Nomad List
| 💵 Nomad Cost™ | $1,316 / month |
| 💵 Cost of living for expat | $643 / month |
| 💵 Cost of living for family | $1,311 / month |
| 💵 Cost of living for local | $375 / month |
| 🏠 1br studio rent in center | $328 / month |
| 🏢 Coworking | $474 / month |
| 🏨 Hotel | $621 / month |
| 🏨 Hotel | $29 / night |
| 🏠 Airbnb (388 listings) | $1,009 / month |
| 🏠 Airbnb | $33 / night |
| 🍝 Dinner | $2 |
| 🍹 Coca-Cola (0.3L) | $0 |
| 🍺 Beer (0.5L) | $1 |
| ☕️ Coffee | $1 |
 | Anyone using this place in Cebu? |
 | Where should we go as a family? Manila, Cebu or Bangkok? |
 | What's the difference between Cebu and Davao? |
| How do you manage receiving mail without a permanent address in the Philippines? |
| After extending a Philippines tourist visa, can you leave the country and come back in on that visa? |
 | Is It Possible To Get Medical / Health Insurance In The Philippines If You Stay On A Tourist Visa? |
 | Are the Philippines good for solo digital nomads? |
 | What's a normal rate for accomodation in Manila? |
 | Is there 4G in Boracay, Philippines? |
 | Where in Asia should I go? |
 | Do you have time zone issues working remotely in Asia? |
 | Do I need vaccinations for traveling in Asia? |
 | Bring external monitor to SE asia and avoid coworking cost? |
| Is a 4G sim device in addition to phone advisable in SE Asia? |
 | Best places for local, organic food and strong internet outside of South East Asia? |
 | Where to easily open a personal/business account in SE Asia? |
 | Worth waiting until getting to Asia to buy gadgets? |
 | 2 Weeks in Asia - Where to go? |
 | Is Flying Business Class to Asia Worth it? |
 | Do digital nomads of South East Asia work at night? |
 | What do you do to avoid plastic bottled water in Asia? |
 | What's good places in South East Asia to work with beaches? |
 | Best place to buy a laptop in Asia? |
| How do you travel Asia with customers in other timezones? |
 | What immunizations should I get for India and South East Asia? |
 | Why is South East Asia preferred by nomads over Latin America? |
 | Best place in South East Asia to get something shipped from USA? |
 | Is there any typical scams in Southeast Asia to be aware of? |
 | Anyone changed European passport in Asia? |
 | What does a DN pack in a first-aid kit for Central America or South Asia? |
| How common is purse snatching and backpack-slashing in South East Asia? |
| Travel with expensive camera in South East Asia? |
| What are your dream locations in Asia? |
 | How is Central Asia for digital nomads? |
 | What's a great place for remote work and self-realization in SE Asia? |
 | How to insure my belongings when traveling in SE Asia & South America? |
 | What are the best meditation and yoga retreats in Asia? |
 | What is the best VPN for South East Asia? |
 | Quality of remote connections (RDP, TeamViewer etc.) from SE Asia to Europe? |
 | How is the weather in SE Asia from July to September (Q3)? |
 | Start an online business in Australia or Asia? |
 | Where should I start off my nomad trip to SE Asia? |
 | Where should I register my company when operating in multiple countries in SE Asia? |
Based on Cebu's cost of living, here's selected remote jobs that would cover your costs:
 | Software Engineer, Frontend - UI/UX @ Kraken Digital Asset Exchange |
 | Visual Designer @ Ghost |
 | UX / WEB INTERFACE DESIGNER (FREELA... @ SaleHoo.com |
 | Conversion Optimisation Data Specia... @ In Marketing We Trust |
 | Front End React Programmer @ PostFi.com |
By instant rock star status you mean the local idiots who point, laugh and stare and gossip in Bisaya? People are not friendly and should be kept at arm's length. Cebu is probably the best city in the Philippines though so all is not lost.
