There is no doubt that the primary advantage of the digital nomad lifestyle is that it grants individuals the opportunity to travel extensively, far beyond what many people would have thought possible. Though travels is certainly a central aspect, becoming a successful digital nomad will necessitate selecting locations that are favorable to digital nomad work.
What To Look For in a Digital Nomad Destination
Digital Nomad Community
Do you desire to be among other digital freelancers? Some digital nomads choose to stay away from digital nomad gathering spots, instead looking for places where they can get to know locals and really get a feel for the culture. Having friends who are digital nomads or long-term travelers is essential for some people.
Great Internet Connectivity
Every digital nomad job varies greatly – some necessitate constant and instantaneous internet access with no delays. Others will give you the option to completely vanish from the network for days or even weeks.
Cost of Living
If you don’t have much to spend, the expenses of residing in these cities may be a major aspect in selecting your vacation destination.
Examine the top spots for digital nomads in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, remembering that the price tag of living is often substantially different even inside every single nation of the emerging markets.
Visas and Work Permits
Think about the length of time you want to stay in every destination you plan on visiting, plus whether visa regulations will permit it. Particular nations have freelance visas and excellent visa policies that enable digital nomads to stay for extended periods, potentially for a number of years.
Some countries are introducing special visas designed to attract digital nomads to come and stay in their locality.
Travel Potential
Utilize your extended stay in Berlin to visit Germany and Austria, or establish yourself in Buenos Aires if you’re looking to explore Patagonia and the coasts of Uruguay.
Weather and Climate
Figure out when the weather will be at its warmest if that’s what you’re chasing. Do you need to remember that hurricane and monsoon season are approaching? Be sure to look into the various factors that can affect your journey before you make reservations for your trip.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads
Mexico City, Mexico
Living as a digital nomad in Mexico City has abundant advantages, particularly for those who work from a distance but appreciate life in a bustling metropolitan area. Mexico City has been christened the “Tropical New York” due to its size as the biggest urban centre in North America, making it an ideal spot for digital nomads for a variety of reasons.
As a large city, you are able to benefit from a major international airport with plenty of connections to many other cities. From Mexico City International Airport, you can book a journey to lots of places in the United States, Canada, and Latin America without needing to make a stop.
The connectivity in the city is suitable enough to make remote meetings utilizing Zoom, video conferencing, and so on possible. Although fiber optic networks are not everywhere yet, they are becoming more and more common in newer developments and the affluent Reforma and Polanco areas.
In the trendier and more traditional areas like Roma and Condesa, there are shared work spaces which offer ultra-fast internet access should you not have it in your residence. These locations are ideal for foreign nationals living in Mexico City, particularly those who are not proficient in Spanish.
The cost of living is still relatively inexpensive when measured up against other places preferred by digital nomads, even those in Latin America. It is possible to acquire pleasant one room apartments in excellent areas through Airbnb at a much better price point than any other big town in North America.
You won’t run out of things to do in Mexico City. Centro Historico of Mexico City, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, contains a variety of ancient Aztec temples and Spanish cathedrals that have existed since centuries. Gourmets will also really enjoy Mexico City, with its wide range of culinary options ranging from lowly street tacos to Michelin star restaurants.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is well-known among digital nomads across Asia, and there are plenty of reasons why it’s so sought-after. The internet is incredibly fast, and there are plenty of shared workspaces for interacting with other remote workers.
In addition, there are many excellent cafes, such as Ristr8o (renowned in Thailand for its espresso concoction) that provide some of the superior coffee in the region along with a tranquil setting which is perfect for working on the computer.
The city is an appealing destination for remote workers due to its optimal size; it offers plenty of attractions and activities while not being too crowded. Furthermore, it is considered to be one of the go-to destinations in Thailand due to the wealth of old temples and festivals happening in the area.
The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai is the perfect location for hikers, as the mountain ranges around it offer a plethora of excellent trails. Additionally, Doi Inthanon National Park, which can be reached in an hour’s drive, is the highest point in Thailand and provides access to tribal areas for more adventurous explorers.
The hospitable nature of Thai people contribute to the great atmosphere of Chiang Mai, making it one of the top locations for digital nomads.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, otherwise known as the Island of the Gods, is the ideal spot for anyone planning to work from home, and is without a doubt one of the superior spots for digital nomads. Bali, one of the most acclaimed travel spots on Earth, is a place that requires no explanation.
The stunning sandy shores and lush rice paddies of this location have drawn tourists from all other parts of the world to check it out, with many of them deciding to stay there permanently.
For those who work remotely, Bali is an excellent option that offers a great lifestyle at a reasonable cost. Travelers can get a luxurious private pool villa in Bali at a much lower cost than they would spend on rent in major cities such as New York City or London.
In addition to the high quality of life, Bali has grown to be a hub for people who work remotely and digitally.
There are lots of networking opportunities and shared workspaces on the island, making it convenient to connect and bond with like-minded people. Even if you are a solo remote worker in Bali, it is not hard to find individuals to socialize with.
When you are not occupied in the virtual world, set aside some time to discover the most exceptional waterfalls and rice fields on the island. Experience an outing to Nusa Penida, with untouched scenery, incredible rock formations, and limpid waterside retreats! It is not expensive to navigate through Bali as there are bike rentals and taxis which make it convenient to traverse through the region without spending too much.
