Venturing into digital nomadism remains a fantasy for many remote workers seeking to balance work and fun because they don’t know where to start. To be fair, it is like diving into a pool without knowing the depth. Oh well, it isn’t exactly like that because we can help you start safely and set you up for an amazing life of balancing work and adventure.
If you are considering a digital nomad experience for the first time, then choosing the right destination goes a long way in determining if you will continue as a digital nomad or run back to your home country after a few weeks. Your choice should go beyond calm beaches and picture-esque architecture, but also include community and infrastructure.
Also read: Beyond the basics: Smart ways to grow as a digital nomad
Before we show you the best regions in the world for first-time digital nomads, here are some factors you should consider.
Also read: Digital nomad visas: Which countries are easiest to move to now?
Now that you know what we are looking for, here is a list of regions that fit the profile for first-time digital nomads.
If Southeast Asia isn’t on your radar, we might need to talk. The region offers low living costs, warm people, rich culture, and solid digital infrastructure. Beyond the cultural experience and adventures, SEA has some of the most aesthetically pleasing places on earth, making it the typical digital nomad starter pack. You also get to network with a rich digital nomad and expat community. Popular destinations in the region include Chiang Mai, Bali (Ubud/Canggu), Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
Cities in Eastern Europe are fast becoming a favourite destination for first-time nomads who are avoiding the living costs in bigger Western European cities. Countries such as Poland (Kraków, Warsaw), Romania (Bucharest), Bulgaria (Bansko), and Georgia (Tbilisi, Batumi) offer a European feel at a lower cost. You basically get a visitor-friendly destination, solid infrastructure, and reliable internet coverage at a fraction of the cost. Romania and Bulgaria offer specific, renewable digital nomad visas with income requirements, while Georgia provides an exceptionally generous 1-year visa-free stay for visitors from over 90 countries.
The LatAm region has seen a growing number of digital nomads in recent years, with many favouring Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Medellín, and Montevideo. While they are less popular, other fascinating digital nomad cities include Florianópolis (Brazil), Lima (Peru), and Antigua (Guatemala). These cities offer good internet, vibrant culture, and a low cost of living. You can live comfortably under $1,000 per month. These cities also have many co-working stations and a budding community of digital nomads, remote workers, and expats.
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Southern Europe is a top, beginner-friendly choice for digital nomads seeking warmth, a great lifestyle, and strong internet infrastructure. Portugal, Spain, and Albania offer digital nomad visas or long-term residence permits. Spain even has a 3-year residence permit for digital nomads. The region has an excellent time zone overlap with the US, Africa, and the rest of Europe, making it a choice destination when working with international clients or an intercontinental team.
North African countries like Morocco (Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier), Tunisia, and Egypt (Dahab, Cairo, Alexandria) are now attracting remote workers seeking to stay close to Europe without its high living costs. North Africa is where Africa, Europe, and the Arab world meet. This gives you a cross-cultural experience and so much to explore while you work.
We know we have told you to look out for living costs, digital infrastructure safety, visa, and community when choosing your first destination as a digital nomad. One more consideration for you is a reliable payment solution to simplify your finances while travelling.
Digital nomads opt for Grey because the platform offers multi-currency accounts supporting USD, EUR, and GBP transactions. This makes it easy to receive payments wherever you go and withdraw to local bank accounts at the best exchange rates. Grey generally offers low transaction and conversion fees, helping you maximise your earnings. If you use freelancing platforms, you can also add your account details for swift payout. Grey’s virtual USD debit card offers more financial freedom to shop on digital marketplaces, pay for subscriptions, and travel expenses, such as flights and accommodation.
Get started with Grey today or download the app and explore the world without payment worries.
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