When I was in my early twenties, I made up my mind that I wanted to build a portable skillset where I could escape the long rainy winters in my home of Vancouver. Thanks to the Internet, I have been able to escape the northern winter and spend time working abroad in sunnier and happier places.
During my time as a digital nomad, I’ve done a lot of research to find the best digital nomad hotspots where there is rich culture, natural beauty, reliable high-speed Internet, a low cost of living and a thriving community of English-speaking digital nomads.
I also don’t like to drink and I prefer places where there is a thriving conscious community of creative expats so I can attend events and meet other interesting people without having to waste time in bars and clubs.
It always amazes me how so many people think travel and living abroad is expensive. That’s simply not true. If you stay long-term and rent a villa (or try housesitting) you can live for a fraction of what you would pay to live in a European or American city.
Additionally, when you’re working remotely as a digital nomad in a tropical paradise you can make a clean break from debt-fueled consumerism and the corporate rat race that is so prevalent in most big cities.
Tropical Paradises for Digital Nomads
If you’re thinking of pulling the trigger and going to live abroad temporarily as a digital nomad — or permanently as an expat — then you’ll want to consider some of these tropical islands and beach towns that have become digital nomad hotspots.
Along with a description of my experience in each of these hotspots, here is how I break down this guide:
Budget: This is a rough estimation of what you would spend if you are there long-term renting a guesthouse and not going on lots of expensive adventure tours and partying.
Internet: The Internet isn’t as fast or reliable in many of these places as it is in a large European or American city but it’s do-able with a little patience or by choosing to work at a coworking space.
Weather: Nearly all of these digital nomad hotspots are tropical or subtropical so the weather is nearly always warm but life tends to be much easier in the dry season.
If you don’t have an online business or remote freelancing gigs to live off of while abroad, it’s also a great idea to learn online from some of these hotspots because you can keep your expenses low.
1. Koh Phangan, Thailand
I had the good fortune to live in the fishing village of Srithanu on the island of Koh Phangan for a few winters. Known worldwide for the Full Moon Parties in the resort town of Haad Rin, the western half of Koh Phangan is a major center in the world for learning about meditation, yoga, and Tantra.
There are a number of yoga shalas in and around the town of Srithanu. About half the island is protected in Than Sadet National Park, which is the legacy of forest monks who fought to protect the island’s unique ecology.
Koh Phangan is a really incredible place and the island is full of perfect white sand beaches like Haad Yao, Mae Haad, and legendary Bottle Beach. You will have no problem here meeting all kinds of interesting digital nomads, spiritual seekers, and long-term expats here.
Budget: $1000+ a month
Wi-Fi: Fast 4G, coworking spaces and inexpensive Internet if you rent a house.
Best Time of Year: November to April.
2. The Oaxacan Coast, Mexico
Mazunte, Zipolite, and Puerto Escondido are the three coolest beach towns I’ve found in Mexico. The Oaxacan Coast (pronounced wa-hah-kah) has a peaceful tropical ambiance, largely because it’s a relatively off-the-beaten-track location far from high-traffic international destinations like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.
The nearby ecotourism hotspot Huatulco does have a big airport but it’s nothing like Mexico’s more popular “Gringo” resorts. I especially like the town of Mazunte.
If the modern corporate world screwed you up, this is a good place to start healing. I really like Hridaya Yoga academy and the extraordinary El Alquimista resort named after Paulo Coelho’s excellent coming-of-age book The Alchemist.
I lived one winter in Puerto Escondido and I’ve returned numerous times. It is a great launching pad for exploring the beaches of the Oaxacan Coast. It also has some of the best surfing breaks in the Americas.
Budget: $1200+ a month
Wi-Fi: Some places have great wi-fi. Best to rent a house. Or check out Selina.
Best Time of Year: November to April
3. Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala
Sitting at 1,562 m (5,125 ft) high in the highlands of western Guatemala, Lago de Atitlan is a little piece of paradise. Surrounded by 3 massive volcanos, traditional Mayan villages, yoga retreats, and coffee plantations mean there is a lot to explore and discover.
I lived for a month one winter at Las Piramides in the mellow village of San Marcos de la Laguna. At this incredible spiritual retreat, you get to live in your own glass-tipped pyramid in the jungle. The beaches here are quite clean and the views are extraordinary.
Across the lake from San Marcos is the notorious village of San Pedro de la Laguna where young backpackers and burn-out expat hippies go to escape reality for a while. This area of Guatemala has a perfect year-round temperate that hovers around 25 degrees Celsius during the day.
Budget: $1000+ a month.
Wi-Fi: Panajachel can be good but is more spotty in the villages.
Best Time of Year: Good weather year-round.
4. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
The first time I ever spent a winter abroad was in the village of Mal Pais, which sits beside the slightly larger “town” of Santa Teresa.
I had met some fellow Vancouverites while partying in the touristy town of Montezuma who had told me about this legendary surfing mecca down a dirt road to the west. It’s changed a lot since but it still offers one of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica.
The dream digital nomad lifestyle here is to surf the morning high tide, work through the heat of the day in your air-conditioned villa, then surf the evening high tide. If you want a little more hustle and bustle, a few hours north is surfer’s paradise Tamarindo and on the Caribbean coast, there is Puerto Viejo for digital nomads who love to surf and listen to lots of reggae.
Budget: $1600+ a month
Wi-Fi: Decent but nothing amazing. Rent a house or use a co-working space.
Best Time of Year: November to March
5. Bali, Indonesia
This Vedic island has one of the most distinctive cultures in the world. It’s incredibly popular with digital nomads, backpackers, and expats. If you are interested in meditation, yoga and exploring new possibilities, this is the place to live your fairy tale.
Bali is like Hawaii minus the high price tag but major tourist spots like Kuta and Seminyak are regularly overrun by marauding bands of drunken tourists in the high season. With a little exploration, you will find all kinds of hidden gems that are unlike anywhere else such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Candi Dasa and Sanur (or take a boat to the less developed paradise island of Lombok).
The cultural center of the Island (and the expat scene) is the town of Ubud in the interior mountains but Canggu is also a hotspot for digital nomads. If you like spiritual hippies and yogis, you will find your tribe here among the ancient temples, beaches, breathtaking rice terraces, and mist-draped mountains.
Budget: $1200+ a month
Internet: Not super fast. Rent a house or use a co-working space.
Best Time of Year: April to October
6. Goa, India
Goa is a state in India with some of the best beaches in the world. India is a place that you either love or hate, there is no in-between. Stepping off an international flight in a big Indian city is probably the most intense “culture shock” you will experience anywhere in the world.
