The Best International Destinations For Remote Workers
Much has changed in the last few years including the way people live, work, and travel. For those who can, many have opted to retain their work-from-home status so they can have more freedom and flexibility than ever before. Along with this new remote working lifestyle, people have begun to explore remote-worker-friendly destinations, especially as many countries have begun to offer remote work visas to digital nomads.
This shift has led to many remote-worker-friendly destinations popping up, offering remote workers an opportunity to work and live in a new environment. From sunny beach towns with reliable Wi-Fi to vibrant cities with bustling cultural scenes, these remote worker hotspots provide something for everyone who wants to experience the digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a place where you can hunker down and get some serious work done or just want somewhere off the beaten path that will allow you to explore and relax, there's an international destination perfect for your remote working needs.
Keep in mind, not all destinations are necessarily long-term digital-nomad-friendly but may be a good place to spend a couple of weeks or months. A good rule of thumb to follow is if you're staying somewhere longer than 90 days, you will probably need a special visa (sometimes called a digital nomad visa) that allows for a longer stay. This list will give you the deets on a combination of destinations that are great for both short and long-term remote working. Let's dive in!
Medellín, Colombia
Colombia is one of the fastest-growing remote working destinations in the world, and Medellín is becoming especially popular for remote workers. Not only does the city offer a stunning backdrop and plenty of activities to keep you busy, but it also boasts of warm weather year-round, reliable infrastructure, and inexpensive monthly rentals. Currently, Colombia does not offer a digital nomad visa but visitors from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and the EU can enter the country visa-free and stay up to 90 days.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile is a lesser-known destination for remote working but well worth the consideration. This urban destination is home to a large remote working community and offers all the amenities you could need to effectively work abroad. There are plenty of co-working spaces and affordable, remote-friendly accommodation options available to choose from. For entrepreneurs, it is also becoming well-known as a launchpad for global startups. In most cases, travelers going to Chile can stay up to 90 days.
Lima, Peru
Lima is one of the most metropolitan cities in South America, home to one of the world's best foodie scenes, and a fantastic location for those looking to try out the digital nomad lifestyle without missing out on the creature comforts of home. Two of the best neighborhoods for expats are Miraflores (a more urban area with many shops and clubs nearby) and Barranco (a more artsy and laid-back corner of the city). There is no digital nomad visa yet but U.S. citizens can enter the country on a tourist visa and stay for up to 183 days.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is a fantastic destination for those who are experienced travelers from Europe looking to ease their way into the beautiful world of South America. This city feels like a classic European destination with a combination of old and new architecture, areas with cobblestone streets, and lively nightlife. But this city also has a vibrant remote working scene with plenty of digital nomads taking advantage of the new digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay up to 180 days with the option to renew.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador is a major digital nomad hub with many amenities for co-working and a variety of options for living and working in the city. This comes as no surprise since Ecuador is one of the few countries in Latin America with an official digital nomad visa. The application and visa cost $450 U.S. dollars and allows remote workers to stay up to two years with the option to renew. From the amazing nature of the Galápagos Islands and the mountain regions to the beautiful and bustling city of Cuenca, you may find it hard to ever leave.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has essentially become synonymous with the phrases digital nomad, expat, and remote worker. Mexico and its capital city have become well-known as a haven for remote working and a great place to get a taste of what the lifestyle is like. If you do go, don't be afraid to venture outside of Polanco and Condesa — two of the most popular expat neighborhoods. Be sure to explore areas like Coyoacán and Napoles that offer all the same beauty, safety, and amenities as other popular neighborhoods but with more authenticity — not to mention a smaller price tag.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Food lovers everywhere: Your next stop has to be Oaxaca, Mexico. Besides Mexico City, this region boasts some of the most diverse and tastiest dishes in Mexico (maybe even the world). Oaxaca is quickly rising in popularity as a great place for remote workers who love Mexican culture, cuisine, and art and need a spot with an excellent balance of work and play. Thanks to Mexico's robust temporary resident visa — which allows a six-month stay with the option to stay up to four years — it's a breeze to settle here.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
While Tamarindo is an incredible place to find other remote workers, truly all of Costa Rica is fantastic for remote workers. This is because the country has to be one of the most welcoming in the world when it comes to digital nomads and has one of the most accessible digital nomad visas in Latin America. The application process is reportedly easy and quick and simply requires applicants to have at least $3,000 U.S. dollars in monthly income, work for a company or clients outside of Costa Rica, and have their own health insurance.
