The Best Digital Nomad Cities of 2019

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Best Digital Nomad Cities 2019

The world is full of amazing digital nomad destinations, and many just waiting to be discovered. Year by year as the laptop toting masses migrate, new destinations gain popularity while others drop off the radar.

This year we surveyed bloggers and asked them: What is the best digital nomad city of 2019?  Their answers were as diverse as the blogs they write. Each digital nomad chooses their destination based on the kind of life they want to live. Some of us desire quiet islands, others prefer the fast paced vibrations of the world’s metropoles. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but whether you’re a seasoned or aspiring nomad, this list of the best digital nomad cities in 2019 will blast your wanderlust into the new year.

 

Best Digital Nomad Cities 2019

Angeles City Phillipines Cityscape

Angeles City, Philippines

By: Gamin Traveler

After traveling around Southeast Asia for long time, we decided to settle down in Angeles City located in Pampanga, 70 kilometers far from Manila in the Philippines. We consider Angeles City a great Digital Nomad Destination since there are a few coffee shops where you are allowed to work online, peaceful and safe place for living.
There are many things to do in Angeles City, since sightseeing around the city center to day trips around the area to resorts or activities like hiking Mount Pinatubo.
Nightlife is great and you can find bars and restaurants opening until late if you are interested in this. The best thing about being a Digital Nomad in Angeles City are the prices. You can rent an apartment for $150 USD, transportation is cheap and also great. Food and restaurants are so affordable and right now, Clark airport has many international routes to Hong Kong, Singapore and domestic flights too.
If you land in Clark International airport, it is only 8 kilometers far from Angeles City and most of the nationalities can have 30 days free visa. If you think that you need more time to visit the Philippines of keep doing your online work you can get visa extensions very easy and no need to do visa run.
Belgrade Serbia by Sofia Adventures

Belgrade, Serbia

By Sofia Adventures

If you're looking for a great city in Europe to use as your base as a digital nomad, look no further than Belgrade! Located outside of Schengen zone, Serbia allows most tourists to stay for 90 days visa-free with no days counting against Schengen restricctions. This vibrant city has it all: an off the beaten path vibe, low prices, friendly locals, good public transport, excellent food, and a low cost of living. The nightlife in Belgrade is second-to-none, and the food scene in Belgrade is diverse and cosmopolitan. As a bonus, Belgrade has the best tacos in Europe - a hard feat to accomplish, according to a Californian who has tried many disappointing international restaurants around the world.

The cost of living in Belgrade is quite low, especially by European standards. I stayed in a central private apartment that I found on Airbnb for about $500 for 3 weeks, but of course, if you are able to rent directly from the owner, you can pay around half of this. I recommend looking for Facebook groups about housing (find the Serbian-language apartment listings rather than the foreigner/expat groups). Meals out cost about $2 for a quick street sandwich or $5-10 for a larger meal with drinks. Drinks are cheap as well, with most beers and wines ranging from $1-3 per pint or glass. If you are renting on Airbnb, I'd estimate you would want to budget $1500 for the month; if you rent directly or stay in hostels, you could lower that to around $1000 and still live in comfort.

One downside to Belgrade: smoking is still permitted in many bars and restaurants, which can make working from coffee shops a little frustrating at times. Do research into non-smoking cafés (I like RedBread) or better yet, take advantage of one of Belgrade's many excellent coworking spaces like Impact Hub Belgrade.

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Boat on water in Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Bocas del Toro, Panama

By: Travel Hippi

The name requires some explanation: Bocas del Toro is a province in the north-western corner of Panama, and includes the Bocas del Toro archipelago, with its nine main islands. One of these, Isla Colón, is home to the capital, Bocas del Toro Town. Or just Bocas. Most visitors arrive on a local flight at Isla Colón; the remainder make their way by road to Almirante, from where they reach Bocas by water taxi.
Bocas has a tropical marine climate, influenced by the trade winds across the Caribbean. With very high rainfall and year round high temperatures, it is a shorts and T-shirt destination.
Connectivity is reasonable, in terms of both availability and price. If your business requires super-fast internet speeds, you will struggle, but the average blogger gets along just fine. Wi-fi is available at most places but decent public workspace is a challenge. A number of local businesses offer import services, so ordering something on Amazon can save the day – a week or so later.
Until recently, Bocas was a cheap destination for retirees and digital nomads alike. Regrettably, that is no longer the case; the influx of US expats together with increasing tourist numbers have driven up prices. Having said that, young nomads still manage to live cheaply.
Insider tip: Unless you can habla español, chat to a local that speaks English and learn about the local prices, specifically for road and water taxis. The local operators are not aggressive, but if you are uninformed, you will pay the gringo price. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to leisure activities. From relaxing at the famous Starfish Beach, to snorkelling, scuba and surfing, it is all available.
Buenos Aires Olympics Monument

