As the world has embraced remote work, digital nomads have sought the best destinations to combine work and travel. This article will explore the 20 best places to work remotely in the world. These destinations offer an ideal blend of infrastructure, lifestyle, and cultural experiences for digital nomads to thrive. From bustling cities to tranquil beach towns, each place on this list provides unique advantages for remote workers.
Top 20 best places to work remotely in the world and why
Across the Middle East to Europe, Africa, and most importantly America, these are some of the best places where digital nomads can live and work.
Bali, Indonesia
Known as a digital nomad hotspot, Bali offers a vibrant coworking scene, affordable living costs, and a rich cultural experience. The island offers a lot of relaxing experiences as most expats take advantage of the opportunity to go surfing, yoga retreats, and explore lush rice terraces during breaks.
One good thing about the work scene in Bali is the balanced nature that ensures you have the time and resources to work while meeting the demands of other aspects of your life.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
What most of the world knows about Thailand is the chaotic and busy Bangkok but Chiang Mai is a popular destination that’s more laid back than the former. Interestingly, Chiang Mai is considered one of the foremost digital nomad enclaves of the world.
Even though it has become quite a bustling city (not anywhere close to Bangkok though), it is still a good place to work remotely thanks to the affordable food, reliable internet, and the continued welcoming digital nomad community that has been established in the city.
Lisbon, Portugal
Described as a city big enough to keep you entertained and small enough to enjoy your peace and tranquility, Lisbon combines Old World charm with a modern tech scene. It boasts a mild climate, affordable living costs, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín has a growing tech community and this is supported by the ongoing development of modern infrastructure, including coworking spaces and reliable internet, making it an attractive destination. In South America, the locals in Medellin are arguably the best and you won’t have a hard time establishing bonds and connections.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi combines a rich history, stunning architecture, beautiful landmarks, and a low cost of living. Digital nomads can enjoy the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, explore ancient churches, and indulge in Georgian cuisine. While most of the immigrants have rendered praises for how “in touch with nature” Georgia is, they have complained about the lack of eco-friendly practices and the driving habits of people in the country.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is considered by several expats as the best city in Germany to live in for foreigners. The city is a buzzing hub for startups in the tech, finance, business, and pharmaceutical industries. This creates a work atmosphere that supercharges anyone looking to make it big in a modern city.
Aside from the corporate space in Berlin, the city is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. Berlin has a range of galleries, musical festivals, and historical landmarks to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. You may consider Hamburg if you are looking for a cheaper place to live as the standard of living in Berlin is pretty high.
Mexico City, Mexico
Despite being a heavily populated city, many Americans have made their way to Mexico City since the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of roaming freelancers. It is no surprise why regardless of the busy metropolis of Mexico City it has become the preferred destination of remote workers from North and South America.
Among the many reasons Mexico City is a good place to work remotely is that the city provides a blend of affordability, cultural richness, and a thriving digital nomad community. The best part of the city is its delicious street food.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a thriving tech scene. There are nationals from over 170 countries in Barcelona and this is evidence of how accommodating the city and its inhabitants are of immigrants.
The Economist ranks Barcelona as the 11th safest city in the world. From its beaches to mountains, there are a lot of places to have fun while in Barcelona, offering expats a chance to maintain an enlivened work-life balance.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is among the globally recognized cities in the world that offer a low cost of living. The city allows you to live comfortably without spending too much. Thanks to its growing startup ecosystem, there’s a healthy business terrain in Ho Chi Minh City. If you need to unwind, you can visit some of the historical landmarks and indulge in Vietnamese street food.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires combines European elegance with Latin American flair. The city offers a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse food scene. Enjoy tango performances, visit art galleries, and explore the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the city of luxury but that’s not what makes it a preferred destination for remote workers. It features a perfect fusion of the East and West, no worries thanks to the notably low crime rate, world-class infrastructures, and an enabling environment for startup growth and success. You’ll be happy to know that you won’t have to pay income tax when living in Dubai.
Cape Town, South Africa
Down in Africa, one of the best places to work remotely in the world has to be Cape Town. The city is blessed with breathtaking natural beauties and they’ve invested in creating a vibrant tech community. If you need an African city that doesn’t stray too far from the quality of life in the Western world, then you should check Cape Town out.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s vibrant nightlife, charming cafes, and cultural events make it an exciting destination for remote work. Even if you choose to leave remote work and dabble into 9-5 jobs in Prague you’ll still be successful as Prague pays above global averages.
The public transport in Prague is cheap and comfortable. Not having a car in Prague wouldn’t feel like a burden at all. When you need to rest from the hustle and bustle of work, you can explore the ancient landmarks of Prague as the city is a political and cultural mecca.
Austin, Texas, USA
This list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t add a city from the United States. Regardless of how the country has been portrayed as not being a great option for nomads looking for places to live and work, the United States has cities that still provide the environment for global freelancers.
For instance, Austin combines a lively music scene, a thriving tech industry, and a friendly atmosphere. Coffee shops, restaurants, and eateries are littered around the city to provide workspaces and culinary comfort while you work. Enjoy live music shows, explore food trucks, and attend tech conferences during leisure time.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney offers a high standard of living but the picturesque beaches and a dynamic business environment make it a good place for remote workers to thrive. While in the city, I’ll encourage you to go surfing, visit iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, and explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik provides a unique blend of natural beauty, a progressive society, and a strong internet infrastructure. The country prioritizes work-life balance and it is evident from the way companies treat their employees, giving them time off when the need arises.
For me, the best part of Reykjavik is how you can be in touch with nature at every point in time. You should explore the geothermal pools, witness the Northern Lights, and immerse yourself in Icelandic culture.
Tallinn, Estonia
Just like Reykjavik, this Estonian city values work-life balance so much and you’ll be encouraged to do so too. Currently, in the EU, Estonia has one of the best tax environments which has made it a hub for potential investors and entrepreneurs. The city of Tallinn has a relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities, especially in terms of housing, rental apartments, food, and transportation.
You won’t struggle to maintain an active social lifestyle as there are tens of activities that locals indulge in for relaxation from hiking to fishing, and much more. Tallinn has been named a UNESCO world heritage site and there are many festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and the Estonian Song and Dance Festival.
Seoul, South Korea
There’s no denying that the Middle East and Asian countries offer some of the best environments for remote workers in the world. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, boasts a fascinating mix of modernity and tradition. You’ll enjoy high-speed internet, a lively food scene, and a thriving tech industry.
K-pop concerts are some of the best offerings by the city for entertainment and you’ll love to attend them.
Wellington, New Zealand
The combination of natural beauty, high quality of life, and an amazing environment for businesses and entrepreneurs earn Wellington, NZ a place in this list. Some of the best parts of staying in New Zealand are you get to hike stunning trails, visit craft breweries, and experience the city’s creative arts scene.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv provides a vibrant startup ecosystem, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. Enjoy the city’s bustling markets, explore historic sites such as Jaffa, and indulge in delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
Final thoughts on the best places to work remotely in the world and why
These 20 destinations offer the perfect balance of infrastructure, affordability, cultural experiences, and vibrant digital nomad communities. Whether you prefer tropical paradises, bustling cities, or historical landmarks, there is a place on this list to suit your preferences.
Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and explore the world while working remotely in these incredible destinations. Remember to check visa requirements and local regulations before planning your journey.
Happy remote working and happy travels!