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 joyful 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 executed my finest to incorporate a spread of areas the world over for this record. I thought of a number of essential 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 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 quicker non-public connections, so it’s an amazing place to get stuff executed.
Chiang Mai has an enormous digital nomad neighborhood making it simple to satisfy and socialize with different distant staff. The climate is sizzling 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 a lot of 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 decisions right here too. Once you’re not working, I extremely suggest 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 superb selection for digital nomads who need to be primarily based 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 the 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 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 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 wonderful highway 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 pace: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Budapest, Hungary
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other unbelievable European capital metropolis, Lisbon gives 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 lived in Lisbon twice and love the town’s artistic, fun-loving environment. Taking breaks from work to wander the 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 the town which can be excellent 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 robust cafe tradition right here too, plus a various neighborhood of nomads from all over the world, so that you received’t wrestle to make new pals.
Common web pace: 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 the town are lovely (and superb for climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The record of issues to do right here is nearly countless.
Generally known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, Medellín has superb 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 big enhancements in the previous few years, nevertheless it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected each throughout the day and at evening. Different components of the 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 Dwelling in Medellin, Colombia
5. Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
Mexico Metropolis was one of many first cities I lived and labored in after I first grew to become a digital nomad. On the subject 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 filled with cafes with robust WiFi and even stronger espresso. I primarily based myself in Condesa and beloved the leafy streets, tranquil parks, and pleasant environment. 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 very best tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and all the pieces 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 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, steady connections, nice coworking areas, and lots of different distinctive perks that make them excellent locations to dwell 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 unbelievable 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!
