How to choose a base
When choosing where to work remotely, check four things: reliable internet, time zone overlap with your clients, visa rules, and cost. Then add weather, which changes by season.
Winter (December to February)
- Canary Islands, Spain: Mild winters, good Wi-Fi and European time zones. Las Palmas is a favourite with remote workers.
- Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok): Cooler, dry weather and a large coworking scene.
- Madeira, Portugal: Mild and green, with a well-known remote-work community.
- Mexico (Oaxaca, Mexico City, Mérida): Pleasant weather and a friendly time zone for North Americans.
Spring (March to May)
- Lisbon and Porto, Portugal: Warm days and an active expat scene.
- Seville and Valencia, Spain: Sunny and affordable before summer's heat.
- Tbilisi, Georgia: Spring is lovely, and a one-year stay for many nationalities is allowed without a visa. Check current rules.
Summer (June to August)
- Northern Europe (Tallinn, Helsinki, Copenhagen): Long days and cool weather.
- Mountain towns in Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia: Hiking after work.
- Canada and Scotland: Cool, scenic and English-speaking.
Autumn (September to November)
- Japan and South Korea: Pleasant weather and excellent infrastructure.
- Croatia and Greece: Warm sea, thinner crowds and cheaper rates.
- Southeast Asia (post-monsoon): Check regional seasons.
Rules to check
Many countries do not allow tourists to work remotely on a standard visitor visa. Look for a digital nomad visa or confirm the rules with the official immigration site. Tax residency can also be affected, so seek professional advice if you stay long.
Practical setup
Test the Wi-Fi speed with your host, carry a backup eSIM, choose a place near a café or coworking space, and plan to stay at least a month to enjoy the place and save on accommodation.
Visa and tax rules change, so confirm them with official sources.
