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 among 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, typically is – the distinction between a dream distant working expertise and a digital-induced nightmare.
I’ve completed my greatest to incorporate a variety of areas internationally for this record. I thought-about a number of vital components, together with web velocity and reliability, value 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 had been a factor. The web right here is quick and dependable, with common speeds near 100 Mbps. Many coworking areas supply even quicker non-public connections, so it’s an ideal place to get stuff completed.
Chiang Mai has a large digital nomad neighborhood 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 completely scrumptious.
As you’d count on, there are numerous 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 selections right here too. If you’re not working, I extremely advocate 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 selection for digital nomads who wish to be primarily based in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities akin to Paris and London. Hungary is among the nations with the quickest web on the 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 area or a restaurant. KAPTÁR is among the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about in every single place.
Though there’s a lot 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 (akin 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 velocity: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Residing 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 inventive, fun-loving environment. 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 excellent for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly because 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 battle to make new pals.
Common web velocity: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among the high 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 mountaineering), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The record of issues to do right here is sort of limitless.
Generally known as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has wonderful climate year-round. I spent a while in Medellín earlier this 12 months and primarily based 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.
By way of security, Medellín has made large enhancements in the previous few years, however it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely secure each through 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 Residing 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 terms 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 sturdy 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 also be a world-class foodie vacation spot, from easy road meals stalls serving up the perfect tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and the whole lot 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 Residing 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 stay and work remotely.
For me, Lisbon and Chiang Mai are each fairly onerous 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!
