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 comfortable to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is without doubt one of 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, typically is – the distinction between a dream distant working expertise and a digital-induced nightmare.
I’ve accomplished my finest to incorporate a variety of places the world over for this record. I thought of a number of essential components, 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 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 have 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 amazing place to get stuff accomplished.
Chiang Mai has a big digital nomad group making it simple to satisfy and socialize with different distant staff. The climate is scorching year-round, costs are nonetheless comparatively low (though fairly a bit greater than after I first visited 15 years in the past!), and Thai meals is totally scrumptious.
As you’d count on, there are a lot of 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 decisions right here too. While you’re not working, I extremely advocate renting a scooter and exploring the encircling mountains and temples – they’re gorgeous.
Common web pace: 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 need to be primarily based in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities akin to Paris and London. Hungary is without doubt one of the international locations with the quickest web on this planet, and the town is filled with tradition and has a rising digital nomad group.
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 house or a restaurant. KAPTÁR is without doubt one of the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about all over the place.
Though there’s lots 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 (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 pace: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Budapest, Hungary
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other unbelievable European capital metropolis, Lisbon presents year-round sunshine, historical past, tradition, and – crucially – dependable web. With common speeds of 120 Mbps, you’ll don’t have 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 the town’s inventive, fun-loving environment. Taking breaks from work to wander the 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 the town which can be good for a soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly as a consequence of its recognition amongst digital nomads – nevertheless it’s nonetheless comparatively inexpensive in comparison with many different European capitals. There’s a powerful cafe tradition right here too, plus a various group of nomads from world wide, so that you received’t battle to make new associates.
Common web pace: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is without doubt one of the high digital nomad locations in Latin America. The web could be very quick right here with speeds averaging round 165 Mbps obtain. The mountains surrounding the town are lovely (and superb for climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The record of issues to do right here is sort of limitless.
Often known as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has superb climate year-round. I spent a while in Medellín earlier this yr and primarily based myself within the El Poblado neighborhood. My favourite cafe was Pergamino, which serves a few 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 smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected each in the course of the day and at night time. Different components of the town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is affordable and available.
Common web pace: 165 Mbps obtain / 37 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: A Digital Nomad Information To Dwelling in Medellin, Colombia
5. Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
Mexico Metropolis was one of many first cities I lived and labored in after I first grew to become a digital nomad. In relation to deciding the place to remain, it’s an enormous 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 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 most effective 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 right here, too – you’ll by no means be bored.
Common web pace: 93 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling 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 plenty 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 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 – possibly I’ll see you there!