Did you know that over 1.6 million nomads are now calling India home, and that number is growing fast? From Goa’s golden beaches to Bangalore’s buzzing tech hubs and Dharamshala’s serene mountains, India offers the perfect mix of work, adventure, and culture. Affordable living, reliable Wi-Fi, and endless experiences make it easy to see why remote workers are flocking here.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining work with exploration, this guide has you covered. We’ll show you the best cities to live, how to handle visas, cost of living and tips to make your nomad life in India seamless and unforgettable.
Read also: How remote workers in India can switch from traditional banks to Grey
Before packing your bags and booking that one-way ticket, there are a few key things every digital nomad should know about living and working in India.
1. Visa requirements
India doesn’t yet have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but long-term tourist or business visas can work well. Always check validity periods and renewal options before you arrive. Registering your stay and having travel insurance are smart steps to avoid any visa hiccups during your stay.
2. Taxes
If you’re earning from foreign clients while in India, you’ll likely remain taxed in your home country. However, longer stays might trigger residency rules. It’s wise to consult a tax advisor to avoid double taxation and stay compliant with local laws while working remotely.
3. Health and insurance
Good health coverage is essential. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, carry insurance, and know local hospitals. India is generally safe, but preparation keeps your nomad life stress-free.
Read also: How freelancers in India can invoice abroad clients easily
4. Local culture
India is incredibly diverse, and respecting local customs makes life smoother. Learn basic etiquette, explore local food, and connect with communities of expats and fellow nomads to feel at home quickly.
Whether you’re drawn to the sea, the hills, or the city’s creative pulse, there’s a place that fits your rhythm perfectly. Let’s explore five of the best spots where work and wanderlust meet seamlessly.
Goa
Sun, sea, and easy living, Goa has become a digital nomad’s paradise. You’ll find great Wi-Fi, beachfront cafés, and co-working spaces tucked between palm trees. The community is friendly and international, and when the day ends, the ocean is your reward. Life moves slower here, and somehow, that makes you more productive.
Himachal Pradesh
If mountain air fuels your best ideas, Himachal will feel like home. Towns like Dharamshala, Bir, and Manali are filled with hostels, yoga spots, and cozy cafés made for deep work sessions. Evenings bring chai, bonfires, and views that make your screen time feel truly balanced.
Kerala
Known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala offers a slower pace and lush scenery that keeps your mind clear. Kochi, especially Fort Kochi, has a creative community and plenty of comfortable work cafés. Between backwaters, beaches, and wellness retreats, it’s ideal for nomads craving calm and cultural richness.
Bangalore
Often called India’s Silicon Valley, Bangalore is a haven for techies, startups, and remote workers. Co-working spaces are everywhere, and the weather’s perfect year-round. With its cosmopolitan vibe, craft coffee culture, and strong digital infrastructure, it’s one of India’s most nomad-friendly cities, a place where work and community thrive together.
Mumbai
Loud, colorful, and endlessly alive, Mumbai is for nomads who feed off energy and ambition. It’s pricier, yes, but you’ll find cutting-edge co-working spaces, solid infrastructure, and an inspiring crowd of dreamers. Here, networking happens naturally, often over coffee, traffic, or late-night street food.
Read also: How to open US, UK and Euro bank accounts in India
Rent
Housing in India is affordable compared to many nomad hotspots. A one-bedroom apartment in most cities costs around ₹16,000 monthly, while a two-bedroom apartment ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 depending on location. In smaller towns or co-living setups, you can find fully furnished spaces that are cheaper and far more community-driven.
Restaurants
Eating out won’t break the bank. A good meal at a local restaurant costs around ₹300, and you’ll find everything from street food to fine dining. Cafés are perfect for work breaks, serving strong coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. Food variety is endless, from North Indian thalis to coastal seafood platters.
Transportation
Getting around is easy and inexpensive. A typical ride within the city costs between ₹30 and ₹60 using Uber, Ola, or local rickshaws. Many nomads rent scooters for extra freedom, especially in places like Goa or the hills. Public transport and metro systems are also reliable for city commutes.
Co-working spaces
Co-working spots are popping up everywhere, from sleek offices in Bangalore to beachfront hubs in Goa. Daily passes start around ₹400, while monthly memberships range between ₹6,000– and ₹12,000. Most offer fast Wi-Fi, good coffee, and plenty of like-minded people to network or brainstorm with.
Internet
Internet in India is fast, cheap, and dependable. Monthly Wi-Fi plans start at about ₹700, offering solid speeds for video calls and streaming. Major providers like JioFiber and Airtel have great coverage across cities and smaller towns. With mobile data backup, you’ll rarely struggle to stay connected anywhere.
Getting paid should never be stressful when you’re working remotely. Here are some of the top options for digital nomads to receive international payments
1. Wise
Wise offers fast, low-cost international transfers straight to your local bank account. It’s transparent with fees and provides real exchange rates, making it perfect for freelancers or consultants billing clients abroad.
2. Payoneer
Payoneer is ideal for freelancers and agencies receiving payments from platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. It supports multiple currencies and allows easy withdrawals to Indian bank accounts or ATMs.
3. PayPal
PayPal remains a trusted global favourite. It’s simple to set up, convenient for one-off payments, and widely accepted, though fees are slightly higher than some other platforms.
4. Grey
Grey is gaining popularity among Asian and African freelancers. It lets you open USD, GBP, or EUR accounts, receive payments directly, and convert at competitive rates, all through a user-friendly app.
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Getting paid while working remotely shouldn’t be stressful. As a digital nomad in India, you need a platform that is fast, secure, and affordable. Grey helps you take control of your earnings across borders.
Sign up today on Grey or download the app to start receiving money easily while you work and explore India.
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