However, if you spend enough time exploring India, you learn to love its ancient culture and the unique charm of the birthplace of so many of the world’s religions.
When you want to relax and get some work done then I recommend settling for awhile in a quieter area of Goa. It has become something of a global mecca for hedonists, expat hippies, and psychedelic raver mysticism. If you desire something more laid back and authentic, the beach towns in the state of Kerala to the south are worth exploring.
Budget: $800+ a month
Internet: Pretty good overall.
Best Time of Year: November to March
7. Taghazout, Morocco
Morocco is a surreal place. Shepherds ride around on camels, old men tame giant cobras in the markets and the whole place feels like a frontier at the edge of the world. It’s one of the most mysterious and magical places in the world and the Moroccan people are absolutely amazing with their kindness and hospitality.
This country is also super cheap and the southern coast is a magnet for European surfers and expats looking for a simpler life without going too far from home. The town of Taghazout has a thriving community of startup teams living simply to decrease their burn rate.
You can rent an inexpensive villa on the beach for very little money and still have solid Internet connectivity. The surfing here is world class.
Budget: $1000+ a month
Internet: Remarkably fast (if you rent a villa).
Best Time of Year: October to May
8. Rhodes, Greek Islands
If you ever wanted to live in a place surrounded by ancient history, then Rhodes is the place for you. This touristy island is best known for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The medieval old town in the small city of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will take your breath away.
The Island of Rhodes is one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe so the northern coast of the island is full of touristy resorts but the southern coast offers more peaceful beaches and a slower pace of life. While the island isn’t very big in size, you will still regularly stumble across hidden beaches and fascinating archeological sites.
The climate isn’t completely tropical but it is pleasant year-round (though very hot in the summer) and the Island boasts over 300 days a year of bright sunshine.
Budget: $1500+ a month
Internet: Reliable (if you rent a villa).
Best Time of Year: May to October
9. Hoi An, Vietnam
In recent years Vietnam has started challenging Thailand’s status as the mecca for digital nomads. While many are flocking to cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the beachside town of Hoi An, which translates as “peaceful meeting place”, is a relaxing spot.
The old town of Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage and it features many well-preserved remnants of the town’s influence as a spice trading port from 15th to the 19th century.
There is a growing community of digital nomads and expats here. You can easily rent or buy a motorbike to explore the beautiful surrounding beaches and mountains. The food here is delicious and spicy and generally inexpensive.
Budget: $1000+ a month
Internet: Fast wi-fi generally
Best Time of Year: May to September
10. Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Translated as the “mouth of the bull” this archipelago of islands sits just south of the Costa Rican town of Puerto Viejo where the mighty rivers flow from the tall mountains in Northern Panama’s rugged interior Cordillera.
The laid back Caribbean atmosphere in the main town of Bocas Del Toro is seductive and not surprisingly, it has attracted its fair share of adventurous digital nomads and long-term expats.
This is a great place to work hard and still enjoy lots of time to play in the local surf, explore the nearby mountains, relax on the white sand beaches and dive on the coral reefs.
Budget: $1,200+ a month
Wi-Fi: The main island has great wi-fi. Most islands have no connectivity.
Best Time of Year: November to April
That’s my list of digital nomad hotspots! There are a lot of other excellent beach towns and tropical islands to explore but these particular locations are excellent choices for digital nomads and expats.
If you have any questions about these digital nomad hotspots please feel free to join the conversation in the comments.
I built DIY Genius to help entrepreneurial people find their sweet spot for deep focus and flow states where passion meets purpose and profitability.
I believe the future of education starts with helping people find their "zone of genius" so they can develop their uniquely human ability to create meaning, connection and community (that A.I. can't replicate).
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Hi, nice content but I think budgets are too overrated. Ofcourse it depends what you re spending but especialy for Vietnam, Thailand $600-800 could be enough for single person. You don’t have to rent a villa or lux apartment. I think Chang Mai best destination for Nomads and have more options than the Koh Phangan. A single studio, great internet connection, daily food and monthly scooter price including that. It’s totally depends to your experience but as my experience budget averages are too high. Thanks for share and have a great trip!
Thanks,
M
Thank you Kyle! Great list!
I work remotely for a software company for the last 3 yrs and up until now, i have just been working in my Toronto basement. Sad, right!
My situation is a bit more complicated bc I have kids (3 and 7) so just packing up and going is a bit tougher.
I’m really struggling with finding a place that has reliable internet while being on or very close to the beach/pool. I really can’t arrive in my destination to find that my internet is not strong enough to support my work. I also need to stay in my time zone so looking in to The Oaxacan coast, Guatemala or costa rica.
Do you have any recommendations for accommodations with reliable internet?
Hi Bridget,
I would recommend looking into the co-working and co-living community Selina. They have fast Internet and locations all over Central America. I’m pretty sure they have a location in Puerto Escondido and a few locations in hotspots in Costa Rica.
Hi there, you’ve forgotten Mauritius Island ! I am SEO Consultant and i live in Mauritius Island since 2016, it’s a ultra-connected Island which provide a nice fiber network all over the island.
Hey Kyle! I saw your post on a comment feed about spiritual DN destinations then read your article on tropical islands.
I was just in Ubud and want to go back but am nervous about the volcano. I’m trying to settle down to start my coding freelancing business and want a place with a strong spiritual community–not just yoga schools but also an easy culture of making friends around those types of things (Ubud was perfect for that)
Do you have any recommendations? In your article Koh Phangan stood out to me. Costa Rica sounded awesome but I don’t surf yet and am nervous to get started… although maybe it would be good for me. How was the community there-yoga and not yoga?
Let me know, I appreciate it!
I would definitely recommend Koh Phangan. There are probably more people there learning yoga at the many shalas than there are in Ubud. It’s also much less developed, hipster and commercialized than Ubud.
Costa Rica is nice but more spread out and it doesn’t have the rich, ancient culture of Thailand or Bali.
Hello, me and my wife to be, are looking for a nice small town by the beach (we prefer spanish and english speaking countries) with a nice powder like beaches and calm wather all year round.. If its possible for a list of 10 such cities would be great. Thank you!
Well, most of the destinations on this list would qualify for what you’re looking for. In terms of cities, there are many smaller cities that are excellent. I like Florianopolis in Brazil a lot.
Hey Kyle,
Great article, very informative, thanks! I was wondering which of the towns you mention are child friendly and have good international schools nearby? We have two kids aged 5 and 7
I’ve met people who had their kids in international schools in Ban Tai in Koh Phangan and near Ubud in Bali and they said good things about them.
