Digital nomads embrace a lifestyle that allows flexible working from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This growing trend is reshaping the way people approach their working lives, breaking free from the shackles of the traditional nine-to-five office job and exploring the world while they’re earning a living.
This new nomadic lifestyle is an opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, learn different languages and gain a new perspective on life, in turn enriching your personal and professional growth. It also requires independence, adaptability and resilience, as all this flexibility and freedom comes with its own unique set of challenges. Adjusting to new environments isn’t always easy, and not everywhere in the world is conducive to successful remote working. First and foremost, you’ll need to find somewhere with a strong internet infrastructure so you can work remotely without interruption. You’ll also need to consider visas, affordability, safety and be prepared for potential feelings of isolation and loneliness while traveling.
To help you embrace all the opportunities that come with this new way of working as easily and successfully as possible, here are five of the most popular locations for digital nomads.
Chaing Mai, Thailand
Thailand has several visa options suitable for digital nomads, including the Tourist Visa, Education Visa, and the Thailand Elite Visa. It’s also generally considered a safe country for travelers, with a relatively low crime rate.
Lisbon, Portugal
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Compared to many other Western European cities, Lisbon is relatively affordable , with reasonable accommodation, food, and transportation costs. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, with a lively, vibrant and diverse cultural scene. The city has a thriving digital nomad community, with lots of co-working spaces, cafes, and events tailored to remote workers. The crime rate is low, and Portuguese culture is all about work/life balance, with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals.
Portugal offers several visa options, including the D7 Visa for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its low cost of living, and Ho Chi Minh City is particularly affordable. Reasonably priced accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options mean digital nomads can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Ho Chi Minh City’s reliable and fast internet connection is essential for those who rely on a stable connection to work remotely, and the city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes. There’s a rich cultural experience here, with vibrant street life, delicious cuisine, and historical landmarks. Vietnam is generally considered a safe country for travelers, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular has a relatively low crime rate. The tropical climate, which means warm weather throughout the year, is particularly appealing for digital nomads looking to escape colder climates in favour of some much-needed sunshine.
Vietnam offers various visa options for digital nomads, including tourist visas and business visas.
Mexico City, Mexico
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Mexico City offers a relatively low cost of living, which makes it easier for remote workers to stretch their budgets further. Connectivity is good, with high speed internet and many internet cafes, coworking spaces and a thriving community of digital nomads. The city is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable street food, traditional Mexican cuisine, and international restaurants.
While safety concerns exist in any large city and there are still some issues with pickpocketing, Mexico City has made significant improvements in recent years. Many areas popular among tourists and digital nomads are considered safe, especially during the day. Mexico City is well-connected both domestically and internationally. It has a major international airport, as well as an extensive public transportation system including the Metro, buses, and rideshare services, making it convenient to navigate the city. There are a number of visa opportunities available for remote workers and it’s generally considered an easy place for foreigners to find work.
Canggu, Bali
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Canggu is home to numerous coworking spaces and there’s a thriving community of like-minded remote workers. Many nomads are drawn to the area for its natural beauty, connectivity and healthy lifestyle, which puts a strong emphasis on wellness and creativity. There are plenty of yoga studios, gyms, healthy restaurants, and outdoor activities available, while Bali's rich culture and spirituality create a unique atmosphere that many digital nomads find inspiring.
Indonesia offers several visa options suitable for digital nomads, such as tourist visas, social visas, and business visas. Bali is generally considered safe for travelers and digital nomads, with a friendly and welcoming local population.
Digital nomads need connectivity
Digital nomads represent a paradigm shift in how people perceive work and travel. By embracing the opportunities presented by the digital age, they have redefined the traditional workplace, paving the way for a more flexible and interconnected global workforce.
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If you’re considering becoming one of the 35 million people embracing the digital nomad way of life, one of the most important things you’ll need is a strong internet connection. High speed Wi-Fi is a must when you’re working in a cafe, hotel or apartment, but what happens when you want to send an email or check your socials when you’re out and about exploring?
eSIM is an increasingly popular choice for travelers who are constantly on the move, and digital nomads everywhere love the flexibility, affordability and simplicity that eSIMs have to offer. After all, if you’re living digitally, why stick to outdated plastic SIM cards? eSIM is the future of connectivity — get yours today!