Panama City, Panama
Panama City rarely makes it onto digital nomad dream destinations lists but this is a major mistake. Panama City is arguably the most metropolitan city in all of Latin America and shares many similarities with big U.S. cities. So if you want to enjoy authentic Panamanian culture while also having all the creature comforts of home, this is the city for you. Though Casco Viejo surely has the best views of the city, be sure to explore the urban areas for hidden gems and mingle with the locals.
Antigua, Guatemala
Though it is growing in popularity, Antigua, Guatemala still maintains its hidden-gem status as a digital nomad paradise owing to its beauty and charm. There are tons of co-working cafes in the city at which you can purchase a weekly or monthly membership and have better Wi-Fi than you might find in your residential or hostel accommodations. Nationals of a handful of countries are able to travel visa-free for up to 90 days and you are able to apply for a 30-day extension for a fee.
Toronto, Canada
As the largest city in Canada, Toronto is the ultimate urban digital nomad destination. With endless choices for co-working cafes and workspaces with blazing-fast internet speeds, you won't be left wanting for much when it comes to your digital nomad experience in the city. With most visitors able to travel for up to 90 days in the country, you'll have plenty of time to experience all the joys of the city with opportunities to also explore the nearby wilderness, including Niagara Falls.
Boulder, Colorado, USA
While it's not the cheapest place to live out your dreams of a nomadic lifestyle, Boulder is absolutely one of the best places in mainland USA to crack open a new hobby in rock climbing or just enjoy the great outdoors. As one of Colorado's more populated cities, Boulder is a great place for digital nomads to finally get that coveted life-work balance. In Boulder, you can find the best coffee shops and co-working spaces during the week while exploring the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountain National Park on your days off.
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Food, music, fashion, art, and history all collide in New York City. Where else in the world can one find such diversity surrounded by such an energetic lifestyle? We think you'd be hard-pressed to name it. If you're someone who loves the idea of experiencing New York City but is not ready to commit to actually moving there you may want to try the digital nomad life in hipster central, Brooklyn, a borough of the Big Apple. Here (as well as in Queens and the Bronx), you'll find more affordable housing options than in Manhattan.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
Just a few hours' drive north of Phoenix, you can find one of America's most beautiful places in the Southwest: Sedona, Arizona. However, this red rock beauty is not just beautiful to look at; it's also said to have healing energies. Now, whether or not you believe that is up to you, but there's no better way to find out unless you see for yourself, right? Well, luckily Sedona has tons of co-working spaces and short-term accommodation options, making it the perfect place to set up shop for a couple of weeks or months.
San Diego, California, USA
As is the trend with most locations in North America, San Diego is another destination you will have a great experience in as a digital nomad. However, it may not be the best option for those with a tight budget or who do not have a car. That said, this area of Southern California is one of the best places for digital nomads looking to capture the experience of coastal living while having endless activities and events at your fingertips!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Fun fact! Did you know San Juan is the second oldest city in the Western Hemisphere? The San Juan National Historic Site is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and San Juan is considered one of the best places in the Caribbean to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches and tropical rainforests, and a great place to meet other remote workers. Puerto Rico is a great destination for U.S. citizens who are also entrepreneurs since moving here is not dissimilar to interstate travel with the added boon of some great tax incentives.
Hamilton, Bermuda
While many believe that Bermuda is in the Caribbean, it's technically an island located in the Atlantic and you would truly be missing out if you didn't pay it the attention it deserves. This is because Bermuda was an early adopter of the digital nomad visa and started a program in mid-2020 called the "One Year Residential Certificate" which allows digital nomads and (interestingly) students enrolled in foreign universities to apply to stay for one year. Best of all, the island (especially the capital city of Hamilton) is stunning and the perfect place to experience remote work island life.
Madrid, Spain
With its vibrant culture, amazing food scene, and an abundance of remote working hubs with high-speed internet, Madrid is quite the popular destination for digital nomads. The Spanish capital has a combination of characteristics that make it perfect for remote workers thanks to the variety of affordable accommodation options, excellent co-working spaces, walkability, quality of life, and a low cost of living compared to other big cities in Europe. While Madrid may be a busy and vibrant city, visitors will find plenty of parks and open spaces to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Lisbon, Portugal
Ah, Lisbon: One of the oldest cities in the world that is also quickly becoming a remote worker haven. This is thanks in part to the country's boundless beauty and great weather but also because of the variety of visa options. In Portugal, there are different types of visas Digital Nomads can choose from, each one with a different length of stay (from 90 days up to two years) depending on your income source, with one even offering a path to permanent residence!
