If you’re telecommuting or managing a business but don’t have unlimited funds, the location where you open your laptop can significantly affect your monthly expenses. Fortunately, some of the top destinations for digital nomads are spots where you can truly maximize your dollars or euros. In many instances, you’ll find yourself spending half or even less than you would if you were based in your home country.
As the writer of *The World’s Cheapest Destinations*, now in its 5th edition, I have some insights into where the most affordable travel locations are globally. Additionally, as the author of *A Better Life for Half the Price*, now in its 2nd edition, I’ve spoken with countless expats about their living expenses. Some have settled down, while others travel around spending a few months in various locations as digital nomads.
I fall somewhere in between, having a home base in Mexico but also spending several months each year elsewhere. This arrangement is sometimes called a hub and spoke system, and it can be far less exhausting than constantly living out of a backpack or suitcase year-round. Occasionally nomadic, sometimes with a stable home base.
Two years prior, I spent over four months in Europe and a month in Thailand. Last year, I spent two months in Europe along with several weeks in different locations around Mexico, while also taking trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Panama where I continued to work for at least a few days.
Costs can differ significantly between the destinations you might select. An average train or bus journey from Oslo to Trondheim will set you back at least $85, whereas a [VIP bus from Bangkok to Phuket](https://siamtickets.com/vip-bus-bangkok-to-phuket/) could be as low as $36 for a more extended trip.
A pint of beer in a bar in Singapore might cost around $8, while in Prague or Sofia it’ll likely be about $2.50. (And the taste will probably be better.) Groceries that cost a dollar a kilo in Mexico or Colombia may be three times that amount in the USA or Canada.
With that perspective, here are several well-known digital nomad hotspots where the essential basics are already established, but the cost of living remains quite low if your income is in US dollars, euros, or pounds sterling. Most of my audience hails from North America, so I generally tailor information towards them. However, UK passport holders can discover more information in this entry: [https://www.ontrailvisa.co.uk/news/british-digital-nomads](https://www.ontrailvisa.co.uk/news/british-digital-nomads)
What are the necessities, the essential items for those working remotely? Various traveling professionals have different requirements, but some needs are universal. To attract individuals who can work from any location, you typically require the following:
1) High-speed internet
2) Affordable short-term accommodations
3) Nice dining and drinking options
4) A community of like-minded individuals who speak a shared international language.
Favorable weather is a plus, having various activities to engage in while not working is beneficial, and the opportunity to stay longer than a month is crucial—although Bali manages to attract thousands of the veggie yoga audience without this aspect.
Some people argue that co-working spaces are essential, though many serious remote entrepreneurs rarely utilize them, myself included. I’ve observed that they tend to be more frequented by solo travelers seeking companionship rather than couples or families.
Regardless, you’ll find co-working spaces and other amenities in these 9 appealing countries, along with prices that even someone beginning to start their business can manage.
## Thailand, the Original Digital Nomad Hub
It’s difficult to discuss the evolution of backpackers and digital nomads without referring back to Thailand. One podcast aimed at remote entrepreneurs refers to Chiang Mai as “the freshman dorm of online business ownership.” It has long been a popular spot for individuals initiating online ventures.
Remote employees and business owners have expanded their reach to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui, and a few other islands in a nation where you can live almost anywhere and still have reliable internet. What sets Thailand apart from many others is its abundance of *fun*. With stunning beaches, excellent nightlife, lively cities, and delicious food, it’s hard not to enjoy your time in Thailand.
The primary downside amidst the fun and great prices has always been the hassle of staying put. Border runs have been standard for 20 years, and that can become tiresome, leaving the country every few months simply to get a visa stamp. Fortunately, [it’s becoming easier to reside in Thailand now](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2024/12/11/live