Living the dream: top 10 places for digital nomads
We now live in the age of digital nomadism. Thanks to the more advanced technologies at our disposal, people can have internet access even when they are far away from home, thus leading a flexible and nomadic life that combines work and vacation. On the Battuta blog, we’ve selected the best places to make a digital nomad’s life easier and decided to write about their notable cafes, events, and networking opportunities.
Top tourist destinations in Europe for digital nomads
For experienced digital nomads: Berlin, Germany
Berlin has become one of the most popular business centers in Europe. The German capital is a young and vibrant city full of creative people defying conventional wisdom. Especially during the summer months, it manages to attract countless digital nomads from all over the world. Berlin is one of those cities where every day you go out, you can find a network to connect and meet interesting people. You can get things done easily by communicating in English, and food and living expenses are cheap by EU standards. In addition to all this, Berliners are also very fond of entertainment. The city has a sense of freedom incomparable to most other places. Considering the ease and affordability of getting to and from the city by plane, Berlin is an ideal hub for many during the summer months. As other European cities and beach areas can be reached by a short flight, this makes it a great business hub to get things done.
Quest in the southern climate: Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become one of the top European capitals for digital nomads and creative workers. This is a city where fast and reliable internet has taken the concept of collaboration to new heights. Thanks to the unique business areas and cafes, you have no difficulty in feeling productive, you can easily get inspired and communicate with young people who are international entrepreneurs. In a western capital, living expenses can be considered affordable and you can find good opportunities to find accommodation. Lisbon, where tradition and cosmopolitanism melt in a pot, will have no difficulty in stimulating your sense of discovery with its fascinating sights, hidden roads, impressive colors, and wonderful views of the city and the setting sun over the coast. The locals of Lisbon are also very friendly, and there are no less than good restaurants and cozy cafes and bars in the city. Likewise, the vibrant nightlife does not lag behind world standards.
For digital nomads who can’t stay away from the ski slopes: Sofia, Bulgaria
Eastern Europe continues to reinvent itself. This is one of those parts of the world that is constantly changing and is gaining momentum in attracting creative young souls. Right now it’s hard to find a better city to cater to digital nomads than Sofia. If you want to do business in a bustling and growing metropolis, this is the place to be. Low rents, low food and beverage costs and fast internet are just some of the benefits this vibrant city has to offer. The ‘Betahaus’ is just one of the city’s stylish co-working spaces and is among the pioneers of the collaborative working culture. Also, Sofia is a wonderful and safe city. It offers a unique experience with its kind, helpful local people and the combination of Southern Europe and the Balkans. You can top off your Sofia experience with a trip to the region’s highest ski areas without getting too far from the city, or you can throw yourself into Sofia’s unforgettable party scene for some relaxation after dark.
The best places in Asia for digital nomads
The extreme point of digital nomadism: Southern Thailand Islands
What better place to work than on a warm, tropical island? You should definitely add these two wonders to your list. Koh Lanta (west coast) and Koh Phangan (east coast) are two Thai islands that offer some of the most wonderful co-working spaces we’ve seen. These workspaces are located in a lush tropical garden setting just a short distance from the beach, and there are even ones inside the beach. Both regions stand out for their unique family atmosphere, fast internet, healthy food and abundance of opportunities to make useful connections with other nomads. Prices vary a lot depending on the season, but they are generally low.
Koh Lanta offers some of the best diving spots in Asia with its long white beaches and relaxed, friendly environment; Koh Pangan, on the other hand, is a place with a unique hippie feel, a world-famous nightlife where expats feel at home. It goes without saying that both islands have magnificent beaches and a wonderful untouched nature. While staying on the islands, you can stay in shape by participating in yoga and meditation sessions, eating fresh fruits all day long, taking long jogs on the beach or doing crossfit and other sports. There are also countless opportunities for environmentally friendly activities and other social initiatives.
