I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations world wide. Some had been glorious, others… not a lot. I’m pleased to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is among 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 achieved my greatest to incorporate a variety of areas internationally for this record. I thought-about a number of essential 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 quicker personal connections, so it’s an incredible place to get stuff achieved.
Chiang Mai has a enormous digital nomad neighborhood making it straightforward to satisfy and socialize with different distant employees. The climate is sizzling year-round, costs are nonetheless comparatively low (though fairly a bit increased than once I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is totally scrumptious.
As you’d anticipate, there are numerous 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. While 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 alternative for digital nomads who wish to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities equivalent to Paris and London. Hungary is among the nations with the quickest web on this planet, and town is filled with tradition and has a rising digital nomad neighborhood.
With lightning-fast speeds of as much as 220 Mbps, it’s straightforward to remain linked right here whether or not you’re working from a coworking house 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 loads to do in Budapest, its location in central Europe additionally makes it an ideal base to discover extra of the continent. There are glorious highway and rail hyperlinks to neighboring nations (equivalent to Austria, Romania, and Croatia). Reasonably priced flights on the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air make it straightforward 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 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 town’s inventive, fun-loving ambiance. 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 positioned a brief distance from town which can be good for a calming weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly as a result of its recognition amongst digital nomads – but it surely’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 world wide, 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 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 mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The record of issues to do right here is sort of countless.
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 enormous enhancements in the previous couple of years, but it surely 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 reasonable 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 turned 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 sturdy WiFi and even stronger espresso. I based mostly myself in Condesa and liked the leafy streets, tranquil parks, and pleasant ambiance. Mix Station was my go-to espresso place.
Mexico Metropolis can also 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 part 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 good locations to stay and work remotely.
For me, Lisbon and Chiang Mai are each fairly arduous 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 – possibly I’ll see you there!