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city of culture and cuisines, but the Austrian city has also become incredibly popular for digital nomads as well. Formerly the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna is full of rich history that one can easily explore while having access to plenty of remote working hubs complete with high-speed internet. The vibrant city is also known for its outdoor cafes and stunning architecture, which make it ideal for remote workers looking to explore the city.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is not only an incredibly beautiful city full of fairytale-like Gothic architecture but it also boasts a vibrant nightlife and an abundance of cultural activities. This makes it the perfect place for remote workers who want to explore the city during their downtime between meetings. Since the Czech Republic is part of the EU, most visitors can stay for up to 90 days. It is possible to stay longer but the process can be a bit convoluted so it's recommended to consult with a lawyer.
Rome, Italy
Rome is known for many things — namely being a chaotic, ancient, and beautiful place all at once. And while it's more expensive than many cities in Western Europe, it's well worth it to wake up to bells tolling in the distance and watch the murmuration of starlings as the sun fades in the autumn. And when you've grown tired of sipping your daily espresso, its central location also makes it a fantastic hub to explore the rest of Europe. Don't worry though, the same Rome will always be waiting for you when you return.
Zagreb, Croatia
The capital of Croatia offers remote workers the best of both worlds: exciting city life and access to the country's stunning coastline. Zagreb is known for its historical sites and attractions but also has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of remote working hubs with high-speed internet for remote workers. Croatia is also one of the countries in the EU to now have an explicit digital nomad visa. The application process is fairly straightforward but can take time to be processed and approved.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is a remote worker's dream. This city offers remote workers all the benefits of being in a major European city, but with a lower cost of living than other bustling cities like London or Paris. Digital nomads will find plenty of remote working hubs and high-speed internet access throughout the city, as well as an abundance of outdoor activities to explore in their downtime. Unfortunately, there is no digital nomad visa yet, but entrepreneurs may find they qualify for what's called a "start-up visa."
Paris, France
Paris is the city of love — and remote workers! The city has definitely become an attractive destination for remote workers in recent years. And it's no wonder why: Paris is home to some of the greatest art and architecture in the West. Understandably, the cost of living is higher than in most other European cities, but it offers remote workers a wealth of beautiful places to explore during their downtime. From Paris' iconic cafes to grand parks and gardens, remote workers will find it hard to be disappointed here.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has always been popular among those looking for a great destination off the beaten path and is quickly becoming a remote working hub. Home to vibrant nightlife, an eclectic mix of cultures, and stunning architecture, this city is perfect for those seeking an affordable destination with the same rich cultural history found throughout the EU. Here you can find delicious food — including cuisine influenced by the Jewish community — and an excellent transportation system. Don't forget to check out the amazing bathhouses so you can relax after a stressful day at work.
Tbilisi, Georgia
This lesser-known gem is quickly becoming one of the most popular remote working destinations. This is thanks to Tbilisi's relatively low cost of living and its convenient location near an abundance of interesting locations in Georgia, including the mountain regions, the coastline, and wine regions, too. Located in the Caucasus region, Tbilisi offers remote workers a taste of Eastern Europe without breaking their budget and the country has a robust visa program for digital nomads that allows stays for up to one year.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has been an increasingly popular remote working destination as of late, due to its great infrastructure and amazing cost of living, and is easily one of the best places to take up digital nomad-ing in Africa. With beautiful beaches and vineyards to relax at during remote work breaks, who wouldn't want to take their remote working routine here? Most tourists can get a 90-day visa which can then be extended: plenty of time to soak up all that Cape Town and South Africa have to offer.
Port Louis, Mauritius
While this might seem an unexpected entrant to this list, Mauritius once earned a ringing endorsement from Mark Twain who wrote, "Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius." So, if you're looking for a truly unique digital nomad destination — complete with all the tropical accouterments — Mauritius is the place for you. In Port Louis, you will find a generous handful of co-working spots, beautiful neighborhoods to live in, and incredible food. Mauritius also offers a premium visa that allows nomads to stay up to a year in the country.