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a bustling city and a popular spot for expats, so logically it’s become an ideal destination for the remote worker. Due to a recent currency devaluation, the country is very affordable for workers earning dollars (or euros, pounds, etc.), making it not only possible to survive here on a freelancer's salary, but ideal. Cost of living is within reach, with furnished rentals available from 700 dollars (less if you’re willing to rent a room in a shared flat).
Co-working spaces are becoming very popular here, with the well-known WeWork occupying two huge towers in the city. Small co-working spaces are popping up across town as well as cafes designed for the self-employed (with hourly rates that include food and coffee). Internet is fairly reliable in Buenos Aires, but one insider tip is if losing internet for a few hours will have a serious impact on your work, it may be a good idea to get two internet connections. Having a backup connection with a different company can save you on a day with a tight deadline.
There’s a large expat community in Buenos Aires, with regular social events and gatherings. Active Facebook groups and online forums are available to answer any question you could possibly have about living in Buenos Aires.
Aerial view of rice paddies with road and motorbike in Canggu Bali

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

One of our favorite digital nomad hubs around the world has to be Canggu, Bali. With it’s wide selection of amazing cafes and restaurants, fun nightlife and thriving digital nomad community, Canggu is the perfect place to set up base for a few months, or even a few years.
Over the last decade there have been a number of co-working spaces that have opened up throughout Canggu, where you can network with likeminded digital nomads, brainstorm new ideas and potentially launch new businesses. You won’t find wifi speeds as fast as other hubs, but it’s manageable and the laid back lifestyle more than makes up for the occasional power out.
Not only does Canggu have a great infrastructure for working online, but it also has a range of fun activities to be a part of. Surfers and ocean lovers will love the beach and its world class surf spots dotted along the coast. Those looking for a more balanced lifestyle will enjoy all the yoga and meditation workshops and classes on offer. Or just float around in your plunge pool on a floatie!
Finding a place to live in Canggu is relatively simple and the cost of living is cheap when you’re earning income from the Western world. There are a number of great Facebook groups to support the Canggu community for anyone considering a move. You can ask questions, find accommodation and prepare for your move to one of the hottest digital nomad hubs in Southeast Asia.
As well as the amazing options for digital nomads, Canggu is also a great place to base yourself to explore the rest of Bali. Take a scooter ride up to Ubud, the yoga capital of Southeast Asia, or venture across to the incredible (Nusa Islands) where you can explore rugged coastline and gorgeous beaches.
Park and fountain in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand

By: Karolina Patryk

The charming city of Chiang Mai is more than just a gateway to attractions of northern Thailand. It is also the best place to live for digital nomads. With a large digital nomad community and an extensive array of cafes and co-working spaces, Chiang Mai is a small town hub that offers a lot of networking opportunities. It also has a long list of social network groups that allows new nomads to reach out to Chiang Mai residents.

Another compelling reason to move to Chiang Mai is the cost of living. Here, you can rent an apartment for as low as 100USD at Siriruk Apartment and spend less than 10USD a day on food. In a location where eating out is actually cheaper than cooking at home, digital nomads can get more work done or find more time for chilling rather than stressing over getting their chores done. Private transportation is also readily available in the form of a moped that can be rented for 60USD per month.

Although sharing the wifi connection with the other residents of an apartment block can slow down your productivity, getting your own is quite cheap, around 550 to 700 Baht per month. You also have a huge selection of co-working spaces to work from if you do not want the hassle of getting your own Internet connection.

House and Car in Colombo Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka

By: That's What She Had

 

Sri Lanka might be a bit more expensive than a lot of popular destinations in Southeast Asia like India and Thailand, but it is still an awesome affordable option for digital nomads. Those who come to Sri Lanka for a few months (or years) usually stay in little towns by the ocean like Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Weligama, but I personally always preferred Colombo, the capital.

First of all, I love the city vibe. With the recently built highway, a drive down south to the best beaches takes only an hour and a half which makes for a great weekend trip.

Second, Colombo has great social life in comparison with other smaller towns on the island and better developed infrastructure. More and more parks and green spaces are being built, movie theaters have plenty of movies in English, local farmers’ market is open every Saturday rain or shine, and, on occasion, the likes of Enrique Iglesias come to Colombo (and when girls throw their bras at him during the concert, the president himself condones this behavior publicly — lots of fun!). The expat community is quite big and active in Colombo and you can connect to people through Internations website.

As for the lifeline of digital nomads — Internet — in the past few years more and more coffee shops in Colombo offer free unlimited wifi. One of my favorite is Plus Nine Four. It was built in a former house which means it’s a rather small and cozy place with a beautiful garden. They brew Ceylon-grown coffee and serve it with a milk toffee, a very Sri Lankan touch.

Son Tra Peninsula Temple and Bonsai Garden in Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang, Vietnam

By Local Nomads

 

Da Nang, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia. The combination of affordability, beach access, fast internet, and rich local culture make Da Nang an ideal location for Digital Nomads looking for someplace different from the scenes in Chiang Mai and Bali.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Da Nang is the low cost of living. Brand new serviced apartments can be rented for under $450 USD/month. Studios and private rooms can be found for much much cheaper. Food costs can be kept very low by sticking to the local cuisine. A high quality bowl of Pho or Mi Quang should cost you less than $2 USD.

