Being a Digital Nomad certainly has its merits. I have been traveling for the past 8 years and I have visited almost 60 countries. I love this lifestyle so much that I have even penned an article on how to get started as a Digital Nomad.
In this article, I will be discussing some of the best Digital Nomad Places out there. I have visited these countries in the past and I have nothing but good things to say about them.
As a frequent traveler, I believe the best way to explore and fully immerse oneself in travel is by interacting with the locals. The locals not only define the place but your experiences as well. And as a Digital Nomad, it is imperative that the places you visit have good reliable internet connection, co-working spaces, and affordable accommodation.
Considering all these factors and my experiences, I have listed down some of the best Digital Nomad Places. I have also scoured through Reddit to search for authentic information from folks who have visited these countries. Lots and lots of different experiences from different folks so that you can make the best out of it.
Also, I use Airalo eSim when I travel. There were times when the internet would be a little slow. In situations like these, Airalo was pretty handy due to their unlimited data plans.
Moving on to some of the best places on Earth for a Digital Nomad.
Best Places For Digital Nomads
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has been one of the most sought-after continents when it comes to Digital Nomads. The beauty of this region is that it is very affordable. So affordable that you’ll live like a king while paying almost nothing.
More and more countries have been opening their doors to Digital Nomads. So much so that some countries even offer a Digital Nomad Visa that allows you to work remotely. Southeast Asia may not have first-world countries but do not let that coerce you into thinking that they are not good enough. Many of them have been making rapid advancements. So much so that Internet speeds have caught up and digital nomads have been working out of South East Asia for more than a decade.
1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
During the last decade, Ho Chi Minh City has risen in popularity to be one of the most popular destinations for not only Digital Nomads but general tourism as well. As Vietnam’s largest city, its energetic and vibrant atmosphere coupled with a rich cultural tapestry helps bring a kind of complexity that is very attractive to people of all kinds.
With a low cost of living compared to many other popular destinations, it will allow you to stretch your budget further while enjoying a high quality of life. Also, you won’t have a problem working from Ho Chi Minh City at all. With internet speeds averaging around 20 Mbps, HoChi Minh City also boasts great infrastructure for Digital Nomads. And by infrastructure, I mean plenty of hostels with co-working spaces, co-working cafes, and a lot more.
I have the fondest memories of Vietnam. I spent almost a year exploring it and Ho Chi Minh City is by far the most breathtaking city in all of Vietnam. It defined my early digital nomad days and that’s when I knew that I wanted to travel for the rest of my life.
The locals are all about the hustle in Ho Chi Minh City. Most work 6-7 days a week. And while they work hard, they also lead a robust cafe, nightlife, and an overall entertainment scene. They are friendly too so don’t be afraid of asking around.
Here’s what a Redditor had to say about Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon)
And this is what a Redditor responded with when asked whether Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City(HCMC) is better.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountainous landscapes of Northern Thailand, is known for its ancient temples and delectable street food. And of course, the atmosphere as well. Whether you agree or not, I believe Asian Countries are the best when it comes to atmosphere. The calm peaceful vibes and scenery you find in Asia is pretty much one of the best things to experience in Chiang Mai.
The best part is that the cost of living isn’t too high. It’s roughly almost the same as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Many estimate that a budget of $900 – $1000 should suffice for a month. And coupled with access to steady 25 Mbps of internet, Chiang Mai has consistently been featured high on The NomadList.
Back during my early teens, I was never too fond of Thailand. I’m not sure why but I never got the appeal. My perspective of Thailand did a complete 180 when I had to go to Chiang Mai for my friend’s wedding. I loved Thailand so much that I ended up moving to Chiang Mai for 3 months.
While Thailand has a very high tourist footfall, I recommend interacting with the locals. Foreigners pass through without making much of an effort to communicate with the locals. Constantly communicating and interacting with them will help you see Thailand in a new light. And slowly, you’ll start to realize that the locals have started treating you like you are one of them. Which is great.
Here’s a post on Reddit by a digital Nomad who’s recounting her experience in Chian Mai.
Thailand has even introduced a visa called the Thai Long-Term Visa, which allows Digital Nomads to work from Thailand for 10 years if they meet the eligible criteria. And there’s nothing to worry about here. Steady Internet, cheap accommodation, plenty of co-working cafes, and a lot more making it one of the hottest destinations for Digital Nomads.
Here’s what a Redditor had to say about Chiang Mai:
3. Ubud, Indonesia
Situated in the heart of Bali, Indonesia, Ubud offers a quieter retreat without compromising on the essence of Bali’s natural beauty. Digital nomads flock here to embrace a lifestyle where rice terraces, lush green forests, and infinity pools become their backdrop for productivity and inspiration.
Another favorite among the Digital Nomads is Canggu. Canggu is way more popular than Ubud due to its beach parties and surf camps. Honestly, I recommend both. Ubud and Canguu both have their charm and are unique in their own way.
