One of the most exciting upsides of being an online entrepreneur is that your work is literally in your backpack. With knowing that you can forget about booking return flights and book a one way to the destination of your dreams. I have been travelling for 6 years and these are my best cities for Digital Nomads.
However, before you book your one-way ticket there are certain hives of digital nomads in certain places and not without reason. There is a lot to consider before you pack up your bags and move to a new country to call home for a while.
So, stick around to get some tips and suggestions for a life changing journey.
BEST Cities for Digital Nomads
How to Choose the Best Digital Nomad Cities
It’s fair to say that traveling for leisure and traveling to live and work somewhere is very different. Unfortunately, you cannot move to a small island in the middle of nowhere.
With that being said there are a few criteria that a city needs to check off before you make your decision.
- Visas for digital nomads: Undoubtedly, the most important check box to tick is whether the city or country in question has visas that are beneficial to digital nomads. You don’t want to get caught up in illegal working situations and costly boarder runs.
- Internet connections: You might think this is no longer a problem in the world we live in today however there are many cities that have very low internet speeds and this can become incredibly frustrating as a digital nomad.
- Cost of living: Another upside to being a digital nomad is that you can move to places that are extremely affordable to live in. Especially if you are earning Dollars or Pounds. Living somewhere cheap will allow you firstly, to live a life of luxury or secondly, to save a lot of money.
- Availability of coworking cafes: Waking up every morning and choose your office is simply a dream. Working online can become lonely at the worst so having coworking cafes with engaging communities is a very important factor to consider.
- Quality of life: This is one criterion that people seem to forget about. Quality of life in this case is relating to pollution, traffic, food quality and accommodation.
- Health care: Health care is an important factor when traveling. It almost feels like a safety net in case something had to happen to you (ease of mind).
- Safety: you might come from a very safe city; this is not the case in many different places. Feeling safe is extremely important and if you can avoid going to dangerous places then you should.
What are the Best Cities for Digital Nomads?
Canggu (Bali)
Canggu has always been a trendy holiday destination for younger people looking to have fun. In recent years, Canggu has become a very popular destination for digital nomads.
Canggu is like the half-way house of cities. It’s almost like you are living in human beehive but just a short drive and you are in some of the most beautiful places in the world. It really is the best of both worlds.
If you are looking to network and grow with other digital nomads then Canggu is defiantly an option for you. There are all types of digital nomads that are linking up on the daily.
Check list for living in Canggu
| Visas | Visas are available for digital nomads. |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 18 mbps. |
| Availability of coworking spaces and cafes | An abundance of coworking spaces and working cafes. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Canggu offers a great quality of life. The air is clean and Canggu is clean in general. Accommodation in Canggu is spectacular. Traffic: Poor traffic infrastructure. Can become a problem at times. |
| Health care | Canggu has some really good international hospitals and local hospitals. |
| Cost of living | $1000 – $1300 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | There are a few minor theft cases but you are definitely safe living in Canggu. |
Life style
Life in Canggu is very fast paced and exciting. There is good surfing available all year round. Canggu has a very entertaining night life and you are able to eat a different restaurant every day and night.
Canggu is not far away from Ubud so if you are tired of the hustle, you can go relax in the jungle for a weekend and it’s not far away from Uluwatu meaning you can go relax at more tropical beaches and cleaner water.
If you are looking to network and grow with other digital nomads then Canggu is defiantly an option for you. There are all types of digital nomads that are linking up on the daily.
Ubud (Bali)
Ubud which is just a chip and a putt from Canggu, is the complete opposite to beach days and surf vibes. Ubud has some of the most incredible Jungles, waterfalls and breath-taking rice fields.
Ubud gives off a very relaxed and unique vibe. A common misconception is that Ubud is only nature and outdoors however Ubud has some incredible accommodation, restaurants, coworking cafes, shops and it’s basically a functional city but surrounded by nature.
