I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations world wide. Some had been glorious, others… not a lot. I’m completely happy 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 contemplate when deciding the place to base your self as a digital nomad. It may be – and, in my expertise, usually is – the distinction between a dream distant working expertise and a digital-induced nightmare.
I’ve achieved my finest to incorporate a variety of places the world over for this listing. I thought of a number of essential elements, together with web velocity and reliability, value of residing, entry to high quality coworking areas and cafes, meals scene, issues to do, transport hyperlinks, and total 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 personal connections, so it’s an incredible place to get stuff achieved.
Chiang Mai has a large digital nomad neighborhood making it simple to fulfill and socialize with different distant staff. The climate is sizzling year-round, costs are nonetheless comparatively low (though fairly a bit larger than after I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is totally scrumptious.
As you’d anticipate, 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. Whenever you’re not working, I extremely advocate renting a scooter and exploring the encircling mountains and temples – they’re gorgeous.
Common web velocity: 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 superb selection for digital nomads who need to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities akin to Paris and London. Hungary is likely one of the international locations with the quickest web on this 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 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 loads to do in Budapest, its location in central Europe additionally makes it an ideal base to discover extra of the continent. There are glorious 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 simple to journey additional afield, too.
Common web velocity: 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 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 on account of its recognition amongst digital nomads – however it’s nonetheless comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with many different European capitals. There’s a powerful cafe tradition right here too, plus a various neighborhood of nomads from world wide, so that you received’t battle to make new buddies.
Common web velocity: 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 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 mountaineering), 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 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 among the finest espresso within the metropolis – no imply feat. They serve up tasty meals, too.
When it comes to security, Medellín has made large enhancements in the previous few years, however it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected 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 velocity: 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 after I first turned a digital nomad. Relating 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 stuffed with cafes with sturdy 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 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 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
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 plenty of different distinctive perks that make them excellent locations to stay and work remotely.
For me, Lisbon and Chiang Mai are each fairly exhausting to beat. They’re very totally 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 – perhaps I’ll see you there!