Hi Kyle. Thanks for the great article and valuable intel. I have a couple months to kill in August/Sept and would like to join some type of expat community in a beach town. I prefer a fairly social/party vibe, but would like to avoid the early 20-something backpacker scene if possible. Any ideas?
I would recommend the town of Srithanu in Koh Phangan. Huge expat community and on the other side of the island you have the legendary parties in Wai Nam and Eden Bar.
Hi Kyle! Thanks again for a great post. My friend and I are looking for somewhere beachside for a month with good yoga available. Any recommendations?
If you want amazing nature and yoga, I would highly recommend the Srithanu area in Koh Phangan. If you want beaches with big waves for surfing, Canggu in Bali is a great spot for surfing and yoga.
Great list Kyle. I’m thinking Bali next week, but I might take a month or two in Philippines beforehand.
Just wanted to add one recommendation for digital nomads which is Quito, Ecuador. I just spent the last 3 months in Ecuador and based myself out of Quito which I absolutely fell in love with. Fast internet throughout the city. Affordable condos or houses to rent monthly ($500-800 range). My slowest Internet at one condo was 4mbs and fastest was 90mbs at one new condo I stayed at. But in general, most places had 4-6mb Internet.
Quito’s got great public transport, but you can also walk most of the city. I first lived in Historic Center – a part of town that’s completely walkable and the food and drinks are cheap ($2-3 dinners that come with chicken, rice, potatoes, vegetable, soup of the day, and a juice of the day). Then I moved to Inaquito part of town which has the shopping malls and movie theaters. You lack for nothing there, but it’s slightly more expensive for meals and drinks. $7-10 range, although I ate way too much shawarma on that side of town for about $3/meal. I loved that side of town because i was adjacent to Parque Carolina which spans a few city blocks. Not a day went by that I didn’t exercise at or visit that park.
Buses in Quito run until midnight most nights and span the entire city. It’s spring like weather most of the year, except maybe Jan – Mar when it gets cold and rainy at times .It’s still beautiful in the day, but it gets cold at night.
I thought Quito was an absolutely fantastic city to live and work for a few months. And it was easy to get to other parts of Ecuador for weekend trips or vacations. The city of Banos is about 4 hours away by bus and a must-see while in Ecuador for outdoor stuff. Beaches are within a few hours.
I don’t see Quito talked about too much among digital nomads so I wanted to throw it out there!
Quito sounds like a nice spot! Do you know of any good beach towns to stay awhile in Ecuador?
Montanita was great. It’s known as the party beach in Ecuador, but I thought it offered a little of everything. It’s not like San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua for example – a lot less extreme craziness and drunk spring breakers than that. And the Internet was quick enough to work.
Hey Kyle
Thanks for this post; it was very helpful!
I’m planning my first trip abroad and I’m looking at Costa Rica. I decided to also look into Mal Pais. I’m surprised by how low your boarding budget is, so I was wondering if you could give me some advice on where to stay without breaking the bank?
To find the best deals you really have to just go there. If you’re planning to stay awhile you can get good long-term house rentals.
Just got back from a month in Bali. Canggu is about a hour north of the airport. Laid back surf vibe, great restaurants and cafes. The best co-working space I’ve seen, DojoBali. None of the obnoxiousness of Kuta.
Good call on Canggu! I worked from Dojo in October and I’m planning to return in March after the rainy season. I loved the atmosphere there and I instantly met so many awesome nomads. Canggu is definitely a better spot for digital nomads than Kuta, which I didn’t like either. I also really like Ubud but the traffic there is a little too crazy and it’s hard to walk anywhere.
Thanks for the great article! I stayed in Bali for the month of June, 2016, and will return again in June 2017 for a month. I’ve been to many places including Caangu, Ubud, Padang Bai, Amed, and Gili Air. What are some other places you would recommend as snorkeling, dolphins, yoga, rainforest hiking and getting my SCUBA are at the top of my list?
Thanks!
Kate
You covered a lot of ground in Bali! I was just there in October and I hit a few of those spots although I still haven’t made it to Amed, which I hear is really laid back and beautiful.
For those things you mentioned, Koh Tao in Thailand or the island of Palawan in the Philippines would fit the bill. The cheapest places to get your SCUBA in South East Asia would probably be Koh Tao, in the western hemisphere the two spots I’d recommend are Caye Caulker in Belize and the Bay Islands of Roatan and Utila in Honduras.
Thanks for the info! I will file those suggestions for my next trip. I am wondering if there were places you’ve been or heard about in Bali that you would recommend?
Amed is fantastic–it’s a small and sleepy village. There is snorkeling from the beach right into the water, and friendly people as usual. We even rented a boat from a local who took us out on the water for a couple of hours. I was a solo traveler and made friends in Caangu, from there we traveled to and stayed in Ubud and then Amed together. The three of us found fantastic accommodation in both places which was ridiculously inexpensive to share for the quality. It certainly pays to travel with others, and book stays as you go. In Amed, we luckily found a place high on the hill with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. A bit of a hike to the room, but the view was worth it.
I haven’t explored Bali too much off the beaten track but I’d recommend visiting the temples, these are the top temples that I’d recommend: Uluwatu, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Tanah Lot Pura Besakih and Agung Lempuyang.
What’s the name of that hotel with the infinity pool in Amed?
The hotel is called Bedulu Resort Amed. It is a two-star hotel but wonderful pool and amazing views. Restaurant in the reception area with good food, very small hotel–only six rooms. Very good place for the price. It is not on Airbnb but a google search works.
Thanks for the tip! Looksvlike a great spot. I’ll check it out when I’m in Amed.
Hi Kyle, thanks for sharing such valuable information, it is exactly what I was looking for. My husband and I are considering spending a year in 2 beautiful destinations. He picked Ambergris Caye and I picked Lombok. We ‘just’ need affordable accomodation and a decent Internet connection. I see you have visited both places. How was Internet in Caye Caulker? Do you think it will be a problem in Lombok? Thanks so much!
I was in Caye Caulker many years ago and my guess for both places is the Internet would be very slow. If you need fast Internet for work I’d look for a place that has a coworking space.
Hi! I spent January 2016 in Ambergris Caye doing coral reef research and the Internet is pretty slow but there are plenty of American owned beach bars/restaurants where the WiFi is pretty good! Plus being right on the coral reefs is just amazing! Try to find a non toxic/ all natural sunscreen or cover up when swimming to keep the reefs pretty.
