🌎 2024: Hot spots for digital nomads

Remote work and travel

Whilst not everyone can adopt this way of life full-time, with companies offering more flexibility, there may still be the option to test it out for shorter periods. Winter in the Southern Hemisphere, perhaps?

Others may be restricted by time zones. But whatever the case may be, if the opportunity is there to join the heard of digital nomads as they gallivant across the globe in pursuit of the perfect work/life balance, don't let it slip through your fingers!

We've picked out some of the digital nomad hotspots, so you can start planning for your 2024 adventure.

Cape Town  

Cape Town has recently once again been rated as one of the top cities in the world, and so it's surprising that it's not more popular with Digital Nomads. That's not to say there isn't a community there, but currently it ranks #89 on the much revered Nomad List. It seems people's main gripes are internet and safety.

But let's address these issues straight up. Firstly, even amongst the top-rated destinations on the Nomad List, these are two of the main factors that always rank lowly. Any city comes with dangers, and the key is learning how to navigate them.

Again, internet issues are very common in most of the beloved digital nomad hotspots. But where there are digital nomads, there are always co-working spaces and work arounds, and Cape Town is no exception.

Now let's get into why this city is a great option for living and working. One big draw is the natural beauty of the area. Cape Town is surrounded by simply stunning scenery.

Picture wine farms nestled in the mountains, unreal hikes, and untouched beaches and coves. If you're someone who likes adventure, then you really need to consider Cape Town as the option for you.

Another major draw is the cost of living. It is a cheap destination for those with pounds! A pint costs as little as £1.50 and a 3-course meal for two can cost as little as £40.

You're also in a trendy bustling city, so being able to add unreal nature and affordable living to the mix is a pretty rare blend.

November through to March is the summer season, winters can get chilly.

Our born-and-bred South African editor has recently put a Cape Town guide together, so check it out for some insider tips.

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Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, has sprung up as a digital nomad hotspot in recent years. Offering a more rustic appeal over areas such as Cancun or Tulum, it has become a popular surf and backpacking spot, and plenty of people choose to stay.

This means there has been a rise in co-working offices and coffee shops with reliable high-speed internet.

Whilst the area does still hold authentic charm, it's an easy place to settle with a huge amount going on, from water sports, an eclectic food scene and a pretty heady nightlife.

But it's also a place for nature lovers, with fantastic stretches of beaches and coves, and lots of adventures in your doorstep such as the Manialtepec Lagoon, and its bioluminescent waters.

And one of the best things about Puerto Escondido? You'll have the state of Oaxaca at your fingertips, renowned for its varied landscape and cuisine, you've got a sensory delight to look forward to. From the magical little mountain town of San José del Pacifico, to the tranquil capital of Oaxaca city with its colourful streets, there's so much to explore.

Because of its popularity, its getting harder to find cheap options in the area. Expect to pay between £250 - £1000 per month on accommodation, depending on how basic you're willing to go.

The good news is the business or tourist visa allows digital nomads to stay in Mexico for up to six months.

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Medellín

Let's not beat around the bush, Medellín is a big baller in the Digital Nomad world. There's a large community, and with good reason.

Medellín is right in the heart of the Andes Mountains in Colombia, South America. It's nicknamed the City of eternal spring because of its year-round pleasant climate. And it's certainly got a lot going for it.

There's top-notch infrastructure that feels modern and efficient. Fast, reliable internet, and pretty much anything else you can expect from a large city.

There's also an array of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, so you can experience Colombian traditions.

Being surrounded by the Andes mountains means your in for some pretty epic weekend getaways or hiking trips, and the healthcare is also up there with some of the best in the world.

In 2022 Colombia issued an affordable digital nomad visa available to British citizens, that allows those earning over £700 a month to stay for up to two years.

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Hanoi

Hanoi is one of those destinations you don't easily forget. It's a large but very walkable city, bursting with sights and sounds. If you love immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle, finding something new on each street corner, then Hanoi could be for you.

And if you're into food, there really is no better street-food scene in the world. In fact, you would be able to live very cheaply and happily off the delicious bowls of steaming Pho, banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls that you'll find all over the city. Oh, and Bia Hoi, the local beer, is super cheap and delicious too.

At night, the city comes alive with street markets and a thriving bar scene.

If you're after a slower pace, then Hanoi might not be the one, but if you're wanting an affordable and exciting stint in a city, then look no further!

The digital nomad community is large, too. It was voted one of the fastest-growing remote work hubs in the world by Nomad List.

Vietnam does not currently have a visa available specifically for remote workers. But, you can obtain a tourist visa for 30 days, which you can then extend.

