Imagine booking a long stay in what looks like the perfect destination — only to find out the Wi-Fi drops every five minutes, mobile data costs a fortune, and half the apps you rely on are blocked. For digital nomads, frequent travelers, and even short-term tourists, these details can matter just as much as flight prices or hotel reviews. Connectivity is now part of the travel checklist.

That’s exactly the gap Saily, NordVPN’s travel eSIM app, set out to fill with its newly launched Internet Connectivity Index. Instead of leaving travelers to gamble on internet quality, the Index breaks down how nearly 100 countries perform in terms of safety, affordability, accessibility, and digital freedom. It’s not just another ranking — it’s a tool designed to help anyone who works, learns, or simply lives online while abroad to make smarter decisions before boarding a plane.

What Is the Internet Connectivity Index?

The Internet Connectivity Index is a data-driven ranking system evaluating 96 countries based on four core pillars:

• Cybersecurity (how safe and protected internet access is)
• Internet quality (speed, reliability, and network performance)
• Affordability (cost of mobile internet access)
• Internet freedom (regulatory openness and user discretion)

By rating countries on these critical metrics, the Index empowers travelers and remote workers to make informed decisions on where to base themselves or where to visit, depending on their digital needs.

Standout Findings: Europe Leads; Australia Surpasses in the Region

Recent coverage highlights several standout observations from the Index:

• Europe dominates the Index’s top rankings, with France, Denmark, and Italy emerging as premier destinations for digital connectivity. Other European nations like Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, and Austria also secured high positions, underscoring the region’s robust infrastructure, affordability, and cyber-friendly policy environment.
• In Oceania, Australia ranked 14th globally—the strongest performer in its region. The Index lauded Australia for its reliable city internet, cybersecurity standards, and digital service accessibility, while noting that rural areas still lag behind in coverage.
• Other notable mentions include countries like Finland, Canada, the U.S., and Germany, which stood out for their strong cybersecurity and legal safeguards. Meanwhile, destinations such as China and the UAE scored high on infrastructure but fell short in terms of internet freedom.

Why This Index Matters for Travelers and Digital Nomads

1. Targeted Decision-Making
   Remote workers can prioritize destinations that balance cost, speed, and digital freedom. A European country like France or Denmark offers more connectivity value than others.
2. Security Considerations
   In an era of increasing threats on public Wi‑Fi, destinations with better-rated cybersecurity (e.g. Finland, Canada) provide added peace of mind.
3. Practical Cost Planning
   Affordability indicators help budget-conscious travelers estimate expenses for mobile internet access, potentially saving money across trips.
4. Regional Comparisons
   For those deciding between Oceania and Asia, knowing Australia ranks 14th and leads its region provides clarity in assessing digital readiness.

Saily’s Position in the eSIM Landscape

Though the Index offers country-level insights, it’s worthwhile to understand the host behind it—Saily—and why this initiative matters.

Bridging Connectivity and Security

Since its spring 2024 launch, Saily has risen as a leading eSIM provider, offering coverage in over 200 countries. What sets it apart is its integration of cybersecurity tools—built‑in ad blocking, web protection, and virtual location capabilities, all powered by NordVPN’s technologies.

• The ad blocker alone can reduce data use by up to 28.6%, making it a smart choice for travelers mindful of limited data plans.
• The virtual location feature enables browsing from over 115 different locations, without needing a separate VPN app—useful for avoiding regional restrictions and enhancing privacy.

User Experience & Value

Saily has earned praise for its:

• Affordable plans, starting as low as $1.99 for 1 GB, making it competitive against providers like Holafly or Airalo
• Seamless setup—easy eSIM activation with no technical hurdles.
• 24/7 live chat support—from real users who report fast responses and helpful guidance.

New Developments: The Ultra Plan

On August 1, 2025, Saily introduced the Ultra plan—a premium offering tailored to frequent travelers and digital nomads, emphasizing enhanced convenience and performance for business-critical connectivity.

Conclusion

Saily’s Internet Connectivity Index is a timely and valuable asset for anyone planning remote work or travel in 2025. By quantifying connectivity quality across 96 countries, it offers crucial insight into where the internet truly works—for both productivity and peace of mind. Pairing this with Saily’s advanced eSIM tools—robust security, affordable access, and global reach—makes for a powerful combination that speaks directly to the needs of today’s digital travelers.