Let’s face it, we all dream of being ‘permanent vacationers’. And while the digital nomad lifestyle certainly isn’t always a vacation (there is actual work involved!), it does allow us to travel the world and experience new and exciting cultures. I asked some fellow travel bloggers, and with their help came up with this epic list of the best destinations for digital nomads.
What is a digital nomad, anyway? Simply put, it’s someone who uses the power of technology to work from anywhere in the world. That being said, it’s not as easy as throwing a dart at a map and heading off on the next big adventure.
Depending on the level of success, it’s impractical for a digital nomad to work in places such as NYC, London, or Paris with such a high cost of living. It’s also not feasible to imagine the technological requirements would be met in Patagonia or the Sahara. A combination of affordability, internet availability, and overall quality of life is the formula for success and happiness when considering the best destinations for digital nomads.
Want to take the plunge into the nomad lifestyle? Check out the top jobs for digital nomads .
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Table of Contents
Antigua & Barbuda

Contribution: Vanessa, East End Taste Magazine
Antigua & Barbuda is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the Caribbean. There are actually 365 beaches! With some of the friendliest locals, top-notch world cuisine, and a wide array of land and sea activities, it is the perfect destination to escape to but stay connected.
According to Antigua & Barbuda High Commission, the Caribbean country is offering a long-stay visa program called the “Nomad Digital Residence”. This program is ideal for those who work remotely and desire safety and easy access to modern amenities and telecommunications. The residence will be valid for up to two years for those who qualify. There is a non-refundable visa fee required with the application, starting at $1,500 for a single applicant.
If you choose Antigua as your nomadic destination, pay a visit to Stingray City, swim in Half Moon Bay, and dine at Curtain Bluff as a special treat. Looking for even more seclusion? Hop on the ferry to Montserrat and spend a few nights at Olveston House.
Athens, Greece

Contribution: Sasha, The Alternative Travel Guide
Athens has everything to become a favorite city for digital nomads: good weather, low cost of living, and delicious food. And of course, there is reasonably fast Internet 11 Mbps on average.
You can live in Athens all year round, but still, the most comfortable time for digital nomads is spring, early summer, and autumn. There is still no scorching sun at this time of the year; the air is not as heavily polluted as in summer, during the suffocating heat. Athens is located in a subtropical semi-desert climate, meaning it’s especially dry and hot in summer. The air temperature is from +30 to +38 °С.
By European standards, Athens is a relatively cheap city. Renting a one-room apartment costs about 400 euros, dinner in a tavern is 10-15 euros, fast food is 6-8 euros, and coffee costs 2-3 euros. Besides, Greek supermarkets have some of the lowest prices in the EU. So, if you cook at home, you will save lots of money. You will never get bored in Athens. After work, you can visit countless historical sites, museums, galleries and attend events. During the warmer months, you can relax on the many beaches near Athens. Just 30 minutes from the city, and you’re on vacation, lying on the soft sand, swimming in the crystal clear sea, and sipping a mojito at the beach bar.
If you’re coming from the States, you can visit Athens visa-free for up to 90 days at is a member of the Schengen states. If you plan on a longer stay or are coming from elsewhere, be sure to check visa requirements.
Bali, Indonesia

Contribution: Margherita, The Crowded Planet
Bali is definitely one of the world’s best destinations for digital nomads. The Island of the Gods ticks all the boxes – accommodation is excellent value, it’s easy to get around by scooter or taxi, there’s plenty to see and do, plus a thriving digital nomad community, making it easy to make friends.
To give you an idea of living costs in Bali, it’s possible to spend as little as $250-$350 per month for a double en-suite bedroom in a villa. This includes shared common spaces (lounge room, kitchen, swimming pool) with 4-6 other people and very good Internet connection. Scooter rental is crazy cheap at only $40 per month, but definitely make sure you have a motorbike license, or else your travel insurance may not cover you.
The biggest digital nomad bases in Bali are Ubud, in the center of the island, and Canggu along the coast. Seminyak is also a great option – it’s closer to Denpasar, and you’ll find more big hotels and boutiques compared to Canggu, but there are also many more things to do in Seminyak, and it’s better set up for day trips or activities if you want to explore more of Bali. Compared to Canggu, Seminyak also has a much nicer beach – a long stretch of soft white sand with palm trees and bars, whereas the Canggu beach is not much to look at, really only good for surfing.
Seminyak also has lots of gyms, yoga studios, spas, boutiques, markets… you name it really. There’s really something for everyone! For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to check Visa requirements for your country of nationality.
Barbados