Da Nang’s charming An Thuong area has become a popular beachy neighborhood for expats and digital nomads. This once-quiet, residential area has completely transformed with new restaurants, hipstery cafes, and slurp-tastic noodle shops opening up each week. We’ve searched the world over and never found another neighborhood quite like An Thuong. If you don’t like living around a bunch of expats there are plenty of other neighborhoods to choose from too. For a more local, metropolitan-vibe check out the West side of the river, away from the beach.

Da Nang offers something for everyone. In 2018, Da Nang saw a huge increase of visitors thanks to the internet’s viral reaction to the newly constructed Golden Hands Bridge at Ba Na Hills. Additionally, you can spend your days exploring the Son Tra Peninsula by motorbike, sipping cocktails in a rooftop pool, or make a day trip to nearby ancient city and UNESCO site, Hoi An.

Gold Coast Australia Aerial Beach View

Gold Coast, Australia

By: Studio On Mondays

The Gold Coast is a magnificent place with so many faces from chilled surf vibe to crazy party life. While the cost of living might be higher than in other countries, you also get a lot for it. The internet connection is finally up to speed with the new glass fibre technology in most places and there are a lot of cafes or even parks with free internet. You can work from a different cafe every day, go to meetups and spend your leisure time with all kinds of water-sports, hiking in the rainforest and eating from a million different cuisines.
There is quite a big community of business owners and freelancers, which are open to network and make new connections. My best tip for working in a cafe would be BSKT in Mermaid Beach, as it offers next to very yummy food and free wifi also a bunch of power points. The nicest cafe workplace doesn't last for long if your laptop runs out of juice right?
If you happen to be around between June and October make sure you keep an eye out for the humpback whales traveling so close along the coast, that you can see them from the shore. There are a lot of things to see around the Gold Coast from Byron Bay to the Sunshine Coast up north or the hinterland with its waterfalls and glowworm caves. You won't get bored and rather struggle to find time to work.
Hanoi Vietnam Street

Hanoi, Vietnam

Although we were working as teachers when we spent a year in Hanoi it has all the characteristics to make a great digital nomad destination as well as being a super cool city.

One of the things which will give the city appeal is that good internet connection is widespread and there is a great coffee shop culture. The Vietnamese really love their coffee shops and all over Hanoi you'll find awesome spots to work in and enjoy some super strong Vietnamese coffee.

If you prefer working from your own home it's easy to rent apartments as foreigners. Although it's not as cheap as other SE Asian countries you can expect to find a nice 1 bedroom apartment for around $300 a month. If you want to rent a room there are plenty of house share opportunities and this will start from around $100-150.

Hanoi also makes for a great base as the cost of living is remarkably cheap (beer for 30p!!!) and the culture is fascinating. When you're spending time away from the computer you can explore the city or venture into the Northern Mountains which are breathtaking. And, it's all very easily accessible by motorbike which is a popular option to get about on.

With all of these draws Hanoi has developed into an awesome expat hub. You'll find people from all over the world working there and this also makes it easy to find house shares with other globetrotters. If you do decide to go with Vietnam it's made all the more easy by the flexible visa system where you can quickly get 3 month tourist visas and do visa runs if you want to extend.

My top tip is to learn a bit of the language. Vietnamese is pretty hard but try and learn some of the number and phrases like 'how much is it' and it'll save you lots of money in the markets!

Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong

Hong Kong isn’t on most digital nomad’s radar for visiting because of it’s reputation for high prices, but it’s not as expensive as people think and there’s a lot going for it. I personally make Hong Kong my base for work because it has everything I possibly need.
The public transport network covers everywhere you want to go and it’s cheaper than any other city of a similar stature like Tokyo, New York or London. The wifi speed is the 4th fastest in the world and it’s soon to get faster with 5G being rolled out; a big bonus for any digital nomad. The city also has multiple great co-working space options ranging in prices to fit all budgets. These co-working spaces also provide many networking events for both social and business opportunities.
But the best part is getting out of Hong Kong to anywhere in Asia is cheap and fast. Its location makes travelling convenient. So convenient, the average local will travel outside Hong Kong up to 3 times a year. Another thing most people don’t know about Hong Kong is, it’s not just a concrete jungle. You’re never too far from a hiking trail or beach. You could be in the heart of the city and find a hiking trail within 30 minutes and it’s one of the reasons why I love this city so much.
Roam the streets of a world class metropolitan city that never sleeps or conquer a mountain peak with Thailand like beach views, Hong Kong has it all.
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

By Becoming A Digital Nomad

 

Istanbul ticks a lot of boxes for digital nomads. It's easy to reach since it's a major international airport. It's literally used as the example border between Europe and Asia. It's surprisingly cheap, since the lira has weakened significantly. Public transportation is good (especially the subway), and there's plenty of history on display throughout the city.

