Best Places to Work Remotely
What are the factors that contribute to an ideal location for remote work? There are numerous aspects to consider when selecting a city as a prime spot for digital nomads and traveling remote employees. Keep these key factors in mind when searching for the perfect location to work remotely that aligns with your needs.
Internet Connection
A majority of remote work opportunities necessitate a reliable internet connection, even if only for some part of the job. While certain remote work and digital nomad careers may mandate distinct prerequisites, it is crucial to factor in internet access when deciding on a place to reside.
Visas and Work Permits
Which countries and cities have flexible visa policies for long-term stays? Alternatively, are you planning to work remotely here only for a short period?
Before considering remote work from any location, it is crucial to remember these inquiries. Additionally, if you plan to spend an extended period in a particular place, researching digital nomad visas could be beneficial.
Travel Potential
What is your preferred location to use as a base for further travels? Opting for a conveniently situated location for remote work can provide improved opportunities for exploring a region, a country, or multiple countries that you have been longing to visit.
When choosing the ideal location to work remotely, it’s important to bear in mind whether you’ll require proximity to an international airport to simplify traveling or if you have a preference for exploring a particular region. Keeping these factors in mind will aid you in determining the most suitable location for your own remote work requirements.
Things To Do
When considering a location to work in, take into account the daily activities available in the city or town. Are there opportunities to socialize with others during your stay?
What activities will you be capable of doing in the evening after being behind a screen all day for work?
Weather and Climate
Research the climate of your future destination and know what to expect before booking your tickets. If you’re looking to temporarily relocate to a warmer climate, make sure the weeks or months you’re traveling correspond with the weather you’re looking for.
Some of these key traits are shared among our most highly recommended locations for remote work, with a plethora of additional benefits to boot.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico is an excellent choice for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing, reasonably priced location with an abundance of activities to work remotely. The tropical climate ensures warm weather throughout the year, making it an ideal escape from the winter doldrums.
Getting to Playa del Carmen is convenient from major cities worldwide, including the United States; also, its central time zone is advantageous for individuals conducting business with US-based clients or corporations.
The high-speed and dependable internet in Playa del Carmen is complemented by an abundance of laid-back cafes, coworking spaces, and a thriving community of digital nomads facilitating interaction with fellow remote workers. Additionally, there are several seaside restaurants with internet connectivity that provide you with the opportunity to relish the picturesque vistas or work with your feet immersed in sand.
In Playa del Carmen, there are various entertaining options to indulge in such as exploring the freshwater cenotes, visiting the Mayan ruins, indulging in thrilling snorkeling and adventure excursions which can provide a break from work. Additionally, the beaches located in Playa del Carmen are stunningly gorgeous.
If you desire a workplace that comes with an incredible way of life, Playa del Carmen should be your top priority!
Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington is a fantastic destination for those who work remotely or are digital nomads due to its small size and being a central point for creative people. Many co-working spaces and trendy cafes that offer locally-roasted coffee are readily available in Wellington, allowing visitors to spend their day working on their laptop.
Accessing the internet is quite convenient as many cafes and co-working areas offer wifi, and if you want to save money, public libraries provide complimentary internet. Furthermore, obtaining mobile internet access is possible by purchasing a SIM card from a nearby supermarket.
Wellington offers a myriad of activities, ranging from scaling the numerous hills and mountains in the vicinity to discovering secluded laneways and cocktail bars. You can even embark on day trips to the Kapiti coast’s beaches or the Wairarapa’s wineries.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
With a population exceeding 9 million, Ho Chi Minh City (referred to as Saigon) is an ideal destination for digital nomads and freelancers. You can enjoy an affordable living experience in terms of housing, transportation, entertainment, and dining expenses.
In Ho Chi Minh City, there are many shared coworking spaces that cater to remote workers. Some of the best choices are The Hive, Dreamplex, Toong, and WeWork, which are situated in Districts 1 and 3, Binh Thanh, Thao Dien, and Thu Duc City.
The rates vary depending on the location, duration, and amenities.
Another favored choice is to work from a coffee shop. A lot of coffee shops provide free and speedy wifi. Although the ambiance is more chaotic and animated than that of a shared office, you have the opportunity to savor appetizing beverages and meals for an unlimited amount of time; there are no restrictions on how long you can remain there.
It is easy to meet people in Ho Chi Minh City as a variety of events take place on a daily basis. No matter if you are interested in practicing your painting skills, participating in a yoga session, exchanging languages, or helping out with a local community project, you will find like-minded individuals to connect with.
Thu Duc City’s District 7 and Thao Dien neighborhoods make for excellent spots to socialize with fellow expats.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is an ideal choice for remote working as it boasts a strong infrastructure and convenient access to multiple countries worldwide.
A remote working visa has been recently launched in Dubai, which permits people to reside and work remotely in the city for one year. Being well-connected in terms of internet and having a vast and lively expat community, Dubai provides great flexibility for remote employees, particularly those who have their partners or kinfolk working in the metropolis.
In addition, the emirate has recently launched a digital nomad visa program, allowing a larger pool of remote workers to access the city.
Dubai boasts several great neighborhoods, located near the city center, that provide a wide range of offerings, which include cultural attractions and beaches.
