Bali, Indonesia
Although Bali has a reputation of being mostly for tourists (and it is), it’s fast becoming a freelancer’s dream, with increasing access to high-speed Internet and cheap places to live. The surfing community of Canggu, and the artist mecca of Ubud, are popular towns to set up your laptop right now. If you’re willing to survive on nasi goreng (fried rice) for a while, you can eat for less than $1/meal.
It’s also possible to find shared living situations for under $200/month, but if you really need your own room, $200-400 is more realistic. The best part is the visa; you can stay for up to two months for 35 USD, and there are cheap flights to Australia and Malaysia if you need to make a visa run. With access to beautiful beaches for inspiration, and a thriving expat community, how could you not want to try Bali?
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is still in a state of mourning over the loss of their king, but the country remains open for tourists and those wishing to work remotely. Bangkok may be the thriving metropolis, but most people looking to escape the pollution and crowds, stick to less touristy areas like Chiang Mai. You may not have access to the beach, but massages after a day gazing at a screen are still reasonable (5-6 USD), and the city has fewer hawkers to distract you from just enjoying a stroll around the old city walls.
Chiang Mai attracts tourists looking to visit the elephant sanctuaries and nearby Pai, but private accommodation with wifi is still very affordable, and other necessities like laundry and food are usually under $4. In regards to the visa, simply apply for a 60-day tourist visa in advance and, renew it for another 30 days after you arrive. Visa runs to Laos and Cambodia are so common, there are official tourist agencies that charge a flat rate to get you across the border and back by bus.
“The differences between locations out east are even starker as winter approaches, but the history and beauty of the urban area compensates for any time not spent lounging around in shorts and a T-shirt.”
Prague, Czech Republic
Although eastern Europe’s cost of living isn’t quite as cheap as that of Southeast Asia – $400-500/month for rent at the lower end – there are other reasons to consider Prague. For one, if you’re a foodie, the Czech Republic offers an amazing selection of breads and meats at highly affordable prices, and beer that costs less than a bottle of water (under $1). The differences between locations out east are even starker as winter approaches, but the history and beauty of the urban area compensates for any time not spent lounging around in shorts and a T-shirt. Like Thailand, US citizens are allowed in the country for 90 days before needing to make a visa run.
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Difficult as it is to choose any one city in Central America, Costa Rica offers freelancers the opportunity to be part of its pura vida mentality and enjoy life on the water. Although Internet is generally reliable in the capital of San José, the speed is a concern in smaller communities like Puerto Viejo. Rather than sticking with a touristy area like Jaco, going where the quirkiness and artists gather is a safe bet for those working online. Street empanadas can cost you less than $2, and there’s so much more. Like Europe and many Asian countries, Americans can enter Costa Rica for up to 90 days with a return ticket, though you’ll have to specifically ask immigration to give you the maximum time allowed.
Taipei, Taiwan
Unlike China, where you’d have to purchase a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and an overpriced tourist visa for a short stay, its neighbor to the south offers a refuge for digital nomads looking for the benefits of a large Asian city without the censorship and toxic atmosphere. Single apartments can range from $350-800, though like many big cities with thousands of options, you’re able to spend as much or as little as you want. As opposed to our earlier recommendations of Chiang Mai and Canggu, Taipei is probably the most expensive option on the list; more amenities and faster wifi come with added costs.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Digital nomads have three basic needs, and they aren’t food, water, and shelter. Rather: fast wifi, caffeine, and… shelter. Good food doesn’t hurt, either. Like other cities in SE Asia, Hanoi is a popular one for freelancers because of the low cost of living: $3-4/meal, $400 for furnished accommodation. Unlike most of the cities on the list, Vietnam allows the most flexibility in terms of time; although you need to apply at a consulate or embassy for a tourist visa prior to arrival, you’re given six months at entry, not a mere 90 days. Haggling over the essentials – transportation, clothes, food – can be a bit of a hassle at times, but some expats enjoy the challenge that comes from living in a country where prices aren’t fixed and every time you step out the door there’s adventure to be had.
Turner Wright is a freelance writer with an engineering background. He is originally from Texas, but usually finds himself in the Bay Area if not some random corner of Asia. He is currently the Digital Media Manager for Airbnbhell.com and TravelVisaPro.com. He enjoys running long distances, eating more than necessary to do said running, and traveling to other countries.
Follow him on: