Counting down the Top 10 cities for location independent entrepreneurs, digital nomads and remote workers in 2020, including a few up and coming cities you've probably not heard of yet.
This is a list of the hot spots and where I'm thinking about establishing some home bases.
#10. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
I spent 2 months exploring Bulgaria this past fall and stumbled upon this great city. Plovdiv was named European Capital of culture for 2019 so I'd recommend visiting before the masses descend.
#9. Danang, Vietnam
Many tourists just pass through this city on their way to Hoi An. I believe it's underrated. There's plenty of beaches that are not crowded, the internet is great and cost of living is very affordable. Definitely an up and coming city. View all my notes on Vietnam.
#8 Lisbon, Portugal
One of the more affordable cities in Western Europe. Take a look at my full Lisbon review here.
#7. Penang, Malaysia
A very easy 6 month visa on arrival and many available affordable flight connections make Malaysia a great destination for remote workers. Additionally, the food scene in Penang is superb.
#6 Buenos Aires, Argentina
A massive devaluation in the peso makes Argentina even more affordable than in the past. Check out my full Argentina review.
#5 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The location of my favorite beach in South America, Ipanema. Some of the friendliest and warmest people on earth. Great beaches, food and nightlife. Brazil is a country that you must visit once in your life and Rio is the epicenter.
#4. Varna, Bulgaria
I stumbled upon Varna this past fall while exploring Bulgaria. It borders the Black Sea so there are some decent beaches, running trails and a huge seafront park. I like the nature and outdoor exercise options. The wifi is decent and the lodging is affordable. It reminds me of San Diego without the insane prices. I'll keep it on the list as one of my Eastern European hubs. You receive a 90 days visa exemption on arrival and it's outside the Schengen zone.
#3 Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Convenience is the name of the game for Playa del Carmen. It's very easy to reach from the US, the visa situation is simple (6 months upon arrival), and the beautiful beaches seal the deal.
#2 Medellin, Colombia
My favorite city in South America. A simple visa, affordable accommodations and an extensive and friendly expat community make Medellin an easy choice for digital nomads. Read my many Medellin guides here.
#1 Chiang Mai, Thailand
The mecca for digital nomads for a reason. Affordable housing, excellent food and convenient living make Chiang Mai the number one city in the world for location independent entrepreneurs in 2020 and beyond. The one downside is the ever changing visa situation.
#10. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
I spent 2 months exploring Bulgaria this past fall and stumbled upon this great city. Plovdiv was named European Capital of culture for 2019 so I'd recommend visiting before the masses descend.
#9. Danang, Vietnam
Many tourists just pass through this city on their way to Hoi An. I believe it's underrated. There's plenty of beaches that are not crowded, the internet is great and cost of living is very affordable. Definitely an up and coming city. View all my notes on Vietnam.
#8 Lisbon, Portugal
One of the more affordable cities in Western Europe. Take a look at my full Lisbon review here.
#7. Penang, Malaysia
A very easy 6 month visa on arrival and many available affordable flight connections make Malaysia a great destination for remote workers. Additionally, the food scene in Penang is superb.
#6 Buenos Aires, Argentina
A massive devaluation in the peso makes Argentina even more affordable than in the past. Check out my full Argentina review.
#5 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The location of my favorite beach in South America, Ipanema. Some of the friendliest and warmest people on earth. Great beaches, food and nightlife. Brazil is a country that you must visit once in your life and Rio is the epicenter.
#4. Varna, Bulgaria
I stumbled upon Varna this past fall while exploring Bulgaria. It borders the Black Sea so there are some decent beaches, running trails and a huge seafront park. I like the nature and outdoor exercise options. The wifi is decent and the lodging is affordable. It reminds me of San Diego without the insane prices. I'll keep it on the list as one of my Eastern European hubs. You receive a 90 days visa exemption on arrival and it's outside the Schengen zone.
#3 Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Convenience is the name of the game for Playa del Carmen. It's very easy to reach from the US, the visa situation is simple (6 months upon arrival), and the beautiful beaches seal the deal.
#2 Medellin, Colombia
My favorite city in South America. A simple visa, affordable accommodations and an extensive and friendly expat community make Medellin an easy choice for digital nomads. Read my many Medellin guides here.
#1 Chiang Mai, Thailand
The mecca for digital nomads for a reason. Affordable housing, excellent food and convenient living make Chiang Mai the number one city in the world for location independent entrepreneurs in 2020 and beyond. The one downside is the ever changing visa situation.
As always, check back for ongoing updates. Thanks for visiting!
