The Best Locations for Digital Nomads to Work and Live

Digital nomads are people who work remotely and travel the world, enjoying the freedom and flexibility of their lifestyle. They can choose where to live and work based on their preferences, budget, and opportunities. But not all destinations are equally suitable for digital nomads. Some factors to consider are the cost of living, the quality of internet, the availability of coworking spaces, the safety and stability of the country, the visa requirements, the culture and language, and the climate and nature.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best locations for digital nomads to work and live in 2023, based on these criteria. We will also share some tips and resources to help you plan your trip and make the most of your nomadic experience.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, located on the Atlantic coast. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a rich history, culture, and architecture. Lisbon is also one of the most affordable cities in Western Europe, with a low cost of living and high quality of life. You can find a variety of accommodation options, from hostels and apartments to coliving spaces and hotels. You can also enjoy the delicious Portuguese cuisine, especially the seafood and pastries.

Lisbon has a fast and reliable internet connection, with an average speed of 40 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes where you can work comfortably and network with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Lisbon has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with many expats and locals who speak English. You can also learn some Portuguese, which is a useful language to know in other countries as well.

Lisbon has a mild and sunny climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 17°C. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches nearby, or explore the stunning countryside and mountains. You can also visit other cities in Portugal, such as Porto, Coimbra, or Faro. Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, which means you can stay up to 90 days without a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country. You can also apply for a digital nomad visa if you want to stay longer and have a stable income.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and forests. It is a popular destination for digital nomads, who are attracted by its low cost of living, high quality of internet, and vibrant culture. You can find a wide range of accommodation options, from guesthouses and condos to villas and resorts. You can also enjoy the delicious Thai food, which is cheap and varied.

Chiang Mai has a fast and reliable internet connection, with an average speed of 30 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes where you can work comfortably and network with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Chiang Mai has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with many expats and locals who speak English. You can also learn some Thai, which is a useful language to know in other countries as well.

Chiang Mai has a tropical climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 25°C. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, such as the waterfalls, hot springs, temples, and wildlife. You can also visit other cities in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi. Thailand offers a visa on arrival for up to 30 days for citizens of many countries. You can also apply for a tourist visa or a special tourist visa if you want to stay longer.

Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia, located in a valley in the Andes mountains. It is a modern and innovative city, with a dynamic economy, culture, and infrastructure. Medellin is also one of the most affordable cities in South America, with a low cost of living and high quality of life. You can find a variety of accommodation options, from hostels and apartments to coliving spaces and hotels. You can also enjoy the delicious Colombian cuisine, especially the coffee
and fruits.

Medellin has a fast and reliable internet connection, with an average speed of 70 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes where you can work comfortably and network with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Medellin has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with many expats and locals who speak English. You can also learn some Spanish, which is a useful language to know in other countries as well.

Medellin has a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 22°C. You can enjoy the parks, museums, and events in the city, or explore the nearby mountains and valleys. You can also visit other cities in Colombia, such as Bogota, Cartagena, or Cali. Colombia offers a tourist visa for up to 90 days for citizens of many countries. You can also apply for a digital nomad visa if you want to stay longer and have a stable income.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an island and province of Indonesia, located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is a paradise for digital nomads, who are attracted by its tropical climate, stunning scenery, and relaxed lifestyle. You can find a wide range of accommodation options, from villas and bungalows to coliving spaces and resorts. You can also enjoy the delicious Indonesian cuisine, especially the rice and spices.

Bali has a fast and reliable internet connection, with an average speed of 20 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes where you can work comfortably and network with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Bali has a friendly and spiritual atmosphere, with many expats and locals who speak English. You can also learn some Indonesian, which is a useful language to know in other countries as well.

Bali has a tropical climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 28°C. You can enjoy the beaches, temples, and rice fields in the island, or explore the nearby islands and volcanoes. You can also visit other cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, or Surabaya. Indonesia offers a visa on arrival for up to 30 days for citizens of many countries. You can also apply for a social-cultural visa or a multiple-entry business visa if you want to stay longer and have a purposeful activity.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, located in the heart of Europe. It is a historic and romantic city, with a rich architecture, culture, and arts. Prague is also one of the most affordable cities in Central Europe, with a low cost of living and high quality of life. You can find a variety of accommodation options, from hostels and apartments to coliving spaces and hotels. You can also enjoy the delicious Czech cuisine, especially the beer and dumplings.

Prague has a fast and reliable internet connection, with an average speed of 45 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes where you can work comfortably and network with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Prague has a lively and artistic atmosphere, with many expats and locals who speak English. You can also learn some Czech, which is a useful language to know in other countries as well.

