How to Become a Digital Nomad: Best Places to Live & Work Remotely

The rise of remote work has opened up a world of possibilities for those looking to ditch the traditional office and work from anywhere. Becoming a digital nomad means embracing a lifestyle where your laptop is your office, and your home can be anywhere with Wi-Fi and good vibes. But where should you go? Whether you crave beachfront coworking, a thriving expat community, or an affordable city with fast internet, here’s everything you need to know about how to become a digital nomad and the best places to live and work remotely.

How to Become a Digital Nomad

1. Find a Remote Job or Start a Freelance Career

Before you start packing your bags, you need a steady income stream. Some digital nomads work full-time remotely for companies, while others freelance, run businesses, or monetize content. Here are some common remote jobs:

• Freelancing – Writing, graphic design, programming, social media management.

• Remote Employment – Many companies now offer fully remote positions.

• Online Entrepreneurship – E-commerce, blogging, coaching, or online courses.

• Teaching English Online – Platforms like VIPKid or Preply let you teach from anywhere.

Tip: If you're transitioning to a remote job, start by freelancing or asking your current employer about remote work options before quitting.

2. Choose the Right Destination

The best places for digital nomads offer affordable living, strong internet, coworking spaces, and a vibrant community. Consider factors like cost of living, safety, visa policies, and time zones before deciding.

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Best Places to Live & Work Remotely

1. Bali, Indonesia – The Ultimate Digital Nomad Paradise

Why Go?: Affordable cost of living, tropical beaches, yoga retreats, and a massive digital nomad community.

Best Areas: Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak.

Coworking Spaces: Dojo Bali, Outpost, Tropical Nomad.

Cost of Living: $1,000–$1,500/month.

Bali is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads, offering a mix of low living costs, beautiful scenery, and strong remote work infrastructure. The island has coworking spaces, networking events, and a laid-back lifestyle ideal for work-life balance.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Affordable & Nomad-Friendly

Why Go?: Super cheap, amazing food, fast Wi-Fi, and a large expat scene.

Best Areas: Nimmanhaemin, Old City.

Coworking Spaces: Punspace, CAMP, Yellow Coworking.

Cost of Living: $800–$1,200/month.

Chiang Mai is often ranked as one of the best places for digital nomads because of its low cost, high quality of life, and fantastic street food. Plus, Thailand offers a long-stay visa for remote workers.

3. Lisbon, Portugal – A European Hotspot for Digital Nomads

Why Go?: Great weather, affordable compared to other Western European cities, and a growing tech scene.

Best Areas: Bairro Alto, Alfama, Príncipe Real.

Coworking Spaces: Second Home Lisboa, Avila Spaces, Impact Hub.

Cost of Living: $1,500–$2,500/month.

Lisbon combines old-world charm with modern workspaces, making it a favorite for digital nomads looking to live in Europe without breaking the bank. The city is vibrant, safe, and has easy access to beaches and weekend getaways.

4. Medellín, Colombia – The City of Eternal Spring

Why Go?: Stunning landscapes, affordable cost of living, and a thriving digital nomad community.

Best Areas: El Poblado, Laureles.

Coworking Spaces: Selina Medellín, La Casa Redonda.

Cost of Living: $1,000–$1,800/month.

With its year-round spring climate, Medellín has become a top choice for digital nomads. The city has fast internet, low living costs, and a buzzing nightlife, making it perfect for work and play.

5. Mexico City, Mexico – A Cultural & Work Hub

Why Go?: Fast Wi-Fi, incredible food, and rich cultural experiences.

Best Areas: Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco.

Coworking Spaces: WeWork CDMX, Impact Hub, Homework.

Cost of Living: $1,200–$2,000/month.

Mexico City is an underrated digital nomad destination, offering a mix of big-city energy, affordability, and strong networking opportunities. It's a great base for exploring Latin America.

6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – A Budget-Friendly Nomad Hub

Why Go?: Super cheap, delicious street food, and fast internet.

Best Areas: District 1, Thao Dien, District 3.

Coworking Spaces: Dreamplex, Circo, The Hive.

Cost of Living: $700–$1,200/month.

If you’re looking to save money while working remotely, Ho Chi Minh City offers one of the lowest costs of living for digital nomads, along with strong Wi-Fi and a growing startup scene.

7. Tbilisi, Georgia – A Hidden Gem for Nomads

Why Go?: Visa-free for one year for many nationalities, affordable, and incredible landscapes.

Best Areas: Vera, Sololaki, Vake.

Coworking Spaces: Terminal, Impact Hub, Fabrika.

Cost of Living: $800–$1,500/month.

Tbilisi is one of the few places where you can stay long-term without a visa. The city has an artistic vibe, great food, and easy access to mountains and wine country.

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Essential Tips for Digital Nomads

• Get the Right Visa – Many countries now offer digital nomad visas (like Portugal, Estonia, and Mexico). Check visa options before relocating.

  
  

• Choose Reliable Internet – Always check internet speeds before booking accommodations. Use apps like Speedtest to test Wi-Fi before committing.

  
  

• Find a Coworking Space – Working from cafés is fun, but coworking spaces provide a focused work environment, networking, and better internet.

  
  

• Stay Organized with Finances – Use banking apps like Wise (formerly TransferWise) for international transactions and ensure you have a backup credit card.

  
  

• Join Digital Nomad Communities – Platforms like Nomad List, Facebook groups, and Meetup help you connect with like-minded travelers.

  
  

• Stay Insured – Travel insurance (like SafetyWing or World Nomads) is essential to cover medical emergencies.

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Final Thoughts

Becoming a digital nomad means embracing freedom, adventure, and flexibility. With the right remote job, careful planning, and a great destination, you can work from anywhere in the world while experiencing new cultures. Whether you prefer the beaches of Bali, the energy of Mexico City, or the charm of Lisbon, there’s a perfect digital nomad city for every type of traveler.

Which digital nomad destination is your dream spot?