Contribution: Letecia, Chic Travel Around the World
Barbados is a destination of choice for digital nomads. The island most recently initiated the Barbados Welcome Stamp. This is a year-long visa for long-term visitors. Barbados is such a great place to live with warm weather all year round. Beautiful pink sand beaches to explore and jaw-dropping sceneries from one side of this small island to the next.
The cost of living is very affordable given the exchange rate with the US dollar and UK pound. Your money can go quite far! Accommodation prices are very reasonable compared to other locations in the world.
What also makes Barbados a great place for a digital nomad to live is the infrastructure of the island. A benefit is fast Internet for a digital nomad lifestyle, and Barbados has just that. Barbados has one of the fastest download speeds in the Caribbean at an average of 56.9 Mbps.
The people of Barbados, known as Barbadians, also make the island really special as they are so hospitable. If liming is your thing, which means to mingle, eat and drink, then Barbados is the place for you. There are so many rum shops, casual spots, and fine dining restaurants to explore. There are even specialized locations dedicated to being workspaces for digital nomads. Here, you can meet and mingle with locals and also other digital nomads. Barbados is definitely a great place to be for a digital nomad as it offers so much for the remote worker.
Budapest, Hungary

Contribution: Katalin, Our Life, Our Travel
Budapest is one of the best cities for digital nomads who love culture, food, vibrant life and want to live in an easily accessible and affordable place in Europe. It’s a Schengen member state, so plan the length of your stay accordingly if coming from outside Europe and are not interested in obtaining a long-term visa.
The living costs are around 800-1200€ per month (1€ is around 350 Hungarian Forints, 2021), depending on how centrally located you want to live. The prices of housing, entertainment, and restaurants are all higher near the city center (Parliament, Váci Street). Eating out can cost anything from 5€ to 20€ considering cheap and mid-priced restaurants, a beer in a bar is around 2€, and a cinema ticket is about 7€.
Most likely, your rental will have high-speed internet provided by either T-Home, DIGI, or UPC. If you need a temporary solution, you can get 1GB of the mobile data package for around 15-20€ from most providers. Coffee shops and co-working places are also often visited by digital nomads for their reliable internet connections and networking. Whether you are interested in the nightlife and infamous ruin pubs, want to learn about the stormy history, or try the delicious cuisine, Hungary is a great choice. Make sure you explore the gorgeous architecture and hidden treasures of Budapest during your stay!
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Contribution: Erin, Sol Salute
Buenos Aires is one of the best destinations for digital nomads in South America. It is a lively city that truly feels like it never sleeps. Culture abounds with theater, dancing, tango, wine, fine dining, and all for a much more affordable price tag than in North America or Europe. Living in Buenos Aires with a remote job that pays in dollars or euros is the ideal way to live comfortably here.
You can easily live on a thousand dollars a month by renting a studio apartment for $300-500 (and less if you’re willing to share an apartment with roommates). Groceries, dining out, and even health insurance are all accessible.
Internet is widely available and reliable. Although, power outages are an unfortunate possibility. People who cannot be without the internet for even a day often contract two connections to one and a spare.
The coffee culture is burgeoning and new coffee shops are opening all over the city. Digital nomads use many of them as their offices (both for the internet and the pastries). There are a number of co-working offices throughout the city as well. WeWork has multiple locations (all with stellar views). La Maquinita Co. is a local brand, also with multiple locations throughout the city.
Travel in Argentina is a major draw for setting up a digital nomad base in Buenos Aires. From Patagonia to Iguazu, there are limitless attractions here. Just note that once you leave the grid of Buenos Aires, the internet will be sparse (so plan to unplug).
US citizens can stay up to 90 days on a typical tourist visa, which can usually be renewed without difficulty.
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Contribution: Martina and Jürgen, Places of Juma
One of the coolest places in Thailand (and a really amazing city to live as a digital nomad) is Chiang Mai in the North. Particularly in the winter months, a huge community of online nomads congregate in the city to earn a living online. You can work, eat, and party with like-minded people here every day. And of course, enjoy the wide range of amazing things to do in Chiang Mai! If you happen to be in Chiang Mai in April, don’t forget to celebrate Songkran with the locals, one of the most incredible spring celebrations around the world!
There are a myriad of reasons why Chiang Mai has become a popular city in the scene. First, internet availability is widespread and reliable. Chiang Mai is bursting with pretty cafés, co-working spaces, and hip hostels where free WIFI access is a guarantee. What’s more important, life is affordable. Accommodations like hostels are so reasonably priced! Not to mention a great place to meet like-minded people. If you want to stay longer, you can save even more by renting an apartment. A modestly sized apartment runs only about 250 euros per month.
Cost of living as a digital nomad in Chiang Mai depends on your lifestyle. A cheap Thai meal often costs only 1-2 euros, laundry per kilo 1 euro. For a scooter you pay around 7 euros per day, but even without one you can get everywhere with Uber or Tuk-Tuk.
Traditionally, visa runs were easy in Thailand, however, things have gotten increasingly complicated with the pandemic. Be sure you do your research ahead of time depending on the length of your stay.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania

