Tag: Digital

This Is The Most Popular Country In Africa For Digital Nomads

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In recent years, working from home has exploded in popularity. The trend, which can be in part attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, means that more people than ever are able to complete their roles remotely.

And if you can work from home, why not make the world your home? You can then use this as an opportunity to work remotely while traveling.

This digital nomad phenomenon is only growing in popularity, with no continent left untouched by digital nomad activity.

But where are all these digital nomads going?

According to new research, South Africa is the most popular country in Africa for digital nomads, attracting 20,402 digital nomads using #digitalnomad on Instagram.

By contrast, Botswana was the least popular country in Africa with digital nomads, attracting just 1,082 travelers.

Cape Town has more than twice the amount of digital nomad activity on Instagram than any other African city.

Here’s why South Africa is so popular with digital nomads:

A Thriving Community

A thriving community means that when you arrive in the country, it should be relatively easy to meet like-minded people to socialize, collaborate, or even share accommodations with.

There’s a vibrant co-working and entrepreneurial spirit in South Africa that is particularly attractive to digital nomads that don’t like to work alone.

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And while South Africa has 11 official languages, English is the language that is most widely spoken in South African business environments.

This makes it easy for foreign ex-pats to communicate and integrate themselves into the digital nomad community in the country.

It also makes it easier to navigate a new country, making South Africa a great choice for digital nomads that are new to the traveling lifestyle.

Easily Accessible

South Africa joined the digital nomad revolution by announcing its plans to introduce a new visa program that will make remote working in the country easy and accessible.

This visa will allow digital nomads to stay in South Africa for up to a year.

While this scheme still hasn’t come into force yet, in the interim, securing a business visa to work as a digital nomad in South Africa is relatively straightforward.

This visa is granted to individuals who want to work or create a business in South Africa. You will need to apply for this before you travel, and processing time currently takes around four weeks.

Affordable

One digital nomad enthusing about life in South Africa said that they were able to live a 5-star lifestyle on a 3-star budget.

Property prices in Cape Town are the highest in the country, so you can expect to spend more here than anywhere else. But you can still rent a room in a shared apartment or house for around $270-$530 per month, depending on size and location.

If you prefer to stay in a hostel, then shared dorm rooms can be found for as little as $15 per night.

Eating out in South Africa is also incredibly affordable, and food standards here are high. A decent meal in a nice restaurant will only set you back between $6.60 and $13.20 per person.

If you’re not eating out, you can expect your grocery bill to be very low, between $46-80 per person per month.

There are many cafes in Cape Town that offer free WiFi to attract remote workers, and if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, there are also an abundance of coworking hubs in the city.

This means that finding somewhere to work here is affordable too.

A Beautiful Country

Finally, perhaps the most obvious reason why South Africa is so popular with digital nomads is that it’s such a beautiful country.

You’ll find an abundance of cultural attractions to explore, including museums and galleries, as well as natural attractions such as parks, forests, and beaches.

Because Cape Town attracts visitors and expats from around the world, it is a vibrant and multicultural city.

South Africa boasts a Mediterranean climate, which means that it is hot and dry during the summer months.

This makes it a great place to live and work during the summer months when the weather is just as good, but the crowd levels are much lower than in Western Europe.

Many digital nomads choose South Africa specifically for its excellent surfing.

If you’re looking for excellent surfing options in your downtime, then there is nowhere better to be. You can experience incredible surf spots such as Seal Point at Cape Francis Bay at the end of your working day.

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June 19, 2023
Is This Trending Digital Nomad City Really Worth The Hype?
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Digital nomadism is more than just a trend; it’s a movement redefining how and where we travel.

Since 2020, the amount of digital nomads has skyrocketed, in large part due to the newfound fully remote options for traditional jobs that were office-based 9-to-5 roles pre-pandemic.

With over 35 million digital nomads globally, travel-friendly online work is drawing adventurers to visit or even live in so-called “digital nomad hotspots” all over the world.

At the crossroads between Europe and Asia lies one such popular digital nomad destination: the legendary Istanbul.

Here, east meets west and tradition meets modernity. Digital nomads flock to Istanbul for the depth of culture amid modern convenience.

With so many unique neighborhoods and an inexhaustible list of amazing things to see, many location-independent travelers choose to spend extended time in this Turkish megacity.

Remote work powered by Turkish coffee with views of the Bosphorus sounds spectacular; but does the reality live up to the hype?

In some ways, Istanbul is a digital nomad mecca. However, there are a few serious pitfalls that make it less than ideal for remote work.

Here are the pros and cons of traveling to Istanbul as a digital nomad:

The Turkish Take on Café Culture

We’ve all heard about the national obsession with Turkish tea, but that doesn’t stop Istanbul from boasting some of the best coffee culture in the world.

Trendy neighborhoods like Moda and Cihangir are home to three to ten coffee shops per block, most of which are well-suited for getting work done.