Check list for living in Ubud
| Visas | Visas are available for digital nomads. |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 18 mbps. |
| Availability of co-working spaces and cafes | Ubud has many co-working spaces and cafes. You can even find yourself outside and with views of rice fields. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Ubud offers a great quality of life. The air is clean and the locals have a great pride in their spaces. Accommodation in Ubud is absolutely beautiful and affordable. Traffic: Poor traffic infrastructure can result in slight traffic issues. However, you won’t need to drive far. |
| Health care | Ubud has some really good international hospitals and local hospitals. |
| Cost of living | $1000 – $1300 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | There are a few minor theft cases but you are definitely safe living in Ubud. |
Life style
Ubud has a very relaxed fee to it and there is less of a buzz to what it would be like in Canggu. There is great yoga and meditation classes that digital nomads living there are really into it.
If you love waterfalls, jungles, nature, yoga and wellness then you will fight right in and you wouldn’t ever have t leave.
There is a large group of digital nomads living there so you would be able to network and grow.
Ubud defiantly attracts a certain type of person. So, if you match the above life style then Ubud is a great option for you. If you would like to find out about co working spaces in Bali- head to my favorite ones here!
Chiang Mai (Thailand)
I’d bet money on it that if you have asked any digital nomads about which city to live in then you would have heard about Chiang Mai. With so many digital nomads already living here you will quickly become part of the tribe that Chiang Mai has to offer.
Chiang Mai is in the mountainous northern Thailand. That should speak volumes for what the city will look like. It boasts beautiful jungles, temples waterfalls, mountains and vibrant night markets.
Check list for living in Chiang Mai
| Visas | In Thailand there are many visas that are available for foreigners and digital nomads. However, these visa laws change often so to get up to date information visit |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 23 mbps. |
| Availability of coworking spaces and cafes | Chiang Mai has many coworking spaces and cafes to choose from. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Chiang Mai has great quality of life. The air is clean most year-round however during rice burning season it can become bad. Accommodation in Chiang Mai is suitable for digital nomads and very affordable. Traffic is not an issue in Chiang Mai. Locals are friendly and welcoming. |
| Health care | Chiang Mai has some really impressive international hospitals and local hospitals that won’t break the bank. |
| Cost of living | $900- $1100 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | Just as in any country or city you do have to take minor precautions but you will be safe in Chiang Mai. |
Life style
The life style in Chiang Mai is as imagined. There is a great sense of community and there are many digital nomads living here.
There are great outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing. There is an abundance of natural beauty, historic temples, cheap night markets and amazing food.
The weather in Chiang Mai is a lot cooler than the south of Thailand so if you are not one for extreme humidity then Chiang Mai will be just perfect.
Life in Chiang Mai has been good to so many digital nomads and is a very safe bet if you are a first time and solo traveler.
Bangkok (Thailand)
Are you a shop till you drop kind of person? Bangkok is home to endless amounts of shopping. You could quite literally shop until you drop.
However, this is not all Bangkok has to offer. The food seen and night life in Bangkok is some of the best that the world has to offer. There is a notable contrast between sky scrapers and old historic temples. Bangkok is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in south east Asia.
Bangkok being the capital of Thailand has made it a hustler’s paradise. There are many foreigners in Thailand doing business and everybody is on a mission.
Check list for living in Bangkok
| Visas | In Thailand there are many visas that are available for foreigners and digital nomads. However, these visa laws change often so to get up to date information visit |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 25 mbps. |
| Availability of coworking spaces and cafes | Bangkok has endless options for coworking spaces and cafes. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Bangkok has a good quality of life. The air in Bangkok can take some time to get used too. Accommodation in Bangkok is mainly smaller flats and apartments in large skyscrapers and is slightly more expensive than Chiang Mai. Traffic is an issue in Bangkok however they have a very modern and sufficient train system to solve this problem. Locals are friendly and welcoming. |
| Health care | Bangkok has some of the best health care in the world. You will be in very good hands here. |
| Cost of living | $1400- $1700 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | Just as in any big city you do have to take minor precautions but you will be safe in Bangkok. |
Life style
Bangkok has a very fast pace lifestyle and definitely requires a specific type of person to thrive here. There are things happening all the time in Bangkok so you will have plenty opportunity to meet fellow digital nomads.