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There are a few big problems with the data on Manila. I’ve spent the last 2 years here and I have only been able to use my credit card a very small handful of times. It’s been at least 99.8% cash payments, including my apartment rent and utilities. Also, the population according to several local friends say Manila is actually closer to 22 million people (you read that right). This is confirmed by http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/Manila-population/
Best suited for surfers..
It's possible to live in Hong Kong on the cheap. You've got to live far out in the New Territories, or on an outlying island. I spent a summer living happily on Lamma Island for ~$500USD/month in rent for one bedroom in a shared flat. Rent is really the only tricky part--everything else is relatively cheap.
There are a few big problems with the data on Manila. I’ve spent the last 2 years here and I have only been able to use my credit card a very small handful of times. It’s been at least 99.8% cash payments, including my apartment rent and utilities. Also, the population according to several local friends say Manila is actually closer to 22 million people (you read that right). This is confirmed by http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/Manila-population/
Nomad-ed here for a month. A totally ok place if you have the budget for it. Coworking spaces are good, 4g everywhere, transportation is effective. Lots of things to do. I was able to find friends. Lots of international people, very few digital nomads. If you're there, consider not renting in the center (as it gets expensive fast) and being creative with places to eat to find cheap options. Be prepared to use cash unless you live in a luxury.
Mostly great weather year round and some of the best food in the world at cheap prices. Probably the best standard of living for the cost in an international city. Good but not excellent public transport. Some questionable reviews being left here by people who possibly never visited,
My review has been deleted without explanation :(
It is technically illegal to be a nomand here if you’re working without a proper work visa, your travel visa doesn’t cover that. If found to be working you’ll be deported.
The air in Chiang Mai is getting worser and worser. And it is not too bad for us, we can come and go when we like. But for local people it is hell, because they live here permanently. This year the burning season started the beginning of January and the air is still very bad now on the 19th of May. I know many locals (some with kids) who had serious health problems because of the smoke. And what do we do? We keep on telling how 'cool' Chiang Mai is. We should combine our strengh and help the locals to fight for their right to have decent air. The way the government neglect the people in the North is the same as slow genocide. And we? We don't care, as long as it is cheap and easy to live here, it is fine. Digital nomads, we are so full of ourselves and our exciting life style and we basically don't give a shit about the people actually living in these cities.
Really fun city. I think the easiest big city in Asia for westerners to feel comfortable in. People are generally pretty friendly on a superficial level, quick to smile, laugh, and help. Unfortunately, becoming real friends with Japanese is much more difficult and most cannot speak English. Store staff are mechanically polite like robots, which is better than rude, but also a bit weird. A bit pricey and gets more expensive after a year of residence (after you get taxed based on previous year's salary, same for health insurance fees). You can drink in public at any time, though it's not really a drinker city like some European cities are known for. Clubs and music events are expensive unfortunately, though quite a few options. Great public transport system, can just be a bit confusing with all of the different names. The street layout is completely chaotic, which can be fun but also disorienting. You will often have no idea which direction you are facing, like you are in a giant maze. You can find most major international food options but not in great numbers. Obviously, Japanese food is everywhere though. It's technically on the water, though odds are you will live more inland. Still, you can reach the bay within an hour or so and an actual beach further south in Kanagawa within 90min. Japan itself has a lot of cool things to check out as well. Best time of year are spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (cooler, leaves changing cooler), though there are a series of summer festivals that start in August that are incredible (people dress in traditional clothes, food vendors all over, tons of fireworks, etc.) and they have a lot of Christmas lights and displays in December. Dating for men is not bad, just don't come expecting every woman wants you. As mentioned before, most cannot speak English and they're somewhat conservative overall, not big on casual sex. You may have an advantage in the dating pool if you're not an English teacher, since most western foreign guys there are and that job is known for not paying that well, and definitely do if you can speak Japanese near fluently. Some negatives besides those already mentioned: it's really humid and mold develops quickly, there are A LOT of crows that creeped me out and cicadas that are VERY noisy in the summer, finding the right specialist doctor that also speaks English can be tricky, the friends you make from other countries come and go constantly, a lot of guys with issues come here (socially awkward, major womanizers, right wing nuts, escaping something from their home country, stereotypical anime fanatics, etc.), Japanese men are not anywhere near as friendly as the women are and are more likely to be xenophobic (pretty much like every other country), living space is really small for the price, vegetable selection is pretty limited and expensive, a lot of food products contain soy, subways get really overcrowded during rush hour, popular areas get really overcrowded on weekends, it's not that English friendly especially dealing with contracts and anything government related (there is a free foreigner help service that can help you via phone and usually whatever government stuff you're dealing with will have at least one person on hand who understands English and can help you).
