Regardless of being a newbie digital nomad or an expert one looking for the next place to work, you will find this list of top 10 destinations in the world helpful in helping you decide for the city to visit. In this article, we will give you details about each place: cost of living, internet speed, allowable stay, and some pros and cons of each destination.
Ready your tally board and book your next flight after weighing each entry.
What to look for in a digital nomad-friendly destination?
When looking for a place to spend weeks or months remotely working, there are various factors that a digital nomad prioritizes. Depending on your preference, here are some properties that you should check for your next city to visit.
1. Value for Money
The cost of living in some southeast Asian countries are the cheapest. For spending just 650 USD of your salary, you can live a comfortable life in one of these cities.
That being said, there are also western countries which will allow you to keep things within budget. There are just things you can only experience within a region.
2. Internet Reliability
Of course, a digital nomad is highly dependent on internet quality. However, depending on the type of your work, a 3 Mbps may or may not be enough for you. If you are required in your job to upload or download a lot of content, you may want to stay in the places of interest up 30-85 Mbps.
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3. Legal Restrictions
Although most countries will allow you to visit their territory for at least 30 days, you might be the top of digital nomad who does not want to move that often. There are government who actually offers visas that can be availed to extend your stay from a year to three without requiring you to have a work permit.
Asia
1. Thailand
Thailand is topping this list of top 10 destinations in the world for digital nomads. The cheap lifestyle, the fast internet, and world-famous attractions are what draws people around the world to work here remotely.
Moreover, the Thai government has always been accommodating for digital nomads through the availability of Smart Visa which will allow you to enter their territories and stay for up to 4 years. Still, this shows how friendly the state is to the likes of nomads.
Average cost of living: 650 USD to 2000 USD per month
Average internet speed: 17 Mbps (20 Mbps in Chiang Mai)
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 60 days extendable up to 90 days
Special visa for digital nomads: Available.
Pros:
- Low cost of living
- Fast internet speed
- Accommodating government to digital nomads
- Great food choices
Cons:
- Bad traffic (especially when staying in Bangkok)
- Pollution can be a struggle
Important Details
Chiang Mai is the friendliest city to book and stay for digital nomads. For as low as 17 USD per night accommodation, the internet speed is consistent everywhere you go. Plus, there is a solid digital nomad community and co-working spaces are abundant.
Bangkok, being the country’s capital, will offer more entertainment and comfort. However, the traffic and pollution can be a problem. If you want to experience remote working in an island, travel to Koh Phangan Beach and book an accommodation here for as low as 10 USD per night. This island has been more and more nomad-friendly with the opening of establishments offering reliable Wi-Fi.
Thailand Outfit Packing List
Although it is generally okay to walk with shorts and tank tops on Thai streets, pants will protect you from mosquito bites. Rain can occur all year long, always have an umbrella or raincoat with you.
Temple Visits
- Maxi dress (for women)
- Long scarf
- Shirt
- Pants
- Easy-to-remove shoes
Everyday Wear
- Light clothes (cotton and linen)
- Pants or shorts
- Sneakers or traveling sandals
Beach Wear
- Swimsuit that does not show cleavage for women
- Board shorts for men
- Cover-ups
- Sunglasses
2. Taiwan
Taiwan may not be as cheap as Thailand, but as one of the Asia’s metropolitan, value for money can be as great, too. The superb internet service, low crime rate, and quality of living are factors that convince digital nomads to stay here.
The country offers a Gold Card Visa that can be availed easily if you can submit a document certifying that you are earning at least 160,000 TWD (around 5,630 USD) per month for the last 3 years. If your salary is lower, you can still apply but requirements need more paperwork.
Average cost of living: 1170 USD per month
Average internet speed: 85 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 90 days
Special visa for digital nomads: Available. (Gold Card Visa up to 3 years)
Pros:
- Ultra-fast Internet (one of the fastest in the world)
- Lower cost of living compared to other metropolitan cities
- Low crime rate
- Good quality of life
- Very good public transport
Cons:
- Not among the cheapest cities to live in
- No dry season
Important Details
There are budget friendly hostels in Taipei which has co-working spaces, too. Price starts at 20 USD per night. Book here and meet other digital nomads in the place.
Taiwan Outfit Packing List
The weather is generally wet. It only snows on high mountains but it is cloudy all throughout winter. Summer average temperature is 30oC. Out of cultural considerations, avoid showing off shoulders and wear longer shorts and skirts.
Summer:
- Breathable clothes
- Trousers or pants
- Knee-length shorts and skirts
- Sneakers or comfortable sandals
Fall/Spring:
- Leggings
- Long sleeves
- Dresses
- Light Sweater
- Jacket
- Raincoat
- Pants or jeans
- Cozy pajamas
Winter:
- Leggings
- Dresses
- Long sleeves
- Sweater
- Jacket
- Raincoat
- Scarf
- Hat/Bonnet
- Pants or jeans
- Cozy pajamas
United Kingdom
1. London
Despite the cost of living, London is still an option for digital nomads. Why? This multicultural city can offer multiple business opportunities with its 8 million residents of creatives and entrepreneurs. It is impossible to run out of coworking spaces or simply cafes with reliable internet. Pubs and bars are not just venues for socializing but can be your office too.
