I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations around the globe. Some have been wonderful, others… not a lot. I’m blissful to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is among the most crucial 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 performed my greatest to incorporate a variety of areas internationally for this listing. I thought-about a number of vital elements, 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 general life-style 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 supply even sooner personal connections, so it’s a terrific place to get stuff performed.
Chiang Mai has a big digital nomad group making it straightforward to fulfill and socialize with different distant staff. The climate is sizzling year-round, costs are nonetheless comparatively low (though fairly a bit increased than after I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is totally scrumptious.
As you’d count on, there are various high-quality coworking areas in Chiang Mai, though Yellow Coworking House is especially good. If cafes are extra your vibe, you’ll discover loads of nice selections right here too. While 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 selection for digital nomads who wish to be based mostly 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 the earth, 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 related right here whether or not you’re working from a coworking area or a restaurant. KAPTÁR is among the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about in every single 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 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 pace: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Budapest, Hungary
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other improbable European capital metropolis, Lisbon provides year-round sunshine, historical past, tradition, and – crucially – dependable web. With common speeds of 120 Mbps, you’ll don’t have any bother staying related 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 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 are excellent for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly resulting from its recognition amongst digital nomads – but it surely’s nonetheless comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with many different European capitals. There’s a powerful cafe tradition right here too, plus a various group of nomads from around the globe, so that you gained’t battle to make new pals.
Common web pace: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among the high 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 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 yr and based mostly 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 big enhancements in the previous couple of 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 Residing in Medellin, Colombia
5. Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
Mexico Metropolis was one of many first cities I lived and labored in after I first grew to become a digital nomad. Relating to deciding the place to remain, it’s an unlimited metropolis made up of many alternative 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 based mostly myself in Condesa and beloved 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 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 Residing in Mexico Metropolis
In Conclusion
Having dependable web could make or break your expertise as a digital nomad. All of those cities supply 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 onerous to beat. They’re very totally different in some ways, however each have improbable 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!
