I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations around the globe. 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 crucial issues to think about 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 performed my greatest to incorporate a spread of places the world over for this checklist. I thought-about a number of necessary elements, together with web velocity and reliability, price 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 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 provide even sooner personal connections, so it’s an important place to get stuff performed.
Chiang Mai has a big 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 increased than after I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is completely scrumptious.
As you’d anticipate, there are various 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 beautiful.
Common web velocity: 93 Mbps obtain / 88 Mbps add
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a good alternative for digital nomads who need to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities reminiscent of 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 simple to remain linked right here whether or not you’re working from a coworking house 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 in every single place.
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 (reminiscent of 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
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other unbelievable 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 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 been to Lisbon twice and love town’s artistic, 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 situated a brief distance from town which might be good for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly on account of its reputation amongst digital nomads – however it’s nonetheless comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with many different European capitals. There’s a robust cafe tradition right here too, plus a various neighborhood of nomads from around the globe, so that you received’t wrestle to make new mates.
Common web velocity: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is likely one of the prime digital nomad locations in Latin America. The web could be very quick right here with speeds averaging round 165 Mbps obtain. The mountains surrounding town are stunning (and wonderful for mountaineering), and there are many coworking areas and cafes.
Referred to as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has wonderful 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 a number 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 few years, however it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely secure each in the course of the day and at night time. 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 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 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 perfect tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and every thing 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, 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 unbelievable meals, a tremendous 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!
