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 comfortable to share with you 5 of my favourite cities for distant working.
Having quick and dependable web is among the most important 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 executed my finest to incorporate a variety of areas the world over for this checklist. I thought of a number of vital elements, together with web pace and reliability, price of dwelling, entry to high quality coworking areas 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 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 an important place to get stuff executed.
Chiang Mai has an enormous digital nomad group making it straightforward to fulfill and socialize with different distant employees. 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 totally scrumptious.
As you’d count on, there are numerous 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 nice selections right here too. When you’re not working, I extremely suggest renting a scooter and exploring the encompassing mountains and temples – they’re gorgeous.
Average web pace: 93 Mbps obtain / 88 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Digital Nomad Guide
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a good selection for digital nomads who wish to be primarily based in Europe however with out the excessive costs of cities equivalent to Paris and London. Hungary is among the international locations with the quickest web on the planet, and the town is stuffed with tradition and has a rising digital nomad group.
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 all places.
Although there’s a lot 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 (equivalent to Austria, Romania, and Croatia). Affordable flights on the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air make it straightforward to journey additional afield, too.
Average web pace: 220 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Budapest, Hungary
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Another unbelievable European capital metropolis, Lisbon provides 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 loads of 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 ambiance. 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.
Prices 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 robust 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 mates.
Average web pace: 120 Mbps obtain / 81 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Lisbon, Portugal
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is among the prime digital nomad locations in Latin America. The web may 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 checklist of issues to do right here is sort of countless.
Known because the “City of Eternal 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.
In phrases of security, Medellín has made large enhancements in the previous few years, nevertheless it nonetheless pays to be smart. To me, El Poblado felt completely protected each in the course of the day and at evening. Other components of the town felt distinctly sketchier after darkish, however Uber is reasonable and available.
Average web pace: 165 Mbps obtain / 37 Mbps add
SEE ALSO: A Digital Nomad Guide To Living in Medellin, Colombia
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City was one of many first cities I lived and labored in after I first grew to become a digital nomad. When it involves deciding the place to remain, it’s an unlimited 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 primarily based myself in Condesa and cherished the leafy streets, tranquil parks, and pleasant ambiance. Blend Station was my go-to espresso place.
Mexico City can also be a world-class foodie vacation spot, from easy road meals stalls serving up the very best 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.
Average web pace: 93 Mbps obtain / 41 Mbps add
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 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 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!