The Best Places to be a Digital Nomad

Globalisation, widespread broadband internet access and the increased opportunities to travel, have seen the rise of the ‘Digital Nomad’. These are people who can work anywhere in the world, just so long as they have a computer, an internet connection and a sense of adventure – and their numbers are growing by the day.

So if you are looking for the chance to untether yourself from the office, or maybe you have been a Digital Nomad for some time and are just looking for your next stop, then we have a list of places that may are perfect for you.

Thailand: A Taste of the Exotic

With its beautiful beaches, friendly locals and low cost of living, Thailand is one of the top destinations for Digital Nomads who are looking for a more exotic locale in which to avoid the rat race.

In fact Thailand is such a favoured destination for remote working that thousands have flocked there, with two cities being particular favourites.

Chiang Mai – Temples and Elephants, for Seekers of Peace and Elegance

Nestled high in the mountains of Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai is see as the Shangri-La of remote workers, thanks to the breath-taking location and easy access to fast Wi-Fi.

Awarded the UNESCO title of Creative City in late 2017, the city is a popular destination for artists, writers and other creative types, many of whom praise the ability to work on collaborative projects thanks to the many co-work spaces in the city.

Expats working in the city also rank the city highly for the laid back atmosphere, warm weather and clean mountain air.

However one possible negative it is that Chiang Mai’s nightlife is somewhat quieter than Bangkok, with locals resistant towards anything that could shatter the peacefulness of the city.

Bangkok – Life in the Fast Lane for the Wired Wanderer

If you are looking for somewhere in Thailand that is less secluded and better connected to the rest of the world then you may want to consider the capital, Bangkok.

While a little more expensive than Chinag Mai, it is still very easy to live comfortably on a mid-range overseas salary and is great for those who need a reliable internet connection, with speeds of up to 35mbps available for as little as £15 a month.

One key selling point of Bangkok is of course its vibrant nightlife, with the city sometimes described as an ‘adult wonderland’, its perfect for those who like to work hard and play hard.

Germany: Say Auf Wiedersehen to the 9-5

Germany is home to thousands of Digital Nomads who flock to the country for the chance to work in the beating heart of Europe, and all the fantastic opportunities its presents, with the great beer being an added bonus.

Germany is considered a very safe and tolerant country and thanks to this generally attracts a young and diverse mix of people.

Germany has one of the world’s largest economies, so you can expect it to have all the infrastructure and amenities of a developed nation.

Because of this Germany is also becoming an increasingly popular place for start-ups, and with their considerable demand for temporary labour, this makes it an ideal place for freelancers to pick up some work.

On top of this Germany’s central location and excellent transport links mean it’s a great country to base yourself if you wish to visit the rest of Europe or need to frequently travel for work.

If you are unsure where best to enjoy the nomadic lifestyle in Germany then consider either Berlin or Munich as great cities to start with. Both have large expat communities and an international focus means English is widely spoken.

If, however, you are seeking somewhere you can get a bit of a tan on your days off, you will likely be better off looking elsewhere as Germany’s weather can be similar to the UK – at least in the north of the country – especially when compared with some of the other locations on this list.

Hong Kong: Noodles and Networking for the Knowledgeable Nomad

The vibrant city of Hong Kong, with its towering skyscrapers against a backdrop of hills on China’s south coast, is fast becoming one the world’s premier locations for Digital Nomads.

And it is easy to see why. As a major international business centre the city has fast internet, plenty of accessible workspaces and endless networking opportunities.

ESL tutors are much in demand in Hong Kong, meaning it is easy to pick up some side work teaching English if you want to boost your income.

Hong Kong is also a great place to let your entrepreneurial spirit run wild as business friendly laws make the city an ideal location to establish your own business.

And let’s not forget the wealth of culture and great food that Hong Kong has to offer.

However, while Hong Kong offers many opportunities for both budding and veteran nomads, it also comes with a high price tag. Accommodation in particular can be prohibitively expensive for some.

Another thing to watch out for in Hong Kong is the terrible air quality. At times, a cloud of toxic smog descends on the city, which could be a possible health concern for some.

San Francisco: High Tech Hub for the Global ITinerant

For those interested in working in the tech sector San Francisco offers nearly everything a Digital Nomad could ever want.

Of course this includes lightning-fast internet access and a wide availability of co-working spaces and nomad-friendly cafes, as well as great weather and a fantastic nightlife.

It also helps that San Francisco is at the forefront of the tech world, with innovations seemly occurring every other day, making it the perfect place for someone who works in the industry to stay ahead of the game.

Many nomads living in the city also celebrate San Francisco’s tolerance of a wide variety of lifestyles and acceptance of people from all over the world, making it easy to assimilate with the community no matter where you originate from.

It is important to note however that, even more so that even Hong Kong, San Francisco is an expensive place to live, with the spiralling demand for accommodation meaning that the city has the highest levels of rent in the US.

However, if you can stomach the idea of living in a shared house or apartment, then you will likely find yourself quickly assimilated within a close-knit community that includes many of the tech industry’s best and brightest, which could help to open a few doors in your career.

Secure Your Nomadic Income Using a Currency Broker

If you’re thinking about attempting the nomadic lifestyle then you’re probably going to need to think about how you’re going to transfer any earnings into your local account.

While your first thought may be to just leave it to your bank to handle, employing the services of a reputable currency broker could get you more for your money.

Apart from the ease, using a broker means you can set up regular recurring payments with little hassle, ensuring you receive your money when you need it.

To find out more about your currency transfer options click here.

Category Emigrating

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