To make your search easier, you can perform a browser search (Ctrl + F on Windows, Cmd + F on Mac) and type in “Wi-Fi” or “Internet” to filter for reviews that talk about the internet quality. Many cell phone carriers offer hotspot data with their unlimited data plans, but data caps make all the difference. You can go with a prepaid carrier like Visible and get unlimited hotspot data, but your data speeds will cap at 5 Mbps, which might be worse than whatever you get with the Airbnb Wi-Fi. But if your Airbnb internet basically doesn’t exist, having unlimited hotspot data will make a world of difference. For folks living the digital nomadic lifestyle, a super robust cell phone plan like this one actually makes a lot of sense. It certainly doesn’t hurt that you also get the best coverage in the country with Verizon’s network on top of everything else.
Put the router in the center of your Airbnb for the best coverage Put the router in open air to remove interference and avoid overheating Don’t place the router near electronic devices, appliances, or metal objects Place the router as high up as possible If you’re staying at a single-story Airbnb, point the antennas on the router upwards If you’re staying at a multi-story Airbnb, point one antenna straight up, and the other antenna parallel to the floor
Use a mobile hotspot: Unlimited data plans always come with hotspot data that you can use to make a Wi-Fi point on the fly. Sadly, hotspot data isn’t usually unlimited like cellular data, so make sure to double check your data plan before you connect everything in the house to your mobile hotspot. Reposition the router: Find the router in the Airbnb and see if it’s placed in an area with bad reception. Move the router to an open-air location that isn’t near any other electrical devices that can cause interference. Contact the Airbnb host: It only takes a few minutes to upgrade an internet plan, so ask the host to make the call to the ISP and improve the internet connection. There’s no excuse for bad internet in an Airbnb, so don’t be afraid to leave (or subtly threaten to leave) a bad review if the internet situation isn’t fixed during your stay.