Several co-working spaces throughout the city, and there are tons of traditional cafes around, along with the usual Starbucks. As a bonus to those that have explored Europe for awhile, many of your guilty pleasures that can't be found in Europe are here in Turkey — Popeye's, Arby's and so on. No, you shouldn't be coming here just for American fast food, but it's nice to have some comfort food once in a while.

Some downsides: being a Muslim-majority means ham and bacon will be harder to find. Alcohol is widely available but heavily taxed (a low-end 500ml can of beer will cost $2 at an Istanbul supermarket). Istanbul can also be a pedestrian's nightmare, and can get really crowded at times.

I've been really impressed with how entrepreneurial the city is, and virtually everyone under 35 speaks at least some English. If you enjoy board games, there's a very active Facebook group to join. Take the cheapest intercontinental cruise ever when you cross from the European side to the Asian side!

Kuala Lumpur Skyline

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

by Pashmina, The Gone Goat

Best described as a fusion of its neighbors, Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is a prime digital nomad destination. Cheap food, great eclectic mix of cultures, strong internet and a laidback lifestyle are some of the key takeaways when you settle down in Malaysia.

Living in the tropics is unpredictable, you could be sweating buckets from the harsh humidity in one moment and running for shelter from the afternoon thunderstorms in the next. But the occasional downpour does not take away the effortless and carefree vibes of slipping in your flip-flops to run to your next Kopitiam (local cafes) to savour the best ‘Teh Tarik’ (pulled tea) and ‘Roti Canai’ (flat bread)

You can rent a room and get a nice furnished apartment for $1,500 a month or less. There are plenty of co-working spaces for you to get in your work done at approximately $150 to $100 per month such as Common Ground, Worq and Paper + Roast.

There’s plenty of meet-ups and communities that you can easily access through KL’s meet-up groups on Facebook and even via the Meet-up app.

And finally, after you’re done with your work in the city, rent a scooter or car to venture out to the lake gardens and spend the next few days visiting the quaint country-side in Janda Baik, in the jungles of Bentong, or even Hulu Langat, Batu 18, about 40 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. There’s some sweet long stretches of asphalt worthy of a great road trip, and stopping by at Bahulu Clasiq for local delights like Nasi Lemak with some strong condensed milk tea.

Lima Peru Garden

Lima, Peru

By: Digital Nomads Peru

If you like to be close to the ocean and love good food, Lima is a perfect place for digital nomads. Miraflores is the neighbourhood where most tourists choose to stay. It can get pretty crowded but is great for shopping and eating out. Don't miss Buena Vista Café with its spectacular ocean view. For those who prefer to live in a more quiet surrounding, Barranco with its Bohemian atmosphere is a great option. In summer, the lane from Puente de Suspiros to the beaches is full of people making and selling jewellery. If you're interested in more exclusive pieces of art, the Dédalo shops are a must. Apart from that, the one in Barranco has an awesome and quiet patio with a café and great food and coffee.

Both Miraflores and Barranco have several co-working spaces, eg Urban Coffice and Comunal. In general, the quality and speed of the internet in Lima has improved significantly. Most cafés and restaurants offer free wi-fi with an average download speed of 10 - 15mbps. Many people complain that Peruvians don't have much of a service mentality. Well, I agree but for digital nomads, it has the huge advantage that you can spend hours at a café sipping a coffee and nobody will bother you.

Although more and more nomads choose to spend some time in Lima, it's not yet a digital nomad hot spot. However, if you want to connect with other nomads before your arrival, join the Digital Nomads Peru facebook group.

Insider tip: Avoid Lima in July and August. It doesn't become really cold here but in those months, you'll hardly ever see the sun and it's often very misty. Although it hardly ever rains in Lima, the air is often very humid in winter and as a result, 15°C (60°F) feel much colder.

Lisbon Bridge

Lisbon, Portugal

by Portugalist

Community is what makes a place a nomad hotspot, and Lisbon has a great digital nomad community. Every week, at the weekly digital nomads meetup, there are usually between 50 and 100 other nomads there. The meetup is extremely friendly, and it’s very easy to get to know people and make friends. There’s also a growing community of young expats, and there are normally plenty of other expat-focused meetups that nomads can get involved with as well.

Accommodation isn’t as cheap as it once was, unfortunately. It can be difficult to find reasonably priced apartments for rent but, thankfully, renting a room is a lot easier. There are several main websites that list available rooms, although increasingly more and more people are advertising on Facebook.

Food is still very affordable, particularly at lunchtime where lunch menus can cost as little as €5. Wine, beer, and coffee are all also very affordable: wine and beer cost as little as €1 per glass, while a bica (espresso) will often set you back as little as 50 cents.

There’s no shortage of co-working spaces in Lisbon, either. You’ll find a co-working space in most city centre neighborhoods, and there are also plenty of cafes and libraries that you can work from as well.

All in all, Lisbon everything a digital nomad needs – especially a great community.

Medellin Skline

Medellin, Colombia

By: Layer Culture

As a digital nomad who has travelled around most of Latin America, I have found Medellin in Colombia to be a great city for digital nomads. Let me explain why.

