I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations around the globe. Some have 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 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 finished my finest to incorporate a variety of areas the world over for this record. I thought of a number of necessary elements, together with web pace and reliability, price of residing, 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 troublesome 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 sooner personal connections, so it’s a fantastic place to get stuff finished.
Chiang Mai has a big 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 greater 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 House is a very good one. Once 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 obtain / 88 Mbps add
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a superb alternative for digital nomads who wish to be primarily based in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities resembling Paris and London. Hungary is among the international locations 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 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 in every single place.
Budapest’s 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 international locations (resembling 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 obtain / 41 Mbps add
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other implausible 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 related right here. There are many coworking areas (Heden Santa Apolónia is tremendous) and cafes to make your distant workplace too.
I’ve been to 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 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 reputation 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 around the globe, so that you gained’t battle to make new pals.
Common web pace: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among 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 town are stunning (and wonderful for climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes.
Often 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 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 big enhancements in the previous couple of years, nevertheless it nonetheless pays to be wise. 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 obtain / 37 Mbps add
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. It’s an unlimited 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 primarily based myself in Condesa and liked 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 avenue 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 pace: 93 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
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 stay and work remotely.
For me, Lisbon and Chiang Mai are each fairly exhausting to beat. They’re very totally different in some ways, however each have implausible 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!