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 completely satisfied 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 finished my greatest to incorporate a spread of places internationally for this listing. I thought-about a number of vital 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 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 have 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 an awesome place to get stuff finished.
Chiang Mai has a enormous digital nomad neighborhood 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 greater than after I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is totally scrumptious.
As you’d anticipate, there are numerous high-quality coworking areas in Chiang Mai, though Yellow Coworking Area is a very good one. Once you’re not working, I extremely suggest renting a scooter and exploring the encompassing mountains and temples – they’re gorgeous.
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 based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities akin to Paris and London. Hungary is among the nations with the quickest web on this planet, and 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 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 all places.
Budapest’s 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 (akin to Austria, Romania, and Croatia). Inexpensive 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
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other implausible European capital metropolis, Lisbon provides year-round sunshine, historical past, tradition, and – crucially – dependable web. With common speeds of 120 Mbps, you’ll haven’t any hassle staying related 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 town’s inventive, fun-loving ambiance. 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 are excellent for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly on account of 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 neighborhood of nomads from all over the world, so that you received’t battle to make new associates.
Common web velocity: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among the high 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 stunning (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 based mostly myself within the El Poblado neighborhood. My favourite cafe was Pergamino, which serves among 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 couple of years, but it surely nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely secure each throughout the day and at evening. Different components of 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 after 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 stuffed with cafes with sturdy WiFi and even stronger espresso. I based mostly myself in Condesa and liked 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 avenue meals stalls serving up the very best tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and the whole lot 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 onerous to beat. They’re very completely different in some ways, however each have implausible meals, a tremendous 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!