Spend a few hours and learn the Korean alphabet (not that hard) and Google some names of Korean dishes + it's spelling in Korean. It will help a lot as most restaurants only have Korean menu's and often without pictures. As mentioned previously on the reviews, it's a little hard to eat alone, but Gimbab Chonguk (김밥천국) is everywhere and 24/7 - no one will bat an eye. Also look for places that "specialises" in dumplings, They are usually "alone-eating" friendly. And so are ramen places as well as Korean "chinese" restaurants - Jajangmyeon (자장면) is very good and super addictive. Bibimbab restaurant places are fine too. Actually, it's not that hard to eat alone in Korea. The "group" meals are generally quite obvious and will be things like BBQ. You'll figure it out. Do Get used to kimchi and spicy food otherwise you'll end up eating the same thing all the time. Be adventurous. Challenge yourself and eat an octopus alive (산낙지). If you're really brave try 보신탕 before authorities close them all - I haven't but a lot of Weagukins (foreigners) secret do. Cafe's generally have really good wifi, as you would expect from one of the most connected countries in the world. Expect to pay $4-6 for a latte and maybe even more at Starbucks. Best cafe's are usually around Hipster areas and Universities. Indie owned cafe's are awesome. Nightlife is great, probably amongst the best in Asia. Can get very expensive especially at night clubs in Gangnam where it would could be like $10 for a beer - in that case you can still get drunk for $2 with soju just outside at 7Eleven. Winters are stupidly cold and summers can be brutally hot & humid. Go between April and June or September to October. They have cherry blossoms in spring which is beautiful and so are the autumn leaves. Lived here for many years. It's a cool place and vastly underrated. Seoul is continuously becoming more expensive and cost of living will soon be comparable with places like Tokyo.
There are a few big problems with the data on Manila. I’ve spent the last 2 years here and I have only been able to use my credit card a very small handful of times. It’s been at least 99.8% cash payments, including my apartment rent and utilities. Also, the population according to several local friends say Manila is actually closer to 22 million people (you read that right). This is confirmed by http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/Manila-population/
Really friendly and social people, laid back, easy to get around, food is good, 4g is great. Heavy clouds for the 4 days I was here in December, which was depressing as hell.
It's possible to live in Hong Kong on the cheap. You've got to live far out in the New Territories, or on an outlying island. I spent a summer living happily on Lamma Island for ~$500USD/month in rent for one bedroom in a shared flat. Rent is really the only tricky part--everything else is relatively cheap.
"omagad they like totally stole my iphone", "it's like the worst, everybody is like so aggressive" welcome to the Real World, maybe you now learn to appreciate your cosy first world country and stop bitching about your oppression and your rights. Ho Chi Minh is an awesome upcoming city. It has an original and still traditional look and vibe to it, interesting colors (check out japanese district) not swamped with brand shops (the local coffee shops dominate starbucks in terms of quality and design and some are open 24h !). The nightlife also has plenty of options and be sure to enjoy the view from a the many rooftop bars in the city. You get to see a city full of energetic, young people growing their country after a devastating war and under an authoritarian regime. You get a choice between older buildings in D1 or totally new apartment buildings in D2 all at great value prices. There are a lot of people coming here to work remotely and also to start businesses. Decent sports facilities readily available (check out mach's gym, UFC center). If you don't want to spend money on the gym you can always do a workout on one of the many parks that have bars for chalistenics available. However, beware the pollution and always wear a mask, especially in D1. This is the biggest con here in my opinion.
