I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations all over the world. Some have been wonderful, others… not a lot. I’m comfortable to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is likely 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 completed my finest to incorporate a spread of places internationally for this listing. I thought-about a number of necessary components, together with web pace and reliability, value of dwelling, entry to high quality coworking areas and cafes, meals scene, issues to do, transport hyperlinks, and total 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 have been a factor. The web right here is quick and dependable, with common speeds near 100 Mbps. Many coworking areas provide even quicker personal connections, so it’s an awesome place to get stuff completed.
Chiang Mai has a large digital nomad group making it simple to satisfy 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 totally scrumptious.
As you’d count on, there are lots 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 decisions right here too. Once you’re not working, I extremely advocate 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 wish to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities similar to Paris and London. Hungary is likely one of the nations with the quickest web on this planet, and the town is stuffed with tradition and has a rising digital nomad group.
With lightning-fast speeds of as much as 220 Mbps, it’s simple to remain linked right here whether or not you’re working from a coworking area or a restaurant. KAPTÁR is likely one of the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about all over the place.
Though there’s a lot to do in Budapest, its location in central Europe additionally makes it an ideal base to discover extra of the continent. There are wonderful street and rail hyperlinks to neighboring nations (similar to Austria, Romania, and Croatia). Reasonably priced flights on the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air make it simple 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 implausible European capital metropolis, Lisbon presents 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 lived in Lisbon twice and love the town’s inventive, 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 excellent for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly attributable to its reputation amongst digital nomads – but it surely’s nonetheless comparatively inexpensive in comparison with many different European capitals. There’s a robust cafe tradition right here too, plus a various group of nomads from all over the world, so that you received’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 likely 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 lovely (and superb for mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The listing of issues to do right here is nearly limitless.
Often known as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has superb climate year-round. I spent a while in Medellín earlier this yr and based mostly myself within the El Poblado neighborhood. My favourite cafe was Pergamino, which serves a few of the finest espresso within the metropolis – no imply feat. They serve up tasty meals, too.
By way of security, Medellín has made large 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 night time. Different elements of the town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is reasonable 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 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 stuffed with cafes with robust WiFi and even stronger espresso. I based mostly myself in Condesa and beloved the leafy streets, tranquil parks, and pleasant ambiance. Mix Station was my go-to espresso place.
Mexico Metropolis can also be a world-class foodie vacation spot, from easy road meals stalls serving up the perfect tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and all the pieces 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, secure connections, nice coworking areas, and lots of different distinctive perks that make them excellent locations to reside 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 implausible meals, an incredible 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!