Bangkok has a city life style with a traditional feel to it. The high buildings sometimes take away what’s happening on the streets, you still get amazing street food and a real traditional vibe.
Medellin (Colombia)
Medellin is not quite what you might picture. The days of violence brought about by Pablo Escobar and the war on drugs is long over and the city has invested millions into developing new technology and infrastructure.
Medellin has some amazing nature and some amazing weather. Here you can spend time in the city center or go for a hike through the jungle and hills. It’s another best of both world type of places.
There has been a huge increase in digital nomads living in Medellin and there is a great sense of community amongst these digital nomads. You will be networking in no time.
Check list for living in Medellin
| Visas | In Medellin digital nomads can get a visa for up to 2 years. However, these visa laws change often so to get up to date information visit this website. |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 15 mbps. |
| Availability of coworking spaces and cafes | Medellin has numerous fun and artsy coworking spaces and cafes. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Medellin has a good quality of life. The air in Medellin is average as there is much construction underway. Accommodation in Medellin is suitable for digital nomads and is very affordable. Traffic is not a major issue in Medellin. |
| Health care | Medellin has good health care and you would be safe if anything were to happen to you. |
| Cost of living | $1000- $1100 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | In Medellin you do have to be extremely vigilant and aware. Safety can become an issue otherwise. |
Life style
The life style in Medellin can be really fun and exhilarating. There are tons to do in Medellin and you will never get bored. Depending on where you are most things that you need are in walking distance from where you live which makes things feel more community like.
Medellin is cheaper than most countries so your money will get you far and you could probably do things that you wouldn’t be able to afford at home.
Living here you will need to learn how to be vigilant and look after yourself and you shouldn’t just go to areas that aren’t well spoken of.
Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)
Ho Chi Minh or otherwise known as Saigon is located in the south of Vietnam. Culture and tradition have strong roots in Vietnam and it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of. Ho Chi Minh is almost like the Bangkok of Thailand as it is the main business hub in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh is a large city with many fun and exciting things happening at any moment of every day. From great street markets to shopping malls you really have a great contrast between city life and a more traditional feel. Ho Chi Minh has some incredible food that is as affordable as it gets.
Vietnam in general is considered to be a very cheap place to live in for expects and it’s no wonder that there has been a huge influx of digital nomads.
Check list for living in Ho Chi Minh
| Visas | Visas in Vietnam can become slightly complicated. Most digital nomads do a three-month visa and do a boarder run to Bangkok or Laos which is still very affordable. The Visa laws are constantly changing so make sure to get in touch with a visa agent. |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 18mbps. |
| Availability of coworking spaces and cafes | Vietnam are big on coffee so there are plenty coworking spaces and cafes within walking distance. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Ho Chi Minh has a good quality of life. The air in Ho Chi Minh is not so great due to the number of motor bikes and construction. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh is suitable for digital nomads and is very affordable. Traffic can become a major issue in Ho chi Minh. |
| Health care | Ho Chi Minh has good health care and you would be safe if anything were to happen to you. |
| Cost of living | $900-$1000 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | There are a few minor theft cases but you will be safe in Ho Chi Minh. |
Life style
Ho Chi Minh has a very fast pace life style. If you had to move here you would find yourself spending a lot of time hanging out at amazing cafes, eating great street food, doing some shopping and enjoying nights out with friends.
The locals in Ho Chi Minh are very friendly and this allows you to get in touch with the Vietnamese culture and traditions. There are many war museums and fun tours that you are able to enjoy.
If you like the warm weather then you will be well suited here as Ho Chi Minh only really has one season and that season is summer.
