20 Best Remote Working Locations Around the World for Digital Nomads
If you’re an ecommerce merchant who earns most (or all!) of your income online, it’s likely that you can work from virtually any location. As long as you have reliable Wi-Fi, a great laptop, and a can-do attitude, you’re set to run your ecommerce business from anywhere in the world.
If this sounds appealing, you might want to focus your travels on places that attract communities of like-minded digital nomads who are also working as they travel the world.
So, this raises some questions: Where are the best places to enjoy life as an ecommerce digital nomad and what are the best remote working locations in the world?
We’ve rounded up 20 of some of the best worldwide locations for working remotely. To be honest, no one destination is our top pick, so in the interests of fairness, we’re going to take an alphabetical approach.
As we’ve put together this roundup, we’ve taken the following into account:
- Popular spots for travelers
- The cost of accommodation
- The price of food
- Access to co-working hubs (Like the ones we mentioned in our Top 10 Best Co-Working & Co-Living Spaces Around the World article)
However, we haven’t excluded popular destinations just because they’re more expensive. After all, it’s up to you where you and your laptop go, and where you choose to work.
With all that being said, here are the destinations we’re going to cover:
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Bengaluru, India
- Budapest, Hungary
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Krakow, Poland
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Medellin, Colombia
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Portland, Oregon
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Sanur, Bali
- Seville, Spain
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Thessaloniki, Greece
So, let’s look at each one in a little more detail…
Best Remote Working Locations #1: Auckland, New Zealand
If you’re traveling around the world and you’re determined to see the dramatic scenery New Zealand has to offer, Auckland is an excellent starting point.
It’s an exciting city—in fact, it’s New Zealand’s largest—but despite that, it’s safe and easy to walk around.
There’s also plenty to do there in your downtime like visiting Waiheke Island, the Bay of Islands, hiking in the Waitakere Ranges, touring Shakespear Regional Park or even visiting spectacular coastlines and quirky local art galleries. Wherever your passions lie, you won’t be short of things to do.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: With an average speed of 28 MBPS and plenty of free Wi-Fi spots across the city—including libraries and cafes—getting online shouldn’t be a problem
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, it’s $1.55 New Zealand Dollars (NZD) to $1 USD
- Weather: The warmest months range from November to April when temperatures average between 22-26°C. Between May to October, it’s colder, with temperatures sitting between 15-19°C
- Accommodation: Airbnb prices vary depending on the time of year but for a private room you’re looking at spending around $50-60 USD per night. A basic hotel, however, will cost you roughly $80 per night. If you think you’ll base yourself in Auckland for a while, it may be cheaper to rent a studio for a month which costs roughly $760 per month
- Food: The typical cost of a basic dinner per person is about $13 and a beer will set you back around $6 USD
- Coworking Spaces: There are a fair few coworking spaces dotted around the city which are definitely worth checking out. For example, Generator, SharedSpace, Think Space, and The Workshop—just to name a few
Auckland’s Roundup
Auckland has lots going for it, as does New Zealand in general, however, it’s worth pointing out that the cost of living is pretty high so it may not be suited to every digital nomad’s budget. If you’re already making good money, however, and aren’t worried about living costs, it’s definitely worth going. Especially if you plan on using Auckland as a base for visiting other areas of New Zealand.
Best Remote Working Locations #2: Bengaluru, India
If you plan on traveling around parts of India while you’re working, then Bengaluru—also known as Bangalore—is an excellent place to stay. Not least since it’s the tech center (or “Silicon Valley”) of India but it’s also home to beautiful temples, gardens, and old palaces. It’s truly a feast for the eyes! It’s also a curious mix of old and new, and worth exploring for those reasons alone.
So, if you want a well-connected base from where you can visit nearby hills, forests, and coffee estates, then look no further.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Fast—an average of 14 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, the exchange is 70.57 Indian Rupee (INR) to $1 USD
- Weather: Bengaluru has a moderate climate and avoids some of the more extreme temperatures experienced by other parts of India. With an average of 30°C, April is the hottest month of the year whereas December is coldest, with an average of 23°C
- Accommodation: While Airbnbs average around $27 per night, hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are also cheap. You can get away with as little (or less than) $30 per night, or if you plan on staying longer and want to rent a studio, it’ll cost you about $223 per month
- Food: Prices are really cheap, with the average dinner costing as little as $1.40 per person, and $0.70 for 0.5L of beer
- Coworking Spaces: There are literally dozens of coworking spaces in this city. It’s hardly surprising given its pedigree for tech. Hubs like Cowrks, Innov8 CoWorking, WeWork, and Commune Coworks are some of the more notable coworking spaces
Bengaluru’s Roundup
Here’s a city that isn’t necessarily on the tip of every digital nomad’s tongue, but if you’re adventurous, tech and opportunity curious, and happen to be traveling India, Bengaluru’s worth a visit. It’s cheap, it’s busy, and it’s full of possibilities but it’s also noisy, has fewer things to do for travelers, and the air quality can be poor. However, English is commonly spoken, it’s also a safe and cosmopolitan city, and has fast Wi-Fi—so there are plenty of advantages, too.