If a safe city, fast internet, friendly residents, and delicious food is your thing, look no further than Cluj-Napoca for one of the best destinations for digital nomads. Romania is consistently ranked in the top five for WIFI speeds worldwide, and Cluj-Napoca is one of the country’s most innovative cities.
As a major international university city, it’s got a thriving nightlife and plenty to do to keep you busy. Cluj-Napoca is also home to three major festivals that take place yearly – Electric Castle, Untold, and TIFF (Transilvania International Film Festival).
Cost of living in Romania is really great if you’re getting paid in USD or EUR. A two-bedroom apartment will run between 350-500 euros monthly, and utilities are dirt cheap. Public transport is reliable and costs about 1 euro for two rides, however, Uber and Bolt are also prevalent in the city. Dinner for two, with drinks, will run you about 25-30 euros.
It’s relatively easy to register a business in Romania if you want to obtain residency status.
Cuenca, Ecuador

With its vibrant buildings and colonial architecture, Cuenca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities on this list. The fact that it’s also got a low cost of living, reliable internet, and a thriving expat community make it one of the best destinations for digital nomads to set up shop.
Cost of living in Cuenca can be well under $1,000 per month. Apartments range from $350-$400 for a one-bedroom depending on how close to the city center you want to live. Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, leaving no sticky conversions to deal with. A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs a total of about $20. Monthly utilities are about $30. Clearly it’s an affordable option for remote workers and digital nomads who get paid in USD or EUR.
The internet situation has steadily improved in Cuenca and is readily available. The connections and speeds are sufficient even for teaching live English classes online without a hitch. There are many co-working spaces in Cuenca with prices as low as $40 per month, if that’s more your style.
The food is mouthwateringly fresh and usually organic with a heavy emphasis on produce. Groceries are cheap, especially if you shop at the local markets. There’s a lot to do in and around Cuenca, particularly visit Cajas National Park to get up-close-and-personal with wild horses and alpacas.
Hoi an, Vietnam

Contribution: Rose, Where Goes Rose
Being a digital nomad in Hoi An is a fantastic option. This small, friendly city in Central Vietnam has low living costs and fantastic cafes to work in. It’s not a city overrun with digital nomads but you’ll still meet a friendly crowd who frequent the same bars and cafes.
In Hoi An, it’s possible to rent a beautiful apartment in a desirable part of town for 7 million dong ($300) a month. While the historical Old Town is busy with tourists these days, there are several quieter neighborhoods to live including near An Bang Beach, Tra Que or anywhere among the rice fields. Street food typically costs $1 per meal and a restaurant meal in a more upscale café rarely costs more than $2. Specialty coffee costs around $2 a cup.
There are loads of fantastic places to work online in Hoi An. The most popular co-working space is Hub Hoi An Co-working and there are also plenty of well-equipped cafes with great food, strong coffee and fast WIFI. A few options include Rosie’s Cafe, Dingo Deli (one of the few Hoi An cafes with aircon!) and Mia Coffee.
In Hoi An, you’re also just a short drive from Da Nang which is a modern, fast-expanding city with lots of creature comforts that Hoi An doesn’t have such as shopping malls and cinemas.
Lima, Peru