I like it here better than Canggu. It's more walkable, more cheap warungs, more convenient. You could find all kinds of shop catering to different type of visitor, from cheap to luxurious. Not a party place if you're looking for it, which made it even more perfect. More female than male, great for dating.
Nomad-ed here for a month. A totally ok place if you have the budget for it. Coworking spaces are good, 4g everywhere, transportation is effective. Lots of things to do. I was able to find friends. Lots of international people, very few digital nomads. If you're there, consider not renting in the center (as it gets expensive fast) and being creative with places to eat to find cheap options. Be prepared to use cash unless you live in a luxury.
It is technically illegal to be a nomand here if you’re working without a proper work visa, your travel visa doesn’t cover that. If found to be working you’ll be deported.
Mostly great weather year round and some of the best food in the world at cheap prices. Probably the best standard of living for the cost in an international city. Good but not excellent public transport. Some questionable reviews being left here by people who possibly never visited,
ATM take out is 20,000 baht
The air in Chiang Mai is getting worser and worser. And it is not too bad for us, we can come and go when we like. But for local people it is hell, because they live here permanently. This year the burning season started the beginning of January and the air is still very bad now on the 19th of May. I know many locals (some with kids) who had serious health problems because of the smoke. And what do we do? We keep on telling how 'cool' Chiang Mai is. We should combine our strengh and help the locals to fight for their right to have decent air. The way the government neglect the people in the North is the same as slow genocide. And we? We don't care, as long as it is cheap and easy to live here, it is fine. Digital nomads, we are so full of ourselves and our exciting life style and we basically don't give a shit about the people actually living in these cities.
Spend a few hours and learn the Korean alphabet (not that hard) and Google some names of Korean dishes + it's spelling in Korean. It will help a lot as most restaurants only have Korean menu's and often without pictures. As mentioned previously on the reviews, it's a little hard to eat alone, but Gimbab Chonguk (김밥천국) is everywhere and 24/7 - no one will bat an eye. Also look for places that "specialises" in dumplings, They are usually "alone-eating" friendly. And so are ramen places as well as Korean "chinese" restaurants - Jajangmyeon (자장면) is very good and super addictive. Bibimbab restaurant places are fine too. Actually, it's not that hard to eat alone in Korea. The "group" meals are generally quite obvious and will be things like BBQ. You'll figure it out. Do Get used to kimchi and spicy food otherwise you'll end up eating the same thing all the time. Be adventurous. Challenge yourself and eat an octopus alive (산낙지). If you're really brave try 보신탕 before authorities close them all - I haven't but a lot of Weagukins (foreigners) secret do. Cafe's generally have really good wifi, as you would expect from one of the most connected countries in the world. Expect to pay $4-6 for a latte and maybe even more at Starbucks. Best cafe's are usually around Hipster areas and Universities. Indie owned cafe's are awesome. Nightlife is great, probably amongst the best in Asia. Can get very expensive especially at night clubs in Gangnam where it would could be like $10 for a beer - in that case you can still get drunk for $2 with soju just outside at 7Eleven. Winters are stupidly cold and summers can be brutally hot & humid. Go between April and June or September to October. They have cherry blossoms in spring which is beautiful and so are the autumn leaves. Lived here for many years. It's a cool place and vastly underrated. Seoul is continuously becoming more expensive and cost of living will soon be comparable with places like Tokyo.