Best Remote Working Locations #3: Budapest, Hungary
This grand Hungarian city has it all: There’s culture, historic spas, pretty parks, warm summers, and it boasts a low cost of living.
The city is split into two: Buda and Pest, which are intersected by the River Danube. Buda is full of history—it’s the older part of the city—whereas Pest is more contemporary, where all the nightlife happens.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: The average internet speed is 41 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, 307 Hungarian Forint (HUF) to $1 USD
- Weather: Budapest has a varied climate, with January and December experiencing temperatures as low as 2°C and June, July and August hitting 30°C
- Accommodation: The closer to the center, the higher the prices. Airbnb is the most popular apartment rental provider for shorter stays. You can find prices as low as $26 per night, although taking into account the busier summer periods, those prices will go up. Hotels are also a cheap option (especially out of season), with an average price of $514 per month. Or if you rent a studio inside the city center, it’ll set you back roughly $500 per month
- Food: There are plenty of cheap places to eat in Budapest. The average dinner for one person will cost you just under $5 per person, adding in just over a dollar for a 0.5L of beer! Don’t forget to visit Budapest’s Karaván food-truck court—there’s no better place to dine on a warm summer evening
- Coworking Spaces: There are plenty. Some of the most central ones are Colabs, Forrás Jóllét Stúdió, UrbanFood Cafe & Coworking, and Impact Hub
Budapest’s Roundup
Overall, Budapest is a cheap and beautiful city to live and work in, with a friendly vibe. There are plenty of different nationalities in Budapest, and tons of exciting and fun things to do in your downtime, from visiting historic buildings and museums to hanging out in the ruin bars at night.
Best Remote Working Locations #4: Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Argentinian capital is hard to miss off your South American travel wish list. It’s a lively city with a population of 15 million boasting an exciting mix of South American and European influences. It’s a vibrant, creative, and noisy city that never sleeps with tango at its heart. There are parks and palaces to visit, an inspiring art and music scene, and of course, tango to learn in your spare time.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Average speeds are around 20 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, 61.78 Argentine Peso (ARS) equals $1 USD
- Weather: October to April are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 30°C in January. May to September are the colder months, with temperatures ranging from 14-19°C
- Accommodation: The average price of a nightly Airbnb is around $25, and if you want to rent a studio for a month, it’ll cost you about $140 per month. A hotel will cost an average of $30 per night, although prices go up during high season and holidays
- Food: Argentina is, of course, famous for its beef. The average cost of a basic meal for one person is $4, and beer costs about $1.20 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: There are plenty to choose from, including Cespedes, Central Coworking, Urban Station, WeWork, and Loop Coworking
Buenos Aires’ Roundup
Although there are tons of amazing things about Buenos Aires, it doesn’t have a reputation for being overly safe, and pickpocketing is rife.
It is, however, cheap to live and work there, and there’s plenty of great fun to be had. Internet speeds are good, and there are tons of digital nomads which is hardly surprising when you consider that coworking spaces are smart and plentiful.
Another plus is that Buenos Aires is home to Start-Up Buenos Aires. For those who don’t know, this a free startup community where you can access classes, resources, events, and support for your ecommerce endeavors. How cool is that?!
Best Remote Working Locations #5: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a must on any working nomad’s travel list. It’s easy to get around this vibrant UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s cheap. There’s plenty of veggie and vegan food and, of course, tons of stunning temples.
It’s also a great base if you want to take day-trips to one of the elephant camps, the Tiger Kingdom, or the Golden Triangle.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Average Wi-Fi speed of 23 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing it is 31.20 Thai Baht to $1 USD
- Weather: It’s hot and humid, with average temperatures at around 30°C, rising to 38°C. Because of the humidity, it often feels as high as the 40s. The rainy season starts from May and runs through to October, with the highest rainfall in June with an average of 153mm. As Chiang Mai is located at a higher altitude than most Thai cities, it feels a little less humid than other parts of the country
- Accommodation: It’s pretty cheap to stay in Chiang Mai. If you plan on locating yourself there for longer than a few days, then a rental studio will cost you just over $300 per month. Airbnb costs an average of $37 per night, while a month in a hotel (assuming you haggle a long-stay discount) will come in at about $500 per month.
- Food: As with most south-east Asian spots, the food is cheap. There are high-end places, but an average meal will cost you around $1.90 per person with an extra $1.90 for 0.5L of beer.