There are many friendly digital nomads in Ho Chi Minh so you will be able to network and make friends.
Da Nang (Vietnam)
Da Nang is in central Vietnam. Unlike Ho Chi Minh Da Nang is situated on the coast and there are some amazing beaches that you are able to enjoy.
Da Nang in my opinion is the perfect place for someone who loves the city but also can’t stay away from the ocean. Da Nang has all the elements of Ho Chi Minh but with the option of surfing, beach picnics and nature hikes.
Da Nang has amazing viewpoints where you can overlook the ocean and the old ancient town “Hoi An” is a 20-minute drive away.
Da Nang has not yet been “discovered” by digital nomads but I can almost guarantee it will become the next hotspot.
Check list for living in Da Nang
| Visas | Visas in Vietnam can become slightly complicated. Most digital nomads do a three-month visa and do a boarder run to Bangkok or Laos which is still very affordable. The Visa laws are constantly changing so make sure to get in touch with a visa agent. |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 24mbps. |
| Availability of coworking spaces and cafes | Coworking spaces in Da Nang city are limited but there many Cafes with great coffee and working tables. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Da Nang has a good quality of life. The air in Da Nang is clean and fresh with the smell of the ocean. Accommodation in Da Nang is suitable for digital nomads and you can choose between sea views and city views. Traffic is not an issue in Da Nang city. |
| Health care | Da Nang has an international hospital and a few good local hospitals. |
| Cost of living | $900-$1000 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | Da Nang is a very safe place to live in. |
Life style
Da Nang offers an amazing lifestyle as you get to choose how you want to live. You can either live an extremely relaxed life style if you live closer to the ocean or you can live a fast-paced city life style.
Most of the expats here have chosen to live the more relaxed life style. Here, there are many beach bars. There is surfing, yoga, hiking, waterfalls and amazing viewpoints with in cycling distance.
Da Nang is extremely safe and comfortable. Like I mentioned earlier, Da Nang has not yet been discovered by “digital nomads” so it can be challenging to find a group of people to network with.
Lisbon (Portugal)
Lisbon is known for its diversity and there are approximately 90 different nationalities that call Lisbon home. With that being said, Lisbon is by far the most popular place for digital nomads and expats.
Because of the great diversity Lisbon is a very exciting place to be in. Lisbon is a very vibrant city and walking through the streets is mesmerizing.
Lisbon is considered to be on the more affordable side of Portugal and this has attracted many people. If you get tired of the city life then you are able to escape to some amazing Portuguese beaches which are not too far away.
Check list for living in Lisbon
| Visas | As a foreigner you can get a short-term visa of up to 90 days. There are longer stay options available for expats and digital nomads. For more information on longer stay visas visit. (link) |
| Internet connection | 4G network and internet speed of 45 mbps. |
| Availability of coworking spaces and cafes | There is a large variety of co working spaces and cafes for you to choose from in Lisbon. Read here for more information. |
| Quality of life | Lisbon has a good quality of life. The air in Lisbon is clean. Accommodation in Lisbon is suitable for digital nomads. Traffic is not a major issue in Lisbon. |
| Health care | Lisbon has great health care. |
| Cost of living | $1400-$1900 for a fairly comfortable life style. |
| Safety | Lisbon is a safe place to live in. |
Life style
Lisbon is a wonderful place to live as an expat. The people are warm and friendly. The weather is great and the beaches are just amazing.
Lisbon is definitely a city that does not go to sleep and there is a great night life. If you enjoy meeting new people with different cultures and backgrounds then Lisbon is the place for you
It may seem like Lisbon is a faced paced life style but in fact it’s very mellow and chilled out.
Finishing words!!
Traveling to a new country and moving to a country long term is a very different. You may have traveled somewhere once and had the time of your life but that might not always be the case if you are moving somewhere.
Take your time on deciding where you would like to go and I hope this blog pointed you in the right direction.
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