For a winter break: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai manages to attract digital nomads like butterflies following the light. City; Good weather, the world’s highest rate of digital nomads, incredibly low living expenses, quality Wi-Fi hotspots and friendly people offer a great recipe for digital nomads. Chiang Mai is becoming a popular hangout during the winter months for digital nomad communities who prefer a sunny trip to Asia over cold weather. Many cafes in Chiang Mai also offer facilities that are barely distinguishable from co-working spaces. Thanks to Thailand’s wonderful nature, you’ll find plenty to do and explore during your off-peak hours. Thailand is also an ideal destination for those new to digital nomadism, as it is an easy-to-navigate, tourist-friendly country. The friendliness and helpfulness of Thai people also makes you feel right at home.
For digital nomads on a tight budget: Bali, Indonesia
Bali has become a major hub for digital nomads and entrepreneurs from around the world, thanks to its high living standards and low living expenses. The island’s energetic entrepreneurial community is growing larger and deeper with each passing month. Local businesses fueled by this trend are also doing their best to meet the needs. That’s why the city has numerous Wi-Fi cafes and co-working spaces with high internet speeds. A tropical environment, wonderful weather, lush nature, breathtaking views and a wide variety of activities await you in Bali. Surfing, hiking, spas, crafts and workshops are just some of the things you will find here. All these amenities are accompanied by very affordable prices: Depending on where you are on the island, you can make a good living on a budget of $1000 a month. Ubud and Canggu are two of the most popular places among nomads. Plus, with healthy food and a thriving yoga environment, you can be sure to find all the fuel you need for a productive workday here.
For adventurous nomads: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Vietnam, which has experienced a tourism boom, continues to be a stronghold of digital nomads. Great weather, widespread use of English, affordable prices and the abundance of entrepreneurs in the area are just some of the reasons why Ho Chi Minh City is such an attractive destination. Get ready to enjoy fast internet and great networking with other nomads. Just like in the Thai city of Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh has a busy season with a business boom. Ho Chi Minh is also one of the temporary headquarters of Dynamite Circle, an English-speaking community of online entrepreneurs, and regular meetings are also held in the city.
The best places in the Americas for digital nomads
Get creative: Medellín, Colombia
Colombia is one of the places that is just starting to make a name for itself among digital nomads. Colombia, whose digital community is experiencing a great development, is said to be on its way to become the most creative country in South America, right after Chile. Medellín is recognized as a hub for digital innovations with the goal of increasing the competitiveness of the city and region. Once the cocaine capital, this Colombian metropolis is now a safe and welcoming city, home to a large international nomad community benefiting from stable internet and high-quality workspaces. Thanks to its consistently mild temperature values, its active and youthful spirit, its helpful people and reasonable living expenses, Medellín has everything to keep you distracted and not lost. At the same time, it stands out with its many outdoor activities, numerous entertainment scenes and magnificent nightlife venues.
For a shorter working week: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, a city where expats show great interest, is also one of the popular meeting points for independent entrepreneurs from all over the world. The main reasons that attract many people to Argentina are its affordable living expenses, delicious steaks, tango scene and impressive country. The period from October to April is a little more intense. During this period, you can expect to see countless digital nomads taking advantage of the vibrant and unique cafe culture and environment in the city. This is also a place where the digital business landscape continues to grow, especially in the Palermo Valley.
For those looking for a Silicon Valley-like environment: San Diego, USA
If you want to avoid San Francisco’s flaming prices but don’t want to stray from California’s high-end entrepreneurial atmosphere and creative energy, the best advice we can give you is San Diego. Why? Because it is a much more affordable place, it has sunny weather all year round, and it does not neglect to provide an environment where countless online workers and digital nomads can easily communicate with each other. Satisfactory temperatures ranging from 25–30°C in summer and 18–25°C in winter are also considered the best weather in the USA! San Diego is also home to some of the country’s best surfing spots to suit all skill levels. Beautiful beaches, trendy bars and coffee shops, and the fact that it’s located so close to San Francisco and Mexico make San Diego a true paradise for digital nomads. And don’t forget to visit Silicon Valley while you’re at it.