Great value, thanks Kyle.
I’ve been living in Ubud mainly for the past 18 years and now ready to fly again and continue my startup from new locations. You have pointed me to Ko Pha Ngan and Hoi An as two definite places to stay over for a month or two.
We have a registered office in Singapore but our virtual office is based here in Bali with freelancers mainly in India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia but also New Zealand, Japan, US, Kenya, Egypt and UK.
Have you been to Sri Lanka? Any places there you recommend. I have read south of Colombo is very good, but not sure of internet speeds.
Just a note on Ubud internet speeds – rented spaces can now usually get the Telkom indiHome fiber connection which comes at minimum 10Mbits, 20, 50 and 100, these packages normally unrestricted downloads.
I’m pushing 71 and so global nomad insurance won’t include me, but would love to hear if anyone has good alternative suggestions.
I haven’t been to Sri Lanka but I’ve heard good things about the Internet speed there and the amazing culture! Maybe someone else reading this thread can offer you some advice.
Amazing ideas dear! Thanks for sharing with us.
Hi Kyle, I have been looking into Koh Phangan, looking for a place to move to. Planing to go on November and stay for a month or longer with my dog, would you recomend a place or someone to talk to for guidance on the island. Thanks
I would highly recommend the Shangri-La or the Monkey House cabins in the village of Srithanu. You will find it much easier to find an inexpensive house with fast wi-fi once you’re there. The best stuff isn’t advertised online from my experience.
Went to Bali and the main tourist beach (Kuta) had a belt of trash ten feet deep along the entire shoreline…
Yeah, many of the beaches a short distance from Denpasar International Airport are dirty and overrun by drunk tourists. Best to go up into the mountains to Ubud or somewhere else on the coast.
Hey up Kyle (and everyone else who is picking up this blog)
Having worked from a lot of these locations I will echo a lot of what people have already said…Good Choices! However, as always one persons paradise is another persons hell haha.
What I would like to ask is do you know of any apps, social media pages, or other resources where I can see where other digital nomads are working from (real time), hanging out or where there is a bit of a group get together. I am on a few mailing lists and fb pages but nothing decent.
Thankfully one of my best friends does exactly the same work as me so he is a good travel buddy and we normally rent worldwide accommodation together but as you will be well aware the digital nomad game can get a little lonely sometimes and can become a little tiring so some good links and resources would be greatly appreciated.
ps as a Welshman I have to state that Wales is obviously the best country on the planet 🙂
Gilmore
Hey James, the Nomad List community is a good place to start.
I’ve got to disagree on Taghazout! That town is dirty and stinky and you’ll have a very hard time finding a decent accommodation for less than 20 euros/night
Great article – I found it last year and went to ko phanang for a month over Xmas because of it! I loved it so much I went back for the month of April – I’ve been back in London for a month and already thinking of going back again…. Or trying out one of your other suggestions – however I’m just not sure how to beat ko P for wifi, food & budget… Out of all the above I’m drawn to try out Vietnam – thank you for this article – it actually helped changed my life to become more digitally nomadic X
Nice reviews. I’ve spent a couple weeks in Bocas and it was a great place despite the crazy partying til 4am at Heiki. I’m more of the exploring, mild social drinking. Panama is amazing. Last summer, I spent 2 weeks on St John, USVI and had a great time. The main exploring takes place in the water. Most of the land isn’t that hike-able, which I like a mixture of both. Super expensive. Just a small carton of orange juice (8oz) was $3, a 1/4 pineapple was 4 dollars, etc. Most everything is imported and their electric runs off a diesel generator and averages $200-$400 a month for electric alone.
My goal is to find a warm tropical place for me and my family that offers an abundance of fresh fruit, seafood, relatively safe from storms and quakes and fast internet.
Did you ever find a place that meets your criteria?
Great article Kyle.
I’ve traveled quite a bit internationally as my husband is from Austria so I’ve visited some of the places you’ve mentioned. But I’m looking to leave MI for 3 months in winter and head down south, but have to stay in the US due to my husband staying back in MI for work, so he would fly down and visit me once a month. Plus my two kids will be in college, so I’d like them to have the chance to visit me as well.
I just cannot handle MI winters anymore, it’s been 16 years. I’m from TX and attended college in FL, so I was raised in sunshine and need it. Anyway, the point of all this is what would your list be for destinations in the US? Thanks, Hope
Hi Hope,
Here are a few places I’d recommend that I’ve previously written about: https://www.diygenius.com/best-adventure-towns-in-north-america/
I would definitely consider Santa Barbara in California, Cocoa Beach in Florida and Hanalei in Hawaii.
I came across this article by accident & I was really glad to see Koh Phangan at first place. I’ve been going to Koh Phangan for the last 10 years & I was there for 6 months last year. I rented a gorgeous bungolow in jungle for 200$ per month (all inclusive including internet) & a scooter for 50$ per month. It is really a magical place, and definitely a digital nomad heaven.
Awesome article, thank ya! I’ve been to a few of these places — spent a few months in Chiang Mai years ago. I have also spent time in Varkala Beach (Kerala, India), which was a great place to get some Auyrvedic spa treatments and get my head right from the intensity of Northern India. Once I chilled there for a while, I was ready to go north again!
I will save this article and let you know if/when I follow up on some more tips!
Great post Kyle.
Currently in Thailand myself. I’ve been here for over a year but looking to relocate soon 🙂
Great list Kyle! I love all the same things in a town that you love! 🙂 Except surfing- because I haven’t tried it yet.
I really liked the atmosphere in Kaohsiung and Kenting, Taiwan as well as Yeosu, South Korea. I enjoyed their beaches, fast wi-fi, and laid back vibe. Kaohsiung is a larger city, but is artsy. Kenting is a tad touristy and expensive, but made up for it with it’s beautiful secluded beaches. Yeosu also has a lot of tourists, but totally unique rock formations and numerous islands along the coast.
I am going to teach English in South America beginning in Sept 2015 and was wondering what areas you would recommend. I am definitely looking for something tropical year-round, hopefully a smaller town off the beaten track (100,000 people or less), with plenty of hiking opportunities, beautiful sunny beaches, friendly locals, decent cost of living, good wi-fi, and yoga would be a HUGE plus. I am aiming to be fluent in Spanish by the time I arrive.
Thank you in advance for any recommendations you may have!
Hi Amber, thanks for your comment, you sound awesome! South Korea doesn’t usually come to mind when I think of relaxing on a beach but those places you mention sound pretty cool.