Photo & Contribution: Jess, Jagsetter
One of the best cities to work and live in as a digital nomad is Lima, Peru. The city is affordable, the internet is strong, and there’s so much to see and do both within the city and nearby. There’s also a rotation of both expats and digital nomads who are both welcoming and helpful.
The cost of living in the city is reasonable. Digital nomads can live very well in Lima, Peru for less than $1,500/month—inclusive of rent, co-working space, food, and entertainment. The Wi-Fi is strong throughout the city and there are many cafes and co-working spaces to choose from. The city is also safe and getting around it is easy, as the public transportation system is reliable and affordable.
The real reason digital nomads should check out Lima, Peru are the local activities available. Within the city are excellent restaurants, salsa dancing, and a beach. There are also tons of excursions just outside of the city that are accessible via a day-trip—such as swimming with sea lions on Palomino Island.
Digital Nomads from most countries can stay for 6 months / a year by obtaining a tourist visa on arrival. If looking for a longer stay, setting up a business in Peru is a straightforward way to establish residency.
Istanbul, Turkey

Photo & Contribution: Luda, Adventures with Luda
With budget-friendly prices, an abundance of cafes, and a sizable expat community, Istanbul is a digital nomad’s dream. Nomads can enjoy Istanbul to the fullest thanks to Turkey’s lax visa policy — most countries can stay visa-free up to 90 days or get an e-visa. Fell in love with Turkey? There’s also a very easy process to extend your visa by obtaining short-term residency.
Turkey is a very budget-friendly country, even in it’s biggest city, Istanbul. Nomads can expect to pay around $400/month on a basic apartment; about $100/month on groceries; and about $10/day if eating out. These are average costs, and you can decrease them even more if you find a good deal (or vice versa if you have a higher budget!). I recommend the Kadıköy district for first-time travelers, as it shows Istanbul’s local character and is fairly-priced. Likewise, internet is easily available in both cafes and apartments.
Another bonus of being a digital nomad in Istanbul is how convenient it is. Food delivery is widely available (ordering kahvaltı at 3 AM? No problem)! There are plenty of transport options, and there are 50+ co-working spaces if you want to link up with fellow nomads.
Want to go take a break from Istanbul? There are so many cheap flights readily available for a weekend getaway. In fact, $20 gets you a round-trip ticket to most major cities like Izmir, Goreme (Cappadocia), Antalya, and so on.
Malaga, Spain

Contribution: Joanna, Andalucia in my Pocket
One of the advantages of basing yourself as a digital nomad in Malaga is the yearly over 300 days of sunshine, which does wonders for productivity. Malaga is a fantastic digital nomad base because of the very affordable prices and the great internet access.
A one-bedroom apartment in central Malaga costs around 600 euros a month, while a shared room in a flat, with all bills included, goes for around 400 euros a month. The internet connection inside the city is great, with fast fiber optic connections. Eating out in Malaga is as cheap as cooking at home, with plenty of local tapas bars where, for less than 10 euros, you can enjoy a filling three-course menu del dia.
The city has a very young vibe, with buzzing streets both day and night. Because it has quite a compact city centre, Malaga is easy walkable, with no need to take public transport. It is also a very safe city, with an extremely low petty crime rate.
Because the airport is so close to the city, you can have friends visiting any time for a weekend in Malaga. The price for the airport train is only 1.8 euros.
Nantes, France

