During the COVID-19 pandemic, a new fashion has emerged – working remotely. Although the world has already recovered from the coronavirus, some IT specialists and related professionals still do not want to go to offices. A recent study by virtual private network experts ExpressVPN reveals the 20 best places for remote workers and digital nomads to live.
The best regions for expats to live, as it turns out, are scattered across different parts of the planet. Two of them are in Europe.
“With many governments upgrading technical infrastructure and providing visas for digital workers, the global economy has created a sustainable business model for many,” Euronews notes.
So where should you go to combine work and travel? Here is a list of places that digital nomads themselves recommend to live.
Madeira, Portugal
While other Portuguese cities such as Lisbon and Porto have seen soaring prices and crowds, Madeira is becoming a more affordable alternative for digital nomads and remote workers from abroad. The temperate climate and oceanfront location make the island attractive to expats seeking traditional culture at home and modern culture in the workplace.
Thanks to recent infrastructure upgrades, Madeira boasts the fastest internet speeds in Portugal. Foreign remote workers can rent hybrid workstation complexes that combine housing and workspace. The cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment is about 850 euros per month.
Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia is located along the rocky but beautiful coast of the Baltic Sea. The climate here is colder than other cities on the list, but its developed digital infrastructure attracts remote workers and digital nomads.
With competitive internet speeds and online access to almost all government services, Tallinn provides an affordable alternative to more expensive and touristy European cities.
One of Estonia’s main advantages for expats is its flexible visa policy. Digital nomads can qualify for e-resident status, which allows them to own and operate a business without the need for a physical presence.
Bermuda
Bermuda is attractive to remote workers and digital nomads who are looking for adventure and are willing to ditch the traditional corporate environment entirely.
While Bermuda is still primarily a tourist destination known for its pink sand beaches, it also boasts good internet speeds and co-working spaces.
In addition, Bermuda’s tax code does not impose income taxes on residents. Remote workers can obtain a Work From Bermuda certificate, allowing them to work and live on the island for up to one year.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, located in the northern mountains of Thailand, has become a popular destination for young remote workers. There are many expats in the city, although there are no special visas for digital nomads in the country. For remote workers to earn any income in the country, they must obtain a government work permit. A special tourist visa allows travelers to stay in Thailand for up to 270 days.
“Digital nomad” Marjolein Dilven speaks about her experience in Thailand:
“When we were in Thailand, the internet was always flawless. Even when we were on the small islands in the south of Thailand, we had a good enough connection for video calls and remote work. The cost of living in Thailand is significantly lower than in the US, and the opportunities for places to remote work are limitless.”
Bali, Indonesia
The island of Bali in Indonesia, often called the “island of the gods”, has become a popular destination for digital nomads. Bali’s thriving international community and abundance of coworking spaces make it easy for foreign workers to start a business, find housing, and build a social network within the city.
In addition, Bali plans to introduce a visa for “digital nomads.” The island’s government and private investors have significantly improved its digital infrastructure, with Wi-Fi available widely in public spaces and co-working spaces.
Author and founder of The Budget Savvy Bride magazine, Jessica Bishop, recalls her experience:
“I’ve been living a digital nomad life, working remotely, for over five years now. I’ve spent time in Southeast Asia, England, Europe, the US and Mexico. Quality and cost of living have been my biggest deciding factors in choosing this lifestyle. Most of all, I loved it in Bali: I spent about six months there, and apart from the time zones getting in the way, I enjoyed working there and would love to go back someday.”
However, not everyone likes working in Bali.
Marjolein Dilven said: “Although I expected Bali to be a great place to work remotely, the internet there was abysmal compared to almost all other countries in Southeast Asia. Also, the cost of living is not that low if you stay in popular and more tourist areas.”
Bangalore, India
The bustling city of Bangalore is called India’s Silicon Valley thanks to its tech-friendly economy and locally educated workers. Remote workers and digital nomads can easily find their niche in the city’s business district.
Bangalore’s climate is relatively mild compared to other regions of India.
For foreign professionals wishing to work remotely in India, the country offers a long-term visa. While there is no specific visa program for digital nomads, a traditional work visa can be extended for up to five years.