How to find WiFi and co-working spaces across Asia and Europe
find WiFi coworking spaces travel
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Intro: Why WiFi and Coworking Matter When You Travel
G’day! I’m Mikki, your Aussie guide to juggling a laptop and a latte in every corner of Asia and Europe. If you’ve ever tried to crank out an article, Zoom into a client call, or balance your budget sheet while enduring snail-paced café WiFi or a mysterious “guest network,” you know that stable internet and a decent workspace aren’t luxuries—they’re survival essentials.
Whether you’re bouncing from Bangkok’s street stalls to Barcelona’s tapas bars, this guide will show you how to find WiFi coworking spaces travel-style. Think of it as your friendly map to strong signals, comfy chairs, and the odd free espresso shot. Let’s jump in!
1. Before You Leave: Prep for Peak Connectivity
You might fancy yourself a spontaneous nomad, but a smidgen of planning goes a long way when it comes to internet. Here’s what I do:
• Grab an eSIM or local SIM
I hate fumbling with tiny SIM trays at random kiosks, so I swear by Airalo. Their eSIMs let you top up data in seconds, no jetlagged snack-bar SIM seller required. Asia, Europe, you name it—I’ve got bits of digital real estate in all-night convenience stores and sleepy train stations alike.
• Scout accommodation with solid reviews
Do your due diligence on platforms like Hostelworld and Booking.com. Look specifically for mentions of “fast WiFi,” “quiet workspace,” or “coworking lounge.” If the last reviewer complained their Netflix froze, it’s probably not the dream setup for your 10AM client call.
• Pack a reliable travel router
Light, small and under 100g, these gadgets let you connect multiple devices to a micro-SIM or wired connection, so you’re never fighting over bandwidth with your GoPro. Trust me—a pocket router’s a game changer in shared dorms or family-run guesthouses.
2. Find WiFi and Coworking Spaces Travel-Style on the Go
Even with pre-travel prep, it helps to know the local ecosystem. Here’s how I sniff out decent spots when I land in a new city:
• Cafés and Coffee Chains
Starbucks, Costa, or local coffee houses often offer reliable networks, but check the speed before committing. Order something—don’t be that person nursing a water for five hours. If you love latte art, you’ll end up with a killer feed and probably faster upload speeds.
• Libraries and Cultural Hubs
In Europe especially, public libraries are oases of calm, free printing, and surprisingly strong WiFi. In Tokyo, look for municipal “chiiki” (community) centers; in Berlin, the Zentralbibliothek is both architecturally stunning and WiFi-stable.
• Hotel Lobbies and Co-lounge Areas
Five-star? Try budget boutique. A lot of modern hostels and even some budget hotels advertise “coworking lounges.” I once typed up an entire blog post from a hostel rooftop in Chiang Mai—complete with Thai iced tea and elephant-shaped pillows.
• Coworking Cafés
Cities like Bali’s Ubud or Lisbon’s Alfama neighbourhood are dotted with hybrid spots—pay-as-you-go desks, meeting rooms, and community events. Grab a day pass, plug in, and meet fellow nomads.
3. Top Apps and Websites to Pinpoint Your Next Workspace
Why wander aimlessly when your phone can do the heavy lifting? These platforms will help you find WiFi and coworking spaces travel-friendly style:
• Workfrom
A global community that tags reliable cafés, public WiFi spots, and coworking spaces. Filter by “wifi quality” and “noise level.”
• Coworker
Search thousands of coworking spaces worldwide, read genuine reviews, and book desks or meeting rooms by the hour.
• Meetup & Eventbrite
Local tech meetups often happen in bars or coworking spaces—perfect for networking, plus you get insider tips on secret WiFi hot spots.
• Google Maps (with “WiFi” filter)
Type “coworking space near me” or “good WiFi café” and toggle through user photos and reviews. You’ll be surprised what hidden gems pop up.
4. Favourite Coworking Spaces in Asia and Europe
Wondering where to plug in first? Here are some spots I’ve genuinely loved (and logged 1,000+ reward points from my Airalo data plan in) across two continents:
Asia
• The Hive, Hong Kong & Bangkok: Open-plan and buzzy, you’ll find influencers, entrepreneurs, and the odd ex-banker turned kombucha brewer.
• Kafnu, Taipei: Café downstairs, coworking upstairs—and yes, they have private phone booths.
• Work@Wil, Kuala Lumpur: Affordable daily passes, plus they host weekly workshops on everything from SEO to sourdough.
Europe
• Second Home, Lisbon & London: Vines growing inside, insane natural light, and an on-site café that roasts its own beans.
• Factory Berlin, Berlin: A real start-up hub, pop-up markets, and more ping-pong tables than you ever need.
• Numa, Paris: Classical meets modern—think high ceilings, marble floors, and macchiatos that taste like a dream.
5. Bonus Tips: Security & Sanity While You Work
Nobody likes being that person who screams, “Why is my bank balance zero?!” because they hopped on sketchy public WiFi. Keep these pointers close:
• Use a VPN
I never connect without one. It’s like a seatbelt for your data. I prefer free trials or low-cost monthly plans—no need to break the bank.
• Carry a power bank
Because nothing kills your productivity faster than “battery low” notifications. Aim for at least 20,000mAh—your phone, laptop, and camera will thank you.
• Pack noise-cancelling earbuds
Cafés sound romantic in the blogosphere, but trust me—noise cancellation is the real MVP when a barista decides to cart out the blender at 9AM.
• Back up your work
Cloud storage or a trusty external SSD—pick one and sync religiously. One spilled coffee is all it takes to become an accidental minimalist.
Conclusion: Gone are the Days of Dial-Up Stress
Travelling across Asia and Europe doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice productivity or endure WiFi roulette. With a bit of pre-planning (Airalo eSIM, I’m looking at you), the right apps in your pocket, and a handful of vetted coworking spaces, you’ll be conquering time zones like a pro. So the next time you need to find WiFi coworking spaces travel-style, flick open this guide, grab your laptop, and trade buffering for bliss. Safe travels and happy typing!