- Coworking Spaces: We found lots of coworking spaces in Chiang Mai including Punspace, Hub53, Starworks, In The City Coliving and Coworking, and The Brick Start-Up Space
Chiang Mai’s Roundup
The main downside is the humidity but if you find a coworking space with air conditioning, it’s bearable. Outside, however, the air quality is inferior, as there’s lots of traffic. You’ll notice that as with other south-east Asian cities, locals often wear masks to protect themselves from pollution.
On the plus side, it’s a great location to work from because the Wi-Fi speeds are decent. Not to mention, it’s cheap, and there are lots to do. Not only that, as Chiang Mai is on the traveler trail, you’re sure to find other like-minded nomads to chat with—win-win!
Best Remote Working Locations #6: Dubrovnik, Croatia
This Adriatic stonewalled city is a popular stop-off point for tourists and travelers of all ages. Its UNESCO sites alone are reason enough to spend time there, as well as all its museums, including the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art or War Photo Limited, a chronicle of the city’s siege in the 1990s during the Balkan war.
You’ll also find markets, bars, and beautiful buildings just about everywhere you look. There are also fun places to visit outside the city like Lokrum island. That’s in addition to loads of festivals during the summer months, beaches to visit, and sites featured in Game of Thrones.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Internet speed there is an average of 18 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: Currently, 6.75 Croatian Kuna (HRK) equals $1 USD
- Weather: The summer months are scorching, with average temperatures hitting between 23-31°C. The winters are colder, with temperatures around 9-19°C between November and April
- Accommodation: It’s cheaper to stay in a basic hotel, with rates of around $44 per night whereas Airbnb prices are higher, presumably because the city has many weekend visitors. Prices for a private Airbnb room come in around $70 per night
- Food: It’s cheap enough to eat there, with a basic dinner costing around $11, and beer just $1 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: While coworking places are popping up in Split and Zagreb, we couldn’t find many there. That said, there are plenty of cafes with free Wi-Fi, and if you’re in an Airbnb, you’re likely to have access to your host’s internet connection
Dubrovnik’s Roundup
Dubrovnik is undoubtedly beautiful, cultured, and full of life. The downside is that the city is full of tourists, and even more so when the cruise ships dock. However, if hot weather isn’t high on your must-have list, then visit Dubrovnik out of season, when things are a tad cooler and calmer.
Compared to other Croatian spots, Dubrovnik isn’t cheap, prices aren’t aimed at locals or working nomads but well-heeled tourists and cruise ship visitors. That said, it’s pretty much one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and hard to miss.
Best Remote Working Locations #7: Hanoi, Vietnam
The Vietnamese capital city is like no other place on earth. It’s bustling, vibrant, and never seems to sleep. There’s much to do and see in this famous city, not least the tomb of Ho Chi Minh himself, where the former Communist leader lies embalmed.
There’s also Hanoi’s Old Quarter, museums, markets, the Mekong River, hill tribes, day-trips to Halong Bay, and street food you’ll never forget. If you land in Hanoi from another country and plan to work your way south to Ho Chi Minh City, then work and rest awhile in Hanoi first. The city is full of tourists and travelers, including digital nomads, so you’ll be in good company.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Average speeds are around 9 MBPS, slower than many cities on this list, but workable nonetheless. But, one thing to bear in mind is that internet censorship exists in Vietnam. So, any news sites critical of the government or anything the Vietnamese government doesn’t agree with, are banned
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, 23,247 Vietnamese Dong (VND) equals $1 USD
- Weather: It’s humid. The hottest months are April to October, with temperatures ranging from 31°C-33°C and the colder months being November, December, and January, with temperatures around 24°C
- Accommodation: Prices are cheap with central Hanoi studio rentals costing around $400 per month, and the average nightly Airbnb about $40. You can also haggle for lower hotel rates if you’re there out of season or planning to stay longer, with average nightly prices around $28 for a basic hotel
- Food: It’s really cheap to eat out—and like many Asian and south-east Asian countries, many travelers and nomads eat out every night. An average dinner will cost you about $2 per person, and an extra $1 for 0.5L of beer
- Coworking Spaces: We found plenty of coworking opportunities including Hanoi Hub, Up Coworking, Toong, Moonwork, Hatch Nest, and The Click
Hanoi’s Roundup
Hanoi is an exciting city to be a part of, even for a short while. It’s home to 7.6 million people, who all seem to be on the go at the same time! Its air quality is poor, it’s noisy, and it’s in your face. It’s also cheap, friendly, young, full of life and a great base to work, live and travel.
Best Remote Working Locations #8: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh was named after its communist leader after the fall of Saigon in 1975. It’s a city full of rich history and memories. The city is a mix of pagodas, skyscrapers, temples, and reminders of its communist past and present, including the Vietnam War.
There’s plenty to do there, including visits to its war museums, historical sites, tunnels, French colonial architecture, and of course, its dynamic markets.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: The average internet speed is around 17 MBPS but it’s often faster, with lots of free Wi-Fi spots dotted around the city
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, 23,247 Vietnamese Dong (VND) equals $1 USD
- Weather: It’s humid and hot! The year-round average temperature is around 33°C. Still, because of the humidity, the temperature often feels like it’s in the high 40s. The rainy season runs from May all the way through to October, with monthly rainfall averages between 122mm in October to 366mm in August
- Accommodation: You’re going to want somewhere with air conditioning! Otherwise, it may be tough to get a good night’s sleep. An Airbnb monthly rental will cost a nightly average of $32. In contrast, a month in a hotel will be around $500. However, rates are often negotiable and cheaper during the low (rainy) season
- Food: It’s really cheap—you shouldn’t have to pay more than $3 for dinner for one, and it can be even less expensive if you eat street food. Beer is around $1 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: Ho Chi Minh seems pretty tuned into the digital nomad spirit. There are tons of coworking spaces, including Spiced, The Hive, Dreamplex Nguyen, Saigon Coworking, Circo Hoang Dieu, and Workyos
Ho Chi Minh’s Roundup
Be prepared for the traffic—there’s lots of it and its accompanying noise. It’s also expensive compared to other Vietnamese cities and towns, although you can pick up bargains at Ben Thanh and Bin Tay markets.
If you like the heat, Ho Chi Minh delivers, but beware of the humidity which can feel stifling. However, compared to Western nomad spots, it is still cheap, and there’s plenty of beautiful and exciting things to see and do.
Best Remote Working Locations #9: Krakow, Poland
This Polish gem hits the spot with its beautiful old town center, small cobbled streets, infamous history, its proximity to the mountains for skiing and hiking, friendly locals, and the cool Jewish Quarter brimming with trendy popup bars and galleries.
With a population of 762,500, it’s a small city that’s easy to walk around, or you can travel by bus or tram pretty cheaply. It’s a university city as well as a popular place for traditional tourists—which accounts for its energetic and young vibe, despite some of its traumatic histories.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Its average internet speed comes in at 25 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, 3.91 Polish Zloty (PLN) to $1 USD
- Weather: Krakow is cold in the winter, with average daily temperatures in January and December at around 1-3°C, but it can feel much colder. In the summer months, we’re looking at average temperatures between 25-27°C in June, July, and August
- Accommodation: There are plenty of Airbnbs to be had for shorter or longer-term stays, with an average nightly rental of around $40. Or, you can rent a studio, for example, via Gumtree, for about $500-$600 per month. But, the hotels are more expensive, catering mainly to the tourist market. A month in a hotel will average around $800
- Food: There are plenty of cheap eateries across the city with dinner costing you around $5 per person, and beer prices about $1.80 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: There are lots of coworking spaces across the city. One popular haunt is CoLabs. We also came across Project People, Kalafiornia, OffOffice Virtual Office, and Cluster CoWork
Krakow’s Roundup
Here’s a city that’s cheap to work in, making it a viable base for many a digital nomad for longer than just a few days. It’s affordable, has fast wifi, it’s easy to get around, and the locals are friendly. Less significant is that the winter months can be super cold, and the language can be tough to get around. However, many people speak English, especially the younger generation, so you shouldn’t have too many problems communicating.
Best Remote Working Locations #10: Lisbon, Portugal
This sunny capital has a great deal to offer digital nomads, despite not being the cheapest place to be. Built upon seven hills, Lisbon is beautiful, coastal, and green, with an abundance of terrific cafes and quirky yellow trams.
Lisbon’s buildings are every traveler’s dream photo opportunity, with colorful tiles and boldly painted properties everywhere you turn. Not just that, but there’s art and culture abound, and importantly, an active and plentiful digital nomad community so you won’t be alone.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Speeds are an average of 32 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: 0.91 Euro (EUR) for $1 USD
- Weather: May to October are the warmest and sunniest, with temperatures ranging between 24-27°C. November to April are cooler with some rain and temperatures between 15-19°C
- Accommodation: There’s plenty of choices, but it doesn’t always come cheap. The average nightly cost of an Airbnb room is around $50 and the same for a basic hotel room. If you plan on staying for a bit, a typical studio in the city center will cost about $700 per month
- Food: An average meal will cost you around $6-7, and a 0.5L beer roughly $2 USD
- Coworking Spaces: There are plenty. We found Cowork Lisboa, Avila, Cowork Central, and Rocket Hub
Lisbon’s Roundup
Rent is expensive, but the cost of living is low. You’ll find your biggest expense is accommodation, especially in the summer months. The city is definitely a tourist destination, and you’ll find that this inevitably pushes prices and availability of affordable rooms right up.
However, Lisbon is an excellent base for exploring nearby coastal locations or taking off for a long weekend, either north or south Portugal, and of course, there’s plenty to do in the city itself.
It may be warm in the summer, but it’s definitely cold in the winter and not all accommodation offers heating, so be prepared! However, you’ll get a warm welcome from the locals at any time of the year—the Portuguese are famous for their friendly hospitality.
Best Remote Working Locations #11: Marrakesh, Morocco
We’ve listed Marrakesh here because although there are other amazing places to visit in this North African country (Essaouira, Fes, and the Atlas Mountains, just for starters), this former Imperial city is the perfect stopping point before traveling further.
It has grown and developed in recent decades and is the perfect spot for a week or longer. It has decent enough Wi-Fi, and there’s plenty to see and do during your free time. Whether it’s visiting the famous souks, the Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Maison de la Photographie, or hanging out in rooftop bars and riads across the city—there’s something for everyone.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Although Wi-Fi is slower than most of the places we’ve listed, it has an average of 9 MBPS, which is sufficient for basic needs
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, it’s 9.47 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) to $1 USD
- Weather: It’s pretty hot there, and from May to October, temperatures remain between 30-35°C. The colder months aren’t exactly frosty, with average temperatures between November and April in the low to mid-20s. It tends to rain in December and early spring
- Accommodation: Prices vary—there are lots of upmarket hotels popping up, and they’re expensive. However, you can get an Airbnb private room for around $90, which is costly compared to other locations. There are, however, cheap hotel rooms to be had for approximately $40 per night. Marrakesh, like many cities, is popular with weekenders, and this inevitably drives accommodation prices up
- Food: It’s cheap to eat out there with average meal prices around $4 and beer around $2 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: Creative Lab, Cowork in Marrakesh, The Spot, and The Emerging Business Factory are all popular co-working hubs
Marrakesh’s Roundup
Here’s a fabulous spot to base yourself for a few days or a week or two. There’s nothing better than soaking up the vibrant and colorful Moroccan atmosphere. Marrakesh is a city that feels alive both day and night. Plus, it’s easy to get around and great for accessing other parts of the country; the transport links are second to none.
Best Remote Working Locations #12: Medellin, Colombia
Medellin is fast becoming a popular destination for digital nomads and with good reason. Not only does it have fantastic scenery and plenty of lovely places to visit in and around the city, but it also has fantastic nightlife. Think festivals, music, bars and nightclubs, Medellin is an incredibly friendly place to be.
Two fantastic places to visit if you get a chance are the Parque Arvi and Botanical Gardens. The city’s metro cable and Medellin Metro gets you to many of the city’s neighborhoods.
Medellin, known as “The City of Eternal Spring,” with a climate that’s never cold, it seems perfect. But, don’t be fooled—it does rain and quite a bit! Located in a bowl within the Andes mountains, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views wherever you are in Medellin, so rest assured, there are photo opportunities galore!
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: An average speed of 15 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing the exchange is 3,430 Colombian Peso to $1 USD
- Weather: The temperature there is consistent throughout the year at a steady 27-28°C. It does rain, and the most torrential rainfall is during May, June, October, and November. However, you should expect rain all year round
- Accommodation: A private Airbnb room will cost you around $19 per night and a basic hotel room the same. For a studio, you’ll pay about $450 per month
- Food: A simple meal will cost you around $4, and 0.5L of beer is about $1.50
- Coworking Spaces: Some of the more popular spots include Espacio, FrendaColectivo, WeWork, Selina Cowork, and Tinkko
Medellin’s Roundup
Colombia is fast becoming a go-to digital nomad destination and, at its heart, is Medellin. It boasts a beautiful landscape, warm climate, friendly locals, a thriving digital nomad community, and a cheap cost of living.
These are all great reasons to base yourself and your ecommerce business there. Do your research thoroughly before heading there and find a neighborhood that’s popular with other nomads or travelers.
Best Remote Working Locations #13: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
When most people think of Cambodia, they imagine the Angkor Wat temples in Siem Riep but there are several reasons why you should add Phnom Penh to your digital nomad list. Aside from it sitting on the banks of the Mekong River, the city is full of history, culture, street life, and noise.
Just outside the city, you’ll find beautiful countryside, fishing villages, luminous green rice fields, and floating houses. Plus, you can’t go to Phnom Penh without visiting the Foreign Correspondents’ Club for happy hour cocktails.
That, as well as the National Museum of Cambodia, the Royal Palace, and rest assured, there’s no shortage of temples to explore. As for new culture, check out Factory Phnom Penh, a former Levi’s factory turned creative hub that includes galleries, workspaces, a craft brewery, and cinema.
Sobering visits have to include Tuol Sleng, a former school in the city center formerly used as a torture camp and Cheoung Ek, also known as The Killing Fields.
