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The best cities for digital nomads
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A large English-speaking workforce, flight connections with the rest of Asia, and affordable housing are the big plus of this colourful city with futuristic architecture and an old soul. In 2021 Kuala Lumpur ranked first in InterNation survey for expats’ destinations with particular mentions to the welcoming population, closeness to top natural spots and beaches as well as the country0s favourable economy.
Austin, Texas
Increasingly, Austin, Texas has been hosting its own digital nomad community attracted by the city’s music scene, incredible restaurant offers and great housing options. It is perceived as more approachable than other US cities, a ‘cooler, more affordable LA’, that offers hip coworking spaces and cafes for working days as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities over the weekends and a huge international airport to easily fly anywhere.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
During the pandemic, Buenos Aires has completed its transformation into one of the most liveable city in LatAm investing in greener transports like its now world-famous bike lanes in the city centre, more sustainable lifestyles and electric public transport. The country is now experimenting a digital nomad visa that already helps over 2,000 travellers to move to the city every month.Expect to find a melting pot of creatives, a surf friendly environment, and hike opportunities.
Madeira, Portugal
This island is home to one of the first digital nomads villages, attracting creatives, entrepreneurs and the startup community from all over the world. The village is designed as a one-stop ship for remote workers offering them support to settle in, access to infrastructures to work from, daily organised social activities, a welcoming community, and no less important the good old island party life.
Dubai, UAE
The first impression Dubai gives is really that of a city of the future, thanks to its renown reputation as a financial and tech hub and its latest push into the crypto space with government-backed initiatives within this market. The city was one of the first urban centres to extirpate the pandemic, which quickly turned it into a destination for many who wanted to escape global lockdowns elsewhere. Dubai’s similar timezone to Europe, its favourable flight connections to Asian and African countries, tax benefits and the international community make it into a great city to kick off a business or just start a new life.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City makes a fantastic place to live for history, cultural opportunities, progressive politics which are the best in Latin America like same sex marriage and vibrant restaurant scenes. Many look at it also for its proximity to the US tech scene and the fastest broadband coverage in the country, which turn it into a sort of cheaper Silicon Valley.
Changgu, Indonesia
Bali is a classics for digital nomads and the island’s beauties as well as the low cost of life in Indonesia are well known among globe trotters. Changgu is probably one of the favourite destinations, especially among Australians, due to its hip vibe, surf culture and vibrant nightlife. The country’s government has recently further encouraged long-term visitors by announcing a new visa specifically designed for digital nomads that offer them multiple entry benefits making it easier to live the dream of working from one of its beach towns, between one yoga session and the other.
Venice, Italy
Who wouldn’t dream to live in Venice, at leats for a while? Now is getting easier than ever to experience that for remote workers, as the lagoon city, studded with crumbling palazzi and half-used spaces, becomes a laboratory to experiment with new ways of working. The local government initiative Veniwhere is trying to attract young professionals and freelancers in a bid to repopulate the historic centre. The project helps them get easy access into Venetian life with apartments viewings, support to navigate the health system, connection with workspaces, language classes and recreational amenities off the beaten tourist paths.
Bangkok, Thailand
Ranked second best city in the world for digital nomads in a new study by The Instant Group, Bangkok scored well in key areas like affordability, weather, broadband speed, scenery, and transport. Its bustling food markets with one of the best street food scenes in Asia, more than 15,000 high-speed WiFi hotspots available, great transport options and some of the lowest fees for coworking spaces in the business district make the quality of life one of the best in the region, even compared to Chang Mai, Thai’s former Mecca for digital workers. Following the success, Thailand is launching a 10-year "golden visa" scheme aimed at wealthy foreigners, primarily those employed in tech sectors - although is just a matter fo time before the risk for further gentrification becomes real.
Budapest, Hungary
A mixture of Turkish and Austrian influences make up the rich historic culture of this Eastern European capital which, combined to an unexpected low cost of life and accommodation, have quickly turned it into a cosmopolitan digital nomads hotspots. Budapest is particularly efficient when it comes to coworking spaces availability, transport passes and fun opportunities. A big plus its thermal baths culture, a relaxing end to any working week.