I’ve been a digital nomad for the final three years and have labored in lots of locations all over the world. Some have been wonderful, others… not a lot. I’m joyful to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is among 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 performed my greatest to incorporate a variety of places the world over for this record. I thought of a number of necessary elements, together with web pace 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 have been a factor. The web right here is quick and dependable, with common speeds near 100 Mbps. Many coworking areas provide even sooner non-public connections, so it’s a fantastic place to get stuff performed.
Chiang Mai has a big digital nomad group making it straightforward to fulfill and socialize with different distant staff. The climate is scorching year-round, costs are nonetheless comparatively low (though fairly a bit increased 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 a very good one. While you’re not working, I extremely advocate renting a scooter and exploring the encompassing mountains and temples – they’re beautiful.
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 nations with the quickest web on the 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 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.
Budapest’s 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 nations (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 presents 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 been to 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 outdated. There are some nice seashores positioned 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 – however 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 received’t battle to make new buddies.
Common web pace: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among 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 wonderful for mountain climbing), and there are many coworking areas and cafes.
Referred to as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring”, Medellín has wonderful 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 number of the greatest 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, however it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected each throughout the day and at night time. Different components of the 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 after I first turned a digital nomad. 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 primarily based myself in Condesa and cherished 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 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 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 implausible 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!