The Covid19 pandemic struck our lifestyles in many negative ways. Still, those who managed to adapt through transferring their office work to remote locations might have started to love the freedom of their new workspaces. Who wouldn’t want to change an office’s four walls for a laptop and a sunbed on a sandy beach?
Both freelancers and full-time employees have the chance to taste the digital nomad lifestyle and earn money while traveling. Such endeavors have led some countries to aid their economies by embracing these remote workers. A couple of them even launched remote working visa programs.
However, just because a country is welcoming such ways of doing business, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it has the perfect conditions. To help you decide where to travel next, here are the 10 best countries for digital nomads in 2022.
What makes a country great for Digital Nomads in 2022?
To better understand what makes a country great for remote workers, we have to go through the criteria that make life abroad sustainable. Some of these factors, like costs of living, are important when planning to relocate. However, there are some other things no digital nomad can do without. Things that influence the quality of life aboard are many, but here are a few essential ones.
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Costs of living
One of the most important factors when looking for a place to move. You should always pick locations that fit into your income and financial possibilities.
Availability and quality of the internet
We might expect that nowadays we can find a good internet connection everywhere, but you’d be surprised how many countries have poor reception and bad internet quality. Before deciding on which place to travel to next, always research the internet options, since your job depends on it.
Safety
Safety is an essential factor when relocating. But there is a difference between actual unsafe places and prejudices and stereotypes. Experiencing the safety and affordability of some locations will make you forget about everything you hear in the media.
Visa requirements
Obtaining a work visa can sometimes be complicated. Still, some countries have opened their borders to digital nomads with their remote working visa initiatives. But even without the new programs, there are countries where you won’t have to deal with this kind of paperwork.
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Culture
If you didn’t want to explore other cultures and possibilities, you’d probably opt for working from home. Getting to know different cultures is one of the best things about embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. However, to adapt to your new workspace, learning about the culture and customs you’re about to whiteness is a must. Especially if it significantly differs from what you are used to.
Language
The language barrier in the modern era of apps and translators shouldn’t even be an issue. Almost everywhere you go, you will hear some form of English. Still, you need to be aware that a lot of things can get lost in translation. It’s always good to be prepared for any potential misunderstandings and avoid areas with poor language diversity.
These are just a couple of factors to pay attention to when choosing your new destination. In the end, everything will depend on your finances and the type of business you’re in. There are a lot of places that can offer excellent opportunities for remote workers, but the 10 best countries for digital nomads in 2021 are:
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USA
Everybody knows that the USA is the place to be if you want your dreams fulfilled. It is a vast country of many popular remote working destinations, but one significantly stands out – New York.
It may come as a surprise that this city is home to so many digital nomads, considering that life here can be costly for anyone who doesn’t have a high income. Still, we grew up watching movies telling us everything is possible once you bite into the Big Apple. The city has many amenities, and nearby New Jersey offers affordable housing for everyone who wants to try living in the Capital of the World.
Iceland
The Land of fire and ice is one of the best destinations since it offers a long-term visa for remote workers. It can be pretty chilly for those who are used to the tropical climate, but the opportunity to see the northern lights beats every con. Also, Iceland is full of expats searching for better living standards, so if you start feeling homesick, finding people from your country shouldn’t be hard.
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Mexico
While Mexico is a great digital nomad destination, always be careful about the location you choose since the internet speed can be problematic in many regions. Still, Mexico stands out for its low living costs, fantastic beaches, food, and sunsets. Hospitality should never be questioned if you end up here since its borders stayed open for tourists and location-independent businesses despite the Covid19 pandemic.
Indonesia
Surfing, peacefulness, beaches, and a healthy way of living make Indonesia, or to be more precise, Bali, a great destination. Despite being famous for their luxurious resorts, cities like Ubud and Canggu are crawling with digital nomads who enjoy spending their afternoons sipping cocktails in beach cafes. Most pubs and bars have good WiFi connections, so combining work and fun shouldn’t be an issue.
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Serbia
Serbia being among the 10 best countries for digital nomads in 2021, might be a surprise. But knowing that this is one of few visa-free countries gives it great potential for remote workers. Also, the costs of living here are some of the lowest in Europe. Bigger cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad have the best historical architecture and modern infrastructure in southeast Europe.
The South African Republic
Cape Town is one of the most popular remote working locations when it comes to the South African Republic. This place offers a three-month visa (with the possibility of prolonging it to six) to anyone who wants to move and work here. With many vineyards, workspaces, cafes, outdoor and leisure activities, Cape Town’s tourism has been thriving in the last couple of years.
Thailand
This beautiful destination draws digital nomads from all over the world with its resorts and low living costs. It helps that Thailand has a Smart Visa policy that allows you to work here for four years. Besides being a country with breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer the perfect blend of traditional and modern elements.
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Portugal
Modern infrastructure, great internet, beaches, affordable prices, amazing people, and many other amenities make Portugal a top-rated destination for remote workers. Some would even say that Lisbon and Madeira are Europe’s digital nomad hubs. A temporary visa for non-European citizens will allow you to stay for a year. That amount of time is more than enough to enjoy this place while living abroad.
Canada
Canada is one of the best countries when it comes to sustainability. From affordable living costs to excellent health care and other amenities, Canada has it all. Multicultural cities like Toronto and Ottawa are some of the biggest financial and commercial centers. The possibilities here are endless for working and even expanding your business. I bet you’re wondering where the catch is. Well, the winter temperatures go down to -15°C (5°F). If this is something you don’t mind, you will surely find a place you like in Canada.
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Czech Republic
If you’ve ever had a chance to see Prague, Brno, or Karlovy Vary, you probably know a few things about this country’s history and beauty. The food, nightlife, living costs, and great internet make it the best destination for anyone. Still, have in mind that a lot of people know that. All the cities mentioned above are crawling with tourists. So if you want to experience the medieval vibe these cities offer, you might want to avoid visiting in late summer.
Traveling to any of the 10 best countries for digital nomads in 2021 will show you that combining work and fun is not a myth. It’s possible to make money while traveling with a bit of research and preparation. Thus, not having time because of your job will no longer be an excuse, especially if your company allows working remotely. The only thing left for you is to pick a place you like and enjoy the various cultural amenities these places offer.
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