You’ll also find authentic southeast Asian street food and markets in this city. There’s plenty of places to grab a delicious yet cheap dish.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: This is slow in comparison to other destinations on our list with an average speed of 7 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, 4,082 Cambodia Riel (KHR) equaled $1 USD
- Weather: It’s hot all year round, with temperatures averaging 32-34°C. It’s also very humid, especially during the rainy season between May and October
- Accommodation: The cheapest places to stay are hotels, with average prices for a basic room as low as $15-18 per night. Airbnb’s are more expensive, averaging $50 per night, and studios about $460 per month
- Food: It’s certainly cheap to eat out with the average price of dinner between $3-4 and beer around $1.90 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: Yes, there are a few coworking hubs, including Co-lab Cambodia, Workspace 1, and My Khmer Coworking
Phnom Penh’s Roundup
Yes, the Wi-Fi is slow there, but if you’re traveling and working, a few days there likely won’t slow you down workwise. That’s providing all you have to do is write and answer emails or catch up with customers.
This city is more than its grim Khmer Rouge past. Today, you’ll still find reminders of its bloody history, nevertheless, you’ll also find a thriving city, new buildings alongside old, the beautiful Russian market, and an emerging digital community… despite the Wi-Fi restrictions.
Best Remote Working Locations #14: Portland, Oregon
Much is written about this city and its alternative take on life, and we all know about the Netflix series Portlandia, right? It has a reputation for being a chilled, hipster haven and offers a very accepting vibe as it embraces all walks of life.
It’s easy to walk around the city, it’s full of great bars and cafes (that can easily double up as a workspace), and there are plenty of places to visit. Don’t forget it’s home to 70+ breweries, so if you’re into your craft beer, Portland is a great place to be.
You can also cycle everywhere, eat well, hike in the beauty of Forest Park, take a trip to Mount Hood Volcano, and just absorb the laid-back atmosphere.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Fast Wi-Fi with average speeds of 42 MBPS
- Weather: It can get pretty humid there, and it rains nine months out of the year
- Accommodation: An average night in an Airbnb will cost you about $70, and a hotel more around $80, with monthly studio rentals about $1,650
- Food: An average dinner will cost you around $10, and beer around $5 for 0.5L. Be sure to check out Portland’s abundance of pop up food carts and food trucks around the city
- Coworking Spaces: There are plenty of cafes and bars for you to occupy but if you’re after an actual coworking space, we found plenty including WeWork, and Hatch Labs
Portland’s Roundup
There are plenty of reasons to work on your ecommerce business from Portland but be prepared for the rain—it’s part of Portland life. However, the city’s cafe culture and all-round friendly atmosphere will surely compensate. It isn’t the cheapest place to be, still, it’s certainly exciting and if you can cut your costs with shared living and working spaces that offer Wi-Fi included, then all the better.
Best Remote Working Locations #15: Prague, Czech Republic
If you’re in Europe and touring around Eastern Europe, then Prague or the “City of a Hundred Spires,” as it’s also known, will inevitably be on your list to visit. It’s a popular tourist destination and can get crowded, but it’s also steeped in history, art, culture, and boasts a lively nightlife.
The Czech Republic capital has much to offer, such as its Baroque architecture, Prague Castle, the old town and its famous astronomical clock, plus plenty of gorgeous places to eat and drink. It’s also a convenient base for exploring nearby locations in your free time, such as the spa town of Carlsbad.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Speeds average around 28 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, 22.90 Czech Koruna (CZK) to $1 USD
- Weather: The warmest months are June to September, with temperatures ranging between 21-29°C, although it often feels like it’s hotter. The winters, in contrast, can be chilly, with average temperatures for January and December as chilly as 2°C or lower
- Accommodation: The average cost of a private Airbnb room is $55, with hotels coming in cheaper at about $42 per night. If you plan on staying for a month or more, a monthly studio rental will cost you about $685 in the city center
- Food: Food is plentiful and cheap, with the average cost of a dinner at $6, and 0.5L of Czech beer costing $1.70
- Coworking Spaces: There are many coworking spaces as well as welcoming cafes with free Wi-Fi. We like the look of the following co-working hubs: Impact Hub, Locus, K10, Opero, and Paper Hub
Prague’s Roundup
Prague parades a low cost of living and is, therefore, an excellent base for digital nomad life. It has a great social life, plenty of culture, and a heritage that goes way past just a few old buildings. There are also lots of expats and foreign visitors in the city and English is spoken widely. The city is also effortless to walk around or you can just hop on a tram or bus—travel is very cheap. The downsides are that Prague can get pretty cold in the winter and the city can sometimes be overrun with weekend visitors from all around the world.
