The growth of remote and freelance work has opened up the opportunities for digital nomads to live and work from virtually anywhere in the world.
In this article we will be looking at the top 10 destinations that offer the perfect mix of affordability, strong communities, reliable infrastructure and opportunity for digital nomads.
Narrowing down the top 10 digital nomad hotspots wasn’t easy, with countless amazing places to choose from. We’ve limited this list to one city per country—there are plenty of hidden gems not included.
1. Medellín, Colombia
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round pleasant climate, Medellín has become a favorite among digital nomads wanting to live outside North America but stay approximately in the same time zone.
With affordable living costs, a vibrant social scene, walkable city and fast-growing coworking spaces, it’s an ideal base for remote workers and those wanting to immerse themselves in Latin American culture. Safety is a common concern, however it is something that can be mostly mitigated by avoiding certain areas and being aware of the common scams.
Digital nomads heading to Medellín can typically enter Colombia on a tourist visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days, extendable for an additional 90 days. For longer stays, the Digital Nomad Visa, which permits remote workers to live and work in Colombia for up to 2 years, provided they meet the income and documentation requirements.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a dream destination for many digital nomads, offering an appealing mix of affordability, natural beauty, incredibly happy people and a thriving remote work community. It’s especially popular among Australians, with flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane taking 6-7 hours, and just a short 3-4 hour hop from Perth, which shares the same +8 timezone.
However, some travelers note that Bali can feel far busier than expected, especially for those visiting Asia for the first time. Many countries are eligible for a 30 day Tourist Visa-On-Arrival (USD 35 / AUD 50) which can be extended for another 30 days. For longer stays a B2-11 business visa (60 days) can be arranged for under a few hundred dollars through an agent or a 1-2 KITAS work permit (valid for 1-2 years) for around USD$500.
While Bali is often regarded as a bustling hotspot, those seeking a slower pace may prefer Ubud, located approximately 35 kilometers (about an hour’s drive) away, offering a more tranquil alternative.
In terms of the best time to visit, Bali’s dry season (April to October) is ideal if you plan to get out and about, with May, June, and September offering fewer crowds and better deals. The wet season (November to March) brings rain but fewer tourists, while peak times like July-August and December-January are the busiest and most expensive.
Although some consider Bali overrated or a “tourist trap” during peak seasons, for young digital nomads, it remains a fantastic place to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and bring creative ideas to life if you are able to fund the lifestyle.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has long been a favorite destination for digital nomads, thanks to its low living costs, amazing food and safe relaxed atmosphere. Other perks include a small International Airport which serves most of SE Asia and access to world class health services. Throughout the year there are several major festivals including Songkran which capture the energy of both the locals and foreigners.
The city itself is located in Northern Thailand at the foot of the Doi Suthep Mountain with countless Temples scattered throughout the province. While the city is generally walkable, those staying longer than a few days typically hire a 125cc Scooter (Motorcycle Licence Required) or if you’re confident catch a Red Songthaew which is unique blend of a Shared Uber & Public bus.
For the aspiring Entrepreneur and Digital Nomads, theirs are countless networking events most nights around the city including the Chiang Mai SEO community which attracts extremely talented personalities from across the globe. Co-Working spaces such as Yellow are an excellent way to Network and work alongside very interesting people doing some very interesting things.
Most arriving in Chiang Mai start on a free 60 Day Tourist Visa Exemption, extendable for another 30 days (90 days total) and transfer onto a ‘1 Year Education Visa’ learning Thai or Martial Arts. Recently Thailand announced a ‘5 Year Destination Thailand DTV Visa (aka Digital Nomad Visa)‘ which can be a very attractive proposition for those running a business or earning a remote income.
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring. However, the city’s biggest drawback is the smoky season (typically March to April), caused by agricultural burning, prompting many residents and visitors to leave during those months.
Chiang Mai holds a very special charm for many, offering a unique ability to adapt to whatever lifestyle you desire. Beware, first-time visitors often find themselves falling in love with the city and feeling an immediate desire to return making Thailand their home!
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia, is an emerging hotspot for digital nomads looking for a mix of affordable living, rich culture, and modern conveniences. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a unique experience that blends historical charm with a growing digital economy.
Tbilisi’s cost of living is much lower than many Western cities, making it an attractive choice for remote workers who want to stretch their budget. Compared to SE Asia there is certainly a 30-40% premium with a decent quality of life costing ~$1000-1500 a month.
Georgia offers multiple visa options that are ideal for digital nomads. Citizens from over 90 countries can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country without needing a specific visa. For those who wish to stay longer, the country also provides options for residence permits and other long-term visas. Georgia remains an attractive destination for remote workers seeking a hassle-free experience for expats wanting to stay in a country long term and the freedom to access services such as banking.
Tbilisi appeals to digital nomads from all over the world, especially those from Europe, the U.S., and surrounding regions like Russia and the Middle East. The city has a growing expat community, which adds to its international vibe while still maintaining a warm, welcoming feel. Tbilisi is in the Georgian Time Zone (UTC +4), which is ideal for those who work with teams in both Europe and Asia. The time zone also offers a convenient overlap for those in the Middle East or countries around the Black Sea.
When it comes to safety, Tbilisi is considered one of the safer cities for digital nomads. While, like any major city, there are areas where travelers should be cautious, Tbilisi generally has low crime rates. The locals are friendly and helpful, and many people speak English, especially in areas popular with tourists and expats. For digital nomads looking for a place that offers affordable living, reliable infrastructure, and a mix of culture and nature, Tbilisi is an excellent choice. Plus, its proximity to the stunning Caucasus Mountains makes it an ideal spot for adventure when you’re not working.