The main reason is the cost of living, compared to other big cities in South America, Medellin is relatively cheap. You'll also find that once you arrive there’s already a solid digital nomad community which you can easily plug into through various meet-up groups.

The nice thing about Medellin is that you can be in Miami in less than 3 hours if you ever need to get over to the USA. However, there’s no need to leave because you can pick up most of your digital nomad gear whilst in the city. There are endless Airbnb options and you can find rented apartments in abundance to suit many different budgets.

From my experience, many digital nomads based in Medellin tend to steer away from the most popular area of the city called El Poblado. This is a progression for most to be able to get away from the touristy scene and to avoid the mountainous terrain. So, if you are thinking of checking out Medellin as a digital nomad and for an extended period of time, I definitely recommend you check out a neighbourhood called Laureles as your base of operations.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City

By Grateful Gypsies

 

Mexico City is in my top 5 favorite cities in North America. It's just so cool. Brimming with culture, history, art, food, and entertainment it literally has something to satisfy all travel tastes and styles and that's what makes it the perfect city for digital nomads. Citizens of 65 different countries can enter the country without a visa, many of those citizens can stay for six months at a time. The cost of living is slightly high by Mexican standards but much cheaper than in the USA, Canada, or Europe.
The first full week we spent there, we paid $160 for a week in an older, centrally located 2-bedroom apartment. On our second week-long stay, we opted for a much newer 2-level apartment in the trendy La Condesa neighborhood. That was $370 for the week. There are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to choose from all over the city. Most importantly, the wifi is quite good and it's available in most places.
Mexico City has a bad rap when it comes to safety but the government has put a lot of effort into cleaning it up and making it safer for everyone. The safest neighborhoods are Roma, La Condesa, Centro, Juarez, and Cuauhtemoc. These are also the best neighborhoods for making new friends both locals and gringos alike.

It's possible to explore the entire city on the public transportation system. There are plenty of buses and they have an extensive subway system. Their subway also has women-only cars which is great for peace of mind. There is always something going on in this amazing city, giving you plenty of options to entertain yourself when you're not working. And if you need to get away from the city, there are plenty of amazing places to visit within a short bus ride from the city center. If you're a digital nomad traveling through Latin America, Mexico City should definitely be on your list of places to check out!

Mui Ne, Vietnam

By Extreme Nomads

Vietnam’s digital nomad scene has gradually been moving up the ranks over the past couple of years, with burgeoning communities in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi setting the pace. It’s way less often you hear about DN types settling down in Vietnam’s rural areas- so it might come as a surprise to hear that the little town of Mui Ne has a small digital nomad scene of its very own.

For those of you that aren’t familiar, Mui Ne is a coastal village in Vietnam’s south central countryside. Its main claim to fame amongst tourists is its stunning white sand dunes, but adventure-seeking travelers have long been gravitating to Mui Ne to take advantage of its reliable windy season- which is why kitesurfing is now one of the most popular things to do in Mui Ne. These days, many of Mui Ne’s digital nomads are there primarily to make the most of the town’s fortuitous weather and water-sports conditions.

From the dirt cheap cost of living to the year round tropical weather, there are plenty of reasons that digital nomads would dig Mui Ne. Month by month housing options could cost you as little as $100 for a fully furnished, wifi equipped house with a kitchen; push your budget up a bit further and you can blag yourself a sea-view and a garden. Many places in Mui Ne are already kitted out with fiber optics too, and 30 Mbps comes as standard (YASSS!).

With a strong international community running helpful Facebook groups like Mui Ne info and events it’s easier than ever to find out specific details that you might want to know before deciding to make the move there- whether that means scoping out the housing availability, sussing where to buy the best craft beer (it’s a thing there), or reaching out to the existing digital nomad community.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is a truly overlooked and underrated digital nomad destination. My boyfriend and I were here for a month last year and quickly fell in love with the city. It is most well-known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, which you can walk right onto from the city center.
Although some people will say it has developed a lot with new hotels, I feel that it is still a small city which you can walk around easily. We only needed to hire a scooter when wanting to make day trips to nearby waterfalls, temples, or beaches.
Like in most Vietnamese cities, Nha Trang has fast and cheap internet. All cafes have free WiFi and you can purchase SIM cards with 10GB data for as little as 120,000 Dong (just over $5 USD). There are many great local cafes to enjoy but for co-working my favorite is LIVINcollective. It is an American-style BBQ restaurant, concept store, and co-working café. The staff there are friendly, especially Nama the dog!
The living costs as very affordable. My boyfriend and I rented a studio apartment, fully furnished, for just 8,000,000 Dong per month (around $340 USD) during the high season. Our apartment was just one block from the beach, which made our month there, even more special. We can’t wait to go back again this year!
Cathedral in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico

By: Claire's Footsteps

It’s not commonly known as a digital nomad destination, but Oaxaca City is well worth spending some time in. It’s still relatively un-touristy, but it has some great co-working spaces. Most popular is Convivio, which has a cool artsy atmosphere where everyone becomes a family.

