Top 10 destinations for digital nomads

Decided to embrace a more rewarding lifestyle as a roving remote worker? Read on to discover the top 10 destinations for digital nomads. In addition, we also share tips for wherever you decide to go nomad. Find out everything you need to know – from how to enjoy work-play-balance bliss through an innovative eSIM experience app, to essential visa intel.

Mexico

Kicking off in dazzling style, Mexico is a dream destination for digital nomads seeking exhilarating diversity.

We’re talking about cities that pulsate with art culture, food culture and world-class museums of ancient culture. Sparkling waters backed by swaying palm trees. Awe-inspiring cactus-dappled deserts, and steamy jungles.

On a practical note, visitors of many nationalities (including the USA, Canada and EU countries) can stay visa-free for up to 180 days. Oh, and accommodation and food is eminently affordable.

Top tip: don’t leave getting online to chance when you head off the beaten track. Instead, get the Global YO app to download an eSIM from anywhere in the world. This enables you to join a mobile network without using a physical SIM card. 

In the app, you can purchase high-speed data covering 100+ countries. And all this with no long-term commitment, at a price that’s 15-20% cheaper than the rest of the market. If that wasn’t enough, the YOYO$ loyalty scheme delivers up to 50% discount from the first activation. But more on that later. 

Spain

In great news for folks from outside the EU, Spain has launched a Digital Nomad Visa that allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for up to twelve months.

 Spain-based nomads can find inexpensive accommodation, and eat very well for a fair price, even in big cities like Barcelona. Cool and cultured, with a captivating coastline, Catalonia’s avant-garde capital is a top destination for remote workers.

The same is true of vibrant Valencia. Oozing style while remaining unpretentious, it’s a cosmopolitan, hands-down-handsome Mediterranean treasure.

Top tip: set on Spain? Consider Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Be careful, though — you might just forget you’re on the island to work as well as play.

Portugal

Since launching a digital nomad visa that allows non-EU nationals to live and work here for up to twelve months, Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for remote workers. 

Charismatic, and considerably cheaper than many European capitals, Lisbon has a notable digital nomad community. It’s also a city in which you can eat and drink well for less, with a welcoming vibe that’ll make you feel more at home.

Top tip: thanks to Madeira’s Digital Nomad Village, remote workers seeking laidback loveliness can join a ready-made community on this sun-drenched island.

Indonesia

With inexpensive living options, and a bounty of beautiful beaches across 17,000+ islands, it’s crystal clear why Indonesia is one of the top 10 destinations for digital nomads.

It’s fair to say that for many of us considering going nomad, Bali is the epitome of living the dream. Think cool co-working hubs and welcoming communities in the likes of Ubud and Canggu. And that’s in addition to the wow-factor wonders that will have put Bali on your remote-working radar in the first place. 

Top tip: not to rain on your paradisiacal parade, but we recommend nomads based in Bali’s party hotspots are mindful of not burning the candle at both ends! Try to incorporate self-care into your routine. Practice yoga. Read a book. Watch a movie.

If you’re worried about using up valuable data in your downtime, join the legions of savvy travellers who’ve turned to Global YO to help them work fast, and slow down. As well as providing affordable data, enjoying content through the app rewards you with money-saving YOYO$ loyalty points.

• One minute of streaming or playing = 1 YOYO$
• 100 minutes/100 YOYO$ = $1 USD

The more you use the app to stream shows, watch movies, or game, the more YOYO$ you’ll amass. These can be used to pay for data, enabling you to enjoy discounts of up to 50%. Put simply, the more you play, the less you pay! 

Italy

With stacks of co-living and co-working spaces speckled from tip to elegant toe, Italy has much to offer remote workers.

In the market for vibrant café culture, ancient culture, and some of the finest food in the world? Think about basing yourself in Bologna, Rome or Naples.

Alternatively, if you fancy a more natural experience, head for the hills, lakes or mountains. As a result of this diversity — and an infectiously spontaneous way of life — Italy is one of the top 10 destinations for digital nomads.

Top tip: though Italy has established digital nomad communities, get yourself out there to embrace la dolce vita. Take cooking classes. Learn the lingo. Visit vineyards. In short, heed Roman poet Horace’s “seize the day” advice. 

Croatia

Dynamic ancient cities, idyllic islands, and quaint villages — Croatia is exceptionally beautiful, and budget-friendly with it.

Split and Dubrovnik come recommended if you want the convenience and energy of city life. That said, being bijou, they’re easy to settle into. What’s more, being port cities, they offer easy access to Croatia’s splendid islands.

Arguably saving the best for last, Croatia has a designated digital city. Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is a magnificent melange of cliffs, coves, Roman riches, and medieval charm.

Tempted? The Digital Nomad Valley Zadar programme connects remote workers with collaborative workspaces, co-living options, and social events.

Top tip: to avoid being stuck without data while roaming the region (Croatia borders several countries), get Global YO’s 1GB, 180-days EU Plan. It covers 40 EU countries. 

Thailand

Super-affordable, Thailand is also super-rewarding for digital nomads seeking cosmopolitan convenience, rich culture, and spectacular scenery.

Want to experience life in urban Thailand? Check out Chiang Mai. This northern city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with plenty of well-priced co-working spaces.

 Or, for the ultimate island experience, consider Koh Phangan. Though its days as a lesser-visited island have gone (hello, full-on Full Moon parties!), the island remains esteemed for its yoga retreats, marine park, and forest reserves. 

 Top tip: take the opportunity to learn new skills, among them Thai cooking, massage, meditation and boxing.

Turkey

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is culturally rich, and endlessly diverse. We’re talking golden beaches, architectural wonders, archaeological one-offs, and that’s just for starters.

Add to that a modest cost of living, and a newly-emerging infrastructure for digital nomads — think inexpensive co-working spaces and networking events — and Turkey amounts to an all-round winner. 

In the first instance, consider the digital nomad hotspots of Istanbul or Ankara, and check out Mediterranean Antalya and Aegean Izmir.

Top tip: at the time of writing, Turkey doesn’t offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, so you’ll need to wise-up on visa requirements.

Costa Rica

From its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, to its tropical cloud forests, volcanoes and mountains, Costa Rica radiates its infectious pura vida (pure life) ethos at every turn.

In fact, we’ll stick our necks out and declare Costa Rica the best destination for eco-minded, wildlife-loving digital nomads. Few countries offer such biodiversity, cultural diversity, and travel-experience diversity.

Top of the tree when it comes to sustainable tourism, Costa Rica also offers digital nomads comfort, adventure, and bucket-list-level nature experiences in an exhilarating, budget-friendly style.

Top tip: planning to travel around Central and South America (lucky you!)? Get Global YO’s regional plan.

Canada

Already a top destination for digital nomads, Canada has just announced a new game-changing visa. It’ll enable visitors to live and work in Canada for six months, with the possibility to remain, should they land themselves a job with a Canadian employer during their visit. Stay tuned for details — this is hot-off-the-press news. 

Ahead of its roll-out, you can still come to Canada as a digital nomad, a country that’s made it into our top 10 destinations for digital nomads as a result of its friendliness, excellent infrastructure, and epic landscapes.

Top tip: Canada is colossal, so factor in (at least) a few weeks to take to the open road.

For more on taking the digital nomad plunge, dive into our top tips for digital nomads. And, wherever you decide to roam, be sure to get the right visa, and best data package.

This article was brought to you in sponsorship with Global Yo.