Really fun city. I think the easiest big city in Asia for westerners to feel comfortable in. People are generally pretty friendly on a superficial level, quick to smile, laugh, and help. Unfortunately, becoming real friends with Japanese is much more difficult and most cannot speak English. Store staff are mechanically polite like robots, which is better than rude, but also a bit weird. A bit pricey and gets more expensive after a year of residence (after you get taxed based on previous year's salary, same for health insurance fees). You can drink in public at any time, though it's not really a drinker city like some European cities are known for. Clubs and music events are expensive unfortunately, though quite a few options. Great public transport system, can just be a bit confusing with all of the different names. The street layout is completely chaotic, which can be fun but also disorienting. You will often have no idea which direction you are facing, like you are in a giant maze. You can find most major international food options but not in great numbers. Obviously, Japanese food is everywhere though. It's technically on the water, though odds are you will live more inland. Still, you can reach the bay within an hour or so and an actual beach further south in Kanagawa within 90min. Japan itself has a lot of cool things to check out as well. Best time of year are spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (cooler, leaves changing cooler), though there are a series of summer festivals that start in August that are incredible (people dress in traditional clothes, food vendors all over, tons of fireworks, etc.) and they have a lot of Christmas lights and displays in December. Dating for men is not bad, just don't come expecting every woman wants you. As mentioned before, most cannot speak English and they're somewhat conservative overall, not big on casual sex. You may have an advantage in the dating pool if you're not an English teacher, since most western foreign guys there are and that job is known for not paying that well, and definitely do if you can speak Japanese near fluently. Some negatives besides those already mentioned: it's really humid and mold develops quickly, there are A LOT of crows that creeped me out and cicadas that are VERY noisy in the summer, finding the right specialist doctor that also speaks English can be tricky, the friends you make from other countries come and go constantly, a lot of guys with issues come here (socially awkward, major womanizers, right wing nuts, escaping something from their home country, stereotypical anime fanatics, etc.), Japanese men are not anywhere near as friendly as the women are and are more likely to be xenophobic (pretty much like every other country), living space is really small for the price, vegetable selection is pretty limited and expensive, a lot of food products contain soy, subways get really overcrowded during rush hour, popular areas get really overcrowded on weekends, it's not that English friendly especially dealing with contracts and anything government related (there is a free foreigner help service that can help you via phone and usually whatever government stuff you're dealing with will have at least one person on hand who understands English and can help you).
Getting a place to stay is a challenge, and renting an apartment might be a challenge unless you can show proof on stable income job. most leases are 6-12mths minium
I do not recommend London for nomads. It's very hard to find places to work in London. Cafes don't like people with laptops, there won't be any power outlets and you'll get funny stares from staff. That's because London is expensive, and it's a loss for cafes to have you. Flexible coworking is hard to come by and day passes are very expensive. That makes it practically impossible to work properly in London as a nomad.
One of the most well known cities, few will be surprised by what they see and experience. Very high cost of living can make it tough for many nomads. A lot of things to see and do but most of that costs money. Can feel overwhelming and oppressively business oriented (ie, full of very serious yuppies and places catering to them), especially in Manhattan south of Harlem. Ton of single people, which is good on paper but means everyone you date will get distracted by another person, or multiple, unless you are extremely exceptional, before you have a chance to meet again, never ends. Weather sucks hard from July to August and January to March/April. It's an okay city if you're a biker and varies a lot. Some areas are quite protected, others have no bike lanes. In general, it can be dangerous if you want to commute by bike, it's not Amsterdam. Friendliness of the people varies a lot. I think income/wealth, where they grew up, where they live within NYC, their job, etc. can often give you an idea of what to expect. Service at stores is usually pretty unhelpful and unfriendly but, again, it varies, even within the same store. Internet is fast for the most part. Great selection of food, just a bit pricey besides some of the cheaper pizza slices. Transportation system is good, no need for a car. However, the subway lines are notorious for having issues during rush hour and are usually jam packed. Also, the stations look decrepit and are way out of date. It's pretty safe. Street scams are more prevalent in tourist areas, pick-pocketing and random phone snatching isn't really anything most people worry about. Can be very noisy depending on where you live. You may wake up to extremely loud construction every morning.
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by levelsio