As well as the fun space, there are plenty of reasons to live in Oaxaca. There are so many things to do in the city, from exploring its colourful streets, to shopping at its many markets, to hiking in the mountains above. The weather is pleasant all year round – due to its altitude it is a lot fresher in summer than most of Mexico, but the winter never gets too cold.

Plus, it’s super cheap – a room for a month costs around $150, beers clock in at $1.50 and a great meal out can be had for $2-$4. While the city doesn’t quite have the nightlife of Mexico City or Cancun, there are still plenty of places to have a drink (and try some famous Oaxacan cuisine!) at the end of the day with new digital nomad friends.

It’s also a fantastic place to meet locals, especially if you’re down to learn Spanish – Oaxacans love to hear foreigners speaking their lingo and are very friendly! Because of its small size, you’ll get to know lots of different people, and there’s a real sense of community throughout the whole city.

Try to be there for Day of the Dead in November, Night of the Radishes (the world’s largest radish carving festival!) in December and Guelaguetza in August.

High coastal view of Palermo, Italy

Palermo, Italy

By: Barbaralicious

 

I admit that I’m a bit biased about this: I’m half Italian and always loved my second hometown Palermo. But the truth is that it’s perfect for digital nomads! Here is why:

#1 Coworking: Palermo has many coworking spaces. It’s perfect to connect with locals and to get work done in a laptop-friendly environment.

#2 Other places for your mobile workplace There are also other places for your mobile workplace. Panoramic view of the city? No problem? Sea view at work? Sure! You can get it all in Palermo.

#3 Culture Sicily has been occupied by numerous peoples over the centuries - I would almost say millennia. As an island cut off from the mainland, it has developed its own language, its own traditions and its own food, which are different from the rest of Italy.

#4 Landscape The largest island of the Mediterranean - not for nothing also called Queen of the Mediterranean - has everything you could wish for. The sea, a volcano, olive groves and a breathtaking mixture of mountains and valleys dominate the landscape. Here you can swim in the sea in the morning and ski in the mountains in the afternoon. I have done this myself!

#5 Work-Life-Balance Hiking, mountain biking, surfing, and kiting are popular outdoor and water sports that you can all practice in and around Palermo. And where should you have a better work-life balance than in the land of the dolce far niente?

#6 Value for money Europe is an expensive place! But not so Palermo... At least not if you know where you have to go. Whether accommodation, transport or leisure activities: In Palermo you can manage with relatively little money and still enjoy a high standard of living.

Aerial View of Penang Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia

By Penang Insider

Penang, a tropical island in Malaysia’s northwest, is a very popular digital nomad hub. Once nothing much more than a convenient place for a visa run from Thailand,since 2012 George Town — Penang’s main city — has developed into Southeast Asia’s most prominent arts and cultural hub. The atmospheric streets are full of graffiti and cozy cafes housed in refurbished Chinese shop houses; there are arts and cultural festivals all year round, like the George Town Festival; the food is among Asia’s best, and it’s as cheap as renting a room or apartment. What else a digital nomad may need?

You can certainly see the best Georgetown has to offer in 48 hours, but Penang, as an island, offers much more. Vibrant mixed ethnic culture, festivals, beaches, hiking trails, a modern airport connected to many cities across Asia. In a nutshell, Penang is just a perfect place to settle for a while and do digital work.

Besides many cafes equipped with wi-fi, George Town has seen a surge in co-working spaces, and finding a quiet, air conditioned office with fast connection is very easy. George Town also has a strong Couchsurfing and expat community (just do a Facebook search for these terms, and you’ll find groups to join and ask all the questions you need answered). There are several areas to choose to live on the island, from seaside clusters of condos, to atmospheric parts of George Town, and villages in the south of the island, Balik Pulau, which see very few foreigners and offer a more authentic take on life on this multi-ethnic and multi-cultural island.

INSIDER TIP: As of late, border hopping between Malaysia and Thailand has become less straight forward on both side. It is highly recommended that you don’t attempt a back to back visa run. Malaysia gives 90 days free visas on arrival to most nationalities, and you better plan on staying only for a maximum of 3 months to avoid immigration headaches.

Playa Del carmen Beach

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

By: Janine In The World

I lived in Playa del Carmen (Playa, to the locals) for nearly a year, and while I did decide to move on, I think it’s ultimately a great base for digital nomads. For one thing, there is a vibrant international community comprised of nomads in all kinds of different industries and of all different age brackets! There is a great Facebook group dedicated to the area where you will have no problem networking and making friends.
The cost of living in Playa is high compared with the rest of Mexico, but cheap compared to most US cities. For instance, my partner and I paid $11000 pesos per month for a modern, semi-furnished, centrally located apartment with most utilities included. Most apartment leases are for 6 months to a year, but shorter-term accommodation can be coordinated through AirBnB. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable security deposit upfront. Also, be careful about how much you use your A/C unit because it ads up fast. Our first bill was an impressive $3500 pesos. We definitely learned that lesson the hard way. Meals out in Playa can run anywhere from $90 pesos to $400 pesos (and up!) per person, depending whether you opt for establishments within the tourist zone or prefer the local haunts. For the record, one of my faves was Don Sirloin tacos on Avenida Constituyentes.
Playa del Carmen has a few co-working spaces, including Nest and Selina, which are centrally located with comfortable environments. When your work day is done you can slip out to one of the nearby bars or walk a couple blocks to the beach to lounge in the sunshine for the rest of the afternoon! On your days off, there are all kinds of adventurous activities to partake in. From diving the Palancar Reef to exploring cenotes or heading to Tulum for a lazy beach weekend, there’s never a dull a moment!
Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, South Korea