Photo & Contribution: Elisa, France Bucket List
Nantes, in Western France, is a great city for digital nomads. The capital of the French region Pays de la Loire is a beautiful city with a rich past, beautiful heritage, and pretty neighborhoods to explore. The list of things to do in Nantes is long, but it is also the getaway of memorable day trips. It is also a lively city, with many cultural events, festivals, and busy terrace-cafes.
Digital nomads will find in Nantes a creative and dynamic city, with many entrepreneurs and many co-working spaces, plus they will get one of the best internet networks in Europe for 15€ /month or less.
In Nantes, you can get all the good things France has to offer at a much lower cost than in the most famous French cities. For example, the cost of living in Nantes is 20% lower than in Paris, with rent, on average, 55% lower than in Paris!
Digital nomads will appreciate Nantes’ excellent connections with the rest of France and abroad. From Aéroport Nantes Atlantique (NTE), it is possible to fly to many international destinations in Europe and Canada. Nantes is also well connected to Paris and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) with direct TGV trains.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Contribution: Allison, Viva la Travelista
Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen is a vibrant beach town and one of the best destinations in Mexico for digital nomads. There’s plenty to do in the area, including day trip to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres.
Playa del Carmen’s close proximity to the US makes it an attractive place for digital nomads, as it can be reached easily by quick non-stop flights in addition to the business convenience of being located in a US time zone.
The cost of living in Mexico is also much lower when compared to the United States. In Playa del Carmen, you can find a comfortable studio or shared accommodations for a few hundred dollars a month or spend more for a luxury apartment or condo. Food, groceries, and utilities such as internet and phone plans are also extremely cheap in comparison. Most importantly for digital nomads, high speed internet access is very accessible and generally reliable.
Playa del Carmen also has a very active digital nomad community. There are several coworking spaces in Playa del Carmen that organize fun community events, excursions, and trips to nearby towns. Not to mention, access to all of the best cenotes in Riviera Maya! In addition, they will also plan networking events, workshops, and presentations, which is a great way to network with other digital nomads.
Overall, Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination to spend an extended amount of time whether you’re a digital nomad or remote worker. US Citizens can stay visa-free for up to 180 days in Mexico.
Porto, Portugal

Portugal is an excellent option for remote workers and consistently ranks among the best destinations for digital nomads. It’s relatively affordable compared to many of its Western European neighbors, has phenomenal food and wine, oozes culture, and its residents are among the friendliest in Europe.
Cost of living in Porto will run between 1000 € – 1500 € depending on how central you want to be. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is about 500 €, while in the city center it can be as high as 700 €. Dinner for two at a restaurant will cost around 35 € total for a three-course meal, and utilities will run about 115 € per month. Groceries in Porto are a more affordable option than dining out, but the ethnic restaurants in Porto are unparalleled and quite affordable, offering excellent African and Brazilian cuisine!
Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone, so if you’re coming from within Europe, you’re all set. If you’re coming from the U.S., you can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. After that, however, you’ll have to look into other options.
Porto is a stunningly beautiful city with plenty of things to do and amazing day trips to take, such as Douro River Valley or Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Prague, Czech Republic

Contribution: Adriana, Czech the World
Prague is a great destination for digital nomads as well as for everyone who enjoys the combination of history and modern city. You can find dozens of co-working spaces there as well as cafés with fast WIFI. Overall, the internet in Prague is very fast.
The cost of living is quite affordable (Czechia is cheaper for everyone coming from the US, Canada, Australia, Western Europe, etc.). The average rent in Prague is 300 CZK/m² (11 EUR/ m²). It’s especially great when compared with neighboring Vienna. The Czech Republic is also famous for its great and cheap beer. Half a liter of draft beer in a pub costs less than 2 Euros and you can find it much cheaper in shops.
It’s easy to get around a city center by foot, and if you need to get anywhere else, Prague has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. It takes only about half an hour to get from Prague Airport to the city center. Tickets are quite cheap (30-minutes tickets cost less than the Euro).
Prague and the Czech Republic, in general, is also family-friendly, there is a free education system and it is one of the safest countries in the world! And although it is a capital city, Prague still has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Be sure to check visa requirements if you plan on exceeding 90 days in the Schengen Zone.
Sucre, Bolivia

