I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations world wide. 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 without doubt 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, typically 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 record. I thought-about a number of necessary elements, together with web pace and reliability, price of residing, 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 supply even sooner non-public connections, so it’s an excellent place to get stuff carried out.
Chiang Mai has a big digital nomad group making it simple to fulfill and socialize with different distant staff. 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 anticipate, there are various 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 selections 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 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 without doubt one of the nations with the quickest web on the earth, and town is stuffed with tradition and has a rising digital nomad group.
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 area or a restaurant. KAPTÁR is without doubt one of the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about in every single 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 glorious street and rail hyperlinks to neighboring nations (comparable to 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 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 artistic, fun-loving environment. Taking breaks from work to wander town or watch the sundown over the Tagus River by no means will get outdated. There are some nice seashores situated a brief distance from town which are excellent for a soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly resulting from its reputation 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 group of nomads from world wide, so that you gained’t wrestle to make new mates.
Common web pace: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is without doubt 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 lovely (and wonderful for mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The record of issues to do right here is sort of limitless.
Often called the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has wonderful 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 few 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 couple of years, nevertheless it nonetheless pays to be wise. To me, El Poblado felt completely secure each in the course of the day and at night time. Different elements of town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is affordable 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 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 sturdy WiFi and even stronger espresso. I based mostly myself in Condesa and beloved 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 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 supply quick speeds, steady 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 laborious 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!