public Wi-Fi is slow, hard to find, or unreliable—but that doesn’t mean you have to go offline. In countries with strong mobile data networks, you can skip public hotspots altogether.

• In the UAE, UK, and Canada, mobile speeds rival home broadband. A local SIM or eSIM will give you fast, consistent coverage throughout your trip.
• In Mexico, Indonesia, and Morocco, mobile speeds are painfully slow. Don’t count on a fast connection for streaming or video calls. Instead, download content ahead of time and rely on Wi-Fi when possible.
• In hotspot-heavy but slower-speed countries (Russia, Malaysia, China), be prepared for lagging connections and inconsistent speeds if you’re relying on public networks.

Essentially, a little preparation goes a long way in avoiding travel headaches. By knowing how your destination ranks for Wi-Fi, hotspots, and mobile data, you can plan ahead, stay secure, and avoid frustration.

Whether you download everything before you go, grab a local SIM, or invest in a VPN, having a backup plan for connectivity means you can focus on your trip — not on searching for a signal.

Disclaimer: This article features a selection of popular travel destinations based on available data. Rankings reflect connectivity insights but are not an exhaustive list of the most-visited countries.