By: Singapore N Beyond

In Seoul, young adults rarely move out of the house until marriage, and seldom have guests over at the house. As such the city is geared toward comfortable places where people of any age can sit for lengthy periods of time to study or chat. This means free Wifi, power outlets galore, beautiful interiors to entice customers and no evil stares from greedy managers when you've outstayed your welcome.
It's not uncommon for people to spend hours at a coffee shop, splayed on a comfy sofa or sitting upright on a desk like table after only purchasing a coffee for roughly US$3. And the coffee is usually delicious and artisanal. There are also spaces that seemed to have been built for digital nomads like the new Starfield Public Library in the largest underground mall in the world, COEX. There are desks with power outlets throughout the massive open space surrounded by natural light and books - all for free.
Spaces called study rooms/cafes are available to rent if you want more privacy. This is either a partitioned desk (US$7/day) or a premium board room to have meetings (US$14/day). As Seoul is a metropolis where convenience is the name of the game, public transport is easy, efficient and cheap.
Most countries are allowed into South Korea without a visa for 30 days. You can extend this to 90 days but, and this is a huge tip, you will need to get that extension outside the country before entering. Hotels can be pricey, but the Airbnb boom has allowed for some cheaper accommodation options, like private rooms for US$10/night right in the city centre. You can also always stay the night at a jjimjilbang (sauna) for roughly US$15/night. I won't get started on things to do in Seoul, there is just too much going on!
Singapore

Singapore

Singapore ranks as one of the best Best Digital Nomad Destinations for 2019 due to its has strong infrastructure and facilities, good mass transit, excellent food and many interesting recreational activities. In addition, it’s central location makes it possible to easily travel for work, or pleasure, all over Asia.
Singapore is a developed country. Free and consistent internet is available throughout the city in malls, cafes and on the MRT (mass rapid transit). Basically, you can access free internet almost anywhere. The public libraries also have free wi-fi and work spaces. In addition, there are numerous co-working places all over the city, some inexpensive and some like WeWork, more costly. Mass transportation in Singapore is cheap, efficient and covers the entire island.
From a relaxation perspective, Singapore has everything from Universal Studios on Sentosa Island to the Art Science Museum to Gardens by the Bay and the Super Trees. For night life, Clarke Quay is full of restaurants and bars, Level Up (a video gamer’s paradise) and the Extreme Swing which swings out over the Singapore River for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Shopping is everywhere and it is easy to take a bus to Malaysia for even less expensive supplies.
The downside to Singapore is that it is more expensive than some of the other countries in Southeast Asia. It is possible to find hostels and lower priced accommodations. For the least expensive and long term housing, renting a room in a HDB flat (Singapore’s version of Public Housing) would be the most economical. Food in the Hawker centers is very inexpensive, but restaurants can be pricey.
Tirana, Albania

Tirana, Albania

Tirana, and Albania as a whole, is one of the least visited cities in Europe and often overlooked in favor of the more popular destinations in the Balkans like Dubrovnik. However, the city is a great alternative for digital nomads who are looking for an affordable and convenient city to live in.
One of the most important decision factors when choosing a base as a digital nomad is the cost of living and Tirana is one of the lowest. For example, you can have a nice meal for around 5 euros with a glass of wine and rentals can be 150-300 euro for a nice apartment. Additionally, the country and city are very seasonal so, however many tourists come all do so during the summer months and the winter months are quiet and slow and provide a great opportunity to focus on your work. The coastal towns also become much more affordable during those months.
Secondly, digital nomads need good internet and the speeds in Tirana are good, both for fixed broadband as well as mobile service which is easy to buy and affordable to use.
Lastly, Tirana and Albania are also beautiful and fascinating places to discover with a rich heritage dating back to the Roman, Greek and Ottoman empires as well as a dark and often unknown recent past. Art, design and creativity are flowing and thriving in Tirana and the city is experiencing a renaissance after decades of dictatorship ended in the 90s. People are friendly and open and the beach is never too far, as are the mountains and parks.
Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada

