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 completely satisfied 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, usually 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 places internationally for this listing. I thought-about a number of vital components, together with web pace and reliability, price of residing, entry to high quality coworking spaces 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 favorite among digital nomads ever since digital nomads have been a factor. The web right here is quick and dependable, with common speeds close to 100 Mbps. Many coworking spaces supply even sooner personal connections, so it’s an important place to get stuff carried out.
Chiang Mai has a huge digital nomad community 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 count on, there are various high-quality coworking areas in Chiang Mai, though Yellow Coworking Space is especially good. If cafes are extra your vibe, you’ll discover loads of great choices right here too. If you’re not working, I extremely advocate renting a scooter and exploring the encompassing mountains and temples – they’re gorgeous.
Common web pace: 93 Mbps download / 88 Mbps upload
SEE ALSO: Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Digital Nomad Guide
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a superb selection 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 fastest internet in the world, and town is stuffed with tradition and has a rising digital nomad neighborhood.
With lightning-fast speeds of up to 220 Mbps, it’s straightforward to remain linked right here whether or not you’re working from a coworking space 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 plenty to do in Budapest, its location in central Europe additionally makes it an ideal base to discover extra of the continent. There are excellent road and rail links to neighboring international locations (similar to Austria, Romania, and Croatia). Inexpensive flights on the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air make it straightforward to journey additional afield, too.
Common web pace: 220 Mbps download / 41 Mbps upload
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Budapest, Hungary
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other improbable European capital metropolis, Lisbon provides year-round sunshine, historical past, tradition, and – crucially – dependable web. With average speeds of 120 Mbps, you’ll don’t have 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 artistic, fun-loving ambiance. 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 can be excellent for a soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly due to its popularity amongst digital nomads – but it surely’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 battle to make new mates.
Common web pace: 120 Mbps download / 81 Mbps upload
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among the top digital nomad destinations in Latin America. The web could be very quick right here with speeds averaging round 165 Mbps download. The mountains surrounding town are stunning (and superb for mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The listing of things to do right here is nearly limitless.
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 few of the greatest espresso within the metropolis – no imply feat. They serve up tasty meals, too.
By way of security, Medellín has made huge improvements in the previous couple of years, but it surely nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected each through the day and at night time. Different components of town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is reasonable and available.
Common web pace: 165 Mbps download / 37 Mbps upload
SEE ALSO: A Digital Nomad Guide To Living in Medellin, Colombia
5. Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
Mexico City was one of many first cities I lived and labored in once I first grew to become a digital nomad. Relating to deciding where to stay, 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 robust WiFi and even stronger espresso. I based mostly myself in Condesa and liked the leafy streets, tranquil parks, and pleasant ambiance. Blend Station was my go-to espresso place.
Mexico Metropolis can also be a world-class foodie destination, from easy avenue meals stalls serving up the perfect tacos you’ll ever eat to swanky Michelin-starred eating places, and all the things in between. There’s a lot to see and do here, too – you’ll by no means be bored.
Common web pace: 93 Mbps download / 41 Mbps upload
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Mexico City
In Conclusion
Having dependable web could make or break your expertise as a digital nomad. All of those cities supply quick speeds, secure 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 – possibly I’ll see you there!
