The traditional 9-to-5 work week is giving way to a more flexible, borderless lifestyle that means you really can have your cake and eat it, trading your office cubicle for a co-working space, caravan or beachfront café almost anywhere in the world. All you need is your passport, laptop, a sense of adventure, and a reliable source of Wi-Fi, and you too could be replacing your morning commute with a morning surf, workout or yoga session. These are some of the top cities around the globe where you can work and embrace the digital nomad lifestyle.
Note: the cost of living we have provided for each destination below is approximate only, and based on current data from numbeo.com as of May 2025.
Why we love it: Mexico City has a vibrant, cosmopolitan, atmosphere that combines big-city energy with cultural richness. The extensive public transport network makes it easy to explore colourful neighbourhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa, where leafy streets lined with artisanal coffee shops and co-working spaces offer a buzzing creative scene.
Getting a visa: you can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa which allows you to stay in Mexico from 180 days to four years. You must be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and that you do not intend to work for a Mexican company.
Internet: generally reliable high-speed broadband, with widespread 4G and 5G mobile coverage.
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Why we love it: the low cost of living in Chiang Mai, combined with the relaxed pace of life, rich cultural backdrop and welcoming expat community, makes this city in northern Thailand one of the world’s most iconic destinations for digital nomads. The tropical climate is ideal for exploring the city’s ever-evolving café culture, temples and markets, plus all that incredible mountain scenery on your doorstep offers the perfect escape when you need to recharge your batteries.
Getting a visa: the Destination Thailand Visa (DSV) allows multiple entries to Thailand for up to five years. You must provide evidence of your financial status and proof of employment as a digital nomad or freelancer.
Internet: public Wi-Fi is widely available in co-working spaces, cafes and shopping centres. Mobile data plans are affordable and offer excellent 4G coverage.
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Why we love it: the Portuguese capital blends old-world charm with modern infrastructure, including fast internet, trendy co-working spaces, and a laid-back lifestyle that’s hard to resist. English is widely spoken, and you’re only a short drive from the stunning beaches of the Costa da Caparica.
Getting a visa: you can apply for a D8 visa, which allows you to live in Portugal as a digital nomad for a maximum of one year (renewable for up to three years).
Internet: widespread investment in fibre infrastructure means Wi-Fi coverage in Lisbon is generally fast and reliable.
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Why we love it: if your dream office has a view of palm trees and surf breaks just steps from the door, this laid-back beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast might be for you. Tamarindo’s sunny climate pairs perfectly with its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, creating idyllic conditions for the ever-growing digital nomad community.
Getting a visa: Costa Rica’s digital nomad programme lets you apply to extend your stay from 90 days on a tourist visa to a full year (with the option to renew for a second year).
Internet: as one of the most popular tourism locations on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, you’ll find plenty of cafes and co-working spaces that serve good Wi-Fi along with great coffee. Alternatively, you can pick up an affordable data plan using an e-Sim.
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Why we love it: Tallinn, with its beautifully preserved Old Town of cobbled streets and historic architecture, adds a touch of medieval charm and plenty of northern European cool to your life as a digital nomad. The cosy café culture is the perfect match for the city’s thriving tech community, and you’ve got all of Europe on your doorstep waiting to be explored.
Getting a visa: as a digital nomad, you can stay in Estonia (and the rest of the Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within a 180-day window without requiring a visa. For longer stays, you can apply for a D-visa that allows you to stay for up to a year.
Internet: Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, boasting widespread access to fast, reliable Wi-Fi.
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Why we love it: it’s not as affordable as some of our other digital nomad destinations, but the trade-off is its spectacular setting overlooking Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps. You can clear your head with an endless array of adrenaline-fuelled activities from skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and hiking, and spend your weekends sampling the region’s award-winning wineries and restaurants.
Getting a visa: as an Australian citizen, you can live and work in New Zealand indefinitely without needing a work permit – you just need to apply for an Australian Resident Visa on arrival.
Internet: as a major tourist destination, Queenstown has widespread reliable mobile internet. However, due to its mountainous setting, coverage can be spotty in more remote areas.
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Why we love it: combining European flair with Latin American energy, the city of Buenos Aires offers a vibrant art scene, buzzing nightlife, and an incredible street food culture. When you’re not online, you can spend your days exploring the colourful streets of La Boca, soaking up the energy of a football match, or taking tango classes in the historic San Telmo neighbourhood.
Getting a visa: you can apply for temporary residence via Argentina’s digital nomad programme, which allows you to live and work as a digital nomad for up to 180 days.
Internet: along with widespread Wi-Fi coverage in cafés and co-working spaces, there are three main telco providers that offer prepaid mobile data services via SIM and e-SIM technology.
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Why we love it: one of the smallest capital cities in the world, what Victoria lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer natural beauty, laid-back vibes, and cultural diversity. You can start each workday with a long walk along a white-sand beach, a few minutes from your doorstep, and replace those sorry-looking sandwiches and stale sushi with fresh fruit and Creole cuisine straight from the local markets.
Getting a visa: you can apply for a Visitors Workcation Permit that permits you to live and work in the Seychelles as a digital nomad for a maximum of one year.
Internet: Wi-Fi is widely available at resorts, hotels and guesthouses, and there are numerous internet cafés along with reliable mobile coverage across the main islands, with two main mobile providers.
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Why we love it: Georgia’s capital is a blend of old and new, with ancient cobblestone streets, an eclectic mix of architecture, and a buzzing café and co-working culture. Life in Tbilisi is budget-friendly, the local wine scene is based on 8,000 years of winemaking tradition, and you’ve got easy access to the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains for your weekend adventures.
Getting a visa: as an Australian passport holder, you can live and work in Georgia for up to one year without requiring a visa.
Internet: access to Wi-Fi is typically fast and dependable, and in some parts of central Tbilisi, you can even access the free Wi-Fi network called ‘Tbilisi Loves You’.
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Why we love it: life as a digital nomad in Bali is all about finding balance, but be warned: you may only plan to visit for a month and end up staying a lot longer. As Bali’s most popular base for digital nomads, Canggu is packed with co-working spaces, plus there are regular workshops and other networking opportunities where you can connect with other nomads. Whether you’re into surfing and meditation, nightlife or culture, the laid-back surf town has it all within easy reach.
Getting a visa: you can apply for an E35A visa, which allows Australians to spend up to one year in Bali on a working holiday.
Internet: generally speaking, you’ll have access to reliable Wi-Fi in Canggu, especially if you choose to operate out of a co-working space. You can also buy a local SIM from a local provider like Telkomsel, which will provide you with reliable internet access wherever you choose to spend your working hours.
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Life as a digital nomad feels less like work and more like you’re truly living the dream, finding fresh inspiration for your career and combining increased productivity with increased joy. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, street food or startup culture, your Personal Travel Manager can help you in your quest for equilibrium between work and life.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
