THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO BE A DIGITAL NOMAD

Ok, so now that that is out of the way, what are some awesome places to be a digital nomad in? While everyone is going to have their ideal destination from which to work remotely, there are a handful of cities out there that remote workers tend to flock to, since they check all of the above requirements. Here are ten of the best:

1. OAXACA, MEXICO

I loved my time in Oaxaca. So does pretty much everyone else who spends time in this pretty city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, plentiful street art, and historic colonial churches.

While not as popular as Tulum or Playa Del Carmen for digital nomads, I think Oaxaca outshines them. It’s safe, has a world-class mezcal scene, boasts plenty of opportunities for day trips and weekend getaways, a large group of remote workers here, a few coworking spaces, and lots of activities that will help you meet people. Plus, it’s very affordable and has direct connections throughout the region (and to the US).

 

2. MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA

Medellín is a hip, tech-forward city with excellent public transportation that offers incredible value for long-term travelers and digital nomads. It’s one of the “go-to” spots for remote workers these days and the most popular hub in South America (especially if you love to party). There is a well-established community of expats and digital nomads making it super easy to meet people, there are lots of coworking spaces, fast Wi-Fi, friendly locals, delcious food, a plethora of events to keep you busy, and just a really good all-around energy.

3. BANGKOK, THAILAND

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in the world. While many people don’t love it on their first visit (I certainly didn’t), once you peel back some of the layers, you’ll find a lively (though chaotic) metropolis where anything is possible. With its cheap cost of living, huge expat community, incredible food and nightlife scenes, great weather, and robust transportation links to other parts of the region and the world, Bangkok checks all the boxes. I absolutely loved my time living there.
 

4. LISBON, PORTUGAL

Lisbon is another city I fell in love with from day one. Having become popular over the last few years as one of the warmest and cheapest destinations in Western Europe, Lisbon is the perfect choice for digital nomads who want to stay in Europe during the winter but don’t want to embrace the continent’s colder climates. You’ll find marvelous food, music, dance, lots of co-working spaces, and tons of creatives and entrepreneurs.
 

5. BERLIN, GERMANY

For years, Berlin has been Europe’s primary hub for nomads for years since the country has a freelancer visa that easily allows self-employed people to live there. Providing easy access to the rest of Europe, it’s a great choice for those looking to bounce around the continent but who also want to stay in a safe destination with efficient transportation, tons of culture, people, history, art, and fast and affordable Wi-Fi. If you’re looking for a big city to be a digital nomad in, this is the best one in Europe.

 

6. SANTIAGO, CHILE

As one of the safest cities in South America, Santiago, Chile is an excellent choice for remote workers looking to extend their stay on the continent. Surrounded by towering, snow-capped mountains, it’s perfect for those who enjoy urban living but want the option of heading out into nature. Here, you’ll also find fast internet, plenty of coworking spaces, welcoming locals, and a generally high quality of life. The country has really put an effort on attracting entrepreneurs over the years and it definitely shows!
 

7. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Mexico City is another popular and underrated hub for nomads in the country. Considered “the New York City of Mexico,” it balances quality of life with affordability. I just love this city – there’s so much to do here, tons of museums, art galleries, food markets, and one of the best food scenes in the world. You’ll find a robust expat and digital nomad scene, lots of networking events, coworking spaces, and connections to anywhere in the world.  

8. AUSTIN, USA

Every year, more and more companies are moving their headquarters to Austin (I moved here in 2016 myself). Austin is full of startups and there is a huge tech and entrepreneur scene here. This is one of the best cities in the US to meet other remote workers, online creatives, digital nomads, and people doing intresting things. There’s a plethora of events and coworking spaces here, easy access to the outdoors, and a top-notch food scene. It’s a city that has a lot happening in it and is probably the number one spot to live in the US if you’re an online creative.
 

9. TBILISI, GEORGIA

Tbilisi has a young, fresh vibe as it evolves into a progressive, hip city. English is widely spoken, the wine is plentiful and delicious (Georgia was one of the first countries ever to make wine), and the historic district is beautiful. It has a low cost of living, there are plenty of coworking spaces, and the Wi-Fi is fast and reliable. And as one of the newer up-and-coming digital nomad hubs, there’s a growing expat community here as well. Plus, Georgians are incredible and awesome people. All in all, it’s a great place to live.
 

10. CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Originally a backpacker hub, Chiang Mai has evolved into the biggest remote-worker hub in the country (it has even surpassed Bangkok though I like Bangkok better). While it’s not as cheap (or as quiet) as it used to be, it’s still very affordable and has everything you need to enjoy a thriving work/life balance. The street food is plentiful and delicious, the Wi-Fi is fast, and the digital nomad community is huge and welcoming.

The pandemic sped up the transition to remote work and encouraged more people than ever to embrace the digital nomad life. That transition is only going to continue to grow — even after the COVID pandemic has ended — as more and more people are seeking a lifestyle and career that give them the freedom they deserve.