These are some great Istanbul cafes for digital nomads:
- Walter’s Coffee – A Breaking Bad-themed cafe designed for remote work, with outlets at every table and outstanding third wave coffee. Don’t leave without one of their decadent brownies either!
- Journey Lounge – Journey’s second floor for a hidden work zone is great for a long work day, since their menu from breakfast to dinner is spectacular.
- Kava Coffee Home and Kava Coffee Roasting – This trendy light-filled space has work-friendly individual seating in modern two-story spaces at both locations. Try a Chemex and buttery goodies from their bakery.
- Cuma – The light and airy interior has lots of spacious sturdy tables well-suited for working.
- Story Coffee & Food – A top pick for a working brunch and seasonal specialty lattes.
- Tiyop – This plant-filled oasis has a sprawling communal table in the back that’s perfect for plugging in. Plus, it’s conveniently located near the main tourist sites in Galata.
- Curve Cukurcuma – A hidden gem with wi-ifi as strong as its espresso, but limited seating.
Cafes in Istanbul are hubs for the thriving young professional and creative scene. Most coffee shops are open from morning until nearly midnight, since going out for coffee and tea is a critical component of the local social fabric.

There are so many amazing cafes to work from in the city that it almost makes up for the slim pickings of short-term coworking spaces – but not quite.

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Limited Short-Term Coworking Options

Unfortunately, most of Istanbul’s coworking spaces only offer monthly or yearly memberships and lack drop-in rates, making it nearly impossible to pop into an office space on a shorter remote working trip here.

If digital nomads are planning to stay longer than a month, they might have better luck. But even on a longer-term membership, a lot of spaces – for example, IDEA Kadikoy – require an application process with a waiting period and seem to be limited to mostly locals in the tech industry.

Digital nomads are limited to a 90-day tourist visa to see the whole country, so it could be tricky to stay in Istanbul long enough for these extended coworking memberships. Turkey does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. Since the start of 2023, the temporary residency visa has also become nearly impossible to acquire or renew for online workers.

The two primary exceptions to the long-term membership coworking requirement are Impact Hub, which offers 1-10 day packages, and Daire, which charges $5/hour for a pre-reserved hot desk.

Both are located about 30 minutes north of Galata by metro, which means up to an hour commute with changes for digital nomads staying in Kadiköy, Fatih, or other popular neighborhoods.

Divided City

The fingers of the Bosphorus divide the city into three main zones and make getting around a hassle.

This so-called “Golden Horn” separates Beyoğlu (including Karaköy and Galata) in the north from Fatih and Eminonü in the south. It also draws the line between Europe and Asia, with Kadıköy and Üsküdar to the east.

While commuting by ferry looks cinematic, it’s also super slow. Most of the time, getting around Istanbul means an hour underground on the metro, not enjoying the sea or strolling spice-lined streets.

The metro also doesn’t connect the Asian side very well, which means you’re waiting on vintage trams to chug along hills and get you somewhere near your destination or taking city buses through epic traffic.

On the upside, public transport is super affordable in Istanbul. Ferry, metro, bus, and tram rides all cost less than $0.80. A reloadable Istanbulkart can be purchased in all metro and ferry stations and some bus stops for about $2.

Endless Exploration

While it can be a drag to get around Istanbul, the tradeoff is that the city is so huge and diverse that you’ll always have something to see.

Digital nomads could spend weeks in Istanbul visiting a different neighborhood and working from a different café every day.

Explore the Hagia Sophia on your lunch break, or take a cruise on the Bosphorus after work. There are plenty of amazing cultural and historical sites, so you’ll definitely never be bored traveling and working online in Istanbul.

Pricy Data

Digital nomads value staying connected while out and about. Mobile data also usually doubles as backup Wi-Fi for critical work tasks.

Unfortunately, SIM card prices in Istanbul have tripled over the past few years. A short-term tourist SIM currently starts at 5-20G plans for $40-55. This means that a remote worker visiting Istanbul for a few days will pay the same price for data as someone who’s staying for a few weeks.

Turkish carriers also often throttle data speeds, even on ‘unlimited’ packages. On the upside, unlimited Whatsapp messaging is usually included.

Great International Access

A key feature of a great digital nomad city is convenient international access.

With Istanbul’s mega-hub airport, remote workers can hop around Europe and Asia without breaking a sweat. The city’s new airport metro stops also make getting to and from your flight easier than ever.

Nomads can snag flights to European destinations like Venice, Budapest, Paris, Barcelona, and Athens for $50-100. Trips to Gulf destinations like Dubai are dirt cheap, while popular Asian destinations like Thailand and the Maldives can be reached for under $200.

Istanbul also offers an overnight express train to Sofia, Bulgaria. From there, travelers can connect onward to the European rail network.

Accommodation Struggles

While travelers on workations might base from a hotel, long-term digital nomads often prefer to rent an apartment for a week or month. Unfortunately, that’s tricky in Istanbul these days.

First, Booking.com is blocked inside of Turkey, so anyone trying to book accommodation after arriving in the country will need to use a VPN.

