Portable WiFi Device for Remote Work in the Philippines: Do You Really Need One?

When I started working remotely in cafés around the Philippines, I relied mostly on whatever WiFi the café provided. Sometimes it worked perfectly. Sometimes it didn’t.

Over time, I realized that stable internet isn’t just about convenience — it’s about control.

So the question becomes: Do you actually need a portable WiFi device for remote work in the Philippines?

When Café WiFi Is Enough

There are many cafés with reliable internet. If you:

• Work mostly on Google Docs or other browser-based platforms
• Don’t attend constant video calls
• Don’t upload heavy files
• Can tolerate occasional slowdowns

Then café WiFi may be enough for you.

I don’t automatically assume I need backup internet every time I step into a café. But I’ve also learned not to assume it will always cooperate.

For instance, I was at Café Beni, and my Chrome browser wouldn’t connect to their WiFi. I asked the attendant, but they couldn’t figure it out either. While other patrons were enjoying the free connection, my device simply wouldn’t connect. It wasn’t the café’s fault — everyone else was connected just fine. Because I had already settled into a comfortable seat, I ended up using my phone’s USB tethering instead. It didn’t completely ruin my day, but there was still a slight bitter aftertaste — not toward the café, but toward the unpredictability of relying on a single connection.

When a Portable WiFi Device Makes Sense

A portable WiFi device becomes useful when:

• You have scheduled client calls
• You handle time-sensitive tasks
• You upload large files
• You work in areas with unstable infrastructure
• You need backup for peace of mind

Remote work in the Philippines can be unpredictable. Power interruptions, crowded networks, and even weather conditions can affect connectivity. Having a backup connection removes one layer of stress.

It’s not about paranoia. It’s about redundancy and continuity.

Most clients may understand occasional connectivity issues, but don’t get too comfortable with that assumption. It can still leave a question in their minds about whether you’re fully capable of supporting their business needs. Take it from me — I’ve lost a few clients because of these unpredictability. Even if you’re honest, the reality is you were hired for a reason. Having an internet backup can truly be a lifeline.

My Practical Approach

I don’t use a portable WiFi device every day. But based on my experience, I treat it like insurance.

If I know I have an important call, I bring backup. If I’m just doing light administrative work, I test the café WiFi first. This allows me to balance cost and convenience.

Cost Considerations in the Philippines

Portable WiFi devices and prepaid data plans can add monthly expenses. Before investing, consider:

• How often do you actually need backup?
• Are you working remotely full-time or part-time?
• Do you frequently change locations?
• Is your income stable enough to justify recurring data costs?

For some remote workers, it’s essential. For others, it’s occasional support.

I’m not going to gatekeep: I use GoMo because their data doesn’t expire, and SMART Magic Data has been a lifesaver for me.

Sustainability Over Aesthetic Setup

A lot of remote work content focuses on aesthetic café setups and scenic work environments. Don’t get me wrong — there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a visually pleasing workspace. But realistically, reliable internet is more important than a perfect Instagram photo.

Remote work in the Philippines requires practical decisions. A portable WiFi device isn’t about looking prepared — it’s about staying prepared.

My Final Thoughts

You don’t need every tool immediately.

Start with what you have. Before I could afford a dongle from TikTok (around ₱500), I relied on my phone’s hotspot or USB tethering. Test your environments. Learn your workflow. Then decide whether backup internet is necessary for your situation.

For me, it’s not about having the most advanced setup. It’s about building a system that allows me to work calmly and sustainably.


If you work remotely in the Philippines, do you rely solely on café WiFi, or do you carry a backup connection?

Why I Use a Chromebook for Remote Work in the Philippines (Instead of My Main Laptop)

In my previous post about choosing a café for remote work in the Philippines, I mentioned that I don’t bring my primary laptop when I work in public spaces. That decision isn’t about minimalism. It’s about risk management.

Over time, I’ve learned that working remotely in cafés requires not just focus, but practical awareness — especially when your laptop is tied to your livelihood.

Why I Don’t Bring My Main Laptop to Cafés

Ideally, it’s nice to work in a café with friends, knowing someone can watch your things if you need to step away. But that’s not always the case.

There are moments when you need to make a quick trip to the restroom, order another drink, or step outside to take a call. And while most cafés feel safe, they are still public spaces. The familiar sign that says, “Please do not leave your belongings unattended. Management is not responsible for lost items,” exists for a reason.

This isn’t about assuming the worst. It’s about avoiding unnecessary risk. My main laptop holds my files, my work tools, and in many ways, my livelihood. I don’t want to put myself in a position where a single careless moment could cost me more than convenience.

Why a Chromebook Makes Sense for Me

When I work from cafés, I usually don’t need heavy software or advanced programs. Most of my tasks are browser-based and cloud-based — Google Docs, email, dashboards, light content work, and administrative tasks.

A Chromebook is lightweight, portable, and simple. It allows me to work without carrying a heavier, more expensive machine. Since I’m often just changing environments for a few hours to refresh my focus, I don’t need full performance power. I just need reliability.

Another reason this setup works for me is financial practicality. My Chromebook isn’t brand new — I bought it pre‑loved. That was intentional.

Because most of my work is cloud-based, all my files are saved through Google’s ecosystem. Even if something unexpected were to happen, my data would still be secure. I would be sad to lose the device, of course — but losing a pre‑loved Chromebook worth around ₱1,800 is very different from losing a ₱30,000 primary laptop.

Remote work in public spaces isn’t just about productivity. It’s also about protecting what allows you to keep working.

Choosing a Chromebook is less about downgrading and more about matching the tool to the task.

What a Chromebook Cannot Replace

That said, a Chromebook is not a replacement for everything.

It’s not ideal for:

• Heavy video editing
• Advanced design software
• Complex file management
• Large offline workflows

While you can access platforms like Canva or browser-based tools, there are still limitations in storage, software compatibility, and processing power. 

For high-performance tasks, I still rely on my main laptop — just not in public cafés.

Remote Work in the Philippines Requires Practical Choices

A lot of remote work content online highlights the latest gadgets and aesthetic setups. And while those are nice, they’re not always necessary.

For me, remote work in the Philippines is about sustainability. It’s about choosing tools and environments that support long-term stability, not just short-term appearance.

Using a Chromebook in cafés allows me to:

• Work lightly
• Reduce financial risk
• Protect my primary device
• Stay flexible

Sometimes practicality looks simple. But simple choices are often the ones that protect your work and your peace of mind.

If you work remotely from cafés, do you bring your main laptop — or do you use a lighter setup?