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7 Best Countries for Remote Work 

Man looking at his phone in nature

How Digital Nomads Can Select the Perfect Location – You Choose Where

Working from home no longer necessitates where you live. From the comfort of a hammock looking off at the beach or a city that you’ve always dreamt of living in, Remote Work has made it possible to give you the luxury of living precisely anywhere you want. While perhaps some places have more limitations than others, you can find just the right spot that best fits your criteria. 

The world is experiencing a Remote Work revolution. Many remote workers have long contemplated upgrading their surroundings, their life, their well-being, their… Everything! Why limit my workspace to just this? Isn’t there somewhere else more interesting than these boring taupe walls that surround me? If you find yourself languidly spinning the globe or closing your eyes and placing your finger wherever it may land on a map, you may want to check out where and why particular places of interest are better for remote working. 

Firstly, what is most important to you? All options are of course preferential. Are you concerned with the weather and never want to see a rainy day again? Or are you moving solely based on the cost of living? Where can I find the most affordable place to stay? Or maybe those are the least of your worries and conditions of safety, or internet speeds, or quality of life are first and foremost. All things considered, below will be a list of ideal countries to work remotely. 

Canada 

Canada is the world’s second-largest country by total area after Russia and the largest country in North America. It is mostly known for its vast, untouched landscapes packed with natural beauty. Canada offers awe-inspiring scenery, vibrant bustling cities, and a welcoming atmosphere, all making it a popular destination for tourists and nomads.

Among the most popular cities in Canada for Digital Nomads are Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. These three cities also happen to be the most expensive in all of the country. Loved for its fast internet, spacious environments, safe roads, great infrastructure, incredibly family-friendly civilians, and more, it is easy to find a place outside of these three cities at more affordable rates, like Ottawa, Winnipeg, Quebec City, and Chatham. A con? Canada is oppressively cold in the winter. But perhaps that’s why the people of Canada are so nice. They don’t have to deal with the heat. 

Georgia (not to be confused with Georgia, US) 

Georgia (Sakartvelo) is located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea below Eastern Russia. The population is 3.7 million, with Tbilisi being the capital as well as its largest city, home to roughly a third of the Georgian population. If you are a mountaineer, you’d be smitten to know Georgia is decorated with expansive The Lord of the Rings-esque mountains. In fact, Ushguli (2200m) in Svaneti is one of Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlements.

The country is as aesthetic as it is affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in Tbilisi is $200 a month. The city of Tbilisi provides fast internet, many recreational activities, high quality of education, and warm and welcoming people. Looking to move to a city with stunning architecture, tech-savvy individuals, kind locals, vibrant nightlife, and an enriching wine culture? Then Tbilisi is for you! Fun Fact: Knowing of all the talented people here, AnyDesk recently opened its first Innovation Hub in this fascinating city.  

Germany 

Germany is the second-most populous country in Europe. Its capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany is also home to some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery and famous attractions like the Oktoberfest. Located in the heart of Europe, Germany maintains one of Europe’s largest economies.

Rather it’s the rich historical attractions, festivals, or the breathtaking scenery, Germany has something to offer everyone. In fact, it is the eighth-most visited country in the world. With a vibrant beer scene and a bustling art hub, it’s no wonder Germany attracts tourists and nomads alike.

While Hamburg and Munich are more on the expensive side, the more affordable cities in Germany for a one-bedroom studio are Cologne, (roughly $600) and Dresden, (roughly $500). Overall internet speeds are fast in the major cities and the quality of life is very good. Germany has an above-average happiness score, so seldom you’ll meet a downer. The healthcare is great, the nightlife is thriving, and there is more than enough to do.

Want an interesting fact about one of Germany’s most beloved cities? Are you an “I have to get my steps in” type of person before the end of the day? Well, with over 400 sets of outdoor stairs, Stuttgart is a place you can boast to your friends about, with all of the walking you have accomplished. If you were to climb all of Stuttgart’s stairs, your Fitbit would display about twelve and a half miles. That’s about 27,000 steps. Good on you! Also, this city is home to the automobile! Great minds, indeed, think alike… That’s one of the reasons why AnyDesk’s headquarters are located here.  