Yerevan, Armenia for Digital Nomads
Yerevan in Armenia is an underrated place. Similar to Baku and Tbilisi, the adjacent capitals are increasingly gaining notice and activity. Despite this, Yerevan is haunted by Armenia’s tumultuous separation from Turkey as well as its history with the Soviet Union.
This vibrant, thriving city is filled with inviting inhabitants and lots of fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, dance spots, and pubs. Living and eating in that place is also economically sound.
One person’s total expenses for living in Armenia on a monthly basis do not exceed 550 US dollars. The internet speed is improved and the environment for working in Yerevan is great. The city offers various social undertakings, including Opera and the performing arts.
Food is basic, fluctuated, and nice. Despite various structural modifications and fighting with Azerbaijan, the situation in the area is completely secure.
Yerevan is perhaps the ideal destination for digital nomads and provides a great base from which to explore nearby Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku, located in Azerbaijan, is expanding at a rapid rate, and tourism is also flourishing. This area is the most densely populated compared to both Armenia and Georgia together, with its total numbers being greater than the two countries combined.
Baku, known as the “City of Winds,” is home to 2.2 million people. Interestingly, due to its exact location, there is debate about whether it is considered to be a part of Europe or Asia.
Living expenses in that location are moderate, and the rental cost for a single bedroom dwelling averages $349 a month. Eating at the restaurant will cost you $7 and a beer will cost you 99 cents. The mode of transport is mediocre, and it costs around 37 cents to ride on a bus for one kilometer.
The mobile data speed in the area has a mean of 26.55 Mbps, while 18.93 Mbps is the standard for fiber internet and broadband. The temperature in Baku, Azerbaijan can vary drastically, ranging from lows of 3.8 degrees Celcius to highs of 30.61 degrees Celcius across the year.
Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania is definitely an inexpensive area for digital nomads to live in Europe, coming in at a cost of only $620. Remarkable structures, street art, and sculptures adorn the entire city.
Albania overall is known for kind, fresh food. The countries of Macedonia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Kosovo are all situated near one another, so if you’re in the mood for something new, you can quickly take a trip abroad.
American citizens have the opportunity to stay in Albania for 12 months without the need for a visa. People from the United Kingdom and Australia can stay up to 90 days in the country without a visa, whereas Canadians are allocated a 30-day stay.
Albania features some amazing elements which make it a truly awesome place to check out. Living expenses are exceptionally inexpensive, the people are welcoming, and the past is captivating. Different types of terrain, as well as attractive spots to take in, can be found around the area. Tirana, Albania, has everything necessary for digital nomads to thrive.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is definitely a noteworthy city in Portugal due to its vibrancy; its accommodation is moderately priced, the transportation facilities are great, and the cuisine is delightful.
If you prefer a city that is more laid-back, genuine, and pricy than some of the more well-known spots, then you might enjoy it. Porto could be a superb option for you.
Lisbon is seen as a thriving hub for digital nomads and provides a great value for money for roaming tourists. It boasts an amazing climate, access to a myriad of free wifi hotspots, and is a strong proponent of pedestrian transportation.
As previously mentioned, a city’s safety for digital nomads depends on the level of violent crime it has. The crime rate and levels of violence are considered to be adequately secure.
Nomad Entrepreneur List typically scores safety very favorably. The cost of renting a fully furnished, short-term accommodation is approximately $700 to $1000 per month. The typical Airbnb Sublet is typically priced at $2400 a month, but plenty of budget-friendly options for $1500 or even lower can be located.
Prague, Czech Republic
Did you have a childhood where you felt compelled to escape into a make-believe world? Then Prague is your next place to live. This renowned metropolis has a rich past and is probably the most renowned place to lead a location independent existence in Central Europe.
It isn’t hard to locate accommodation in Prague for about $500 per month, which is suitable for city living. If you choose to make meals at home, it will cost approximately $400 a month, whereas going out to eat would be a separate expense.
Prague has great transportation, including typical buses and a subway system. Trains can be taken to connect you with other cities in the Czech Republic and with the surrounding nations in Europe.
Riding the interrail is a very popular stuff over there, and encountering hikers isn’t all that rare. When residing in Prague, hazardous areas are not usual, however there are some areas that you should stay away from. The most dangerous areas include Bartolomejska, Benediktska, and Smichov.
Investigate areas to avoid before relocating to the urban location. In the downtown area of the town and at the center of the city, there are lots of locals that can communicate in English; yet, when outside of the surrounding area, it is more difficult to find those who communicate in another language.
A variety of places can be visited in Prague, such as the Astronomical Clock and the Old Town. These locations provide fantastic photo-taking opportunities and are easy to visit. Visitors to Prague flock to the city in order to experience its vibrant nightlife. From beer tastings to barroom fun to clubbing at Central Europe’s largest discotheque, Prague truly has something to offer everyone looking for an energetic evening out.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is an amazing city which is a dream for digital nomads! This behemoth of a metropolis has many attractions for the modern itinerant. It is located directly on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. You can spend your evenings in La Barceloneta, enjoying a glass of sangria as a reward for a day’s worth of work.
There are many places in the city that offer coworking and digital café services. We should not overlook the fantastic tapas restaurants and the extraordinary nightlife that can be enjoyed there.
It is incredibly easy to travel throughout the city by using the bus and metro system. You can conveniently go wherever you wish. Roaming through the olden-style neighbourhood of the Gothic Quarter and walking back in time to the medieval era is an enjoyable experience.
Barcelona may be something that fits in the budget for a select group of digital nomads, so it may be difficult to save a lot of money there, particularly when it comes to finding a place to rent.
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