I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations all over the world. Some had been wonderful, others… not a lot. I’m pleased to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is without doubt one of the most crucial issues to think about when deciding the place to base your self as a digital nomad. It may be – and, in my expertise, typically is – the distinction between a dream distant working expertise and a digital-induced nightmare.
I’ve performed my finest to incorporate a spread of areas internationally for this listing. I thought-about a number of essential elements, together with web pace and reliability, price of dwelling, entry to high quality coworking areas and cafes, meals scene, issues to do, transport hyperlinks, and general life-style and livability.
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
It’s not tough to see why Chiang Mai has been a favourite amongst digital nomads ever since digital nomads had been a factor. The web right here is quick and dependable, with common speeds near 100 Mbps. Many coworking areas provide even sooner non-public connections, so it’s an incredible place to get stuff performed.
Chiang Mai has a enormous digital nomad neighborhood making it straightforward to fulfill and socialize with different distant employees. The climate is scorching year-round, costs are nonetheless comparatively low (though fairly a bit increased than once I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is completely scrumptious.
As you’d anticipate, there are a lot of high-quality coworking areas in Chiang Mai, though Yellow Coworking Area is especially good. If cafes are extra your vibe, you’ll discover loads of nice selections right here too. If you’re not working, I extremely suggest renting a scooter and exploring the encircling mountains and temples – they’re gorgeous.
Common web pace: 93 Mbps obtain / 88 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Digital Nomad Information
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a good alternative for digital nomads who need to be primarily based in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities akin to Paris and London. Hungary is without doubt one of the international locations with the quickest web on the planet, and the town is filled with tradition and has a rising digital nomad neighborhood.
With lightning-fast speeds of as much as 220 Mbps, it’s straightforward to remain linked right here whether or not you’re working from a coworking area or a restaurant. KAPTÁR is without doubt one of the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about in all places.
Though there’s loads to do in Budapest, its location in central Europe additionally makes it an ideal base to discover extra of the continent. There are wonderful highway and rail hyperlinks to neighboring international locations (akin to Austria, Romania, and Croatia). Reasonably priced flights on the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air make it straightforward to journey additional afield, too.
Common web pace: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Budapest, Hungary
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other unbelievable European capital metropolis, Lisbon affords year-round sunshine, historical past, tradition, and – crucially – dependable web. With common speeds of 120 Mbps, you’ll don’t have any hassle staying linked right here. There are many coworking areas (Heden Santa Apolónia is tremendous) and cafes to make your distant workplace too.
I’ve lived in Lisbon twice and love the town’s artistic, fun-loving ambiance. Taking breaks from work to wander the town or watch the sundown over the Tagus River by no means will get previous. There are some nice seashores positioned a brief distance from the town which are good for a soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly attributable to its recognition amongst digital nomads – but it surely’s nonetheless comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with many different European capitals. There’s a robust cafe tradition right here too, plus a various neighborhood of nomads from all over the world, so that you gained’t battle to make new associates.
Common web pace: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is without doubt one of the prime digital nomad locations in Latin America. The web could be very quick right here with speeds averaging round 165 Mbps obtain. The mountains surrounding the town are stunning (and wonderful for mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The listing of issues to do right here is nearly limitless.
Often called the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has wonderful climate year-round. I spent a while in Medellín earlier this 12 months and primarily based myself within the El Poblado neighborhood. My favourite cafe was Pergamino, which serves among the finest espresso within the metropolis – no imply feat. They serve up tasty meals, too.
By way of security, Medellín has made enormous enhancements in the previous couple of years, but it surely nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely secure each throughout the day and at night time. Different components of the town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is affordable and available.
Common web pace: 165 Mbps obtain / 37 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: A Digital Nomad Information To Dwelling in Medellin, Colombia
5. Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
Mexico Metropolis was one of many first cities I lived and labored in once I first turned a digital nomad. In relation to deciding the place to remain, it’s an enormous metropolis made up of many various districts and neighborhoods, every with its personal distinct vibe.
There’s no scarcity of coworking areas, and neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa are filled with cafes with robust WiFi and even stronger espresso. I primarily based myself in Condesa and beloved the leafy streets, tranquil parks, and pleasant ambiance. Mix Station was my go-to espresso place.
Mexico Metropolis can be a world-class foodie vacation spot, from easy avenue meals stalls serving up one of the best tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and every little thing in between. There’s a lot to see and do right here, too – you’ll by no means be bored.
Common web pace: 93 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Mexico Metropolis
In Conclusion
Having dependable web could make or break your expertise as a digital nomad. All of those cities provide quick speeds, steady connections, nice coworking areas, and lots of different distinctive perks that make them good locations to dwell and work remotely.
For me, Lisbon and Chiang Mai are each fairly onerous to beat. They’re very totally different in some ways, however each have unbelievable meals, a tremendous local weather, and a chilled-out tempo of life. I plan to spend extra time in each locations sooner or later – possibly I’ll see you there!
