Best Cities in Latin America to Work Remotely
20 April, 2022The beautiful people, warm climate, and rich culture of Latin American countries have made this region one of the leading places for remote workers. From affordable rent options and stylish coworking spaces to fast internet connections, Latin America has a lot to offer for nomads working with different employers worldwide.
Learning basic Spanish is not required but is highly recommended because it is one of the major languages spoken in this region. In the bigger cities, you will encounter many English speakers, so being fluent in Spanish is not necessarily crucial, but it can make your life much easier if you are.
Here, you will discover the cities that stood out due to various reasons, such as good internet connection, excellent culture, and low cost of living. But before that, let’s understand the factors you need to consider before traveling around Latin America.
Factors Remote Workers Should Consider Before Traveling to Latin America
One of the best things about working remotely is the freedom and flexibility you get. You can work in your favorite tourist destination while having the best time of your life instead of being stuck in an office cubicle and a tiring routine every single day. But with that in mind, you have to research every city you want to go to in order to prevent stress, hassle, and problems along the way. We have compiled some of the most important factors you must take note of to keep your remote work smooth and stress-free.
- Visa Requirements
Different countries require a different set of requirements. It’s best to double-check the information and paperwork they require to avoid delays. But if you are a holder of one of the most powerful passports, you will likely have no problems going in and out of different countries.
- Cost of Living
No one likes to be surprised with high apartment rents and costly food and transportation. You can easily search this information on Google, as there are many websites that provide accurate data year by year with regards to a place’s cost of living.
- Internet Connection
A fast, steady internet connection is one of the most important things a remote worker must have. If you’re planning to stay for good in one city, you should look into the best wireless provider in the area that offers great speeds for a reasonable price.
- Coworking Spaces
You should always check if a place has coworking spaces around the area, as well as the prices, to ensure that you will not get ripped off as a nomad in a foreign country.
- Leisure Activities
Whether it’s their local shows, cuisine, or tourist spots, you should never forget to check this factor, as it will make your stay worthwhile, especially with the time on your hands. Sometimes, a group of digital nomads will invite you with them, making it an excellent opportunity to make friends and expand your network.
Now that you know the factors you need to consider, let’s dive into some of the best cities in Latin America for remote workers.
- San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
The coastal town of San Juan Del Sur is one of the backpackers and digital nomads’ leading destinations in Latin America. Its natural beauty and low cost of living have attracted many tourists, and it is definitely one of the most relaxing destinations you’ll ever visit. The internet connection in this city is not as fast as in other cities, but most lodging places offer decent internet speeds for downloading, uploading, and video conferences.
San Juan Del Sur also has a few coworking spaces at affordable prices. So if you want a cheap place in a small, quiet city, this place is for you. A budget of $900-$1000 is enough in this city for a comfortable month with eating out and partying.
- Medellín, Colombia
Medellin is Colombia’s second-largest city and is considered the world’s favorite digital nomad city. You will find a large network of digital nomads in this city with numerous co-working spaces to choose from. It also offers fiber optic internet throughout the city, given that it is home to over two million residents. You will also discover a variety of aesthetic cafes where remote workers and expatriates usually spend their time.
Nightlife is very much alive in Medellin, with a perfect blend of salsa, reggae, and western styles. So if you love clubbing and barhopping, you will surely have the time of your life in Medellin. It currently has 44 coworking spaces which say a lot about the remote worker population in the city. With just $1000, you can live a comfortable life in Medellin, including dining, drinking, and partying occasionally.
- Quito, Ecuador
This Ecuadorian capital is rapidly becoming one of the favorite destinations of digital nomads. Being an ancient Incan city, Quito offers exceptional views, a rich history, and breathtaking architecture. It is also home to some of the best internet service providers, with their internet plans as good as the ones from Spectrum Internet, so your work will not be interrupted.
With its fairer temperature compared to other Latin American countries, you can enjoy a variety of food, parks, and outdoor activities all year round. With a budget of $1,100 to $1,200 per month, you can live comfortably in this city while enjoying its beauty during your off days. You will also discover around 34 coworking spaces in Quito.
- Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is known for its colonial charm and cultural heritage sites. The city also has excellent internet connections throughout the city, especially in the welcoming cafes for digital nomads. It is an excellent destination for adventurous nomads who loves hiking at active and dormant volcanoes. You will notice that Antigua features a lot of things and places that are westernized, including their bars and clubs. But, it still offers a lot of enjoyable and exciting activities for digital nomads.
Antigua only has limited coworking spaces, according to coworker.com. As of writing, the listing only shows three spaces in the city. If you’re planning to stay in Antigua for a month, a budget of $1,000 is sufficient for a comfortable living situation, including dining, clubbing, partying, and more.
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