If you’re looking for a smaller beach town, you might want to check out Montañita in Ecuador or Nuqui in Colombia. There are some nice towns in Peru and Chile too but they get the Humboldt current so the water is freezing. Some beautiful small cities that I highly recommend are Cartagena and Santa Marta in Colombia.
Great list and although I am not a digital nomad per se I need Internet to set up/work on my business plan at the moment. I just spent 3 weeks in Goa and had to leave as the wifi or mobile internet is shocking! How did you find out it was good?
I am in Bangkok and heading to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and I am a bit worried now.
I was there years ago and it was generally terrible but I found that if you rent a house you can usually get a relatively high-speed Internet connection. I heard there is a coworking space now in Goa, that would probably be the best place to get fast Internet now.
Really nice blog to read. Already travelling for more than a year now and Puerto Escondido was our no. 1 working spot as digital nomad. For any traveller trying to make some money by making websites, I recommend to go there. There is a lot of opportunity there and the surrounding is beautiful.
At the moment my location is Flic en Flac, Mauritius. Together with my girlfriend we are probably the only digital nomads in Mauritius. We don’t meet other travellers or digital nomads, but we could recommend it here! We are trying to show that people on a budget can also visit Mauritius on this page http://mauritiusmemories.com
It will probably take a lot of time before some young travellers will take the effort to come to Mauritius, because the high price of the ticket. From South Africa however it is affordable so I hope more young explorers will come!
Jeroen
Hey Jeroen! Are you and your girlfriend still digital nomading in Mauritius?? My fiance and I are taking our digital nomad leap this year, and we are set to come over to Mauritius in June, July, Aug this year. We will be working online and kitesurfing the rest of the time (we will be staying near Le Morne). Would love to ask you a few more details about being a digital nomad in Mauritius, plus, if you are still around, we could meet up! What is your internet upload and download speeds over there? My website is freshlifejourneys.com, launching an online clean eating program in the coming weeks – we’re starting as health and wellness website, which will eventually also share our digital nomad adventures and other fresh life adventures :)))
Great list, and having been to half these places I can say we have similar tastes in locales. Regarding Costa Rica, there’s another beach town option a bit up the coast from Santa Teresa called Nosara, which I’d recommend checking out for its mix of yoga and surfing. Wi-Fi is pretty slow though, at just 1Mbps in the cafes. Is it the same in Santa Teresa? I will say that having been there just last year, Costa Rica (or at least Nosara) has poor bang for the buck — basically US prices but in a developing country. We couldn’t find a meal there for less than $7.
Some questions:
– Of the places in the above list that are in the Americas, which, by your impression, had the highest number of European travelers? Nothing against Americans (I am one) but one of the things I love about traveling is meeting people from all over.
– Have you or any of the DIY Genius crew been to Rincon, Puerto Rico, by chance? I haven’t been but I’ve been looking into it, and just wondering it if would be a runner up on this list.
I heard good stories about the surf up in Nosara. Costa Rica is really Americanized and the prices definitely reflect it. I prefer Panama or Oaxaca but you can’t really get by in those places without good Spanish (unlike CR).
For hanging with Europeans I’d say Thailand, Bali or India. It’s an easy flight from Europe to those places, similar to how Latin America or the Caribbean is a quick flight for Canadians and Americans to get some sunshine in the winter. Generally, I find you meet the epic people off-the-beaten-path, which usually means expat communities a couple hours from an international airport, away from all the drunken idiots and touristy consumerism. I haven’t been to Puerto Rico, it sounds like a decent place.
Hi Kyle… interesting roundup. I’ve been to most of the places you mention over the past twelve years — the period of time I have been living as a “global gypsy.” I know San Marcos well, love the Oaxaca coast, used to really love my village in Goa until the tourists discovered it, and I really love Africa — for those who want a chill cheap life, Swaziland is an interesting choice, hugged by South Africa and Mozambique. It home to the Bushfire Festival, one of the most acclaimed music/ art/ culture/festivals in the world. I also really love Kenya and the beautiful Diani Beach. Ok, here’s my current situation: I have grown weary (and older!) of living out of a backpack and am currently looking for a base. I have also accidentally adopted a rescue dog and am traveling with him. As such I need a beach destination with calm waters b/c he loves to swim — so Oaxaca is out. I also make and sell jewelry so some tourists are needed. I am currently on Roatan and it is just not resonating. It is more expensive than I expected and doesn’t seem to have that sort of “mindful” community I prefer. So… any suggestions? I’m really stymied… I sometimes feel there is such a thing as too much freedom… peace and out.
Sounds like you’ve had some interesting adventures! If you’re looking for a mindful community, I would recommend somewhere away from the tourist hot spots in Bali or if you want to get away from the drunken backpackers and one week tourist hordes entirely, the nearby island of Lombok is absolutely surreal in it’s beauty but you might find getting reliable Internet difficult there.
Thanks a lot for the post. Ever been to South America? Im trying to find cheap(er) houses in secluded beach towns that can still offer wifi, but I havent found a lot of options
I’ve spent a lot of time in South America. I’d recommend looking around Santa Marta in Colombia or Florianopolis in Brazil.
hey Kyle,
Awesome article !! I’ll definitely be checking out some of the places you recommended.
here’s a spot that might be interesting to some people. I’ve spent a month two years ago in Cozumel, Mexico (right across from Cancun) and found it to be really cool. I worked on cruise ships and it is one of the major cruise ship stops so there are tourists but mostly during the day while the ships are in port. Other than that it’s a cool and cheap place to stay. Using the app HomeAway (similar to AirBnB) I’ve found a place (it was a studio in a 7 apartment bulding, with a gate and a small pool in the back) that I paid $350 for a month for. The internet was very good and there were a few big supermarkets close by. Cozumel, for example is one of the top spots for scuba diving in the Caribbean and the side of the island that’s opposite to downtown where the cruise ships dock is full of beaches that rarely anyone goes to but it’s a great spot for windsurfing for example.
Something to think about.
Cheers,
PJ
Great tips PJ! I spent time some living in Tulum on the Yucatan mainland and I did some short trips to Cozumel to do some scuba diving but I didn’t get much of a chance to explore. It’s definitely a beautiful place and a global mecca for windsurfing, kiteboarding and scuba diving.
Thanks for this great list and the information! Very inspiring for my next trip 🙂
Hi Kyle!
