Getting Internet in the UK as an Expat
Best ISPs for Expats in the UK
| ISP | Technology | Speed | Price/month | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media | Cable / Full Fiber | Up to 1.1 Gbps | £27–£62 | 18 months |
| BT | FTTP / FTTC | Up to 900 Mbps | £30–£55 | 24 months |
| Hyperoptic | Full Fiber (FTTP) | Up to 1 Gbps | £25–£45 | 12 months |
| Sky Broadband | FTTC / FTTP | Up to 500 Mbps | £28–£48 | 18 months |
| NOW Broadband | FTTC | Up to 67 Mbps | £22–£35 | Monthly |
For expats who want to avoid long contracts, NOW Broadband offers month-to-month plans with no early exit fee. Hyperoptic is excellent if your building is connected — they serve most new-build apartment blocks in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Unlike mobile phone contracts, most UK broadband providers don't require a UK credit history. You'll need proof of address (a tenancy agreement or utility bill) and a UK bank account for the direct debit. Challenger banks like Monzo and Starling open accounts remotely within 24 hours using just a passport.
Getting Internet in Spain as an Expat
Best ISPs for Expats in Spain
| ISP | Technology | Speed | Price/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movistar | FTTH Fiber | Up to 1 Gbps | €35–€55 | Most reliable, widest coverage |
| Orange | FTTH Fiber | Up to 1 Gbps | €30–€50 | Good coverage in major cities |
| Vodafone Spain | FTTH Fiber | Up to 600 Mbps | €32–€48 | Competitive for bundles |
| Digi | FTTH Fiber | Up to 1 Gbps | €20–€35 | Cheapest option, growing coverage |
| MásMóvil | FTTH / ADSL | Up to 600 Mbps | €28–€45 | Good rural coverage |
In Spain, you'll need a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) to sign contracts for most services including broadband. Getting your NIE should be the first administrative task when moving to Spain — it takes 2–6 weeks in major cities (appointments via Policía Nacional).
Fiber coverage in tourist coastal areas (Marbella, Torremolinos, rural Andalusia) is significantly less complete than Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. In rural areas, you may be limited to 4G home router services from Movistar or Orange. Always check coverage using the ISP's postcode checker before signing a contract.
Getting Internet in Germany as an Expat
Germany's broadband infrastructure is a well-known weak point for a major economy. True fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is only available in around 30% of German homes as of 2026 — primarily in new-build areas, eastern German cities (Leipzig, Jena), and some major city districts.
| ISP | Technology | Speed | Price/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Telekom (Magenta) | FTTH / VDSL2 Supervectoring | Up to 250 Mbps (VDSL) / 1 Gbps (FTTH) | €35–€55 | Most reliable, complex contracts |
| Vodafone Germany | Cable / FTTH | Up to 1 Gbps | €30–€55 | Cable widely available in cities |
| 1&1 | FTTH / DSL | Up to 1 Gbps | €25–€45 | Good for new-builds |
| O2 (Telefónica) | DSL / FTTH | Up to 250 Mbps | €25–€40 | Flexible contracts |
In Germany, you cannot sign most contracts (including broadband) without completing Anmeldung — registering your address with the local Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office). This takes 2–6 weeks for an appointment in Berlin. Until then, use a travel SIM or a temporary 4G home router from Congstar or Freenet.
Get eSIM plans, speed data, and connectivity tips for your destination.
Bridging the Gap: Internet While You Wait for Installation
In all three countries, broadband installation takes 5–30 days after contract signing. The best solution is a travel eSIM for your phone (for data on the go) plus a 4G/5G home router for Wi-Fi at home.
Airalo Europe eSIM — Stay Connected While Your Broadband Is Installed
Airalo's Europe regional plan covers 39 countries including Spain, UK, and Germany. 10 GB from $17, activate instantly before you land.
Browse Europe eSIM Plans