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 glorious, others… not a lot. I’m glad to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is among 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 executed my finest to incorporate a spread of areas the world over for this listing. I thought of a number of necessary components, 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 total 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 provide even quicker personal connections, so it’s an ideal place to get stuff executed.
Chiang Mai has a enormous digital nomad group 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 larger than after I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is completely 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. If you’re not working, I extremely advocate renting a scooter and exploring the encompassing 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 primarily based in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities similar to Paris and London. Hungary is among the international locations with the quickest web on this planet, and 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 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 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 street and rail hyperlinks to neighboring international locations (similar 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 affords year-round sunshine, historical past, tradition, and – crucially – dependable web. With common speeds of 120 Mbps, you’ll haven’t 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 town’s inventive, fun-loving environment. Taking breaks from work to wander 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 town which can be good for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly resulting from its recognition amongst digital nomads – nevertheless it’s nonetheless comparatively inexpensive in comparison with many different European capitals. There’s a powerful cafe tradition right here too, plus a various group of nomads from all over the world, so that you received’t wrestle to make new associates.
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 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 town are lovely (and wonderful for mountaineering), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The listing of issues to do right here is sort of countless.
Often known as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has wonderful climate year-round. I spent a while in Medellín earlier this yr and primarily based myself within the El Poblado neighborhood. My favourite cafe was Pergamino, which serves a number of 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 few years, nevertheless it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely secure each throughout the day and at night time. Different components of 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 turned a digital nomad. In the case of deciding the place to remain, it’s an enormous 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 stuffed with cafes with robust 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 also be a world-class foodie vacation spot, from easy avenue meals stalls serving up the perfect 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 Residing 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 reside 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 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!
