If you’re telecommuting or managing a business without substantial funds, the location you select to open your laptop can significantly influence your monthly expenses. Fortunately, some of the top digital nomad hotspots are where you can truly maximize your dollars or euros. In numerous instances, you’ll find yourself spending half or less than what you would in your home country.
As the writer of *The World’s Cheapest Destinations*, now in its 5th edition, I have some insight into where the affordable travel locations are globally. As the author of *A Better Life for Half the Price*, currently in its 2nd edition, I’ve had discussions with hundreds of expatriates regarding their expenditures in their respective locations. Some have established a permanent residence, while others roam, spending a few months in one place and then moving to another as digital nomads.
I find myself somewhat in between, having a home base in Mexico but also spending several months a year in different locales. This arrangement is often termed a hub and spoke system, which can be significantly less exhausting than living out of a backpack or suitcase continuously throughout the year. Sometimes nomadic, sometimes anchored to one spot.
Two years past, I spent over four months in Europe and a month in Thailand. This past year, I devoted two months to Europe and a few weeks in various regions of Mexico, along with trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Panama where I continued working for a few days at each destination.
The expenses fluctuate considerably among your options. A standard 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/) might cost as little as $36 for a longer haul.
In Singapore, a pint of beer at a bar could run you around $8, while in Prague or Sofia, it’s likely to be about $2.50. (And tastes better.) Groceries that are a dollar per kilo in Mexico or Colombia could cost you three times that amount in the USA or Canada.
Bearing that in mind, here are several favored digital nomad destinations where the “table stakes” essentials are already established, yet the cost of living is quite low for those earning in US dollars, euros, or pounds sterling. Most of my audience comes from North America, so I typically tailor information to them. However, UK passport holders can find additional details in this post: [https://www.ontrailvisa.co.uk/news/british-digital-nomads](https://www.ontrailvisa.co.uk/news/british-digital-nomads)
What are those necessities, the essential items for remote workers? Different traveling professionals have varying requirements, but some are common across the board. To attract individuals capable of working from any location, you generally need the following:
1) High-speed internet
2) Affordable short-term accommodations
3) Good dining and drinking options
4) Some other like-minded individuals to socialize with who share a common international language.
Favorable weather is beneficial, having plenty to do when not working is a plus, and the opportunity to stay longer than a month is crucial—although Bali continues to attract the veggie yoga community by the thousands without that consideration.
Some might argue that co-working spaces are vital, though many serious remote business owners seldom utilize them, myself included. I’ve discovered that they are much more sought after by solo travelers in search of company than by couples or families.
Nonetheless, you will find co-working spaces and all the other attributes in these 9 appealing countries, along with pricing that is feasible even for someone just starting to launch their venture.
## Thailand, the Original Digital Nomad Hotspot
It’s challenging to discuss the history of backpackers and digital nomads without returning 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 meeting spot for those embarking on online ventures since the inception of such opportunities.
Now remote workers and entrepreneurs have expanded their presence to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui, and various other islands, in a nation where you can reside nearly anywhere and have access to fast internet. What Thailand offers that many others lack is an abundance of *fun*. With beaches, lively nightlife, dynamic cities, and superb cuisine… it’s hard not to enjoy your time in Thailand.
The main disadvantage amidst the enjoyment and great prices was always the hassle of remaining in the country. Border runs have been a common practice for 20 years, and that can become tedious, requiring extensions every two or three months just for a visa stamp. Fortunately, [it’s becoming simpler to reside in Thailand now](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2024/12/11/live