I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations all over the world. Some had been wonderful, 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 important 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 carried out my greatest to incorporate a variety of areas the world over for this listing. I thought of a number of necessary elements, together with web velocity and reliability, value of residing, entry to high quality coworking areasand 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 had been a factor. The web right here is quick and dependable, with common speeds near 100 Mbps. Many coworking areas supply even quicker personal connections, so it’s an important place to get stuff carried out.
Chiang Mai has a large digital nomad neighborhood 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 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 decisionsright here too. Whenever you’re not working, I extremely suggest renting a scooter and exploring the encompassing mountains and temples – they’re beautiful.
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 good alternative for digital nomads who wish to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities comparable to Paris and London. Hungary is likely one of the nations with the quickest web on this planet, and town is stuffed with tradition and has a rising digital nomad neighborhood.
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 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 lots 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 (comparable 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 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 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 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 can be excellent for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly on account of its reputation 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 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 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 stunning (and superb for mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The listing of issues to do right here is nearly countless.
Generally 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 number of the greatest 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 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
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. 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 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 road meals stalls serving up one of the best 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 supply quick speeds, secure connections, nice coworking areas, and lots of different distinctive perks that make them excellent locations to stay 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 – perhaps I’ll see you there!
