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If the world of remote work were high school, digital nomads would be the date every country wants to take to the prom.
More and more countries are seeing the benefit and potential of having a population of international workers in their cities.
Over the past two years, destinations around the world have boomed, with a growing population of digital nomads. According to a report from nomadlist.comsome countries have seen over 200% growth in their digital nomad population.
If you’re curious about these digital nomad hotspots, here’s a list of where they’re located and why they attract so many travelers.
5. Penang, Malaysia
Malaysia’s second smallest state is a mighty destination, divided into two parts: Penang Island and Seberand Perai. Over the past three years, Penang has become an ideal location for digital nomads.
A state of culinary diversity, with food influenced by Indian, Malay and Chinese cuisines. Here are some reasons why it’s on the radar for many digital nomads:
Possibilities for residential and working places
Penang offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, including hostels and coworking spaces, where digital nomads can live and work.
Places to explore
Digital nomads often seek adventure and culture with their freedom to work from anywhere. Penang offers visitors the chance to view ancient temples such as Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.
Accessible visa for digital nomads
The DE Rantau Nomad Pass allows those who earn more than approximately $25,320 per year and pay a visa fee of approximately $233 to apply to live in Malaysia for 3 to 12 months.
4. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is the country’s largest city, with more than 10 million people working and living in the megacity. It is not only the capital, but also a hub for major technology companies such as LG, Samsung and Hyundai.
It’s no surprise that digital nomads want to be part of this high-tech city. Yet Seoul has more to offer than flashing city lights and skyscrapers.
Vibrant city life without the high costs
Seoul offers the excitement and entertainment of glamorous big city life at a reasonable price. Living in the city is affordable, with average rental prices 64.6% lower than the rental price in the US., according to Numbeo.com. Affordable prices mean extra money for gym memberships, shopping at markets, luxury stores and seemingly endless karaoke bars.
No visa required
United States citizens can live and work in South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a long-term visa.
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia again made the list with its largest city, Kuala Lumpur. A major city is known as the fashion and shopping capital of the country.
However, branded clothing is not what drives many digital nomads to this area. According to a 2021 Internations survey, Kuala Lumpur was named the best place for expats to live and work.
Low cost of living and great WiFi
The average cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, excluding rent, is around $500. And whether you like to work from home or out of a cafe, you can be assured that you will have reliable and fast internet access wherever you go.
Great place for digital nomads working in IT
As previously noted, those earning a minimum income with the digital nomad visa can stay for up to one year. The visa is intended for freelancers, or those who work full-time for remote companies, and especially welcomes those working in the fields of cybersecurity, digital marketing, software development, and digital content creation and development.
2. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang, a vibrant city in Vietnam, welcomes digital nomads with free Wi-Fi in the downtown area. Yes, there is free WiFi everywhere, not just in hotels or cafes.
And in addition to being generous with their WiFi, the people of Vietnam are known for being hospitable and friendly.
Beautiful attractions
Did you know that Da Nang has its version of Disneyland? Also known as ‘the Da Lat of Danang Province’, Ba Na Hills is a mountaintop resort. From the outside it looks like an old castle. Inside, however, there are excellent restaurants and a fantasy park.
In addition to the resort, there is another hotspot: My Khe Beach, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
You can work and stay with a tourist visa
For American digital nomads: it is possible simply apply online for a tourist visa to live and work in Vietnam for up to 90 days.
1. Tokyo, Japan
The fastest growing hub for digital nomads is a world-famous place for its cuisine and culture: Tokyo, Japan. The city of cherry blossoms has a lot to offer to digital nomads looking for a change of scenery.
Safety and security
The great thing about living in Japan is that it is a very safe country. According to the Index of safest cities According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, accessed in 2021, Tokyo was the fifth safest city.
One of the reasons is that the Japanese have an amazing respect for people’s personal belongings. If you leave your phone or bag on a park bench, you can come back and find it waiting for you where you left it.
The city that never sleeps
More than 40 coworking spaces and numerous cafes are open all day, making working across time zones easier. Plus, Japan is known for having the fastest internet in the world, so you don’t have to worry about your videos freezing awkwardly.
And when you’re done with work, you can enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
No specific visa for digital nomads
Although there is no specific visa for working remotely in Japan, US citizens can enter Japan on a tourist visa and continue working as long as they work for a company outside Japan.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
