It’s the year 2023, and due to a certain recent ‘once in a 100 year’ pandemic, the way we work, live, and travel has changed – forever.
Flight Centre has done a deep dive into the world’s best digital nomad destinations, where the cost of living is low, the vibes are high, like-minded people are plenty, and, importantly, the internet is fast. Picture: Supplied
It’s the year 2023, and due to a certain recent ‘once in a 100-year’ pandemic, the way we work, live, and travel has
changed – forever. Interestingly, these may also be golden days for remote workers seeking to combine work, life, and travel in one inviting global package.
We’ve done a deep dive into the world’s best digital nomad destinations, where the cost of living is low, the vibes are
high, like-minded people are plenty, and, importantly, the internet is fast and the connection is reliable.
So, where is the cheapest place to be a successful digital nomad? What’s the hottest destination for the digital nomad community right now, you ask? Read on to find out where you could be living the remote work dream!
1. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
If you’re the kind of free-spirited digital nomad who likes to feel the sand between their toes, catch some waves, then grab a barista made flat white, you’ll feel right at home in Canggu, often ranked as a top location on Nomadlist.com.
Monthly cost of living: R 31 402.74
Average internet speed: Fast (34Mbps)
Biggest pros: Fun and safe place to be with great weather and lots of co-working spaces.
Biggest cons: Access to healthcare is limited, roads can be dangerous, and it can feel a little crowded.
2. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Less than 30 kilometres from Canggu, you’ll trade the ocean for more zen nature vibes in Ubud, where nomads who also consider ‘yogi’ one of their official monikers flock to for that work-life-namaste-balance.
Monthly cost of living: R 29 555.52
Average internet speed: Fast (18 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Spacious, safe, and warm all year round
Biggest cons: Access to healthcare is limited, roads can be dangerous
3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A very reasonable cost of living in an energetic city with a love of food – those with an insatiable appetite for culture and cuisine should head to HoChi Minh City. Here you can seek out co-working spaces to rub shoulders with other digital nomads and experience urban living in one of Asia’s most bustling cities.
Monthly cost of living: R 20 319.42
Average internet speed: Okay (8Mbps)
Biggest pros: Easy to do business and make friends, lots of fun things to do
Biggest cons: English speaking can be a challenge, roads can be hectic and internet speed could be faster.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
This Northern Thailand outpost has long been a digital nomad hub – with a low cost of living, decent internet, plenty to explore by day, and more than one busy night market to devour by night – Chiang Mai makes living and working in Asia the dream. Experience a slower pace of life in Thailand’s north, and also a good base to explore the neighbouring country of Laos.
Monthly cost of living: R 18 472.20
Average internet speed: Fast (28 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Great location year-round, safe, family-friendly
Biggest cons: English speaking can be a challenge, not much in the way of nightlife compared to other Asian cities
Other Southeast Asia destinations that many digital nomads love include Thailand’s capital city Bangkok and the southeast island of Ko Pha Ngan (also famous for its monthly Full Moon Party). Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Vietnam’s northern outpost of Hanoi also rank highly in the top cities for digital nomads.
If East Asia is more your vibe, Hong Kong has long been a top expat and digital nomad destination. Keen to visit South Korea? Get a taste of the digital nomad lifestyle in Seoul or Busan – two digital nomad destinations on
the rise.
Swing a little further South and discover India’s digital nomad scene – with Bengaluru (aka Bangalore) proving to be a popular digital nomad destination and the centre of India’s tech industry. Just remember it can get extremely hot in the summer.
5. Lima, Peru
Not the top of the digital nomad destination hit list, but hear Lima out, the capital city of Peru is well connected for direct flights to the USA and cheap flights to various locations around South America. A handy surprise to know there are dozens of world-class restaurants to get a taste of Peruvian cuisine. This vibrant city has a rich history, modern amenities, and a growing digital nomad movement.
Monthly cost of living: R 24 013.86
Average internet speed: Slow (4 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Pretty safe, lots to do, and warm year round
Biggest cons: Internet could be faster, access to healthcare
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
They don’t sing songs about Rio for nothing, this famous city where the mountains meet the sea is nothing short of
breath-taking. Beach lovers will find plenty of places to plonk down and get some work done before sipping on a caipirinha and joining a game of beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach.
Monthly cost of living: R 27 708.30
Average internet speed: Slow (4 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Warm year-round, easy to makefriends, and lots of fun things to do
Biggest cons: Average internet can be slow, but faster connections are available, roads can be dangerous and English
speaking can be a challenge
7. Medellín, Colombia
If all you know of Medellín is that is once the home of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, you can rest assured the city has left its sketchy past behind and is a great place to go digital. Particularly the El Poblado neighbourhood, where you’ll find plenty of co-working spaces and cool cafes to work remotely. Then, at sundown, put your dancing shoes on for some lively salsa and world-class restaurants.
Monthly cost of living: R 25 861.08
Average internet speed: Slow (4 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Cheap, easy to get around, warm year-round, surrounded by lush nature
Biggest cons: English speaking can be a challenge, and the internet can be slow, but faster connections are available
So, what’s your favourite Digital nomad destination? Imagining a world where work and travel go hand in hand is just a call,email, or enquiry away! Chat with a Flight Centre Travel Expert today about where you’d like to go digital nomad and we’ll help get you there!
_*All info and prices given are correct on rate of exchange based on 12 July 2023._
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