As a Digital Nomad, you have nothing to worry about here. Ubud is packed with cheap accommodations, taxi and public transport services, and a pretty decent internet. Internet speeds of up to 20 Mbps have been recorded here. Which is pretty doable in my opinion. Ubud is also filled with other co-working spaces and cafes as well.
And if you are brave enough, you can try renting a scooter. It’s nothing to worry about honestly. I grew around scooters and let me tell you, scooters are one of the most convenient vehicles out there. You’ll get to explore the city and not have to rely on taxi or public transport. It’s much cheaper as well. And you’ll learn it in no time.
You’ll have plenty of digital nomads to network with. Also when it comes to locals, they are generally very nice and a little laid back as well. Which is pretty nice. You’ll find a few nomads who have spent more than 3 months there and have completely embraced the laidback easygoing nature of Ubud.
Here’s a discussion I found on Reddit about Ubud:
Europe
Beautiful cities with so much history that Europe will make you fall in love with it. While it’s a tad bit more expensive than South East Asia, it does offer a nice change of pace. You won’t have any problems with the internet here and the whole digital nomad scene has been thriving lately.
However, it is said that from 2025 onwards US Nationals will need a ESTA to travel to Europe. Do keep that in mind when you consider Europe.
Also, one of the first things I purchased when I arrived in Europe was an Interrail Pass. I believe train travel in Europe is way more flexible than flying. With the Interrail Pass, you can hop on to a train and visit any region you like. It’s pretty worth it.
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
One of the most underrated in the Digital Nomad community, Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, has been slowly rising in popularity. Its historic old town exudes an old-world charm with cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and ancient churches that make it worth visiting. It’s incredibly affordable too!
It’s not just the history and architecture that makes this city so popular, Tbilisi also has some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes. You could go on a hike to the Caucasus Mountains, have really nice therapeutic sulfur baths, or unwind at the beaches of the Black Sea coast, all within easy reach from the city center.
It’s also seen a rise in a great digital nomad ecosystem. Co-working spaces have been popping up all over Tbilisi. Establishments like Impact Hub Tbilisi, Lokal Tbilisi, and Terminal provide not just a physical workspace but also a platform for networking and collaborating. So much so that workshops, regular events, and networking events are a pretty regular thing. Be it local professionals, expats, or digital nomads. Maybe who knows, you might find your next business partner or next client.
While Tbilisi’s internet speed may not be the fastest compared to some neighboring countries, averaging at 27.33 Mbps, it remains adequate for most remote work tasks. I’ve met quite a few folks who have spent more than a year there and they never had any qualms. Tbilisi, Georgia is definitely on my travel bucket list.
Georgian people are said to be pretty friendly as well. So much so that if you ask them a question in a negative way, they are said to give a positive response.
Here’s what a couple of Redditors had to say about Tbilisi, Georgia:
One Redditor was rather critical and listed both, upsides as well as the downsides:
5. Berlin, Germany
This might be a hot take. But I have my reasons for choosing Berlin, the capital of Germany, as one of the best European cities for Digital Nomads. But let me get to it.
The thing about Berlin is that it’s very developed. Developed enough that they sport a great internet infrastructure. With internet speeds averaging around 50 Mbps. Pretty great right?
But Berlin gets quite a bit of hate too. This is what a Redditor had to say about Berlin:
But don’t let that sway you into dismissing Berlin as one of the best places for Digital Nomads.
Beyond its technological advantages, Berlin is a city steeped in history and culture. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the remnants of the Berlin Wall, every corner tells a story of the city’s troubled past and remarkable resilience. The city has depth and somberness that makes you relate. It tends to humble you.
Also, the city is vibrant in its own creative way. It has this contemporary and artsy spirit that attracts a lot of creative and artistic folks. The whole art scene and the diverse community have promising opportunities when it comes to networking. Especially if you are in the creative industry. Even if you are not from a creative background, the city simulates your brain intellectually and creatively as well. Pretty refreshing if you ask me.
There are plenty of 24-hour nightclubs if you want to let loose a little. Plenty of co-working spaces and cafes if you want to amp up your productivity. I honestly believe this place is slept on. You’ll find a lot of Gen-Z folks here too.
Redditors were asked to choose between Amsterdam and Berlin as a Digital Nomad Spot. Here’s what a few have responded with:
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Colorful streets, stunning views, and lots of cafes. You just can’t go wrong with Lisbon. Especially not if you have tried the Pasteis de Nata. If you are reading this from Portugal and have never tried these delicacies, stop reading and head to the closest bakery right now.
All jokes aside, Lisbon has been garnering a lot of attention lately. Digital Nomads have been flocking over from all over. It is said to be one of the cheapest cities in all of Europe. Sadly that’s just not true anymore. While the food and other amenities may be cheap, rent is very high.
