India has long been a dream destination on many traveler’s wish list. This amazing country has so much to offer visitors with wide ranging attractions from trendy beach towns to the famous Taj Mahal.
Home to over a billion people, ironically, many tourists visit to get away from the crowd to find inner peace at one of its many yoga retreats.
Its not uncommon to find backpackers visiting India as well. But with the latest trend in working remotely, India wants to become a major hub for digital nomads.
While many other countries across the globe offer an official digital nomad visa, India only offers tourist visas at present time.
However, that shouldn’t deter digital nomads from working from India necessarily. They are already set up to become a hotspot for those who work from their laptop.
Here are 6 reasons why India is the next hotspot for digital nomads:
The Trendy Beach Town Of Goa
Already home to the best hostel in the world for digital nomads, this scenic beach town is ready to take the next step to become a true digital nomad destination.
Known for breathtaking scenery and its hippy vibes, many travelers are hearing the whispers of what’s yet to come from Goa.
They are behind the movement to get the entire country of India to become a major draw to attract remote workers, including pushing to create a digital nomad visa.
Beachside co-working spaces are rapidly opening up and ready to be filled!
Flexible Visa Options
Currently, India only offers tourist visas but they go beyond the usual 30 days that many countries offer.
Travelers can obtain a multi-entry visa very easily, but it is technically for tourism purposes. Visa options are:
It’s important for travelers to know they must leave the country every 90 days in order to obtain the long-term visa options. There are also fees associated with each one.
While digital nomads cannot get a digital nomad visa per se, it has been stated from local representatives that it is in the works and may be on the table very soon.
“We are trying to conceptualize a new visa which we have taken up with the central government. We are pretty sure that in days to come we are going to be the first state in the country to invite digital nomads.” said Goa’s minister of Tourism and IT, Rohan Khaunte
Affordability
One of the plus sides of being a digital nomad is making money while you see the world. Who wouldn’t want to do that?!
The benefit of making your work home in India is the low cost of living just about anywhere in the country.
Compared to Europe, for example, some major European cities can cost as much as 300% higher, if not more!
Even the capital of India, New Delhi is extremely affordable for travelers.
Many Locals Are Bilingual
There are certain places digital nomads find themselves in where it can be tricky to navigate. One reason is the language barrier.
In India, it isn’t as big of a concern with many locals speaking English as their second language. Certain off-path destinations where there re less travelers could be an issue.
However, those who stick to the major cities or beach towns can expect a high level of English fluency with little need to use a translation app.
Substantial Public Transit
Sometimes travelers can find themselves staying in one place for too long. When that is the case, it is easy to hop around within India.
There is no lack of travel options whether by bus or train to hit the next city. India also offers very affordable domestic flights between multiple airlines.
Seeing India’s vast scenery by rail is a thrill and has one of the largest rail networks in the world.
Homestays Over Hotels
India’s government has realized digital nomads boost the local economy. Most remote workers settle in at home rentals over hotels for more space and lower costs.
Goa, in particular, has issued a “homestay policy” which aims to help residents earn more money while also providing remote workers with more places to stay.
As India grows as a digital nomad hotspot, more and more places should open their doors helping the local economy while also making digital nomads feel right at home.