You won’t experience boredom as the city offers a vast array of activities to explore, ranging from amusement parks, aquariums, adventure sports, and desert safaris located conveniently nearby.
Compared to other countries in the Gulf, Dubai is deemed a secure place to reside with minimal limitations. Additionally, remote workers can enjoy a tax-free income and access several excellent co-working facilities within the city.
Bangalore, India
The submission was made by Penny from GlobeTrove.
Remote workers can find Bangalore to be an exceptional destination. The city, also known as the garden city, possesses numerous advantages like affordable and high-speed internet as well as a lively entertainment scene.
For those who wish to work in the company of similar individuals, multiple coworking spaces offer all necessary amenities for remote work setups. Additionally, the city ranks highly due to the abundance of outstanding nearby destinations near Bangalore. And if local travel is undesirable, the region possesses one of the largest international airports in the nation.
The city offers a variety of local and international cuisine, as well as top-notch south Indian fare, along with pubs and breweries, making it a food lover’s paradise.
One of the negative aspects of Bangalore is its inadequate public transportation and infrastructure, leading to difficulties in navigating the city.
To a certain extent, you can reduce the impact of this by choosing a conveniently situated apartment in proximity to the parts of the city you intend to visit regularly.
Ericeira, Portugal
This submission comes from Michelle, who had an Ericeira Family Adventure.
Located north of Lisbon, Portugal, Ericeira is the sole World Surf Reserve in Europe and an ideal destination to include in your Portugal travel plans. Whether you’re en route from Lisbon to Porto or looking for a remote workspace, Ericeira is an excellent option.
Despite being modernized by tourism, the village retains its authenticity with its white buildings scattered across the cliffs overlooking the crashing waves. Its appeal and the convenient 30-minute commute to Lisbon are among the factors that attract numerous remote workers to reside here.
Ericeira’s 11 beaches are popular among remote workers who often begin their day with early morning surfing. However, people of all ages can enjoy numerous activities like wine tasting, biking, hiking, skateboarding, and lounging on the beach.
One can arrange to work at a restaurant by the beach, enjoying the sand between their toes as they indulge in a plate of sardines and a glass of white wine basking in the sunshine.
Ericeira is famous for its premium fish and seafood. Thus, enjoying a delightful meal of clams or octopus salad with the added convenience of excellent WiFi soon becomes an essential pastime.
If a somewhat formal environment is desired, a number of co-working spaces provide superb amenities and facilities, along with chances to connect with others.
No matter if you opt to stay for a week or a whole year, the irresistible Portuguese charm will have you wanting to extend your stay.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Due to its stunning natural beauty and advantageous exchange rate, Thailand has become a prominent center for digital nomads. Moreover, temporarily relocating has become more accessible with the introduction of specialized tourist visas that permit non-citizens to stay for a duration ranging from 30 to 270 days, almost equivalent to nine months.
Chiang Mai offers abundant opportunities for networking, ranging from Facebook groups to gatherings at vegan cafes and trendy coworking spaces like Punspace and Hub 53, which cost an average of $90 per month. Despite this expense, it is balanced out by the fact that you can enjoy a mouth-watering bowl of khao soi for only $2 during your lunch break. Although Chiang Mai has a laid-back lifestyle in comparison to bustling Bangkok, it may be difficult to leave except during the burning season (January to April) when the poor air quality forces many individuals to relocate to the capital city or to the tropical beaches of Koh Samui or Koh Lanta.
The Canary Islands, Spain
The self-employment visa in Spain is perfectly suited for freelancers and entrepreneurs seeking to work from the enchanting archipelago situated off the northwest coast of Africa. Las Palmas, the chief city of Gran Canaria, offers trendy coworking areas like The House, repeople, and Soppa de Azul that boast high-speed internet and close proximity to serene, sandy beaches. A dynamic community of nomads facilitates networking opportunities with innovative individuals hailing from various countries who no longer desire traditional office jobs.
Even after your departure, you can still enjoy the hidden coves, verdant woodlands, volcanic craters, and surreal landscapes, even during colder seasons when the mercury seldom drops below 65 degrees. Inexpensive public transportation makes it convenient to travel by bike, bus, or ferry throughout the seven islands. Additionally, food and beverages are quite affordable, and delightful regional specialties at farmers’ markets are an effortless option for mealtime.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Throughout the past couple of years, various countries in the Caribbean such as Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Anguilla, and Dominica have promptly embraced the concept of digital nomad visas. With such a stunning environment to work in, we ourselves will expedite our application process.
Barbados reigns supreme as the ultimate destination for basking on sun-drenched beaches, sipping rum cocktails as the gentle breeze from the turquoise sea caresses you and swaying palm trees lull you into a state of pure, unparalleled bliss.
With the Barbados Welcome Stamp, you can live in the country for a year and establish your own residence on the coast where you will encounter not only regular visitors who have switched to remote working and are now permanent residents, but also friendly locals, all basking in the delights of paradise.
Although Bridgetown is designated as the capital, it’s possible to establish a business in any location on the island since it can be fully circled by car in less than three hours. Additionally, certain beaches have Wi-Fi, indicating that the future is currently here! – Tiana Attride
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