I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations around the globe. Some had been wonderful, others… not a lot. I’m completely satisfied to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is among the most important issues to contemplate 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 finished my greatest to incorporate a variety of areas internationally for this listing. I thought-about a number of necessary elements, together with web velocity and reliability, value of dwelling, entry to high quality coworking areas and cafes, meals scene, issues to do, transport hyperlinks, and general way of life and livability.
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
It’s not troublesome 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 a terrific place to get stuff finished.
Chiang Mai has a enormous digital nomad group making it straightforward to satisfy and socialize with different distant employees. The climate is sizzling year-round, costs are nonetheless comparatively low (though fairly a bit larger than once I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is completely scrumptious.
As you’d anticipate, there are numerous high-quality coworking areas in Chiang Mai, though Yellow Coworking House is a very good one. While you’re not working, I extremely advocate renting a scooter and exploring the encircling mountains and temples – they’re beautiful.
Common web velocity: 93 Mbps obtain / 88 Mbps add
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a superb selection for digital nomads who wish to be primarily based in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities equivalent to Paris and London. Hungary is among the nations with the quickest web on this planet, and the town is filled with tradition and has a rising digital nomad group.
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 house or a restaurant. KAPTÁR is among the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about in all places.
Budapest’s 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 nations (equivalent to Austria, Romania, and Croatia). Inexpensive flights on the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air make it straightforward to journey additional afield, too.
Common web velocity: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other incredible 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 bother staying linked right here. There are many coworking areas (Heden Santa Apolónia is tremendous) and cafes to make your distant workplace too.
I’ve been to Lisbon twice and love the town’s inventive, fun-loving environment. Taking breaks from work to wander the town or watch the sundown over the Tagus River by no means will get outdated. There are some nice seashores situated a brief distance from the town which can be excellent for a soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly because of 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 group of nomads from around the globe, so that you gained’t battle to make new mates.
Common web velocity: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among the prime digital nomad locations in Latin America. The web may be very quick right here with speeds averaging round 165 Mbps obtain. The mountains surrounding the town are lovely (and superb for climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes.
Often called the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has superb 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 a few of the greatest espresso within the metropolis – no imply feat. They serve up tasty meals, too.
When it comes to security, Medellín has made enormous enhancements in the previous few years, but it surely nonetheless pays to be wise. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected each in the course of the day and at evening. Different components of the town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is affordable and available.
Common web velocity: 165 Mbps obtain / 37 Mbps add
5. Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
Mexico Metropolis was one of many first cities I lived and labored in once I first turned a digital nomad. It’s an unlimited 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 sturdy WiFi and even stronger espresso. I primarily based myself in Condesa and cherished the leafy streets, tranquil parks, and pleasant environment. 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 the very best tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and all the things in between. There’s a lot to see and do right here, too – you’ll by no means be bored.
Common web velocity: 93 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
In Conclusion
Having dependable web could make or break your expertise as a digital nomad. All of those cities provide quick speeds, secure connections, nice coworking areas, and plenty of different distinctive perks that make them excellent locations to stay and work remotely.
For me, Lisbon and Chiang Mai are each fairly laborious to beat. They’re very completely different in some ways, however each have incredible meals, an incredible local weather, and a chilled-out tempo of life. I plan to spend extra time in each locations sooner or later – perhaps I’ll see you there!