Exotic Locations for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in 2023

With the rise of technology and the remote working trend, an increasing number of companies are vowing to afford their staff remote working opportunities anywhere on the globe. You heard it, ladies and gentlemen, from Colombia to Kazakhstan and from London to Laos; employers want you to be productive wherever you are. They finally got it. But with such unrestricted liberty, picking and choosing from the daunting array of (exotic) locations posing as potential workplaces and bases is far from easy. Nonetheless, adventurers and thrill seekers relentlessly seek out that previously undiscovered offbeat base where they can kick back and relax beachside, spiced with some office action, all while “working” on their laptops. Digital nomads and remote workers are looking for a buzzin’ loco—somewhere they can feast on scenery while meeting deadlines. We looked into what exotic locations are trending in 2023 that have good internet, decent communities, and are not overcrowded. Hang tight, we’ll tell you all about it below!

Why Exotic Locations Are In Demand For Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

If you’ve landed on this blog post, chances are you’re struggling through a difficult winter and are desperate to escape it. After all, if you have the flexibility to work remotely and aren’t bound to chilly climates such as Canada, the US, or northern parts of Europe, why not enjoy some warm rays of sunshine? And you don’t mind going to an exotic place where you can see weird animals and hear loud birds singing.

Apart from all that warmth, another bonus is the great value you get when it comes to accommodation, food, and transport; certain places like Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, and Morocco even offer unbeatable price–quality ratios that simply can’t be found in your home country.

And last but not least, as a remote worker, you have so many opportunities that many people can only dream of, so why not take advantage of them?

You have the opportunity to exchange new experiences with people from diverse cultures and lifestyles unrelated to your own. Travel to an exotic place and get the chance to immerse yourself in worlds still untouched by globalization. Hear different languages, sample local cuisine, and experience customs even within the same countries that entirely contrast each other. These incredible memory-creating opportunities outlined will forever fill your heart with a joy you’ve never known from anything previously known to you.

List of Exotic Locations for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads in 2023

Costa Rica
Thailand
Canary Islands

Fiji
Philippines
Sri Lanka
India
Morocco

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a famous digital nomad destination and, by some definitions, pretty exotic. Costa Rica, while not as cheap as Thailand or Mexico, is accessible from the United States and Canada, has beautiful weather, and plenty of natural beauty.

Costa Rica recently established a new “digital nomad” law and visa that enables tax-free stays of up to 12 months and no import tax on personal equipment.

When it comes to the Internet connection speed, we can say it’s pretty decent.

More carriers are delivering high-speed internet and fiber optics in Costa Rica, pricing is becoming more competitive.

As a remote worker, you want to have a productive and high quality work space, so for this, you want to have a desk in your rented flat because coworking spaces are scarce outside the capital city of San Jose. But keep in mind, the city is not that exotic if you are looking for some thrills.

The transportation system is not very well developed so if you want to move around from time to time. So it’s better to rent a car when you need it and change locations or explore. For short rides, you can use Uber (not legal in the country, but they still do it).

Cafe working culture is nearly nonexistent in Costa Rica. There aren’t really many cafes with a working environment, and they are not very friendly with remote workers anyway.

If you want to read more about the best places to live in Costa Rica, we’ve got a solid article covering this topic right here.

The country has microclimates, which makes it very tempting to move around. Here are the top spots that you want to visit during your time in Costa Rica:

1. San Jose (capital city)

If you prefer to live in the city and want all of the comforts that come with city life. Escazu, Barrio Esclanate, and La Sabana are some of the best areas in San Jose for foreigners.

2. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Limon (South Caribbean Coast)

This quirky Caribbean town is popular with digital nomads who like the laid-back beach lifestyle. It’s also ideal for nature lovers, as the region is filled with sloths, toucans, monkeys, and other birds. There are no high-rise structures in Puerto Viejo, but there are all of the essential facilities such as banks, pharmacies, laundry, and so on.

3.Dominical/Uvita in the South Pacific

There isn’t much of a nightlife in this region, which might be a positive or a negative depending on what you desire, but it is close to many natural sites, fantastic hiking, lots of animals, and decent surfing.

4. Samara in Guanacaste (North Pacific)

Are you into the beach, yoga, and surfing? Then Samara is for you! Despite its expanding popularity, Samara remains a rather tranquil, laid-back beach town that attracts many yogis and surfers. There are several vegan, vegetarian, and organic alternatives in town. It takes 2 hours to get there from Liberia International Airport.

2. Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country in the heart of Asia. Its neighbors are Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Thailand has long been a favorite destination for digital nomads, expats, and anybody else wishing to visit Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Thailand is a wonderful nation full of exotic jungles, hectic cities, and beautiful beaches. This country is the definition of an exotic place to work, and it’s also quite affordable if you don’t go wild. Thailand has no less than 1430 islands and a lot of mainland, so choosing where to live and work for a while in this exotic country can be a challenge. Here are our recommendations:

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is likewise reasonably priced, with a wide selection of housing alternatives. You may easily live here for less than $1200 per month, making it an excellent choice for individuals on a tight budget.

2. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai should be at the top of your list if you’re a remote worker in Thailand seeking an exciting ,exotic and economical location to work during the cold seasons.

This lovely northern Thai city has everything you need to live and work comfortably. It boasts a thriving expat community that works remotely from the beach.
The cost of living is quite low; you may live for less than $1000 each month. The average internet speed is roughly 30Mbps, which is sufficient for most tasks.

You’ll also have lots of alternatives for locating coworking spaces, cafés, and other locations to work.
Furthermore, Chiang Mai is surrounded by stunning mountains and woods, making it the ideal destination to get away from the rush and bustle of the city, giving you a great change of scenery.

3. Ko Pha Ngan

Ko Pha Ngan is an untouched beauty in Thailand’s Gulf. White sand beaches, crystal blue lakes, and lush rainforest greenery are things you will find there.

Because of its laid-back feel and welcoming residents, Ko Pha Ngan is one of the best Thai islands for digital nomads and remote workers.
The calm pace of life and low cost of living make it an appealing alternative for individuals looking to live and work in a paradise environment.
There are several coworking spaces and cafés from which to choose, all with very good internet.
When you need a break from work, you may take a plunge in the water or rest on the sand on the island, which has some of Thailand’s greatest beaches.

4. Krabi Province

Krabi is a lovely region in southern Thailand famous for its magnificent beaches, rich forest surroundings, and friendly residents. It offers a rustic feel with a lot of small-town charm.

Ao Nang, a beautiful beach town in the region, has become a favorite destination for digital nomads. It’s a great area to set up shop and get some work done while enjoying everything Krabi has to offer.

We reviewed the cost of living in Thailand for 2023. Find out how much you need to live in this beautiful Southeast Asian country here.

3. Canary Islands

Fuerteventura is the second-largest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish autonomous community located off Africa’s northwest coast. It is well-known for its gorgeous beaches, which span for almost 150 kilometers down the southern coast. The climate on the island is subtropical desert, with high temperatures all year and minimal rainfall due to its high winds and clean waters.

Fuerteventura is the most popular destination for water activities such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Aside from its natural beauty, the island also boasts a rich cultural heritage and numerous protected nature reserves and parks.The island of Fuerteventura offers all this, so don’t hesitate; fly over and find your perfect work/life balance on this island.

The low cost of living in the Canary Islands is the primary motivation for remote workers to come here. Indeed, most things are cheaper in the area than on the mainland of Spain, thanks to advantageous import tariffs!

As is typically the case, the largest cost for digital nomads in the Canary Islands is accommodation. Indeed, unless you have an NIE (Foreigner’s identity number), you must rent holiday housing, which is frequently more expensive than local rent.

But, with a little planning, you can come spend a week or a month here at a pretty affordable price. For example, a pint of beer is about 2 euros, a coffee is 1 euro, a car rental 20-40 euros/ day and a 1-bedroom apartment can be rented for about 600 euros /month.

Because the Canary Islands are a Spanish autonomous area, they provide all of the European facilities that distant employees require. This means fast wifi, no power outages, no culture shock, the same currency, easy access by airline from all major European cities, and no visa or passport requirement for EU citizens.

The internet speeds are very good, especially in the coworking spaces, which are plenty on the island.

Here are some communities where you can get in touch with some people and find out more about this passage.

Tips for making the most of your remote work experience in an exotic location

Managing work-life balance when traveling and working remotely, can be difficult, but with enough organization and effort, it is doable.
For example, setting clear limits for when you will work and when you will take time off is one strategy to preserve balance. Staying organized is critical to success when working and traveling. We recommend maintaining a timetable and a to-do list to assist you in staying on top of your chores and commitments.

It might also help to designate a workstation, even if you are on the road. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

Last but not least, traveling to exotic locations and working remotely might make you feel alone. In fact, this is the number one problem reported by digital nomads.

Hence, it is important to keep in contact with friends and family. This will aid you in being grounded and in maintaining a feeling of equilibrium. It is also critical to understand your limitations and avoid taking on too much at once. If necessary, don’t be afraid to decline extra work or social engagements.

Exotic Remote Working Benefits Recap

Last Words of Advice

So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen; a new era of working from anywhere in the world is well and truly upon us. But with such great opportunity comes great responsibility – the responsibility of carefully choosing the right destination that meets all your work criteria. And trust me when I say that, with a little bit of effort and planning, you can find that perfect place to set up shop away from home.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to check out those remote working opportunities in Laos… Do you know any other exotic places to work from with good internet? Let me know in the comments!

Ditch the CUBICAL – Exotic Digital Nomad Remote Work Locations in 2023

Exotic Locations for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in 2023

Why Exotic Locations Are In Demand For Remote Workers and Digital Nomads