Second, Airbnb prices have ballooned to reflect the housing shortage in the city these days. Rental sites offer very few entire apartments and list mostly private rooms in shared apartments. (Bear in mind that some Airbnb hosts in Istanbul actually sleep in the living room of the apartment and omit this information from the listing.)

As of summer 2023, digital nomads can expect to pay $150-200/week or $500-600/month for a room, and roughly double for a private apartment. While it might not seem expensive compared to U.S. prices, rents are out of proportion to the general cost of living.

Inflation, currency instability, an influx of Russian tenants, and a rapidly changing housing market mean the accommodation situation in Istanbul is subject to frequent changes, making travel to Istanbul a bit less predictable for digital nomads.

It’s true that Istanbul has a few kinks to work out for remote workers. While it may not quite live up to the hype, this Turkish megacity is still a must-see for travelers and digital nomads alike.

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June 18, 2023
The Top 8 South American Cities For Digital Nomads According To New Study

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South America seems like a distant land with its rich culture and charming, picturesque towns. Even though it seems far away, many noteworthy cities are just a short flight to a new adventure.

That might be the main draw for digital nomads who want to call South America their new work home.

Many places on the continent are highly affordable, so many remote workers can sustain a nice life here and stretch their money further.

A new study from Resume.io has pieced together the top destinations for digital nomads in South America.

By analyzing thousands of social media posts with the #digitalnomad hashtag and confirming users’ geotags, they were able to determine the top cities digital nomads call home.

These are the top 8 South American cities for digital nomads:

8 – Quito, Ecuador

The underrated capital of Ecuador cracked the top 8, and it’s no surprise as to why it’s so popular. Those who visit Quito may not want to leave.

Travelers with a laptop on hand will instantly be tempted to stay with the allure of the charming streets and sidewalks cafes in the historic main square.

This study found just under 2500 verified digital nomad posts in this under-appreciated gem.

7 – Santa Marta, Colombia

This scenic beach town is an instant draw to digital nomads as soon as they step foot outside and see the immaculate coastline.

Although rather small for a major Colombian attraction, it also serves as a gateway to many other popular cities, which is probably why Colombia is so popular for digital nomads!

Almost 2500 posts were verified from digital nomads.

6 – Santiago, Chile

The jaw-dropping skyline of Santiago is a sight to behold. It’s easy to see why travelers would be drawn in by the backdrop of gorgeous mountains set behind this sprawling city.

Not to mention Chile’s unique culture and underrated cuisine, digital nomads have many reasons to want to plant their flag here.

The study also found slightly under 2500 verified posts from digital nomads.

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5 – Cartagena, Colombia

This popular, charming city full of cobblestone streets and historic buildings is appealing to all travelers, not just digital nomads.

With a tropical climate year-round, digital nomads will be living the dream life choosing Cartagena.

The study found just under 3900 verified posts from digital nomads in this Colombian gem.

4 – São Paulo, Brazil

This vibrant mega city is the most populous of Brazil, but apparently, there is still room to add some remote workers.

Even though Americans will now need a visa simply to enter Brazil, that hasn’t stopped this massive city from being in the top 5 places for digital nomads in South America.

Just over 4300 digital nomad posts were confirmed in the study.

3 – Medellín, Colombia

Medellín is on the most commonly visited cities in Colombia for American travelers and the top Colombian destination for digital nomads.

In fact, it crushed pre-pandemic tourism numbers by huge numbers! With lovely weather and a low cost of living, this historical city is an amazing fit to embrace those who work from their laptops.

This study confirmed 5100 posts from digital nomads in Medellín.

2 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When travelers think of Brazil, Rio is probably what comes to mind first. This sprawling city with popular beaches and world-famous festivals, such as Carnival, this amazing city has something for everyone.

For digital nomads, it’s the rich culture, warm weather, and low cost of living. It’s no surprise this study verified slightly under 7500 digital nomad posts.

1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentina has been a hotspot for American tourists this year, but more particularly, the number one spot for digital nomads in South America.

As one of the safest South American destinations, digital nomads feel comfortable calling this immaculate city home all day and night.

There are tons of cultural attractions to keep busy during off-hours, and it is a gateway to more of Argentina’s natural wonders.

Buenos Aires has truly embraced the digital nomad wave. Those arriving at the main airport with a digital nomad visa can pick up a welcome package with a SIM card and discounts for hotels.

Over 9400 posts were verified with #digitalnomad in Buenos Aires.

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June 8, 2023
Remote Workers Don’t Need A Digital Nomad Visa Moving To These European Countries

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Now that digital nomads are taking over the scene, numerous countries around the world have begun relaxing immigration rules to better accommodate them, whether it’s treating them as long-term tourists and offering tax exemptions or launching Digital Nomad Visas (DNV).

Europe is at the forefront of this exciting trend, with an ever-expanding list of nations announcing DNVs, but while this is great news for remote workers looking to relocate, wider availability of visas does not necessarily mean they are easy to apply for.

