Choosing the right destination as a digital nomad involves more than just finding a place with a nice beach and free wifi connection!
This guide explores key aspects to think about when selecting your ideal digital nomad location.
Cost of Living
Choosing a destination that fits within your budget is one of the main factors to consider when selecting a digital nomad destination.
Many South East Asian cities such as Da Nang have very low cost of living starting from below $500 USD a month which can be very important when just starting off on your journey. On the other hand major European Cities can be several times more expensive.
It’s important to consider more than just about your monthly rent or meals; you also need to include other living costs like co-working spaces, internet/phone costs, health and travel insurance, utilities, and leisure activities. For cities that are not walkable, you might need to price in public transport or the cost of hiring a vehicle.
Internet Connectivity
A reliable internet connection is an essential requirement for digital nomads. Most of the world is pretty good when it comes to fast internet in 2025, however one important consideration is if the country you are visiting censors the internet, such as UAE blocking VoIP or restrictions on VPN’s which can hamper remote work.
It’s a good idea when booking a hotel or Airbnb, to inquire what type of Internet connection is available and where possible ask for a screenshot of a speedtest. As a indicator, 20mb/s download and 20mb/s upload is the minimum speeds you should aim for.
Visa and Residency Options
Checking the visa requirements for your chosen location is an incredibly important step when planning a trip destination to work remotely. If you have a powerful passport, many countries will allow you to stay within the country between 30-90 days as a tourist, either with a Visa Exemption or by obtaining a Visa which may need to arranged prior to arriving.
For longer stays in the country, some countries offer specific visas for remote workers or alternative paths to remain in the country such a student visa.
Most ‘tourist visas’ prohibit working within the country, however the vast majority overlook this point given you are working for a foreign and not competing with locally. From time you hear stories of Digital Nomads fleeing with their Macbooks when immigration raids co-working spaces or authorities aren’t exactly sure how you are funding your lifestyle on some strange internet token.
Time Zone Compatibility
When working remotely, choosing a destination in a similar timezone is a big deal. Waking up at 2AM to do get on Zoom calls or working evening while you’re friends party gets old very fast!
Generally sticking within 1 to 3 hours of your employer’s or clients’ time zone is the most comfortable and practical for many Digital Nomads.
Climate and Weather
Choosing between a warm, tropical or a more mild climate is a quick way to filter possible destinations. Consider how the weather will impact your daily routine and productivity. For example, sunny destinations may offer plenty of outdoor activities, while cooler European climates might be more comfortable for those not use to living in the tropics.
Additionally, research seasonal changes, as some locations may have extreme weather conditions, like heavy monsoons, harsh winters or a smokey season that could affect your stay.
Beaches or Mountains?
Just as important is the weather is think about what kind of activities you enjoy outside of work and what type of view you want outside your window.
Do you prefer an inland mountainous region like Chiang Mai, or prefer a beachside city with a seabreeze like Da Nang?
Accessibility and Transportation
For many, the accessibility, transportation options and walkability of the city is significant factor in where they want to live.
Do you want want the freedom to walk around the city like Mexico City, ride the Metro in Bangkok or are you comfortable hiring a small scooter to get around?
Close to a decent international airport is often a pretty big consideration for digital nomads who travel frequently or need to ‘Visa Run’s’ to another nearby country to reset their time in the country. Many secondary cities such as Phuket will have smaller International airports to key hubs like Singapore or Dubai, while major airports such as Kuala Lumpur will have direct long haul flights over the world.
Flight Connections is an excellent free tool that shows all the destinations and flights of a particular airport.
Cultural and Social Acceptance
A controversial and topic many do not like to discuss is the culture and political situation within the country.
Some destinations may not be as accepting of certain cultural or social groups. For example, countries with strained diplomatic relations, such as Malaysia being openly less tolerant of Israeli citizens, and some European countries including Germany restricting access for Russians.
Additionally if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to research how welcoming and open a location is. Certain destinations such as Dubai which while not necessarily enforced have strict penalties for same-sex activities which do not rule out death, or Egypt where their are accusations of police hunting LGBT people on dating apps.
Local Culture and Language
Being able to speak the local language makes a huge difference feeling welcomed and fitting into a new place, especially for new travellers.
Checking to see if your destination speaks a language you can communicate in as either a primary or secondary language can be a major plus. As travelers become more confident, navigating cities and bureaucracies in foreign languages becomes less intimidating.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs
Like cars, people break down too and access to quality healthcare is important no matter where you live.
Research the healthcare system in your destination country, particularly if you have complex health requirements as some developing destinations such as Siem Reap are not equip to deal with complex life threatening conditions.
The second half of this is being able to afford treatment. Some countries such as within the EU or between Australia and New Zealand may have Reciprocal Health Care Agreements, but many do not.
When travelling outside of your home country, ensure you have a quality health insurance cover. Be mindful that local providers within the country may not cover repatriation if you are seriously injured and need to be flown home.
Local Taxes and Taxation Treaties
Tax is something that many expats do not like thinking about, let alone paying.
When working within a country, be aware of how their tax system works and you’re tax obligations both locally and in your home country. Quite a few countries consider you a ‘tax resident’ once you have been in the country for more than 180 days a colander year. If you are a US Citizen, you will likely need to declare income and file tax returns regardless of where in the world you are.
Some countries have favorable tax rates for expats or digital nomads who declare their income locally, while others might tax foreign income. Research whether your destination has tax treaties with your home country to avoid double taxation!
Social Life and Networking Opportunities
Building relationships and social connections can be essential for young entrepreneurs.
Some cities offer thriving social networks, expat communities, or frequent meetups for entrepreneurs, making it easier to form friendships and find professional connections. Cities like Barcelona and Chiang Mai are two places known for their strong inviting social networks, while quieter destinations may offer fewer opportunities for networking.
Wrap Up
Finding the perfect destination can require some planning and deep thought, but considering key factors like cost of living, weather, safety, and cultural fit can make the process much smoother. If it’s the first time visiting the place, booking a short holiday there is generally a good idea first to see if you like the place.
Need inspiration on locations? Check out our recent article Top 10 Places For Digital Nomads and Young Entrepreneurs
How do you decide where to visit next and what are your top destinations? Let us know in the comments below