Thanks for the great info. You listed the top three places I’m looking at to basically retire. I’m older, ya know, 50’s are the new 40’s kinda thing? Looking at Mexico – PV, though after reading your preferences you like Caribbean side Oaxaca Coast. Want to be around people more my age. Also, Panama Beaches and Thailand beaches. Loved the looks of Morocco and prices. May be too far? My concern is I will be on my own and worry about safety. Any tips, suggestions, input?
I’d say Puerto Vallarta is a better place to retire than Oaxaca because there is much larger retiree community there, easier airport access and better hospitals. I don’t really like the Caribbean coast that much because it’s too flat for my tastes. In terms of safety and retirement communities, probably check out Phuket in Thailand, San Miguel de Allende in Mexico or the mountain and beach towns around Panama City.
Thank you soo much for this marvelous list!
My boyfriend and I are planning to start living in exotic places all around the world! He really does need the internet though.
We are looking for a place long term, we want to stay for at least a month in every single place, but I have no idea where to look for places long term, with good internet, and at a good price!
Can you please help me?
I’d recommend using AirBNB initially. To find the good places you really need to go there and wing it. The stuff you will find online is usually overpriced and targeted at tourists.
Thanks for the great insight Kyle! I had a question for you, I have some friends going to Puerto Vallarta in January, the peak of high season. I’d like to join them, but get my own place. Do you recommend the ‘boots on ground’ method here as well? Wasn’t sure since it’s such a popular tourist spot and right now it’s tough to find affordable places online. Thanks for all the shared knowledge! -Matthew
If you’re just going to for a week or two in high season, I think pre-booking would be better. “Boots on the ground” is better for finding cheap long-term accommodations but it takes some time.
Thanks for the fascinating article. I’m currently based out of Vancouver myself (but soon back to Toronto). I’m enthralled by the idea of taking my show on the road somewhere cheap and warm next winter. I’m a planner, though, but it seems like (from both your comments and my failed attempts thus far) the best way to get something like this is to show up somewhere and then go from there; whenever I’ve looked at somewhere like AirBNB, it seems like everything is $50/night and upwards (with the exception of some stuff I’ve found in Goa).
Any suggestions for how to do more recon online?
In addition to AirBNB try VRBO too. You can negotiate prices down significantly if you’re staying long enough, especially if it’s off-season. From my experience, all the best spots are found by talking to locals and other travelings when you’re there. A Lonely Planet guide can help you find cheap places as well, to stay until you find something better. You’re crazy to leave Vancouver with the summer coming imho!
Thanks for the info – good to know.
And don’t worry, we’re not leaving until fall! We’ll actually be heading back to Toronto after spending a couple of years out west, but we’re already trying to… mitigate… the coming winter. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I notice you say you’ve lived in Caye Caulker – I’ve been to Ambergris Caye a few times on vacation and (perhaps due to my familiarity) it’s pretty high up in my list of potential bug-out locations this winter. Would you be willing to share any info on what you spent on accommodations (and what that got you)?
I paid about $400/month for a roomy cabin on Caye Caulker. You may also want to check out the Bay Islands in Honduras (Utila and Roatan) they tend to be even cheaper for accommodations and scuba diving.
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for this post. I wondered where you stayed in Goa. Presently I been living 18 month in South Goa (Benaulim), but the internet is miserable. I tried every supplier of dongles and now have the only Broadband available here which is almost as bad. I think we might just be in the worse place in Goa.
I’d recommend getting the Speed Test app and going around to different guest houses and villas and testing it out for yourself. I didn’t find the Internet very good there either but you can probably find a lot better than you describe.
Hi
Does anybody know where I can source reliable information about Rhodes / Greece in general? Such as affordable accommodation in a good location? I’ve just left Chiang Mai and looking for something in Europe (I’m from UK)
I couldn’t really help you but maybe someone reading this post could. I find you need to have boots on the ground to find the really good deals.
Hi Kyle. Greetings from “a 26 year old flight risk”—as I’ve begun calling myself. I pursued a career in information networking with the option to work from home so I could gypsy around. So far, I’ve only spent significant time around US cities, but I want to venture out to somewhere tropical and laid back. Taghazout, Morocco sounds like my kind of place, have any suggestions for where/how to find an inexpensive villa?
I would recommend checking out AirBNB and VRBO for an initial place for a week. Then, once you’re there you can find the good spots by talking to the locals. Most of the stuff online is directed at tourists who go for a week or two and pay a top dollar, not digital nomads.
Hi Wendy,
I am actually going to that same spot: Taghazout in a week.
Could you kindly share with me some thoughts?
I just want a nice looking view, reasonably cheap accommodation for 1 month. No lux, just good views, nice people in the hostel, but peaceful to work if I have to.
Rather my own room but can share and is low season so I hope, can I bargain?
What activities you suggest to do around, or any contact guy that is very trustable 🙂
thanks so much
alvaro
Can anyone recommend a beachside town to live in in Guatemala?
Livingstone on the Caribbean coast is pretty cool.
Hi Kyle –
Great list thank you.
I’m a biz owner (work 24/7!) but starting to think about the remote idea for a few weeks to start. It’s cold here & was thinking about a tropical (no so touristy) place in the Caribbean or Mexico where I could sit on beach/pool & work with my laptop just for a week or 2 maybe to start. Quiet place no kids if possible. Other ideas? Thank you!
Hi Melissa,
I lived in Caye Caulker in Belize and I really liked it there. The Internet speeds aren’t great but everyone speaks English. I’ve heard amazing things about the British and US Virgin Islands.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Mexico and my favourite spots on the Caribbean Coast were Isla de Mujeres, Tulum and Isla Holbox.
That’s a mouthwatering list you’ve compiled – my compliments. Been to a few of these places with the good old laptop, but I found that “the digital nomad spirit” was lacking in most of them. It felt weird opening my laptop in touristy Bocas Town and internet was horribly slow on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Mind you, we’re talking 2013-2014.
I should look into Morocco; it’s only a stone’s throw from my current base in the Canary Islands. Mexico’s Pacific coast looks interesting, too.
In some of these places the only way to really get fast Internet is by renting a house long-term. I can see what you mean, few of these places offer the density of digital nomads like Chang Mai or Bangkok. I’ve heard good things about the Canary Islands.
Hi there, thanks for this great list! Sets one thinking, really.
I did a bit of searching after reading your list…. on property rentals in Rhodes, Greek Islands…. and haven’t been able to find something that would fit into the mentioned budget of $800-$1200. Most seem pricey, even a few hundreds per night!
Can you please point me in the right direction? Much appreciated. Thanks Kyle!