With higher financial thresholds to be met, their DNVs are some of the hardest to obtain, but not all European nations are establishing strict eligibility requirements. In fact, 3 of them allow nomads to remain as tourists for extensive periods of time without having to worry about visa rules at all.

If you’re a U.S. passport holder traveling full-time, all you need is a valid passport to relocate, only if temporarily, to these destinations:

The United Kingdom

One of the top 4 European destinations Americans want to visit the most, the United Kingdom has a surprisingly relaxed border policy, taking into account the country’s reputation for taking control of its own borders very seriously.

Unlike the confusing 90/180-day rule which applies to Americans entering the Schengen Area, the U.K. grants visitors leave to remain for up to six months following each new entry. This means a U.S. citizen will not be expected to leave after only three months in the country.

Once the 6-month period is up, a U.S. passport holder can, in theory, exit the territory, spend a day in a neighboring country such as France, and return to Britain immediately after that. As long as they never stay for longer than 180 days following each entry, they will continue on the right side of the law.

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For example: entering the U.K. on June 1, 2023, you will be granted permission to stay continuously until December 1, 2023. However, should you take a day trip to France* on September 1, returning on September 2, a new six-month reference period will start from that date, allowing you to remain in the country until March 2, 2024.

Non-residents are advised against living permanently in the U.K. through various consecutive visits, as border authorities could be suspicious of your intentions, but it is possible to have a temporary home base in Britain as you explore Europe without worrying too much about complex visa rules.

The U.K. is a collective of four historic nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and there is a lot to explore outside of London.

*Day trips to Ireland will not reset your clock, as both Ireland and the U.K. form a single Common Travel Area, where border checks mostly do not apply.

Armenia

Georgia’s direct neighbor to the South, Armenia, is just as friendly to digital nomads, with some of the most dramatic natural scenery seen anywhere in the Caucasus and a rich cultural heritage to match.

Although it is not technically a European country, unlike cross-continental Georgia, as it sits South of the Caucasus dividing line, Armenia is traditionally perceived as a geopolitically-European nation.

Entering Armenia without having applied for long-term residence, Americans can stay for up to six months in a calendar year, whether continuously or through various successive visits within the fixed 12-month period.

With a sprawling Soviet-era capital, set against the dramatic background of the Ararat Mountain, and a high concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other historically-relevant structures, such as the Hellenic Temple of Garni, the only surviving Greco-Roman building in the ex-USSR, Armenia is a beautiful hidden gem worth exploring.

Georgia

Georgia has risen to prominence in recent years as Europe’s nomad hub for a reason: much like the U.K., it grants tourists permission to stay for longer than just 3 months, but while the British cap it at six, Georgian authorities grant foreigners an entire year of visa-free access.

You read that right.

If you’re a digital nomad who’s grown wary of excessively complicated DNV procedures, you will have no issue relocating to Georgia, the northernmost state in the Caucasus, at the junction between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

This small, often overlooked nation is home to an ancient capital city, Tbilisi, with a History spanning several millennia. It is also where wine originated from 6000 years ago and the birthplace of Stalin.

On top of its friendly visa policy, Georgia is one of the cheapest countries for digital nomads, with a low cost of living compared to much of the Western World and affordable housing, though rent has increased in recent months due to the influx of Russians and Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in their home countries.

Entering Georgia at any checkpoints, both via land and airports, you will be issued a one-year entry stamp, enabling you to take up local residency with minimal hassle and explore the dozens of cobblestoned cities and picturesque countryside without rush.

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May 28, 2023
This Latin American Country Has No Set Income Requirement For Its Digital Nomad Visa

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Latin America is increasingly being hailed as a top destination for digital nomads, who come from all around the world to experience the wonders that this continent can bring.

Some come for warm weather or the interesting blends of cultures, some come for stunning landscapes, while many more digital nomads come to this continent to stretch their dollar further.

The good news is that the countries of Latin America are offering more and more digital nomad visas, providing the chance for remote workers to stay longer than a traditional tourist visa would allow.

Some counties, such as Colombia and, more recently, Argentina and Ecuador, have become digital nomad hotspots, while others are just starting to follow suit.

The latest Latin American country to offer a digital nomad visa? Uruguay.

Why Uruguay?

You can find Uruguay on the South Atlantic Coast, nestled between its more famous neighbors of Brazil and Argentina. Some might confuse it with Paraguay, but rest assured, this country very much has its own identity.

The best time to visit is in the summer from November to April, when the weather is warmer. Those who have lived here mention that the vibe during the rest of the year can feel a bit more subdued when the cooler weather keeps most inside.

Now, if you are coming from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you are likely used to this and will find ways to keep yourself busy and can duck into the numerous cafes to get some work done while warming up.

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One thing that those who come here mention quite often is the level of freedom you will feel in Uruguay as compared to other countries in Latin America. This, coupled with the friendliness of the locals, really helps digital nomads feel at home.

As many with real-life experience of living here will tell you, Uruguay is not a budget designation for digital nomads, although any internet search might tell you otherwise. Digital nomads who have called this country home for a while will be the first to tell you that the actual costs they faced in their day-to-day life are much higher than a simple Google search will lead you to believe.