Lisbon is built upon a series of hills that afford stunning viewpoints and picturesque vistas. From the iconic São Jorge Castle to the scenic Miradouros scattered throughout the city, Lisbon has these rooftop restaurants and cafes that are the perfect setting for work and leisure alike. It’s not just the rooftop cafes or restaurants though. The whole landscape of Lisbon is spluttered with cafes, restaurants, and small eateries throughout the area. The culinary scene is so happening that it rivals some of the best in Europe. Whether savoring fresh seafood along the waterfront or sampling traditional pastries in a quaint café, Lisbon’s culinary offerings reflect the city’s warmth and hospitality.
You can opt for a Digital Nomad Visa to work remotely from Portugal. All you have to do is provide proof of employment and your income should be €2,800 per month. Like I said earlier, Lisbon lost a bit of its traction among digital nomads due to the high cost of rent. Always keep that in mind when you are about to choose Lisbon.
The best part is that folks from Lisbon are very friendly. Start talking to them about their city and they’ll happily tell you all about it. They love discussing the city’s history and the political landscape. You’ll be making great friends here.
Here’s what a Redditor had to say about Lisbon:
How to Choose Your Next Location as a Digital Nomad
Choosing your next location can be pretty stressful. Especially when your visa is about to expire or the season is about to get intense. Spending your days stuck in a place with extreme winter can make things pretty tedious. Which leads to not being able to work or missing deadlines.
I get it. There’s quite a lot to consider when you have to choose your next location. You need great infrastructure so that you can get work done but you also need plenty of leisurely activities to do when you are free. I have put together this guide to help you choose your next location. Whenever you have to choose your next location, always refer to this guide and follow each step religiously.
Identify the nature of your work
I know this is fairly obvious and most of you know what your work is all about. Bear with me for a minute.
If your work involves a lot of communication with your colleagues or you need to attend a lot of virtual meetings, selecting the right timezone matters a lot.
For instance, if you’re based in Europe but your primary clients or team members are in North America, you might need to adjust your schedule to accommodate their working hours. This could mean starting your workday earlier or ending later to ensure sufficient overlap for meetings, discussions, and real-time collaboration.
Does the Location Have Good Internet Connectivity?
Lack of access to a good internet connection can be a dealbreaker. Websites like Nomad List or Speedtest.net serve as excellent sources to check the internet speed in a location. Alternatively, I recommend going for the unlimited data plans by Holafly. You can use it as your backup source of internet in case you run into some issues.
How’s the Cost of Living?
This is gonna take out a major chunk of expenditure. You need to ensure that the location you choose allows for comfortable living and fits right within your budget. Numbeo is a crowd-sourced global database that will help you research and find out the costs of living in every location. You can compare different cities and choose one which makes the most sense to you.
Data from Numbeo.com
Generally, accommodation in Asia tends to be a lot cheaper than in Europe. I suggest subletting an apartment for a month or more. It’s generally cheaper than other hostels and hotels.
What are the Visa Requirements?
Now that you have the basics covered, look into the visa requirements of a country. There’s not much to worry about in this aspect because the US passport is 7th strongest Passport in the world. So much so that you have visa-free access to almost 188 destinations!
If you have any other passport, it’s essential to do your preliminary research. You can also check out my article on how to travel with a weak passport. Tons of tips in there too!
Note: Checking for Visa Requirements takes a higher priority if you have a weak passport.
How’s the Climate?
An obvious factor but also something that is often overlooked. Choose a location with a climate that suits your lifestyle and activities. Some prefer temperate climates, while others enjoy tropical or Mediterranean weather.
Check out the Digital Nomad Communities there
Many digital nomad-friendly cities offer coworking spaces where remote workers can rent desks or office space on a short-term basis. Co-working spaces are great if you want to get work done and network as well.
I cannot elaborate enough. Network while you still can.
Also, some cities have emerged as popular hubs for digital nomads due to their vibrant communities and infrastructure tailored to remote workers. These hubs often host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings where nomads can share experiences, exchange ideas, and form valuable connections. Attending these events might even help you score your next client or your future business partner. Or maybe an investor.
Try Remote Year if You Hate Research
If you hate doing all the research in choosing your destination, go for Remote Work. Remote Work is an online service that helps people embrace the digital nomad lifestyle.
All you need to do is browse their website and choose a location. Pay the ‘X’ amount and Remote Year organises everything. Yes, everything. Flights, accommodation, food, experiences, and a lot more.
See If Remote Work Is For YOU!
It also provides plenty of networking opportunities as well. So much so that it organizes workshops, brainstorming sessions, and networking events designed to enhance your professional skills and knowledge. You can meet other Digital Nomads and get to know them as well.
All you gotta do is book the entry/exit flights. Any in-between flights are taken care off by Remote Year.
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