I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations all over the world. Some had been glorious, others… not a lot. I’m completely happy to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is likely one of 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 areas the world over for this record. I thought-about a number of essential elements, together with web velocity and reliability, value of dwelling, entry to high quality coworking areas and cafes, meals scene, issues to do, transport hyperlinks, and total 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 had 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 ideal place to get stuff carried out.
Chiang Mai has a enormous digital nomad group making it simple to fulfill and socialize with different distant staff. The climate is sizzling 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 completely scrumptious.
As you’d count on, there are a lot 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. If you’re not working, I extremely advocate renting a scooter and exploring the encircling 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 selection for digital nomads who need to be based mostly in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities corresponding to Paris and London. Hungary is likely one of the nations with the quickest web on the planet, and 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 likely one of the hottest coworking areas within the metropolis, though I discovered that web speeds are nice just about in all places.
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 glorious street and rail hyperlinks to neighboring nations (corresponding 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 velocity: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Budapest, Hungary
3. Lisbon, Portugal
One other improbable European capital metropolis, Lisbon presents year-round sunshine, historical past, tradition, and – crucially – dependable web. With common speeds of 120 Mbps, you’ll haven’t any bother 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 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 might be excellent for a soothing weekend break.
Costs are steadily rising in Lisbon – partly because 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 all over the world, so that you gained’t battle to make new associates.
Common web velocity: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is likely one of the high 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 lovely (and superb for mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes. The record of issues to do right here is nearly infinite.
Often called 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 among the greatest espresso within the metropolis – no imply feat. They serve up tasty meals, too.
By way of security, Medellín has made enormous enhancements in the previous couple of 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 elements 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 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. On the subject of 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 stuffed 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 most effective 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 velocity: 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 provide quick speeds, steady connections, nice coworking areas, and plenty of different distinctive perks that make them excellent locations to reside 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 improbable 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!