However, those who are coming from the U.S. or U.K. will likely still find lower prices on just about everything than they would back home.

Most digital nomads base themselves in the coastal capital city of Montevideo, a city that offers most of the creature comforts from back home with a much different vibe.

There are many reasons Uruguay is perfect for digital nomads, and the new digital nomad visa adds just another reason to give this diverse country a try.

The Fine Print

As the latest country to pass legislation that will allow digital nomads to stay in the country while they work remotely, Uruguay’s digital nomad visa is an attractive choice for those looking to log on from somewhere different than home.

While not officially coined a digital nomad visa, what the county offers is a Provisional Identity Card, or “Hojas de Identidad Provisoria”. Once only offered to those who worked for a company within Uruguay, they are now expanded for anyone who works remotely for any company, foreign or national.

This Identity Card allows those who receive it to stay and work in Uruguay for six to twelve months, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency.

The process for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card is a bit different than other countries, and to be honest, it seems much easier and more straightforward.

You enter the country on a tourist visa and then apply online for the identity card once you are already in the country. The online application has been noted to be quite simple, and you must sign an affidavit that states you can financially support yourself while in the country.

This is much different from most countries that want actual proof of income falling within a certain bracket.

With no actual salary requirement, this opens up Uruguay as a great home for those who freelance or do any job that you cannot prove on paper you make a certain amount of money.

Once granted, you are allowed to stay in the country for six months, and to extend for another six you must show proof of vaccination in Uruguay as well as a clean criminal record for any place you have lived longer than six months in the previous five years.

For more information on the Uruguay Provisional Identity Card, it’s best to refer to its official website (Spanish).

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May 21, 2023
The Top 5 Cities For A Digital Detox According To New Study
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It’s not uncommon in today’s society to find ourselves glued to our phones. So one of the trendiest ways to travel in 2023 is to take a break from the digital world.

Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or the latest AI app, most of us are guilty of too much screen time.

That is why popular travel insurance company, InsureMyTrip, put together the top cities in the world to unplug for a digital detox getaway.

What Factored Into The Study?

InsureMyTrip took into consideration many different metrics to ensure they put together a legitimate list of the best destinations possible for a digital detox.

These were the metrics used:
- Relaxation
- Activities
- Safety
- Internet Access
To determine what factors into the best places to relax, InsureMyTrip looked at a variety of aspects.

For instance, crowded streets in a highly populated city can create a lot of stress to navigate through popular sightseeing areas.

Especially when we all have the temptation to reach into our pockets to grab our smartphones.

InsureMyTrip also looked at how many activities certain places have to distract tourists from perusing social media and how safe places are to avoid having to use a phone.

Lastly, the insurance brokerage factored in how accessible the internet is across the globe. The lack of wifi means less phone use for travelers.

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Each destination was given a score on a scale of 1 through 10. The score is based on each metric combined.

InsureMyTrip relied on sources from the following reputable companies to come up with their scores:
- TomTom
- City Population
- Booking.c o m
- Google Maps
- Pedestrian First
- Viator
- Numbeo
These are the top 5 cities in the world for a digital detox:

5- Copenhagen, Denmark – Score of 7.53

The top 5 cities all happen to be in Europe. Copenhagen comes in ranked at #5, mostly due to its lack of public internet access.

Surprisingly, the beautiful Denmark capital shares the same score as off-path places such as Accra, Ghana and Johannesburg, South Africa in terms of wi-fi scarcity.

4- Lisbon, Portugal – Score of 7.58

Ranking #4 is the picturesque city of Lisbon in the wondrous country of Portugal. Having some of the best spas for the ultimate relaxing getaway is a major factor in this high ranking.

Lisbon also has a lot to offer to keep tourists busy, sharing similar scores with more popular cities such as London and Barcelona.

3- Amsterdam, Netherlands – Score of 7.60

Just like Lisbon, Amsterdam also offers many world-class spas for a relaxing vacation. With its many coffee shops, Amsterdam does offer Wi-Fi across the city.

However, with all the activities, such as simply taking a bike and enjoying a ride outside, it counteracts the temptation to connect with the digital world.

It’s easy to see why Amsterdam is in the top 3 cities to keep your phone turned off.

2- Rome, Italy – Score of 7.65

Rome comes in ranked #2 as a bucket list destination for the ultimate digital detox vacation.

The food, scenery and overall historical culture are indescribable in the best of ways.

The Eternal City has a lot to offer visitors. With a high number of parks, Rome is a great place to be outside and keep your phone tucked away.

There is also a high number of car-free zones to avoid the stress of everyday traffic. Walking through the city or renting a scooter through the narrow alleyways are the best ways to experience this immaculate city.

Booking a tour is another fun option to keep your technology temptations at bay. Let the tour guide do the work and enjoy all there is to see in one of Italy’s main attractions.

1- Prague, Czech Republic – Score of 7.96

Coming in ranked #1 is the amazing city of Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic measured high scores across all the metrics InsureMyTrip used.

