How to choose a long-term apartment with reliable internet

What to ask before you book, what to test at the viewing, and how to stay online when the power goes out.

By Ryan Chase, founder of WaypointNomad · October 2026 · 5 min read

For a remote worker, the apartment's internet matters more than the view. A listing that says "fast Wi-Fi" can mean anything. Here's how to make sure it's real before you commit to a month or more.

Before you book

• Ask for a speed test screenshot taken in the apartment, not the lobby. Better yet, ask the host to run one during a short video call so you can see it's live.
• Ask what kind of connection it is. Fiber is best. A mobile router (a SIM card in a box) is only as good as the local signal, which is common on islands like Siargao.
• Check upload speed, not just download. For video calls, aim for at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up.
• Ask whether the line is shared with the whole building. Shared building Wi-Fi often slows to a crawl in the evening.
• Read reviews for "wifi" and "internet", especially from people who mention working.

At the viewing

• Run your own test where your desk will be, not next to the router.
• Find the router. If it's in the hallway or another room, ask whether you can move it or add a mesh extender.
• Ask who the provider is and whether you can upgrade the plan if you pay the difference.
• Check the workspace: a real desk, a chair you can sit in for hours, A/C in the room you'll work in, and outlets nearby.
• Listen for noise: construction next door, karaoke bars and roosters all affect calls.

Power cuts

In some places, power cuts matter more than internet speed. Da Nang can lose power in the wet season, and Siargao has frequent brownouts. Ask whether the building has a generator or backup power, and whether the router is on it. In Siargao, look for places with Starlink and solar or generator power.

Always have a backup

• A local SIM or eSIM with a large data plan for hotspotting.
• A coworking space or a reliable work café nearby for deadline days.
• A small UPS or power bank that can keep your router running through short cuts.

The checklist

1. Fiber connection, not a mobile router
2. Live speed test of at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, at your desk
3. Router inside the apartment, or a mesh extender
4. Not a shared building connection
5. Backup power, or a plan for power cuts
6. A desk, a good chair and A/C where you'll work
7. A coworking space or work café within 10 minutes
8. Monthly terms, so you can leave if it doesn't work out

Short on time? Book the first week, test everything, then extend. And use WaypointNomad to find the work spots near any apartment before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

What internet speed do I need to work remotely?

For video calls, aim for at least 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload. More is better if you upload large files or share a connection.

How can I check an apartment's Wi-Fi before booking?

Ask the host for a speed test taken in the apartment, ideally live on a short video call, and ask whether it's a fiber connection or a mobile router.