While being a digital nomad is more popular than ever before, this unconventional lifestyle comes with its share of challenges.
Many digital nomads have dreams of an endless vacation and days spent working on the beach, only to realize that’s not actually the reality.
Being a digital nomad comes with its own unique challenges, and one of those is making sure you have access to fast, consistent Internet. Whether you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or have a remote job, speedy Internet is essential to getting work done as a digital nomad.
Some destinations are better than others when it comes to Internet access.
These are the top three countries with fast Internet for digital nomads, including other factors that make these countries a great digital nomad base.
Some countries with fast Internet speeds, such as Monaco and Singapore, don’t make good digital nomad bases due to their exorbitant prices and lack of visa opportunities.
But these three countries are affordable and welcoming to digital nomads:
1. Romania
Romania has some of the fastest Internet speeds in the world, with an average speed of 232.17 Mbps. But that’s not all that makes this Eastern European nation a hotspot for digital nomads.
It’s an extremely affordable place to live, with cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca offering a great quality of life for a fraction of the cost you’d find in Western Europe.
Romania is a beautiful country with lots of things to do, and it provides easy access to the rest of Europe.
Americans can stay in Romania for up to 90 days without a visa, and since it’s not part of the Schengen Zone, it does not eat into your time in the rest of Europe. Romania also recently introduced a digital nomad visa that’s good for 6 months and can be renewed.
2. Thailand
Another great country with fast Internet for digital nomads is Thailand. Boasting average speeds of 225.17 Mbps, Thailand has some of the fastest Internet in the world.
Unlike other Asian countries with fast Internet, like Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, Thailand offers an affordable cost of living that will appeal to digital nomads. You can live a great lifestyle in Thailand for very little money.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai are two popular digital nomad hotspots in Thailand, while beach lovers will find Ao Nang, Phuket, and Koh Samui to be their own slice of remote work paradise. Not only is Thailand beautiful, but it also offers easy access to explore the rest of Southeast Asia.
Americans traveling to Thailand can only stay for 30 days with a visa on arrival (which can be extended for an additional 30 days.) If you’re looking to stay in Thailand long-term as a digital nomad, there is a digital nomad visa that is good for 4 years.
3. Chile
Finally, Chile is a great country for digital nomads who want fast and consistent Internet. The average Internet speed here is 217.60 Mbps, the fastest in the Americas.
Chile is one of the safest countries in South America and makes a great base for digital nomads. The capital city of Santiago is a great place to stay, and it’s an up-and-coming digital nomad hotspot.
You can also explore the country’s natural beauty, like Torres del Paine National Park and the Atacama Desert, during your free time.
Although Chile does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa (yet), Americans can stay in Chile for up to 90 days as a tourist, and this can be extended for an additional 90 days.