Best Remote Working Locations #16: Santa Fe, New Mexico
In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at 7,000 feet sits the creative and artistic city of Santa Fe. The city has an eclectic mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo heritage. Santa Fe is the oldest capital in the United States and America’s second oldest city, having been founded between 1607 and 1610.
Interestingly, UNESCO awarded it Creative City status in 2005, making it the first US city to achieve such an accolade. If you’re traveling around New Mexico, or if you’re on your way to Mexico, then Santa Fe is certainly a great getaway if you love art, nature, and culture.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Average speeds are 29 MBPS
- Weather: June, July, and August are the sunniest months, with temperatures around 28-30°C. November, December, January, and February are the coldest months, with temperatures ranging between 6-11°C. But, it can be as cold as -4
- Accommodation: Accommodation is always cheap, with an average Airbnb private room costing $66 per night and a hotel room around $77. If you plan on staying for longer, then a city center studio will cost you an average of $1,265 per month
- Food: The average price of a basic meal costs around $13 and beer $4 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: Co-Fe and Liquid Space are both hubs worth checking out
Santa Fe’s Roundup
It’s a beautiful and creative place with an excellent quality of life, fantastic scenery, and lots to do. But, it’s also expensive and not necessarily a typical nomad destination. That said, Wi-Fi speeds are reasonable, and there are tons of things to immerse yourself in during your free time.
Best Remote Working Locations #17: Sanur, Bali
If your travels take you to Indonesia and Bali in particular, we think Sanur is a great spot to sit down and do some work while you enjoy the sunsets.
It’s less popular than some of the busier places—such as Kuta, Jimbaran, and Ubud. That said, Sanur has plenty of attractions, including museums, temples, and beachside walks. It’s less touristy with fewer resorts, with a reasonably quiet pace of life.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: An average speed of 11 MBPS, which is still fast, although not as quick as some of our other listings
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, the exchange is 13,960 Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) to $1 USD
- Weather: It’s hot and humid! Average temperatures remain at a near-constant 30°C. Still, because of the humidity, it can feel as if the temperature is in the high 40s. It’s worth noting, January and February receive the highest amount of rainfall
- Accommodation: The average nightly Airbnb rental is around $15, although there are way cheaper hostels. You can rent a studio for about $200 per month, or if you fancy hotel life, it’ll cost you an average of $433 per month. Bear in mind, you can always haggle for a cheaper rate if you’re staying longer
- Food: Eating out is incredibly cheap, with an average dinner price of $1.45 per person, plus $1.40 for 0.5L for a beer
- Coworking Spaces: If you don’t want to work in noisy cafes, then there are a few coworking spaces available. We found CoHive, Livit Hub, and The Sanur Space
Sanur’s Roundup
If you fancy a quiet spot to chill and work, then Sanur hits the spot. It’ll be kind on your nomad budget too. Of course, the humidity can be severe, still, if you find an airconditioned living and working space, you won’t suffer much.
Its biggest advantage is that it’s incredibly cheap, and while its Wi-Fi speed isn’t the highest, it’s good enough. If, however, you’re looking for something lively to do in your downtime, you may be disappointed. There are fewer digital nomad communities there, so if you’re after like-minded company, you may not find it in abundance.
Best Remote Working Locations #18: Seville, Spain
This Andalucian gem is Spain’s fourth-largest city and is full of history, great food, flamenco, sunshine, and warmth. If you’re working your way around Spain, we think Seville is a fantastic stopping point for a week or even longer.
There are loads of places to visit in your free time, such as the Alcázar of Seville, the cathedral, the historic narrow streets of the old quarter, and of course, the tapas bars. You can also quickly get to Granada from there and the Sierra Nevada mountains—which is a fab place to be if you fancy skiing or hiking.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Speeds average around 25 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing, it’s 0.90 Euro (EUR) to $1 USD
- Weather: Seville is one of Spain’s warmest cities, and even in December and January, the temperature averages at around 17-19°C. The sunnier months, especially from June to September can be sweltering, with temperatures ranging between 31-33°C
- Accommodation: The average cost of a night in a private Airbnb room is around $57, whereas a basic hotel is cheaper at $33 per night. If you’re planning on staying longer, then a studio rental in the city center will cost you around $600 per month
- Food: The average cost of dinner is around $11, with beer priced at $2.17—although prices can be lower than this if you shop around
- Coworking Spaces: We found WorkINcompany, Arcadia, and Thinking Company, and there are plenty of cafes that offer free W-Fi which perfect for digital nomads on a budget
Seville’s Roundup
Because Seville is on the tourist trail, there are times when it does feel crowded. Still, if you’re there for longer than a few days, you’ll have plenty of time to link up with other digital nomads and find a working space that fits your needs.