Prague has a continental climate with four distinct seasons, with an average temperature of 10°C. You can enjoy the historical landmarks, museums, and concerts in the city, or explore the nearby countryside and castles. You can also visit other cities in the Czech Republic, such as Brno, Cesky Krumlov, or Karlovy Vary. The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area, which means you can stay up to 90 days without a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country.

Ubud, Bali

Ubud is a town in central Bali, known for its green and peaceful surroundings, and its spiritual and creative communities. It is a haven for digital nomads, who seek a balance between work and life, and a connection with nature and culture. You can find a range of accommodation options, from traditional houses and villas to coliving spaces and retreats. You can also enjoy the healthy and organic cuisine, and participate in yoga and meditation classes.

Ubud has a fast and reliable internet connection, with an average speed of 15 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes where you can work comfortably and network with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Ubud has a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere, with many expats and locals who speak English. You can also learn some Bahasa Indonesia, which is a useful language to know in other countries as well.

Ubud has a tropical climate with two seasons, wet and dry, with an average temperature of 27°C. You can enjoy the rice fields, rivers, and waterfalls in the area, or visit the temples, museums, and galleries in the town. You can also explore other parts of Bali, such as Canggu, Seminyak, or Nusa Penida. Indonesia offers a visa on arrival for up to 30 days for citizens of many countries. You can also apply for a social-cultural visa or a multiple-entry business visa if you want to stay longer and have a purposeful activity.

Tips and resources for digital nomads

If you are planning to become a digital nomad, or if you are already one, here are some tips and resources to help you:

Choose your destination based on your interests, skills, and goals, but also be open and flexible to new experiences and challenges.
Research the cost of living, the quality of internet, the availability of coworking spaces, the safety and stability of the country, the visa requirements, the culture and language, and the climate and nature.
Network with other digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and locals, and join online and offline communities, such as Nomad List, Workfrom, or Remote Year.
Use technology and apps to enhance your productivity, communication, and organization, such as Slack, Trello, or Evernote.
Take care of your health and well-being, and balance your work and life, by practicing self-care, exercise, and socializing.
Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in remote work and nomadic lifestyle, by reading blogs, books, and news, such as Digital Nomad, The 4-Hour Work Week, or CNN Travel.
Enjoy the journey and the destination, and embrace the freedom and flexibility of being a digital nomad.
Plan your finances carefully, and account for the expenses of traveling, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and taxes. Use online tools and platforms, such as XE, TransferWise, or NomadStack, to manage your money and compare rates.
Stay connected with your clients, colleagues, and family, and maintain a reliable and professional image, by using video conferencing, email, and social media.
Learn new skills and develop your expertise, and take advantage of the opportunities and challenges of remote work and nomadic lifestyle, by upgrading your knowledge, attending conferences, and collaborating with others.
Respect the customs, laws, and values of the countries you visit, and be mindful and responsible in your behavior and actions, as a good ambassador of digital nomadism.
Prepare yourself for emergencies and unexpected situations, and have a plan B in case something goes wrong, such as an accident, a theft, a natural disaster, or a health issue. Carry a first-aid kit, a travel insurance, and a backup device or service.
Have fun and create memories, and explore the diversity and beauty of the world around you, by trying new foods, learning new dances, and experiencing new cultures. Travel light, and cherish the moments you share with others.

Additional Destinations That Are Also Popular Among Digital Nomads

Finally, here are some additional destinations that are also popular among digital nomads, depending on your preferences and needs:

Budapest, Hungary: a historic and elegant city with a low cost of living, a fast internet speed, and a thriving startup scene.
Barcelona, Spain: a vibrant and sunny city with a rich culture, a lively nightlife, and a quality internet network.
Berlin, Germany: a hip and multicultural city with a dynamic art and music scene, a high-tech infrastructure, and a diverse community.
Taipei, Taiwan: a modern and efficient city with a delicious food scene, a fast and reliable internet, and a friendly and safe environment.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: a cosmopolitan and sophisticated city with a rich history, a diverse and creative culture, and a low cost of living.
Cape Town, South Africa: a scenic and adventurous city with a stunning natural beauty, a welcoming and diverse community, and a fast and stable internet connection.
Lisbon, Portugal: a historic and artistic city with a warm and sunny climate, a low cost of living, and a friendly English-speaking community of expats and locals.
Ubud, Bali: a peaceful and spiritual town with a lush and green environment, a healthy and organic cuisine, and a supportive community of digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

Final Thoughts

Being a digital nomad is not just a lifestyle or a job, it is a mindset and an adventure. It requires courage, creativity, and resilience, but also offers rewards, opportunities, and friendships. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced nomad, keep learning, growing, and exploring, and enjoy the ride.