Looking to start a new life abroad, or want to combine work and travel? If you answered yes, then try out the lifestyle of a digital nomad and start working remotely.
Here’s our list of the best places to live and work abroad. Have a browse and see which you’d like to sample.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Popular with gap year students and digital nomads, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s biggest cities. It’s known for its welcome attitude to visitors and its status as UNESCO Creative City since 2017.
What to expect:
- A great winter escape with temperatures remaining warm to hot all year round
- Really cheap living costs with affordable short-term rentals
- Mountainous terrains, cultural festivals and Buddhist temples to explore
València, Spain
This Spanish city is great for nomads looking to experience the culture of a busy European port. València has a long history and a wealth of monuments, views and cultural attractions to match its busy modern appeal.
What to expect:
- A historic port town with stunning architecture
- Dining al fresco with tasty paella and craft beer on tap
- Reliable metro system, so you can rent cheaply in the suburbs then commute quickly downtown
Berlin, Germany
Plug into Berlin’s connected digital nomad community in the second biggest city in Europe after London. A global centre of tech, politics and science, you might be surprised to find out that it’s roughly one-third forest, parks and gardens.
What to expect:
- A steady diet of beans and Bratwurst, if that’s your thing
- Affordable apartments, famous nightlife and dependable public transport
- Bustling experimental art scene and lots of business networking opportunities.
Lisbon, Portugal
Head to Southern Europe and make Portugal’s capital your new nomadic home. As the only capital city along the Atlantic coast, there’s something a little different about Lisbon.
What to expect:
- A slower pace of life in comparison to busier capital cities like London
- Cheaper rent than its European counterparts
- Reliable and frequent tram service
- Consistent all year round sunshine
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The South American city of Buenos Aires is the ultimate Latin escape for travelling freelancers. The city is a cultural melting pot with expat communities from around the world.
What to expect:
- Great attractions including Casa Rosada and Teatro Colón
- Amazing food from traditional Empanadas to Argentine Asado
- Eclectic nightlife including hotspots like Crobar and Niceto Club
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s capital is home to the Fisherman’s Bastion which offers panoramic views of the city. It’s the second fastest-developing urban economy in Europe, so the time is now for digital nomads looking to make a name in the region.
What to expect:
- Plenty of co-working spaces including an Impact Hub branch with fast free WiFi
- Affordable apartments in the town centre
- Cultural attractions like the popular Hungarian State Opera House
Ubud, Bali
Ubud in Indonesia is known as the spiritual heart of Bali and is our smallest pick on the list with just 30,000 residents. Perfect for freelancers looking to work in a centre of artistic pursuit.
What to expect:
- Rents are very cheap, making it a popular escapist location
- Ancient holy sites to visit including the Goa Gajah and Gunung Kawi
- Great place to recharge with yoga, meditation and mindfulness a huge part of Bali culture
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is affectionately nicknamed Silicon Cape as it’s Africa’s main tech hub. Known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Cape Town offers fantastic views over the Atlantic ocean.
Fun fact: there are over 2,200 species of plant on Table Mountain. For reference, that’s more than can be found in the entire United Kingdom!
What to expect:
- Great co-working spaces with good WiFi
- Reasonable room rents
- Spectacular views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean
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