The main reason Prague ranks high is the lack of traffic. The average travel time is approximately 16 minutes.

Prague is an excellent city for walking to take in the unique architecture and lovely streets.

With the lack of traffic and plenty of activities, it’s no guessing game to see why this amazing European city is the best place for a digital detox.

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May 9, 2023
Malaysia’s New Digital Nomad Visa Is Now The Easiest To Qualify For In Asia
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Southeast Asia has long been a haven for travelers and digital nomads looking for a low cost of living and a taste of the good life. However, regional tourist visas are short and digital nomad visas are scarce.

Some countries, like Thailand, are only getting more difficult and expensive with time.

Thailand had previously offered 90-day tourist visas on arrival in 2022 but reverted back to 30 days this spring while cracking down on visa runs. Their only digital nomad visa options fall under the Thai Elite Program: nine tiers of VIP status for high-earning nomads willing to shell out $17K – $1.5M.

Other countries are taking the opposite approach, hoping to boost their post-pandemic tourist industries and encourage foreign investment.

Vietnam is in the process of extending tourist visas from 30 to 90 days. Indonesia also announced a new digital nomad visa last summer.

Malaysia has long led the pack in long-stay tourist and business visas in Southeast Asia.

The Malaysian “social visit pass” visa on arrival has allowed travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and other countries to visit for tourism or business for 90 days.

Late last year, the Malaysian government took things a step further by announcing a new digital nomad visa scheme. The DE Rantau program’s self-proclaimed goal is to secure Malaysia’s position as the top digital nomad destination in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Now that the first few batches of digital nomad applications have been approved, it’s becoming clear that Malaysia has succeeded.

DE Rantau is undoubtedly the easiest, cheapest digital nomad visa option in Asia.

What is the DE Rantau Program?

DE Rantau is a new initiative from the government’s Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) investing in both local and foreign digital nomads.

The program includes DE Rantau “hubs” of pre-verified accommodation equipped for digital nomads, as well as support for digital nomad networking and community across the country.

What is the DE Rantau Nomad Pass?

The DE Rantau Pass is a visa and residency scheme for foreign digital nomads to live and work in Malaysia.

This falls under the larger category of “Professional Visit Pass” and carries a low fee of $225, of which 75% is refunded in case of application rejection.

The pass allows a stay of 3-12 months with the option for an additional 12 month renewal. Nomads in Malaysia under DE Rantau must register with Malaysia’s tax office and report their income.

The most valuable benefit of this program is that nomads will not have to pay standard Malaysian tax rates on income from foreign companies or clients.

While, unfortunately, the exact tax structure remains opaque, MDEC’s DE Rantau FAQ page lists relevant tax codes and designated points of contact for tax-specific program questions.

Who Qualifies?

Digital freelancers, independent contractors, and remote workers making at least $24,000 per year (or $2,000 per month) qualify for a DE Rantau Pass.

Qualifying applicants must work in the digital domain, which MDEC defines as:
- IT, including software development, software support and sales, UX, UI, cloud, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, machine learning, data related work, digital currencies support, etc.
- Digital marketing
- Digital content creation
- Digital content development
What Do Applicants Need To Apply?

Applicants to this new program will submit:
- Proof of Income – Latest 3 months of bank statements, either income statements or tax returns, and pay slips
- Proof of Employment – Active contract with a foreign company that has been active for at least the last 3 months and is valid for future work (remote workers); or, long-term established client or combination of clients with a contract(s) for a project(s) valid for 3 months (freelancers)
- Passport – 6 empty passport pages on a passport with 14 months validity
- Qualifications – Educational certificates and an up-to-date resume
- Proof of Tax Registration – Tax registration slip from Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia
- Proof of Insurance – Medical insurance policy valid in Malaysia
- Proof of Good Conduct – Certified letter from local police in your country of residence
- Personal Bond – $450 payment for US citizens and $224 for UK and European citizens, refunded when your pass expires
- Visa Fee – $225 for all applicants, 75% refunded if application denied
How To Apply?

Nomad Pass applications are completed entirely online. Applicants register online with MDEC’s foreign nomad portal, then submit scans and digital copies of the required documents.

Applications are processed in 6-8 weeks. There have been some reports of delayed approval (keep in view or “KIV” status) when documents or employers required additional manual verification. Still, many applicants have reported positive experiences with responsive support from MDEC while this young program blazes the trail for nomad visas in Asia.

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May 8, 2023
Why This Cheap European Country Is Perfect For Digital Nomads

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With millions of people around the world nowadays working remotely, more and more countries are finding themselves deemed the next “hotspot” for these digital nomads.

With the rising cost of literally everything in many Western countries, many are looking abroad to live for a while in hopes of better prices as well as a better way of life.

While many countries in Europe offer a good quality of life for digital nomads, some are, of course, more expensive than others. One country in South Eastern Europe that is gaining popularity with digital nomads for its low cost of living and high quality of life is Serbia.

Why Serbia?