Seville is a cultured city where much of life is spent outdoors, eating, drinking, and meeting friends. The food is excellent, you can hop from tapas bar to tapas bar as the locals do. Or just sit back and people watch, absorb the Spanish culture, and marvel at its rich language… and of course, find the time to run your ecommerce business in between.
Best Remote Working Locations #19: Taipei, Taiwan
It’s easy to get to, effortless to get around, it’s cheap, and it’s a safe place to be, especially if you’re traveling alone. Taipei is a perfect spot if you’re a food lover and love street food and night markets. There are tons of hiking opportunities there, most notably at Tiger Mountain or Qixing Mountain. Or you can take a gentle walk in the city’s Daan Forest Park.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can just chill at the Wulai Hot Springs before heading to any one of the city’s many night markets for a taste of delicious street food. Popular night markets include Ningxia, Shilin, Raohe, and Tonghua.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: An average speed of 19 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: 29.59 Taiwanese New Dollar (TWD) is equivalent to $1 USD
- Weather: It’s hot and sticky, with April to September reaching between 29 to 34°C, but it often feels as high as 50°C or higher. October to March is more refreshing, with temperatures between 20-28°C, but humidity is high all year round
- Accommodation: Airbnb and hotel prices are around the same, costing an average of $50 per night. You can also find rental groups on Taipei Facebook pages that may be a bit cheaper
- Food: Street food is the cheapest way to eat and will cost you around $3-$4, and 0.5L beer is around the same price
- Coworking Spaces: There are masses of areas for you to work in if you decide not to operate from your accommodation. Most reputably, CLBC, The Hive, Makerbar, and Hun
Taipei’s Roundup
While Taipei is cheap in terms of food, accommodation there isn’t the most affordable. However, if you’re planning on spending just a few days in the city before moving on, it’s not going to bust your budget, and it’s really easy to get around.
Temperatures are scorching there, which can be somewhat of a disadvantage. Still, it’s definitely on the traveler and nomad trail so you’re sure to bump into other like-minded digital nomads, especially if you plan on spending a week or two there.
Best Remote Working Locations #20: Thessaloniki, Greece
No review on digital nomad working locations is complete without featuring at least one place in Greece. There are so many areas and islands to choose from, however, we decided to go with Thessaloniki because it’s accessible, affordable, full of history, and even has its own International Film Festival!
It’s also a port city, so there are plenty of ferries to facilitate island hopping during your free time. It’s Greece’s second-largest city and a university location, so there are plenty of young people and trendy places to hang out. The nearby Meteora Monasteries, Halkidiki, and free walking tours of the city are all fabulous things to visit and do while you’re there.
So, what are the practicalities?
- Wi-Fi: Speeds are fine at an average of 12 MBPS
- Currency Exchange: At the time of writing the exchange was 0.91 Euro (EUR) to $1 USD
- Weather: As with much of Greece, you’ll find heat during the summer months, May to September, with temperatures ranging between 25-32°C. But, it’s still lovely in October, with an average warmth of 21°C. The cooler weather is between November and April, with December, January, and February being the coldest, with temperatures around 9-11°C. Those same months are when Thessaloniki gets most of its rain, with an average of 4-5 days rain a month, although in common with much of Greece, there’s never a lot of rain!
- Accommodation: A private Airbnb will cost you around $36 per night, and a hotel room averages at $60
- Food: Food there is really cheap, you can eat dinner for just under $6 per night and beer costs $4 for 0.5L
- Coworking Spaces: There’s Coho, i4GPro, and plenty of cafes with free Wi-Fi, which should meet all your basic internet needs
Thessaloniki’s Roundup
While Thessaloniki may not be the most beautiful Greek island, it’s practical if you’re planning on island hopping and moving around. It’s also cheap, so you can spend plenty of time there without breaking your budget.
The weather can’t be faulted, and although it’s not a traditional digital nomad hot spot, it’s a great location to access more of Greece including Chois, Crete, Samos, Lesvos, or, if you’re heading to Athens, the port of Piraeus.
Ready to Kickstart Your Adventure as a Digital Nomad?
So there you have it, our suggested top 20 remote working locations to visit while traveling and working as a digital nomad. While the list is entirely subjective, we hope it gives you a little sense of just how big the digital nomad community actually is.
Traveling while you’re working isn’t always easy, it can be lonely and feel unstructured if you don’t plan your time well, but there are ways of making it work for you. There will be places you stay just a couple of days and others where you think, “Oh, I really want to live here for a while.”
For example, you could base yourself in a European city for a month and travel from there to other European remote working locations just for a few days. This especially feasible since train connections are so fast and often really cheap!
There’s no reason why you can’t combine your love of travel with your need to earn a living. If this intrigues you, being a digital nomad could be the perfect way to go. You don’t need to get the travel bug out of your system; instead, make it part of who you actually are and get paid while you’re doing it—win-win!