I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations world wide. Some have been wonderful, 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 among 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 achieved my greatest to incorporate a variety of areas internationally for this record. I thought of a number of necessary components, together with web velocity and reliability, price of dwelling, entry to high quality coworking areas and cafes, meals scene, issues to do, transport hyperlinks, and general way of life 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 awesome place to get stuff achieved.
Chiang Mai has a large digital nomad neighborhood 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 greater than once I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is completely scrumptious.
As you’d count on, there are lots 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. Whenever 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 superb alternative for digital nomads who wish to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities similar to Paris and London. Hungary is among the international locations with the quickest web on the earth, 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 related 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 all over the 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 street and rail hyperlinks to neighboring international locations (similar to 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 Residing 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 hassle 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 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 positioned a brief distance from town which are good for a soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly because of its recognition amongst digital nomads – nevertheless 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 world wide, so that you gained’t wrestle to make new buddies.
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 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 stunning (and wonderful for mountaineering), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The record of issues to do right here is sort of limitless.
Often called the “City of Eternal 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 large enhancements in the previous few years, nevertheless it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely secure each in the course of 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 once 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 filled with cafes with sturdy WiFi and even stronger espresso. I based mostly myself in Condesa and cherished 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 one of the 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 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 provide quick speeds, secure connections, nice coworking areas, and lots of different distinctive perks that make them good locations to dwell 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 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!