Serbia is considered one of the cheapest countries in Europe for digital nomads, and for some reason, not many people seem to know about it yet. With its capital city of Belgrade being one of the most cost-effective capital cities for remote workers to live in, there’s a lot going for it in addition to its low price point.

Not being in the EU or in the Schengen zone means you are not limited by the same time constraints that are as strict as other popular digital nomad choices in Europe.

While most flock to the buzzing capital city of Belgrade, smaller hotspots such as Novi Sad and Nis also welcome many Digital nomads.

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The Fine Print

Serbia is aiming to establish itself as a digital nomad hub, and there’s talk of a digital nomad visa coming soon, in addition to other benefits such as tax incentives.

While the digital nomad visa is not here yet, most nationalities can stay up to three months on a normal tourist visa and then can pop over to any Schengen country, as Serbia doesn’t count towards their 90/180-day limit.

So, as one of the European countries that offer the chance for a long stay, why not settle down in Serbia for a while and enjoy all of what it has to offer?

Low Cost Of Living

Some estimates put the average living costs in Belgrade at around €1,300 a month, including most bills and expenses, making it much cheaper than anywhere back in the U.S., and many digital nomads with experience in Serbia will tell you that number is high, and they that have gotten by on less than that.

Some recent figures indicate that a basic one-bedroom apartment can cost around $500 a month and utilities another $100.

Public transport should run you around $20 a month, and adding the low cost of groceries and phone cards, the total should still come in far under any U.S. or U.K. city.

Culture, Nature, Food, And Friendly People

Digital nomads like Serbia for its strong Balkan spirit and the city of Belgrade’s long and complex history has led to a unique melting pot of East meets West cultures and cuisines.

The food scene is alive and well here in Belgrade and beyond, and those who move here are instantly won over by the filling yet healthy Mediterranean meets Slavic diet.

Serbia also has a high level of English, and those who come here will happily discover that English is widely spoken and understood. This is just another reason why Belgrade is a foreigner-friendly city,

Good Connectivity

The average internet speed for Serbia in November 2022 was 60.5 Mbps broadband and 46Mbps wifi.

The cities have numerous co-working spaces and internet cafes, so staying connected for work should not be an issue.

Transportation is good here as well, with Belgrade being a rather small city; it’s very walkable.

The public transportation system is very efficient, connecting the city to other popular areas in the country, as well as many connections via ground and air to other regions in Europe and further afield.

Expat Community

There is a growing community of digital nomads in Serbia, and established expat groups and digital nomad communities are easy to find. Connecting with others is easier in Belgrade, although other cities such as Niš and Novi Sad also have a thriving expat scene.

With a buzzing nightlife scene, it should not be too hard to make new friends here. The major cities also have numerous meetups, coworking spaces, hubs, and cafes where most expats come to work.

One resource to check out if you are interested in making the move would be Expats In Belgrade, to read about expats’ experiences in Belgrade and better decide if it’s for you.

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May 1, 2023
6 European Countries With The Best Quality Of Life For Digital Nomads

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Which European countries offer the best quality of life for digital nomads?

More and more countries are introducing digital nomad visas for remote workers and entrepreneurs, but not all of these visas are as good as they appear at first glance.

For example, some digital nomad visas come with prohibitively high earning requirements or are for countries with an extremely high cost of living or otherwise subpar quality of life.

Take Iceland’s digital nomad visa, which requires applicants to earn at least $7,763 USD per month. In addition to that, Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, doesn’t have good weather for most of the year, and the visa only allows you to stay for up to six months.

The following European digital nomad visas hit the sweet spot between reasonable monthly earning requirements and countries with a low cost of living and high quality of life.

1. Spain

Spain is one of the best countries in Europe to offer a digital nomad visa. This recently-launched visa only requires applicants to prove monthly earnings of approximately $2,215 USD. It’s good for one year, with the possibility of extending for longer.

Compared to the rest of Western Europe, Spain is more affordable and offers incredible cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla where digital nomads can base themselves.

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2. Croatia

Another great country for digital nomads in Europe is Croatia. Croatia is the top digital nomad hub of 2023 because of its amazing quality of life, relatively low cost of living, and digital nomad visa.

The visa requires applicants to earn approximately $2,650 USD per month, and it’s good for six months to one year. This is important considering that as of 2023, Croatia is part of the Schengen Zone, and Americans can only stay in the country (and any other Schengen Zone country) for up to 90 days.

So while it was previously possible to stay in Croatia long-term without a visa, that is no longer the case.

3. Portugal

Another European country with a great quality of life for digital nomads is Portugal. This country is known for great cities like Lisbon and Porto, as well as beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a relaxed pace of life. It’s also much cheaper than the rest of Western Europe.

Remote workers wanting to apply for the digital nomad visa in Portugal will need to demonstrate earnings of approximately $2,950 USD per month, and it’s good for one year with the possibility to extend.

4. Estonia

Another great European country with a digital nomad visa is Estonia. This Baltic nation was actually the first country to start offering a digital nomad visa.