Nairobi, Kenya
For entrepreneurs feeling the call of adventure who would love to see the beauty of Africa up close and personal, Nairobi may just be your next digital nomad destination. This city has become a hub for young entrepreneurs in Africa, bolstering progress towards a more robust remote working infrastructure. Imagine what life would be like to enjoy the bustling city of Nairobi during the week and then take an extended weekend to go on a safari and see the world's coolest animals in their natural habitat! Pretty amazing, right?
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Though the Canary Islands are better known as a tropical getaway for Europeans on summer holiday, the archipelago can be a fantastic place for digital nomads seeking a unique and gorgeous place to work from. Not to mention, there are no special visas required since they are considered a part of Spain and regulated by the EU. Surprisingly, there are a number of co-working and co-living options in Tenerife, so you can meet like-minded individuals between responding to emails and finalizing those projects.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is one of the best remote working destinations in the Middle East, and you can see why after just a few days here. It's not unusual to see people working from their laptops in cafes and hear a number of different languages as you wander around this incredibly walkable city. What's more, remote workers can easily get a 3-month tourist visa and those with Jewish heritage may even be able to get residency visas as they are considered to be resettling in their homeland.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the best places in Australia for remote workers. Known as the country's business and commerce hub, you'll find no shortage of young like-minded professionals eager to find success. Beyond that, Sydney has a rich cultural history, thriving nightlife, and world-class beaches, to which remote workers from all over the world flock to take in the sun and surf. So, whether you're looking for stunning coastline views or bustling city life, Sydney has something for everyone.
Bangkok, Thailand
As one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia that is home to some of the kindest people on Earth, Bangkok is a great destination for digital nomads looking to explore something new. From the stunning temples and museums to the endless shopping malls, the range of incredible street food cuisine, and the bustling nightlife that truly never sleeps, there's no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city. Plus, with its low cost of living, Bangkok is known as one of the most affordable remote working destinations in Southeast Asia.
Wellington, New Zealand
With its temperate climate and close proximity to beautiful nature spots, Wellington is the perfect destination for digital nomads looking for a balance between city life and outdoor activities. It's also well-known as one of the most livable cities in the world, being home to some of the best cafes, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and incredible green spaces. Plus, no matter what kind of remote work you do, Wellington has a fantastic infrastructure that's sure to keep you connected on the go.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam's bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is a great destination for digital nomads looking to experience the unique culture and vibrant energy of Southeast Asia. Ho Chi Minh City attracts tons of backpackers, travelers, and now digital nomads primarily thanks to its low cost of living and amazing cuisine. Plus, with plenty of co-working spaces popping up throughout the city, it's easy to stay connected and productive on the go. Though there is no digital nomad visa, you are permitted to stay for up to 30 days.
Bali, Indonesia
No list of the best international destinations for remote workers would be complete without Bali, Indonesia. This tropical oasis is best known for its incredible beaches and breathtaking mountain views, but it's also home to a thriving digital nomad community that has been growing steadily over the past decade. With plenty of options for co-working space, reliable internet connection speeds, and great cost of living rates, it's easy to see why Bali has become a sought-after destination for remote workers. Indonesia is also instituting a new type of visa that will allow for extended stays in the country.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is a great destination for digital nomads looking to experience the unique culture of East Asia. And, thanks to Taiwan's new visa — the Taiwan Employment Gold Card — digital nomads can stay in Taipei for between one to three years. The requirements can be quite hefty though and favor higher earners but if you qualify, you're sure to reap a ton of benefits. So, if you're looking for a great destination with plenty of amenities and cultural attractions, you really can do no better than Taipei, Taiwan.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo has long been a favorite destination for digital nomads looking to explore something new. And, surprisingly, Tokyo can be quite affordable for short-term stays. Plus, with plenty of co-working spaces throughout the city, reliable internet connection speeds, and a wide range of affordable accommodations and eating options, there's no shortage of convenient amenities in the city. Best of all, most visitors are able to acquire either a tourist visa or a working holiday visa (if you are from the UK or Australia). So get ready to take your next digital nomad adventure to the neon-filled streets of Tokyo!
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for digital nomads thanks to its pop culture explosion in the West with the rise of K-pop and K-Dramas. Seoul, in particular, is a great option for remote workers looking to explore Asia and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in an incredibly unique and beautiful culture. Plus, the latest news from South Korea says there are talks of creating a digital nomad visa that would allow visitors to stay longer than the usual 90 days.