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Montevideo

Although not the cheapest place to set up life as a digital nomad, Montevideo has an excellent cost-to-life ratio.

If you're looking for a tranquil, safe and clean environment to call home, then this could be the place. You've got beautiful countryside, mountains, and glorious beaches right on your doorstep, as well as stable internet and a great food scene.

It’s one of the easiest digital nomad visas to get, both in terms of the application process and the requirements. This is because there is no minimum income requirement and the process is entirely online.

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Cusco

There's a reason why Peru is one of the most iconic destinations in South America, and it's not just Machu Picchu.

It has some of the best hiking on the continent, easy access to the Amazon Rainforest, desert oases, epic surf spots and sandy beaches, plus a blend of cosmopolitan cities and historical sites. It really does offer a bit of everything.

And if you're looking to set up camp in Peru, then we would recommend the ancient city of Cusco. It's the gateway to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and the Amazon Rainforest so you'll never be short of incredible experiences, plus, its a picturesque, quaint city.

It's also incredibly affordable, with plenty of hostels and cheap apartments. One thing thing to bear in mind is the internet speed is slightly below the global average, but with plenty of co-working spaces to choose from, this shouldn't be a problem.

In November 2023, the Peruvian government also announced plans for a year-long Digital Nomad visa, so watch this space. 👀

We have recently put together a budget itinerary with good-value flights and accommodation options, so take a look for some Peruvian inspiration.

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Porto

There's a reason Portugal has become such a popular tourist destination in recent years. It's a safe and easy country to travel around, with loads to offer.

There's an impressive coastline lined with chilled beaches and surf spots, mountainous countryside, quaint medieval villages, plus delicious food and wine.

Throw in awesome cities like Lisbon and Porto, which are popular with digital nomads and backpackers alike, and you've got a pretty special destination. It's the latter city, Porto, that takes our pick for best digital nomad spot, but it really depends on what you're looking for.

Porto is smaller and arguably has a more authentic culture and cuisine. Plus, being in the Douro Valley is a major bonus for wine lovers.

Portugal isn't as cheap as it used to be. But that doesn't mean you can't do it on a budget. There's still good-value long-term accommodation to be found, and if you wanted to do some exploring whilst you're there, train travel is well-priced compared to other places in Europe.

The digital nomad visa isn't as simple as it used to be. You have to earn more than €3,040 per month to reside in Portugal, and applicants must show proof of income and a bank statement with at least €36,480 on balance.

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Osaka

Japan continues to grow in popularity, with travel bookings to the area having increased by 1300% since 2019. This really is no surprise, considering what a unique place it is.

You can discover fascinating culture and traditions, bustling metropolises, pristine forests and mountains, 25 Unesco World Heritage Sites, 7,000 islands to hop around, and top-notch cuisine.

The solid infrastructure and excellent travel links also make getting around the country a breeze.

We recommend the city of Osaka for digital nomads; more affordable than Tokyo more but equally thrilling. Beautiful architecture, fabulous food and an electric nightlife make this vibrant city the perfect base for your time working in Japan.

It's also close to Nara and Kyoto; two awesome cities filled with spectacular natural and cultural sites.

Osaka is also considered to be one of the safest cities in the world due to its low crime rate. But you may be wondering, is it going to be super expensive?

You'd be surprised. Yes, it might be a pricey destination for the average tourist travelling the country, but to live and work in Osaka is actually very cost-efficient. Groceries are cheap, and long-term accommodation, particularly if you're willing to live a bit further out from the centre, are very affordable.

Plus, there’s a growing digital nomad community in Osaka, with new co-working spots constantly popping up throughout the city.

Check out some other top budgeting tips in our Japan Guide.

Unfortunately, there is no Digital Nomad visa available yet for UK citizens, however, there is an option called the Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSVP) that facilitates working in Japan.

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Anjuna, Goa

OK, so you might be thinking this next one is a little surprising. Goa is beloved to many, thanks to its stunning natural setting, beautiful beaches, and long-established carefree way of life. Yet, it's not exactly renowned for its technical infrastructure.

But things are changing. Due to the pandemic and rise in remote work, coworking spaces are on the rise, meaning that there are places where you can find stable Wi-Fi.

Anjuna is one of the most popular places in North Goa, and because of this, it is also where you will find the most coworking spaces. Springing up as a hippie hotspot in the 1960s, it has kept some of that culture. It is now known for its artisanal flea market, parties on the beach and beautiful coastline.

So if you're looking for a blend of laid back but lively, it might be for you. The best time to visit is during dry season, which falls between October - May, making it an excellent choice for escaping the UK winter.