Hi Bernard,
In most cases you need to have boots on the ground to find the really cheap long-term accommodations. Online locals usually jack up their prices to get the 1 to 2 weekers who will pay $1000s for a nice place. To get yourself started, you can find places as cheap as $29/night on AirBNB (try VRBO too) and you can negotiate those prices much lower if you’re staying long term and it’s outside the busy tourist season. I usually start with AirBNB and then ask around to find the cheaper places when I get to know some locals.
https://www.airbnb.com/s/Rhodes–Greece
That’s a great idea, Kyle! Yes, I get what you mean about being on the ground to get the better deals. Makes sense.
Thanks for the heads up, looking through airbnb.com now.
Much appreciated Kyle, happy living!
Hey Kyle,
Seems like you’ve lived an awesome nomadic life. I admire that very much as I’m just now preparing to embark on my own nomadic adventure.
Thanks again for the great post!
Steve
Hi Kyle,
thank you for the interesting top 10 list. I am a digital nomad myself. The last 6 months I have been travelling and working from different places: 2 months Barcelona, 2 months Turkey and the rest of the time in Germany, mostly in Berlin. Now heading to Ko Phangan for a couple of months, your number 1. My working colleague lives in Oaxaca, your number 2. So it was funny to see :). I can add that apart from that Turkey could be also a great destination for a digital nomads. The people are extremely friendly, cheap food, hospitality, chai, sweets, hotels and guesthouses are very inexpensive. A good alternative for those who stayed 3 months in the EU and need to go out. The nature around Bodrum and Antalya is just amazing, you have sea, you have mountains, you have orange and lemon trees. Especially Antalya has impressed me by the beautiful old town Kaleici. All in all, amazing, modern and very dynamic country.
Hey Great list!
I’m currently doing the DN thing in San Pancho Mexico, and I think we might have to spend some time in the Oaxacan coast after we’re done here. We love staying in apartments and we’ve got a 2 level, 2 bedroom, 2 bath place here for just $400! Really sweet. We’re near PV though so you still get some of the “all inclusive” crowd, but mostly you get expats who from north america who want to bring home to Mexico. Western restaurants, american music etc. Don’t get me wrong, we love it, but after reading this I look forward to the authenticity of Oaxaca.
Really cool article and thanks for some more great ideas. We’ll definitely stop in Atatlan for a month or two as well.
Cheers 🙂
Thanks for the great comment Nick! Oaxaca and Lago de Atitlan will blow you way! Guaranteed.
Hi,
Great post and lots of nice places.
I am leaving my currentI IT job this winter to go travelling with my gf in South America for a month or two(depending on the budget) and then i want to chill somewhere with a nice beach and vibe for a month or two or 3 or forever :), change my daily routine, give the time to myself to start a blog maybe, think of how can i change my carreer, maybe get inspired to start a b&b in some exotic place etc. Taking cheap spanish classes would be ideal. I ideally somewhere that i can spend 800-900USD max or less ideally.
What would you suggest? Panama seems attactive, but am supriced by the cost you put there. I thought it would be more in Bocas.. Its the most touristic area if am not mistaken. Is there some particular town/island/ area your recommend. And am supriced u mentioned Costa Rica as lately you read everywhere how expensive it is compared to the rest. I guess budget wise Nicaragua would be the best. (Every tried it? Any towns?) but for some reason Panama sounds better, more alive, nicer beaches and possibly more accessible.. Is there any place in South America that would could much Panama in cost and beauty?
Thanks for the great post again..
Hey Johan,
I think Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Oaxacan Coast of Mexico are all excellent options. If you’re just going to these places as a tourist it can get quite expensive but if you’re staying long-term you can find much cheaper accommodations that fits your budget (may be a bit minimalist). I have a friend who works in Bocas Del Toro and she absolutely loves it. Probably much better than Panama City if you just want to relax, study and recharge.
Costa Rica is the most expensive but it’s relatively safe and developed but very Americanized. I think the Mal Pais/Santa Teresa/Montezuma corridor is great for digital nomads. So is Tamarindo to the north and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side (it’s just above Bocas Del Toro).
Even cheaper is Nicaragua, I spent some time living in Granada, which is a very nice colonial city (an great spot to learn Spanish) and San Juan Del Sur, which is an excellent beachside town (I highly recommend checking out the surf resort Majagual just to the north). I think Bocas Del Toro would be a good all-round choice. In South America, I really like Florianapolis in Brazil.
Thanks for the great list of vacation destinations! But when you are going to Panama I can recommand going to San Blas instead of Bocas. Why? Because Bocas is way to crowded and full with tourists! San Blas is more prestine and in my opinion more beautiful. Here check these pictures out http://sanblas-islands.com/pictures/. But if you want luxury and good Wi-Fi then skip San Blas, it is pretty back to basic 🙂 Greets!
I haven’t been to San Blas myself but a good friend did go and he said it was amazing. He said that most of this area is managed by the indigenous people and they maintain a level of sustainable development. People might want to check this place out too.
You should try Morro de São Paulo in Brazil 50km from Salvador , close to Valença in the northeast.
Miles of beaches , old world village atmosphere, historic portuguese fort and buildings and pretty good diving with clear water in Summer….it’s cheap to rent if you arrive in august before high season , weather good , people are super friendly and internet is ok, my wife teaches english online and it seems ok, I teach diving here. It’s really how you imagine Brazil to be 50 years ago. Big tourist center , but also easy to get a really remote place . I like it , Portuguese helps you make friends though , which I speak
Good tip! I’ve been meaning to do a surfing safari roadtrip across Brazil and see the beautiful coast of that country. Florianopolis and Rio de Janeiro are truly amazing places but I’m sure the tropical north has just as much natural beauty to explore.
Heading to Koh Phangan tomorrow or the day after, can’t seem to find anything anywhere about ‘the Monkey House’?
Go find the Monkey Bar by Shangri-La on the beach in Srithanu and ask for Kai. He’ll let you know if they have space there.
Hi Gary and others looking for accommodation on Koh Phangan,
We have fantastic luxury longstay apartments available in our panoramic seaview resort just above Haad Chao Phao and 5 minutes from Srithanu. We have one of the best internetconnections on the island (5 fiber glass and 3 analog internet lines).
We are looking forward to have you stay with us!
Best regards,
Sylvester
I’m a digital nomad editor currently living on Koh Phangan, Thailand, which is an absolutely beautiful, relaxed, wonderful place to live with lots of affordable, comfortable, furnished houses and bungalows to choose from (I currently pay about $300 month for a house with a large bedroom, full western-style bathroom, separate kitchen, and large outside living room just minutes from the beach). I would probably stay forever if it wasn’t for the changes to the visa laws.
