Where to Spend Your First Month Working Abroad

Your first month working from somewhere new is less about the perfect destination and more about removing friction. Good internet. Workable time zones. Other people doing the same thing, so you are not eating every meal alone. These five cities tick those boxes better than most.

Lisbon, Portugal

Best if you work with Europe. Plenty of coworking spaces, a big international community and a mild climate. It is no longer cheap by Portuguese standards, so budget accordingly, but it is an easy place to land.

Mexico City, Mexico

Best if you work with North America. Time zones line up well, the neighbourhoods of Roma and Condesa are full of cafés with good Wi-Fi, and the food alone could justify the move.

Medellín, Colombia

Known as the city of eternal spring for its steady, mild weather. Its time zone also works for much of North America. El Poblado and Laureles are popular bases, with a lively community of remote workers and plenty of Spanish schools if you want to learn.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

A long time favourite for a reason. Lower costs, a slower pace, temples around every corner and a well established remote work scene. The time difference with the Americas is tough, so it suits people with flexible hours.

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Surf in the morning, work in the afternoon, sunset by the beach. It is busy and the traffic can test your patience, but the community is huge and it is easy to meet people quickly.

Before you book

• Check the visa rules for working remotely. Tourist entry and remote work are not always the same thing, and several countries now offer specific digital nomad visas.
• Book the first week only, then find a longer stay once you know the neighbourhoods.
• Keep a backup internet option and know where the nearest coworking space is.

Treat the first month as a test run. If it works, stay. If it does not, you have learned exactly what to look for next time.