Trove Picks: Top 4 Under-the-Radar Cities for Remote Workers
Madrid, Spain
Since getting a job that allows me to work fully remote, I’ve been on a mission to explore the world until I find myself a base (or two) where I could see myself spending an extended period of time.
In this article, I’m going to outline some very special places that I’ve discovered during my time abroad that I believe would be excellent bases for remote workers, and that I have made home for myself for varying degrees of time. The places I have selected go a bit beyond the hubs we’ve all heard about, like Chiang Mai or Bali, but I believe they have all the things you need to have a wonderful experience as a digital nomad abroad.
Stay tuned because I will be creating in-depth guides for each of these locations soon!
Da Nang, Vietnam
Part of me almost wants to leave this city off this list because I don’t want it to get too popular. Da Nang recently captured my heart, and at the time of writing this, I’m doing a 2-month trial run living here to see if I’d like to make it a part-time base for half of the year. People call it the “Miami of Vietnam,” and tourism is increasing rapidly in this beach town.
A city of 1.3 million people in the center of Vietnam, local culture still reigns, and there is a small but growing community of remote workers that you’ll see in each of the vibrant cafes serving notoriously strong Vietnamese coffee.
Honestly, there isn’t much not to love about this city. Its main beach, My Khe, that runs 30km non-stop, was voted one of the best in Asia in 2024. The cost of living is incredibly low, the food is amazing, and the cafes are gorgeous. The city is very walkable and includes a stunning promenade all along the length of the beach. You truly have everything you could possibly need.
My Khe Beach, Da Nang, Vietnam
Mexico City, Mexico
I have written an entire article on what it’s like to be a remote worker in Mexico City. I’ve spent a collective total of around 6 months there, and it remains one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s another place I could easily see myself spending half of the year in due to its incredible culture, delicious food, endless activities, and lovely people.
The community of remote workers is already quite large in CDMX, so it was really easy to meet new people and make friends while I was living there. They also have great internet, an amazing cafe and coffee culture, as well as endless things to do in your free time, from cheap trips to Oaxaca or museum-hopping in the city, not to mention ample opportunities to practice your Spanish!
Roma Norte, CDMX, Mexico
Bangkok, Thailand
Less talked about as a digital nomad hub than its Northern counterpart, Chiang Mai, I think that Bangkok would be an incredible place to set up your base as a remote worker. I have spent a considerable amount of time in Bangkok and I love it to pieces.
Each corner is teeming with life and culture, and it is a city that truly never sleeps. Whether you want a hot plate of noodles at 1:00 am, or you want to attend a Muay Thai class in the afternoon - Bangkok’s got you. Rooftop parties, temples galore, and local people who welcome you with open arms, I would definitely consider it for your next base. I will be writing much more about this beloved city, but if you want to learn more about its plant-based food scene, read on here.
Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand
Madrid, Spain
It’s no secret that Spain is my favourite country in Europe. At the very heart of the country, you’ll find one of the liveliest and exciting cities to be - Madrid. With a relatively affordable cost of living for a major European city, great infrastructure for remote work, endless cafes and activities, friendly locals, and a large international community, Madrid has everything you need as a remote worker in Europe.
Spain has also recently come out with a digital nomad visa, which can eventually lead to EU citizenship if you wish to go that route, which is incredible for a foreigner looking to settle in Europe long-term.
La Latina, Madrid, Spain