by Ellie & Ravi from Soul Travel Blog

It might not be the first city to come to mind as an option for digital nomads, and the cost of living in Toronto is not for those just starting out or aiming to live on a serious budget. There are, however some redeeming factors that mean that Toronto can be a great base for those looking to get their heads down over some non-faltering wifi.
One of the things that we love about Toronto is its free and fast wifi. Nearly every public place, shopping mall, station and of course coffee shop has access to free, fast wifi. Meaning you don’t need to invest in a co-working space membership to benefit from good connectivity. There’s a thriving community of coffee-shop hoppers that can be found around the city as well as good support resources for entrepreneurs and start-up owners.
For those in need of regular caffeine, Toronto is home to one of the cheapest coffee chains around (Tim Hortons). Some call it muddy water; we call it good value! While long term housing in the city of Toronto is expensive, there are deals to be had with airbnb’s during winter and outside of summer months - a good option for those who like the crisp air / don’t mind the cold. One of our favourite up-and-coming neighbourhoods is Leslieville - full of local microbreweries, street art and plenty of coffee shops!

RV Life- USA

By Let's Travel Family

Finding a great digital nomad destination is something that our full-time RV living family {https://www.letstravelfamily.com/full-time-rv-living-tips} looks for every week. You see, our family of 6 lives in our motorhome and travels the US full-time. We don’t have a specific city that we stay in, but a way of life in a country that allows us to work as digital nomads and move our ‘home-on-wheels’ from state to state.

There are more and more families, singles, and couples buying RVs and traveling the United States while working remotely. If it’s community you are looking for, it’s not hard to find on the road in the US. We meet on average one new family every week and connect in person at rallies and online in Facebook groups.

With access to several cell phone carriers across most of the nation, you can travel just about anywhere and work remotely. Just be aware that if you decide to visit the dessert or mountains, you may not have cell signal to work. So spend your days off exploring the remote areas and your workdays staying near major cities in campgrounds.

The cost of living in the US can be a bit high compared to many other countries. Yet, if you live in an RV and are willing to dry-camp in the many free campsites out West, you can keep your costs down and see some pretty amazing destinations.

Vilnius-Lithuania

Vilnius, Lithuania

By Nomad Joseph

Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania is a great place for digital nomads during the summer... Winters in Lithuania is another thing, they are super cold and it just might be too harsh for you! Although, it is pretty beautiful with snow everywhere.

Most of people say that Lithuania is the cheapest country from all the Baltic states. You can rent an apartment near the city center in Vilnius for €400-500 a month and it will be a great place to live there. If you are looking for more budget options renting a shared room could be €150-200/month.

There are many coworking spaces in Vilnius and they start at around €75/month and goes up to €300/month for a high-end place with all the luxuries. Most of them are around the city center.

Lithuania is famous for its internet! It has one of the fastest Wi-fi connections in the world. By the way, it is also cheap – for unlimited wi-fi plan you might pay up to €10/month. Most of the cafes have free, high speed connections and you can work there. Mobile data is also working very well in most of the places in Lithuania.

There are many things to do after working day in Vilnius. The city is the only capital in Europe which allows hot air balloons above the Old Town. Summer is great for kayaking in Vilnius as there are 2 rivers in the city and both of them are available for paddling. You can also find couple of lakes near Vilnius which are totally clean and available to swim. What could be better than a dip in a lake after a hard day of freelancing?

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4 Responses

  1. Joseph
    | Reply

    That’s a wonderful list for digital nomads! Thanks for putting so much work into managing this huge post. I am glad to be part of this post. I’ve been to some places already, but some of the others including Medellin in Colombia seems very interesting to me! Hope to live there one day 🙂

    • LocalNomads
      | Reply

      Thanks for being a part of it Joseph! We’re really excited to start checking some of these off our list too. We’ve never been to Lithuania, but we have some Lithuanian friends we’ve been wanting to visit for a long time now. It’s a big world, and posts like these remind me just how much there is to see.

  2. Trevor Hansen
    | Reply

    Great list of Digital Nomad cities; however, I had to laugh that you had Angeles City, Philippines on there. 1st off it is the #1 destination for “Sexpats” and is a pretty bad place to visit for things other than partying on Walking Street. 2nd the internet speeds are horrendous leaving waiting hours to upload a singled edited YouTube video. 3rd the places with free wifi are so bogged down with people using it to download movies or other large files that it makes it impossible to get any work done except for basic emails. I resorted to continuously buying cell phone loads just to keep my internet lively hood going for my 2 weeks there. A nice place to visit for other things, but definitely not a place for any serious digital nomad who needs to keep working. Manila would be a way better choice as I was able to work there without any issues and internet speeds are 4G not 2G edge as was the case in Angeles a majority of the time.

    • LocalNomads
      | Reply

      Thanks, Trevor. I will admit, when I originally published this article I had no idea about the “Sexpat” destination aspect of Angeles City. A great friend called me up the night this was published to let me know about it. He thought it was hilarious. Unfortunately, this was a collaborative post between myself and many other bloggers. I have little control over what they submit to me, and I have to trust that they’re being accurate in their descriptions. Occasionally, something like this slips through the cracks, and it ends up being first in a list of alphabetically arranged cities. Thanks for sharing your comment for everyone else’ benefit!

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