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 blissful 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 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 executed my finest to incorporate a variety of places internationally for this checklist. I thought of a number of vital components, together with web velocity and reliability, value 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 supply even sooner non-public connections, so it’s a terrific place to get stuff executed.
Chiang Mai has a large digital nomad group making it simple 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 anticipate, there are a lot of 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. If 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
SEE ALSO: Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Digital Nomad Information
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a good selection for digital nomads who need to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities resembling Paris and London. Hungary is without doubt one of the nations with the quickest web on the earth, and the 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 related 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 wonderful street and rail hyperlinks to neighboring nations (resembling 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
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Budapest, Hungary
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 don’t have any bother staying related 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 inventive, fun-loving ambiance. 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 soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly as a result of its recognition 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 group of nomads from all over the world, so that you received’t wrestle 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 without doubt 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 the town are stunning (and superb for climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The checklist of issues to do right here is nearly countless.
Referred to 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 finest espresso within the metropolis – no imply feat. They serve up tasty meals, too.
When it comes to security, Medellín has made large enhancements in the previous few years, however it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected each in the course of the day and at evening. Different components of the town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is reasonable 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 grew to become a digital nomad. In the case of 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 beloved 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 little 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
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 lots of different distinctive perks that make them excellent locations to dwell 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 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 – possibly I’ll see you there!