Indonesia 

The world’s largest archipelago nation, Indonesia is home to over 17,000 islands. Loved for its tropical environment and year-round warm weather there is no doubt Bali is a mecca for Digital Nomads. Bali has exploded in the past few years with its Remote Work enterprise. In fact, so much so, its burgeoning digital infrastructure says it all.

Indonesia has something for everyone. From the majestic mountains of Agung, Mount Batur and Rinjani, to the beautiful temples of Prambanan and Borobudur, and to the unique beaches, there’s every reason and more why people are flocking to Indonesia. But Indonesia offers a lot more than just beautiful landscapes.

Canggu is ranked the best overall for remote workers. The quality of life is matched with its high internet speeds and cost of living. The average 1-bedroom in Canggu is about $400 a month. Canggu also offers several cafes, coworking spaces, a connected community, and a great nightlife. It’s time to get to work and enjoy an early coffee on the beach in your sarong.  

Portugal 

Located at the Westernmost point in mainland Europe, Portugal has a population of over a little more than 10 million. Portugal has become known for its traditional cuisine, architecture, and historic sites. From its delectable dishes of cod to sardines, to Pastel de nata, Portugal has food everyone will love. Its coastline influenced much of its culture with well-preserved monuments dating back all the way to the 1500s.

Portugal is one of the highest-rated countries among Digital Nomads. Not to mention, if you like to work in coffee shops, Lisbon offers more than plenty in the city, so much so that nearly every corner is equipped with unique and stylish cafes. Ericeira, Madeira, Porto, and Lisbon all have a great overall cost of living, internet speeds, recreational activities, and safety.

A studio will cost you on average roughly $600 a month in Lisbon and is even cheaper in Porto ($500) and Ericeira ($350). While there seems to be endless reasons to work remotely in Portugal, a few cons can be contributed to its cold winter temperatures, its heavy use of tobacco, and relatively dusty cities. 

Romania 

Located on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, Romania has a population of over 19 million. Due to the varied landscape, Romania is one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe. Romania’s mountain ranges, forests, sandy beaches, and vineyards create eclectic opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Ever since the early 2000’s, Romania has experienced rapid economic growth and a recent influx of Digital Nomads. Nomads love this place for the overall cost of living, great internet, fun activities, and a safe place to live. In the three most dense cities in Romania, a one-bedroom on average, costs $400 in Bucharest, $350 in Cluj, and $250 in Timișoara. Some cons to working remotely in Romania is it gets cold in the winter, hospitals might not be great, depending where exactly you are, and heavy use of tobacco. 

Thailand 

With a population of over 70 million, Thailand is a captivating portrait of tropical landscapes and sunny skies. Its bustling cities, scenic coastlines, and lush green hills are complemented by traditional farming villages and Buddhist temples – an enticing mix of modern and old-world Thai culture. Such a captivating portrait explains why Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destination and why many people would want it to be their workplace backdrop.

Thailand offers not only a scenic place to call home but it’s cheap living. Additionally, flights are inexpensive for neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Malaysia, offering ample opportunities for people to expand their adventures. In Bangkok (the capital of Thailand) the average one-bedroom apartment is roughly $600 per month.

While this place offers a lot for the nomad lifestyle there are a few cons to living here, such as fewer liberties when it comes to freedom of speech, the humidity in the summer, medical care, and dangerous roads.

Take a Leap of Faith 

If you’re looking for the perfect location, an independent job, and the ideal place to live, then it’s time to start exploring! There are a lot of things that you should consider when choosing a location, such as internet speeds, safety, and the amount of recreational activities. Some people like nightlife while others prefer more quiet environments. Find where you feel most comfortable!

And even if you decide for a more rural location, you don’t need to worry about accessing files on a remote device when needed. AnyDesk, for example, performs tasks smoothly, even with bandwidths as low as 100 kb/sec. 

If you are interested in learning more about the life of a Digital Nomad you should visit our masterclass at the OMR Festival from May 17-18 in Hamburg where AnyDesk will be exhibiting. OMR is a festival for the digital universe! Prominent figures like writer/director Quentin Tarantino and actor/entrepreneur Ashton Kutcher will be speaking at the event.

We are looking forward to showing you how easy Remote Work can be with the right technology. Register now, and feel free to make an appointment at the booth with us in advance! 

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