Also, being able to explore India during your time off is a major draw. Culturally rich, diverse and breathtaking, you'll discover a place that will stay with you for a lifetime. Plus, it's super affordable. You'll be able to get a lot of memories out of a small budget!

You can easily obtain an Indian electronic visa after completing an online form. It lasts for one or five years, but you can only stay in the country for 90 days at a time. Once you reach that time limit, you must leave the country and then return for another 90 days.

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Skopje

Already well-known as a good spot for tourists travelling on a shoestring budget, it's not surprising that Skopje has also recently taken number one spot for the cheapest European destination for digital nomads.

And with an incredible street-food scene and Roman-era archaeological sites, as well as Byzantine monasteries, you're guaranteed to get a lot of bang for your buck.

The main reason for sniping top spot was the super-cheap cost of public transport, with a monthly pass eight times cheaper than the equivalent in London.

Accommodation is also a bargain - so this really is the spot for you if you want to save up some cash whilst experiencing a new and exciting city.

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Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai – the quintessential digital nomad hub in Southeast Asia - is not just affordable; it's practically a steal. You can rent a cosy apartment for a fraction of the price back home, and the street food is as cheap as it is tasty. The digital nomad community is robust and welcoming, with countless co-working spaces and regular events to connect with like-minded folks. It's the kind of place where you can work hard during the day and unwind with new friends by night.

Outside of work, Chiang Mai offers a playground of experiences. You can explore the historic Old City, ride scooters through the lush countryside or visit ethereal temples like Wat Phra Singh. And don't forget about the stunning nearby mountain villages like Pai and Doi Inthanon National Park – perfect for weekend getaways. Chiang Mai's combination of affordability, community and endless adventures make it an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a laid-back yet bustling lifestyle.

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Bansko

Bansko in Bulgaria is a surprising rising star in the digital nomad scene. A small, scenic town at the base of the Pirin Mountains.

This is in part due to the annual Bansko Nomad Fest, which is world's largest annual celebration of digital nomad life.

Bansko sprang unto the scene in 2016 when Coworking Bansko was opened by a German entrepreneur while researching places to set up a coworking space. He was drawn by the area's natural beauty, fast Wi-Fi and affordable living costs.

And it's those very reasons that continue to draw people today. There's now a thriving community in the town, so even for a small place there's a strong social scene, with regular social events through the week such as hiking to the local hot springs or hitting up the local market on a Sunday.

Bansko also has direct access to excellent skiing, so during winter the population surges, with skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes before work.

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Taipei

Life as a digital nomad in Taipei is like having your cake and eating it too. This bustling Taiwanese city is a perfect mix of East-meets-West, and it's surprisingly affordable for nomads. You can snag a comfy co-living space or rent an apartment without breaking the bank, and street food here is both delicious and wallet-friendly. The city's got this electric buzz to it, with coworking spaces around every corner. You'll quickly become part of the digital nomad community, with events, meetups and friendly faces more than happy to part with their local knowledge.

When work takes a backseat, Taipei's got a smorgasbord of activities to keep you entertained. From exploring the night markets and stuffing your face with mouthwatering street food to hiking in lush green mountains just outside the city, there's always something exciting to do. Plus, you're a stone's throw away from beautiful temples and the stunning natural beauty of Taroko Gorge. Whether you're into culture, food or nature, Taipei's got it all, making it a digital nomad's paradise.

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Dahab

Dahab, a small, laid-back city in Egypt, offers an affordable, Bohemian, and scenic option for digital nomads. Located on the Red Sea, and surrounded by mountains, it’s a great spot for the more adventurous, offering an awesome scene for divers, hikers and climbers. There’s also amazing experiences to be found in the local area, such as camping in the desert and visiting the Blue Lagoon. And if you’re a bit of a yogi, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s an array of yoga and meditation retreats and classes - so you can really unwind after a hard day’s work.

Although Dahab is more about the daytime activities such as chilling on the beach, snorkelling and getting into nature, there is also a bit of a party scene. Often people gather for dancing on the beach, and there are also small clubs and bars in the area.

Dahab has year-round sunshine, and so even in the winter months, swimming and hanging on the beach are possible. This makes it a great destination for those wanting to escape the winter blues for a month or two.

Travellers can get an Egypt tourist visa upon arrival at any of the airport terminals' immigration booths. Visas are cheap and last for 90 days, and can be extended for a further 90 days.

For these reasons, there’s now a solid digital nomad scene in the area, with a decent selection of coworking spaces. There’s also varying accommodation to suit any need and cheap flights from the UK.

✈️ One way flights 👉