As the digital nomad lifestyle continues to gain popularity, more individuals are seeking the perfect destination where they can balance work, life, and adventure.
Basically, digital nomads can go anywhere in the world, but there are certain conditions you should keep in mind, such as reliable internet, affordable living costs, vibrant communities, and rich cultural appeal. The so-called hotspots are popular for reasons, attracting significantly bigger attention than others, although the digital nomad lifestyle is still too new to have introduced many more hubs.
In this article, I will introduce the most popular destinations (though not necessarily the best ones for you) to help you make an informed decision about your next flight. Let’s dive in without further ado.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Anyone interested in digital nomadism has likely heard of this tropical gem. Bali, an island in Indonesia (Bali is not a country, just for clarity), has long been a de-facto capital for digital nomads, alongside Chiang Mai, Thailand. The island offers everything from picturesque beaches, lush rice terraces, volcanic mountains and vibrant cultures.
When people say Bali is the best place for digital nomads, they are often referring to Canggu, an expat-friendly neighborhood on the southern coast. Canggu boasts well-established communities and all the necessary amenities, such coworking spaces, cafes and various activities. It’s set up for digital nomads, so to speak.
Some may not like Canggu due to its over-gentrification, but there’s no denying that it’s a great starting point for your first step as a digital nomad. If you define the major benefit of being a digital nomad as balancing fun and productivity, Bali fits that profile perfectly.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, has long been another capital of digital nomads, particularly for online business entrepreneurs, SEO specialists and digital marketing experts. This city, the second-largest (or second-important) in Thailand, is known for its rich cultural heritage, elegant Buddhist temples, and stunning mountainous landscapes.
Chiang Mai’s main appeal is arguably its relaxed vibe, famous Thai hospitality and low cost of living. Some even argue that its peaceful, even somewhat even boring atmosphere attracts digital nomads who are looking for exactly those elements. Built upon the reputation, Chiang Mai has developed an impressive community of expats and digital nomads. Especially, the Nimman district, also known as a digital nomad neighborhood, has a worldwide reputation as a go-to area for expats.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has been, and continues to be, a center of attention for digital nomads around the world. Its cultural charms, openness and temperate climate, combined with a relatively affordable cost of living, have attracted not only digital nomads but expats seeking a permanent new home. Lisbon’s popularity has led to the development of impressive communities and infrastructure to meet all the needs of digital nomads, further boosting its appeal.
However, the massive influx has even made headlines as a social issue, with reports that it has driven up the cost of living, particularly housing prices. If you’re considering Lisbon as your next destination, be sure to factor in the cost of living, especially for housing.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, a city in the Andean region of Colombia, is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild year-round climate. Medellín has gain popularity particularly among remote workers from North America, as it’s located in the same time zone as EST. The low cost of living and well-established expat communities also contributed to it.
Contrary to the misconception that Colombia is just a jungle country, Medellín offers superb internet connectivity, with fast internet speeds and great Wi-Fi infrastructure. The flourishing digital community has nurtured many coworking spaces, perfect venues for networking and your productivity.
The major concern for Medellín is safety. Colombia does not have a great reputation as a safe destination, and this concern applies to digital nomads as well. This might explain why many expats have rather limited radius of action, mainly confined to expat-friendly neighborhoods like in a bubble. However, a lot of mishaps occur due to a lack of knowledge – be it language barriers or a limited understanding of local conditions. Preparation can make your digital nomad life a lot easier.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is another hotspot for North American remote workers and digital nomads, thanks to its proximity (both geographical and cultural) and low cost of living. As an urban metropolis, Mexico City has everything you need – fast internet, coworking spaces, cafes and vibrant digital nomad communities.
Similar to Lisbon, Mexico City has faced backlash from locals due to the influx of expats, leading to rising housing prices and gentrification. However, Mexico City is a massive city, the impact of gentrification is not as widespread as in smaller places that rely heavily on tourism. I can say Mexico City is still an attractive option for digital nomads.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, needs no introduction. It’s a dream destination for many tourists across the world, and many expats call it home. For city lovers, Bangkok is a place where all their dreams come true – a sophisticated city life at an affordable price. Speaking of city life, digital nomads have more than they need: top-notch coworking spaces, good internet connectivity, a low cost of living, and a welcoming culture for foreigners.
The city is also a paradise for fun lovers. Bangkok’s nightlife scene is legendary. This is truly a place where you can work hard and play hard.
7. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is more of an emerging destination for digital nomads. This coastal city in central Vietnam is sometimes referred to as the “Miami of Southeast Asia.” Da Nang offers a perfect mix of beach and city life, and above all, its low cost of living is unbeatable compared to other popular destinations.
Da Nang is still developing, naturally its expat community is not as large as in other hotspot cities. But the city’s potential is undeniable. It has everything digital nomads want: beautiful beaches, tourist infrastructure, affordable housing, and vibrant cultures to explore.
Things to Consider
1. Cost of Living
The biggest perk of the digital nomad lifestyle is obviously the low cost of living. If you are tired of spending most of your earnings on housing, foods, and other routine expenses, this factor can be your lifesaver. Some call it “Geo Arbitrage”, though it might sound a bit cheesy.
Keep in mind that in some areas, a low cost of living can come with a low quality of life or a steep learning curve as you adapt to a new environment. These digital nomad hotspots are popular mainly because they offer a good quality of life without requiring significant compromises, and the learning curve is relatively smooth.
2. Safety
There are countless places with a low cost of living around the world, but not all of them are created equal. In many cases, a low of living is due to underdevelopment or even worse, a lack of safety. Be discerning when others say a place was safe for them; their experience may not represent the whole reality. Do thorough research and don’t hesitate to skip questionable countries and cities. Choosing the right neighborhood is also crucial, given that a city can have a complex mix of safe and unsafe areas.
3. Internet Connectivity
Remember, you’re not just on a vacation – you still need to maintain your work life while abroad. A fast and stable internet connection will be your life line in foreign countries. Nowadays, most major cities around the world have decent Wi-Fi and mobile network, but some places, especially holiday destinations may lack in this respect.
When choosing accommodations, always check the internet speed (and ensure there’s a workable desk in the room) as your top priority. If you find yourself in a situation without stable internet, consider having backup plans like mobile hotspots with an eSIM plan or working at coworking spaces.
4. Visa Requirements
We live in a world where everything seems well-connected and open, so it’s easy to assume that we can freely travel and stay in any foreign countries. Although this is mostly true, many countries still require a visa for entry, or their tourist visas only allow a minimal stay without a visa.
Countries have a variety of visa programs, including some innovative ones you might consider. Alternatively, some countries offer digital nomad visas for long-term stays (usually 6 months to 1 year). If you plan to stay in the same country for an extended period, consider these visas for a stable legal foundation for your digital nomad life.
5. Vibes
Last but not least, choose a place you genuinely enjoy. The whole point of being a digital nomad isn’t just about saving money. Experiencing new cultures and having fun are also key parts of the lifestyle. Since the vibe of a city is subjective, listen to other people’s reviews and opinions, but also try a place for a few weeks to see if it resonates with you. Remember, choosing a place that resonates with you seems insignificant at first, but it will become increasingly important over time.