The visa allows you to stay in the country for up to one year, and you must demonstrate earnings of at least $37,000 USD per year.

Estonia offers a low cost of living, and the picturesque city of Tallinn is perfect for digital nomads.

5. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic does not offer a typical digital nomad visa like the countries above, but they do have a trade license-based freelancer visa that functions similarly.

It can be tricky to apply for, and many people hire a specialist to help them with the process, but once established, you can stay in the Czech Republic for up to one year with the possibility to extend.

For income requirements, you must demonstrate you have at least $5,800 USD in your bank account.

6. Albania

Albania is a country that doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa. Instead, Americans and many other nationalities can stay in the country for up to one year as a tourist.

This is ideal for digital nomads who don’t want to jump through the hoops of applying for a visa or residency in another country.

Albania offers a remarkably low cost of living and has a growing digital nomad scene in the capital of Tirana and the coastal city of Sarandë.

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April 22, 2023
These Are 10 Of The Best Cities For Digital Nomads, According To A New Report

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As the number of people working remotely around the globe increases, more information and studies come out helping people decide where they should choose as their next digital nomad destination.

There is no shortage of options for great countries, regions, cities, and even cruise ships for remote workers to choose from nowadays.

Flexible workspace marketplace website Instant Offices has released a report in which they rank almost 80 locations worldwide on their suitability for digital nomads.

Using data in regards to a city’s affordability, weather, broadband speed, wifi locations, and connectivity, resulting in a list of the best cities to be a digital nomad in 2023.

Here Are The Top 10 Cities For Digital Nomads:

1. Lisbon

It’s not exactly a secret that this Portuguese capital city has been favored among digital nomads in recent years.

With many coworking spaces, over 7,000 wifi hotspots, and an amazing food and drink scene, this city wins people over, especially if they are working while they are here.

The warm climate and seaside location do not hurt either!

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2. Bangkok

Bangkok wins points with digital nomads for many reasons, one being its huge ex-pat community, making networking and connecting with new friends easier than in other less popular cities.

Bangkok boasts over 15,000 wifi hotspots around the city, and coworking spaces and affordable accommodation also work in its favor with remote workers.

Not to mention the nightlife can be as tame or as crazy as you like.

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3. Madrid

For being such a huge city, Madrid has a bit of a lower cost of living than some other famous European capitals.

Aside from this, Madrid is becoming somewhat of a hub for remote workers, and therefore all those who come here to log on seem to connect with others rather quickly.

With great wifi and loads of coworking spaces, you can always find a place to sit down and log in.

4. Seoul

Digital nomads looking to the east can find a home in South Korea’s capital city.

With fantastic public transportation, great infrastructure, super modern technology, culture, history, and nightlife, one will never be at a loss for things to do in this bustling metropolis.

With some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, staying connected everywhere shouldn’t be an issue for anyone either.

5. Delhi

Some might be surprised to see this bustling Indian capital city on the list of best digital nomads cities in 2023, but there are some good reasons for its high ranking.

With a lower cost of living than others on the list, and many coworking spaces and wifi access points, Delhi does win some points with digital nomads.

Although public transportation might be a tad hectic, there are reasons to consider this culture-packed capital as a great idea for remote workers.

6. Dubai

Dubai has been winning top accolades for tourists and digital nomads recently, and therefore seeing it on this list is likely not to surprise anyone.

Digital nomads enjoy a high degree of safety, great modern infrastructure, and high quality of life in Dubai.

Not to mention internet speeds and Wi-Fi connections that are first class.

7. Ho Chi Minh

Cheap accommodation and daily living costs, all the excitement of living in a bustling Asian city, amazing street food, and great internet are all among the reasons for Ho Chi Minh making the top 10 of this list.

Digital nomads here are able to explore a fascinating culture-packed city with history and interesting things around every corner.

8. Jakarta

This sprawling and chaotic capital of Indonesia might not be as popular with digital nomads as some of the other Asian cities on this list, but there are reasons to consider it a great place for remote working.

One major factor here is the connectivity to other areas in Southeast Asia, especially for those who want to explore the Indonesian archipelago.

While not as cheap as some of the other cities mentioned, you can still enjoy some creature comforts here for far less than in other places, and those who live in the modern central business district maintain that they feel a high degree of safety in their daily lives.

9. Kathmandu

The country of Nepal might not be the first place to come to mind when a digital nomad chooses their next destination, having historically mainly been popular with trekkers and backpackers.

But those who come here for remote working (and, ok, probably some weekend trekking) will likely find themselves pleasantly surprised with the city’s ability to tick the digital nomad wishlist boxes.

With overall good internet available, cheap accommodation, friendly people, and some serious views, you can see why it made the list.

10. Rotterdam

The second most famous city in The Netherlands is gaining attention as a digital nomad hub.

Known as the creative heartbeat of the country, this small and accessible city has many coworking spaces, not to mention ultra-fast wifi and loads of fun things to do in your downtime.

With numerous cafes lining the streets and Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam always offers something interesting to experience.

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April 19, 2023