5. Penang Malaysia
Penang, an island off the west coast of Malaysia and an excellent base for established digital nomads and entrepreneurs looking for a presence in South East Asia. The cost of living is competitive, with affordable housing, coworking spaces, and daily essentials with year round tropical warm weather.
The Island history is heavily influenced by once being a British trading hub which is reflected in its colonial buildings and multicultural influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European communities. Penang is also known for its excellent food and the island’s mix of urban areas and natural attractions, such as beaches and hiking trails, provides a balanced environment for work and relaxation.
Penang has it’s own small International Airport connects the island to major cities in Southeast Asia, ensuring easy travel for both business and leisure. Alternatively a short 1 hour domestic flight to Kuala Lumpur provides greater long haul options.
One thing that sets Malaysia apart is its generous immigration options. Most short-term travelers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, depending on their nationality. Another option is the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, a 12-month renewable visa tailored for digital nomads, providing a flexible option for remote workers. For those wanting a permanent option, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is an attractive option.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, offers an affordable and convenient location for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. With a lower cost of living compared to most US cities, it provides affordable housing, coworking spaces, and reliable public transport, allowing professionals to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on ~$1,000 to $2,000 USD a month.
The city is rich in history and culture, featuring landmarks like the Templo Mayor ruins and colonial buildings in the Historic Center. Mexico City also has a vibrant food scene, from street food to fine dining, and is home to notable museums like the National Museum of Anthropology.
Mexico City’ has many walkable neighborhoods, including Condesa and Roma, which are popular with remote workers due to their parks, cafes, and coworking spaces. Many international visitors find it easy to integrate, as English is commonly spoken in many professional settings.
Mexico City is in the Central Time Zone (CT), making it ideal for those in North America, especially for those working with clients or teams in the U.S. and Canada. With excellent connectivity via Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which offers direct flights to many global destinations.
Most travelers from countries like the U.S., Canada, and Europe can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism or business purposes. For longer stays, digital nomads can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which is valid for up to 4 years, or explore the Temporary Resident Visa for Remote Workers.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is an ideal destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs thanks to its affordable cost of living, excellent coworking spaces, and modern infrastructure. The city offers a mild climate, historic neighborhoods, and a vibrant food scene, making it a comfortable and attractive place to live and work.
With a growing expat community and reliable internet, Lisbon is particularly appealing to those from Europe and North America, especially due to its Western European Time (WET, UTC, +0) zone, which is convenient for working with clients in both Europe and the Americas.
For short-term stays, most digital nomads can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period as a tourist. For longer stays, the D7 Visa is available for remote workers and freelancers, offering a residence stay of up to one year with options for renewal.
8. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang, a beach side city located in central Vietnam, is quickly becoming a popular spot for digital nomads who value a mix of coastal city life and nature. Known for its beautiful beaches, the city has a relaxed vibe that distinguishes itself from other bustling cities in South East Asia, making it a perfect place for remote workers who want a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing too many modern conveniences.
The cost of living in Da Nang is low, with affordable housing, food, and transportation, which allows digital nomads to live comfortably without breaking the bank. Many Digital Nomads and expats live a comfortable life in Da Nang on between $500 on the low end to a more comfortable $1200 a month for a good apartment and eating out.
In addition to its affordability, Da Nang is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes on both sides. The famous Marble Mountains and nearby towns like Hoi An and Hue are popular smaller cities great for exploring. With warm weather year-round, the city offers offer opportunities for swimming, surfing, with the nearby mountains provide great hiking spots
While Da Nang is smaller than Saigon or Hanoi, it still has everything a digital nomad needs including a small International Airport serving the key cities in SE Asia. The city has good internet and a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes that are perfect for getting work done. There is a small but friendly expat community however it’s certainly not as pronounced as other Digital Nomad hotspots and somewhat seasonal.
Overall Da Nang offers a peaceful environment to focus on work if you want to be by the sea, love food and are on a tight budget but still want options to socialise with other expats.
9. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is an attractive option for digital nomads and entrepreneurs, offering a mix of affordable living, modern amenities, and a thriving tech scene. The city boasts a well-developed infrastructure, fast internet, and a number of coworking spaces, making it easy to work remotely. With a rich history, medieval architecture, and a growing community of digital professionals, Tallinn provides a unique environment for both work and leisure.
Tallinn is ideal for those looking for a blend of European culture and innovation. The cost of living in Tallinn is generally affordable compared to other European capitals, with average monthly expenses for a single person ranging from €800 to €1,200 depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. The city operates in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET, UTC+2), which suits those working with colleagues or clients in Europe.
For short-term stays, Estonia allows visitors to stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, digital nomads can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, which permits remote workers to live in Estonia for up to a year while working for a foreign employer.
10. Dahab, Egypt
Dahab, a laid-back coastal town on the Sinai Peninsula, offers a unique environment for digital nomads and entrepreneurs seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Red Sea coastline and desert landscapes, Dahab provides a low-cost living, affordable housing, and a variety of coworking spaces, making it a great option for remote work. The town has a vibrant community of expats and freelancers, and its small size fosters a close-knit, supportive atmosphere for professionals.
Dahab’s sunny weather, coupled with its serene vibe, makes it ideal for those who prefer a slower pace of life while still having access to the essential amenities and reliable internet for work. The city operates in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), making it convenient for those working with clients across Europe or the Middle East.
For short-term stays, visitors from many countries can enter Egypt without a visa for up to 30 days, and longer stays are possible through tourist visa extensions or a Long-Term Residency Visa.
Final Thoughts
The places listed here represent some of the best destinations for digital nomads from both personal experience and from fellow Digital Nomads I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Each location offering a unique combination of affordability, lifestyle, and work-friendly environments a little different than the others.
Need help shortlisting some places? Check out our article What to Look for When Selecting Your Digital Nomad Destination
What are your thoughts on the best Digital Nomad Locations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!