Average cost of living: 4254 USD per month
Average internet speed: 35 to 73 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 180 days
Special visa for digital nomads: None
Pros:
- Fast internet
- Many business opportunities
- Digital nomad community
- Inclusive and democratic culture
Cons:
- High cost of living
- Might feel crowded
Important Details
Head into the east of London where most digital nomads book an accommodation. The hipster vibe is very friendly. Cafes, markets, and co-working space are everywhere. Meeting people through cultural activities and tours is a good way to widen your network. You can book a London river cruise for 24 USD.
London Outfit Packing List
London has temperate summer and mild winter. The British fashion is known to be more business-looking with much sophistication. Make sure to wear crisp outfits just in case you bump into a business opportunity anytime.
Summer:
- Breathable clothes
- Trousers or pants
- Summer dresses
- Sunglasses
- Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight raincoat
Winter:
- Warm sweater
- Shirts
- Long sleeves
- Fleece
- Winter coat
- Warm scarf
- Gloves
- Hat
- Thermal leggings
- Boots
- Sneakers with socks
- Lightweight raincoat
Spring/Fall:
- Shirts
- Breathable long sleeves
- Jeans or pants
- Dress or long skirts
- Leggings
- Sneakers
- Lightweight raincoat
- Extra layers of clothing (packable scarf, light sweater)
2. Anguilla
Anguilla is an island British territory in the Caribbean Sea. Here, you can apply for a digital nomad visa as an individual (2000 USD) or with your family (3000 USD) with a 1-year validity. The fee will include health surveillance upon your entry in the island.
Average cost of living: 4500 USD per month
Average internet speed: 10 to 50 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 90 days
Special visa for digital nomads: Available
Pros:
- Beach Life
- Special program for digital nomads
Cons:
- Hit and miss internet connection
- Expensive cost of living
Important Details
Anguilla has a tropical climate. Go between March and August for better chances of getting a good accommodation package. Avoid the hurricane season from June to November.
Anguilla Outfit Packing List
- Shirts
- Pants or trousers
- Shorts
- Shades
- Light raincoat
- Summer dresses
- Walking sandals
- Sneakers
- Hat
- Beachwear
- Shades
- Sunblock
Africa
1. Kenya
What Kenya offers that make it to the top 10 destinations in the world is the unique wildlife experience it can give to digital nomads. Aside from the affordable living expenses, there are a handful of tours a once in a lifetime nature experience that you can avail for as low as 360 USD for a 3-day tour.
Co-working spaces are crowding up in Nairobi and fiber-optic high-speed connection is available. Getting a visa is not worrisome. You can stay as a tourist for up to 6 months.
Average cost of living: 511 – 940 USD per month (Nairobi)
Average internet speed: 13 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 90 days (extendable to up to 180 days)
Special visa for digital nomads: None
Pros:
- Affordable living expenses
- Good air quality
- Safari experience
- Availability of co-working spaces
Cons:
- Internet reliability might be hit or miss
Important Details
If you want to see the Great Migration, arrange your booking from June to October. Raining is rare. You should be more concerned about insects which are common for places with good biodiversity. If you want to avoid the crowd, book from November to May.
Kenya Outfit Packing List
Cammo is a fashion no-no in Kenya. They are deemed exclusive for military use. Revealing clothes are not culturally appropriate, too.
- Light shirts
- Breathable pants or trousers
- Knee-length shorts
- Long-sleeves for sun protection
- Safari trousers for tours
- Jackets and sweaters for colder mornings and nights
- Sunscreen and safari hat
2. Mauritius
Mauritius is an island country at the heart of Indian Ocean in East Africa. Not only is this a dreamy place to work remotely, but the government also offers the Premium Travel Visa will allow digital nomads to stay for at least a year. You can even bring your family with you.
Average cost of living: 1500 USD per month
Average internet speed: 18 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 60 days
Special visa for digital nomads: Available
Pros:
- Beach Life
- Special program for digital nomads
- Local hospitality
- Affordable cost of living
Cons:
- Seclusion
- Not as cheap as Southeast Asian coast
Important Details
A travel and health insurance are required for the Premium Travel Visa. Bookings must also be presented to prove that you indeed are planning to stay long-term.
The climate here is mild tropical maritime. Temperature averages from 200C during winter to 24.70C during summer.
Mauritius Outfit Packing List
- Comfortable shirts
- Tank tops
- Pants or trousers
- Shorts
- Light jacket
- Beach wear
- Flipflops or beach sandals
- Sneakers or walking shoes
- Shades
- Sunblock
- Comfortable sleeping wear
Mediterranean
1. Greece
With Greece housing 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-known coastlines, it is indeed one of the most aesthetic places to stay. The temperate climate with much sunny days to experience beach and mountain adventures are assets of the country. If these were not enough to make you want to remotely work here, the Greek government is currently deliberating on offering tax incentives for those who want to move here, including digital nomads.
