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In the past, we would usually associate remote work with IT specialists or gamers. However, during this pandemic, we have learned that this work lifestyle is possible across careers, in the context of both small and large companies. Especially nowadays as many businesses, regardless of their type of work, have rapidly switched to this so-called work-from-home option.
It turns out that working remotely has many pros, which has led to more and more people trying it out. Although working from your home does not pose any problems, some may arise when you want to travel and work at the same time.
If you are planning on taking holidays and working remotely in Iceland simultaneously, the first thing you’ll need to know is how to stay connected. Below you will find our little guide for everyone who still needs to work while visiting the Land of Fire and Ice. If this sounds like you, continue reading to find out more!
Vacation without time off
Occasionally, you may need a break from work even when you no longer have any vacation days left. This is when remote work comes in handy, allowing you to do both no matter what your holiday calendar says.
Picture yourself checking emails with a cup of tea in your hand while overlooking any of Iceland's famous waterfalls! It may seem like a dream, yet it is possible. Fortunately, working remotely while traveling in Iceland really is feasible.
Iceland is one country that also allows you to work during your holidays. You only need to know how to organize your time and all the options available to stay connected to the Internet.
How to become an efficient remote worker
Working remotely has never been easier. You can work from any place in the world without having to go to the office. Practically speaking, you only need a few things to enjoy this type of work:
- 1. An electronic device: laptop, tablet or cell phone.
- 2. A proper working area
- 3. An Internet connection
In the Internet era, it comes as no surprise that more and more people work out of the office. Cafés, restaurants, and hotels have turned into desired working locations. Therefore, many of these locales are equipped with free Wi-Fi for their guests.
Poor Internet connectivity is a common issue when working remotely, but if you do your research properly you can avoid this problem. During your trip to Iceland, you need to make sure to keep in touch with your work colleagues at all times. This is why you’ll want to keep your phone connected to the network whenever possible.
Some may think Iceland is completely cut off from the world as it is a small, remote island, but that is actually far from the truth. Reliable Internet and network services are widely available across the country. Let’s take a look at all the different options to stay online.
Using a Campervan as a temporary office
This type of vehicle gives you a sense of freedom and an opportunity to see This type of vehicle gives you a sense of freedom unlike any other and the opportunity to explore Iceland on your own time. No wonder why the best way to see Iceland is by renting a campervan or a motorhome rental. This way, you can go to places you have always wanted to visit and not only to those recommended by tour guides.
Luckily, this convenient mode of transport can also become your office while in Iceland. If you still need to work during your holidays, hiring a campervan will be the perfect solution for you. In fact, because most of the models have an in-built table, you can set up your temporary office-on-wheels right when you climb inside.
All the campervans and motorhome rentals offer Internet options to add to your package, so that won’t be a problem either. Some models come with a portable Wi-Fi dongle, while others include a tablet that you can use as a hotspot. Either way, you can be sure that you will have a good Internet connection for your trip, and a secure way to reach anyone you will need to speak with.
Go unlimited
Just in case you’re not traveling alone, know that most Wi-Fi portable routers allow you to connect several devices at once. This way, both your Internet needs and those of your buds will be met.
When adding Wi-Fi connectivity to your cheap campervan rental in Iceland, make sure to check what kind of plan is included in the service and whether it is unlimited or not. Please note that some of our models come with this service included by default. Contact us if you need further information!
For those with limited data, you’ll usually get 5GB. When you run out of data, you will still have access to the Internet but the speed may be slower. It is better to avoid the possibility of lags and delays if you are working remotely, so consider upgrading to unlimited data when you pick up your rental vehicle.
Don’t forget your charger
Among all the pros of renting a campervan in Iceland, being able to plug your laptop in at any time is at the top of the list. Both campervans and motorhomes have USB and 12V outlets. Additionally, you can easily get an adapter so that you can use your 220V sockets for charging your devices.
The best time for charging your gadgets is when the engine is on, or in the case of motorhomes, when you are connected to a campsite electric hook-up facility. This way, you can recharge your laptop completely without draining your rental vehicle’s battery.
Have a plan B: buy a sim card!
If you don’t consider yourself to be particularly tech-savvy and using a portable Wi-Fi dongle sounds too complicated for you, then merge calls and Internet service on your phone by getting a prepaid SIM card plan in Iceland.
Depending on your needs, you can choose between many packages and get from 1 GB up to 200 GB of data. 50 GB of data should be enough to do get some work out of the way, surf the net and even stream movies online.
The companies mentioned above provide excellent Internet coverage and availability in most parts of Iceland. This means that you will get a good Internet connection almost everywhere you go around the island.
Whenever you use up all your data, you can easily top it up online. This way you can always stay connected and use your mobile phone as a hotspot.
5G in Iceland
There’s no doubt that by now you’ve heard of 5G network connections, or the successor to 4G that is 10x faster. Iceland is one of the first countries to launch and use 5G technology, and it did so in collaboration with Nova, the company that signed up as an official partner on the 5th of May, 2021.
5G services are provided in Reykjavík, Hella, Sandgerdi and Vestmannaeyjar. At the moment, it is the fastest available Internet, but in order to enjoy it, your phone will need to support 5G network connectivity.
There are, of course, many conspiracy theories that have been in circulation concerning the 5G network since its touchdown. However, leaving mind control theories aside, it can make your remote work more effective.
Connection in remote areas of Iceland
Some parts of the island remain uninhabited and are not easily accessible. The remote areas of the Highlands, such as the Icelandic interior, have very little connection which makes the search for a reliable Internet connection that much harder!
These areas are located away from the main towns and therefore away from cell towers. Unless you can do some work offline, it is better to avoid traveling to those places. Instead, keep them on your bucket list and visit them when you get some time off work.
Hotspots across Iceland
Wi-Fi dongles and data plans should suffice, but just in case, it’s worth noting that in Iceland there are plenty of Internet hotspots. Free Wi-Fi is available in restaurants and cafes, as well as tourist information points, supermarkets and while using public transport.
If you plan to spend a few days in Reykjavík, you will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the capital city. You can enjoy a nice cup of Joe at any coffee shop in Reykjavík and still do some remote work while connected to their hotspot!.
Workation in Iceland? Why not!
As you can see, you can travel and work remotely in Iceland simultaneously. Now that you know all the available options to stay connected to the Internet, nothing can stand in your way when planning your next trip to Iceland!
Lack of days off will no longer be a viable reason for you to give up your amazing potential holiday in Iceland. You can now discover the hidden gems of ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ and still get the job done!