I also lived for three months in Bocas del Toro, Panama, last year and loved it as well. Although accommodations were a little more expensive and the beach a little further away.
It seems like we have the same taste in locales, so I’ll likely take your advice and choose either Hoi An or Goa as my next stop.
Thanks for the great list!
That’s great Melissa! Koh Phangan is the perfect place to be a digital nomad editor 🙂 The visa laws are definitely a pain in the ass!
Hi. So, the Internet is always connected there? i need very consistent/reliable internet. Can’t go out for a minute.
I’d like to stay on an island 🙂
In Koh Phangan, I found the Internet fast and mostly reliable 95% of the time where I stayed. It really depends on where you stay. Many places have awful Internet speeds. Stay at an upper end resort or rent a house long term and then you can ensure you get the best possible Internet.
Hello!
What beach would you recommend on Koh Phangan?
I would like to travel their for 2 months and work on learning to code. I have just started teaching myself html/css/javascript using Treehouse. I would rather be leaning on a beach than in the snow !
I would want a beach where I would still be able to meet other young travellers in say March and April.
Also should I find a monthly accommodation online before I go, or should I wait until i arrive to get the best deals?
Kyle I love your site. I hope I can commit myself to the kind of focus and online learning you talk about.
On a less related note, Do you have any recommendations on all of the three month programming bootcamps popping up? HackReactor gets alot of press. But what other ones should i apply too?
Hey Euan,
I would recommend living on the beach in Srithanu (that’s where I lived and I really liked it). You can stay inexpensively at Shangri-La at the south end of the beach or ask at the Monkey Bar beside there if Kai has any places available. He rents a number of nice houses overlooking the ocean outside of town. Both those places have really fast Internet which I’m sure you will need! All the best deals can be found by going there and asking around. The stuff online usually charges tourist prices.
That’s awesome that you’re learning to code. Treehouse is one of the best online options. The only experience I have with code bootcamps is with Lighthouse Labs, which my friend Khurram runs. They are really good and are based in Vancouver, which makes them pretty cheap because the Canadian dollar is 20% cheaper.
Good luck! If you want to be surrounded by more tech people and other coders to learn from, Chang Mai would be a lot better for that. But there’s no beach there. Any more questions feel free to email me. I would also recommend joining a digital nomad mastermind like Dynamite Circle or Digital Nomad Academy. That way you can make connections and meet other people who are doing similar Internet-related things in Thailand and SE Asia.
Hey there,
Looks like you’ve been to some amazing places! I’ve been researching many of these locations because I teach music lessons remotely over Skype, Google Hangouts, and Vsee. Problem is, I generally need REALLY fast internet to have decent connections and it needs to be residential as I can’t bring my saxophone to the local wifi cafe 🙂 I’ve been reading that fibre optic will soon be offered in the US Virgin Islands, but it doesn’t appear to be at this moment. Have you heard of any tropical islands that fit your description of being more mindfulness oriented that also have fast residential service in the range of 30/5 download/upload speed? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a bunch.
You can definitely find really fast Internet in most of these places but you’ll have to go there and spend a lot of time looking for the right place (and probably pay extra for it). If you’re looking for 30 Mbps download I doubt you’ll find that anywhere outside of a major city. When I’m house hunting I always use the Speed Test app on my iPhone to see if the Internet is up to snuff.
Hey buddy ….how you couldn’t have picked something more tricky , teach music online with a big noisy sax….
I’m a musician and sound engineer , I even played a bit of sax and my wife teaches English online ….we been travelling islands in Asia and Brazil for the last 3 months….let me break down the problems you will have…
First the noise factor of a big stoopid sax, it’s loud man….I don’t know where you going to easily find a hotel room where you can blow that thing….you going to have to find a house with open space around it. While you searching for the right place you not going to be able to work.
As you pointed out you need the speed , but also working real time in a lot of these places , especially islands , the internet tends to drop suddenly, sometimes for hours….really fustrating if you teaching a lesson, also try explaining it to an unsympathetic accomadation owner in a language you can’t speak..
So you basically going to have to find a house to rent where you can make a lot of noise and install an internet connection of your own too…..Thailands internet was pretty fast in 90% of the places, really fast in some…..Internet on Koh Lanta sucked , but maybe that was the hotel
yeah I don’t know about 30 m spped , thats asking a lot…..average I see in brazil when I test is 2 – 9m
thailand in phuket maybe got around 20m but very urban area …..to teach sax you basically going to have to set up your own little teaching studio long term and your internet requirements are really going to limit you to very specific larger urban islands… believe me I’ve been learning about this the hardway , like I said my wife needs half way decent internet to work , we moving to a house in the jungle on Morro de Sao paulo in Brazil….you can get internet there , but try pinning down the one install guy on the island who has to shlepp down there to install it…..and my wife’s Brazilian so theres no communication barrier….if you can’t communicate in these places with such specific needs you really going to get fustrated quick. Make sure to bring at least two months cash to live off (at least) til you get everything sorted out
That’s a tricky problem Stephen 🙂 I think you need to rent a house outside of town in the countryside where you can blast your horn as loud as you want. You could find something quick on VRBO or AirBNB.
Internet cutting out occasionally is pretty much inevitable in any tropical country from my experience. You can invest in satellite Internet now if your Internet connection speed and reliability is mission critical.
This is a great roundup of tropical islands as potential bases for nomads. Having been to half on this list I can vouch they are quality spots. The one that intrigues me the most, that I’ve never visited, is Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala.
Thanks for the comment Samuel! Lago de Atitlan and the entire country of Guatemala is a really magical place, I highly recommend checking it out someday.
Great blog, I travelled se Asia last year and found internet was fine but only really browsed a little. I want to return and work next yr. How do you feel the internet will perform for accessing CRM and work servers back in the UK and basically being connected full time to the cloud. do you think it will be too slow, or would it take up all of the speed from a co work space? I love the idea of koh phangan or Bali but thinking chiang Mai more realistic for internet reasons? Thanks mark
I think you would probably be okay if you worked at a premium co-working space ($100-$200/month) in Bangkok or Chang Mai. Maybe in Ubud too, but the Internet tends to be a lot slower in Bali.
Thanks for a great roundup. I’m really intrigued by Morocco and would love to spend a little time there.
Very instructive. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience.
Thanks for the great summary. Planning on going somewhere this winter. Nice that you mention the best places with good wifi.
The wifi is a pretty big deal. There is nothing more infuriating than trying to work online without reliable Internet!