Average cost of living: 1400 USD per month
Average internet speed: 13.41 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 90 days
Special visa for digital nomads: None as of writing (under government deliberation)
Pros:
- Relatively cheaper cost of living
- Historical sites
- World-known beaches
Cons:
- Not the cheapest in the region
Important Details
The best time to visit Greece is between spring and early summer (mid of April to mid of June) and Fall (Sept to mid of Oct). Summer has inflated costs but is loved by tourists who want to experience the Greek heat. Winter temperature is not as harsh, but summer can hit 35oC.
Greece Outfit Packing List
- Pants or skirts
- Loose comfortable shirts
- Jacket or layers for the cold days
- Comfortable sneakers or sandals
- Dresses
- Swimwear
- Sunblock
- Hats and shades
2. Malta
When talking about the Mediterranean, Malta easily tops the top 10 destinations to visit in the world for a digital nomad. A Mediterranean island life may sound so expensive, but Malta will prove otherwise. The cost of living here is lower compared to others in the region. Plus, a fast internet speed attracts most digital nomads to fly here. You can book a hotel for as low as 34 USD per night, good for two with free breakfast.
Aside from that, Malta is among the first country to offer a special Nomad Visa for digital nomads. The main requirement is a proof that you indeed are earning remotely, and you can finance your stay in Malta. A long-term hotel or residency booking is usually required.
Average cost of living: 1800 USD per month
Average internet speed: 30 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 90 days (extendable up to 180 days)
Special visa for digital nomads: Available
Pros:
- Value for money
- High-speed internet
- Tourist cultural and beach attractions
Cons:
- Dense places
- Lack of in-land nature sites
Important Details
Malta is a place for lovers of the culture and the arts. This English-speaking nation is a favorite for those who want to experience the western living with lower rates.
Sliema is a favorite for digital nomads. It has a good share of residential and commercial establishments from rental places to schools, cbars, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
The best time to visit Malta in April to June where tourists are slower. Days are not as hot but is indeed sunny. Nights are cool.
Mauritius Outfit Packing List
- Comfortable shirts
- Long sleeves
- Pants or trousers
- Shorts
- Tank top
- Beach wear
- Flipflops or beach sandals
- Sneakers or walking shoes
- Shades
- Sunblock
- Comfortable sleeping wear
America
1. Argentina
If you are looking to experience Latin life, Buenos Aires tops the best places of interest for digital nomads in Latin America. The city has an established digital nomad community which sprung from its cheap cost of living and reliable internet connection. Co-working spaces are abundant and digital meetups are regularly scheduled.
Buenos Aires authorities are looking into offering a year-long visa for digital nomads.
Average cost of living: 500-750 USD per month
Average internet speed: 16.19 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 30 to 90 days (depending on your citizenship)
Special visa for digital nomads: None (as of this writing, deliberation is ongoing)
Pros:
- Cheap cost of living
- Established digital nomad community
Cons:
- Noisy city
- Petty crimes
Important Details
You can immerse into the Argentinian culture starting from 2 USD. Fly in between April to June and September to December to experience the best weather and lesser crowds which can give you better accommodation deals.
Buenos Aires Outfit Packing List
- Loose or comfortable shirts
- Loose long sleeves for sun protection
- Pants or trousers
- Shorts
- Skirts and dresses
- Walking sandals
- Scarf and jacket for colder days
- Sleepwear
2. Colombia
Medellin has a very welcoming digital nomad community. The cost of living is cheap and there are many touristic landscapes you can visit. An 11-day tour for 1500 USD will allow you to travel across Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota.
Should 180 days not be enough for you, you can apply for a M-7 Freelance Visa for 282 USD. This is granted to ex-pats and professionals wishing to remotely work within the territory. Once approves, remember that you have to register it to the immigration authorities.
Average cost of living: 720 USD per month
Average internet speed: 3-4 Mbps
Days allowed for general tourist visa: 90 days (extendable up to 180 days)
Special visa for digital nomads: Available
Pros:
- Established digital community
- Cheap cost of living
- Extendable visa
Cons:
- Internet speed might be an issue
Important Details
Rain occurs often during May. Book your accommodation for as low as 8 USD during the dry season which is from December to February.
Medellin Outfit Packing List
- Loose or comfortable shirts
- Pants, trousers and/or jeans
- Skirts and dresses
- Light sweater for colder days
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Indoor slippers
To Wrap It Up
Digital nomads are part of a professional sector that has been slowly recognized. With governments and local conditions adapting to these workers, the landscape for the top 10 destinations in the world has been changing as well to cater their specific needs.
Alongside the practical factors such as the cost of living and internet reliability, the quality of life and having the prettiest places in the world are also among nomads’ considerations. Digital communities borne in these cities will improve your social life and overall, too.
What’s Next?
Do you want to know more about top destinations in the world? Check here!