Photo & Contribution: Deb, The Visa Project
Sucre has long been a digital nomad favorite in South America and it is not hard to guess why. This beautiful Bolivian city with the colonial center as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a lot to offer more than museums and architecture.
The cost of living is very cheap, probably the cheapest in all of South America. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $200–$300 and have a meal at a restaurant for as low as $2. A couple could live well in Sucre on $1,000 a month, and a single person for close to $600.
Now, the Wi-Fi is usually good in Sucre but it can be a little slow in some places. So if you are renting a place or staying in a hostel, definitely test the WIFI beforehand. Cosmo Café restaurant and Metro Café are two of the places with the fastest WIFI in Sucre, from where you can work.
While lots of expats choose to learn Spanish in Sucre, there are loads of things to do in Sucre be it enjoying the view from La Recoleta or exploring its markets or going on a trip to town nearby.
And if you are wondering about whether or not you need a visa, you can learn about different visas for Bolivia.
Taipei, Taiwan

Photo & Contribution: Nick, Spiritual Travel
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, has a combination of features that make it one of the best destinations for digital nomads. First, Internet speeds are lightning fast, and there are free hotspots everywhere. Cafés are also plentiful. For something aimed specifically at digital nomads, you can rent a desk or office at the Hive.
Taipei is one of the safest big cities in the world. It’s known for convenience–you’re never more than a few steps away from cheap street food, a convenience store (and they sell EVERYTHING!), or an MRT station. Speaking of the MRT, it’s considered one of the best in the world. Last but not least, Taipei locals are super welcoming, and most can speak a little English. When you aren’t working, there’s always something fun going in the expat scene, and there are loads of night markets to explore and outdoor activities to enjoy.
There’s only one catch; Taiwan is a COVID success story, which means they’ll probably be one of the last to let travelers in again. Normally, you can do visa runs every 3-6 months, but for now, only those with plans to move there for school or work can get a visa. Entrepreneurs can apply to get in with a Gold Card if they can demonstrate they make at least TWD160,000 ($5700) per month.
Tbilisi, Georgia

Photo & Contribution: Emily, Wander-Lush
Tbilisi, capital of Georgia in the South Caucasus region, is fast becoming one of the most desirable cities for digital nomads and remote workers.
Alongside a generous visa policy that allows for passport holders from more than 60 countries to stay visa-free for up to 365 days, it’s very easy to open a bank account and register a small business in Georgia.
Tbilisi has a low cost of living relative to other European cities. If you venture outside the capital to other cities such as Kutaisi, Gori or even Batumi, prices are even cheaper. Expect to pay around 350 USD/month for an apartment in the centre of Tbilisi.
In terms of internet availability, 4G is ubiquitous throughout the country, with Magti being the most reliable provider. Data currently costs 1.50 USD/MB or 45 USD/month for unlimited internet. There are plenty of laptop-friendly cafes and half a dozen co-working spaces in Tbilisi, and the growing expat scene means there’s always social events and networking opportunities on offer.
On top of the low cost of living and ease, Georgia is an incredibly beautiful country with no shortage of opportunities for sightseeing. Budget flights from Kutaisi Airport to Ukraine, Poland and other cities in Europe also mean it’s easy to travel from Georgia. People here are known for their hospitality, and the food and wine scene – this being the cradle of wine and all, is yet another thing that makes Tbilisi such a great city for digital nomads.
Warsaw, Poland

Contribution: Dymphe, Dymabroad
One of the best destinations for digital nomads is the capital city of Warsaw in Poland. This is a great city to visit with plenty of things to do, and especially great things to do at night in Warsaw. Furthermore, Warsaw is a lively city to be in with a creative vibe to it.
What’s great is that Warsaw is rather cheap to live in compared to other cities in Europe. On average you are likely to spend here about 70$ per person per day including accommodation. However, you can spend even less if you are staying further from the city center and make your own meals.
Internet availability is also very good in Warsaw. Everywhere you go you’ll find places with WIFI. Furthermore, internet speed is above average in Warsaw. Another thing that makes Warsaw a great place for digital nomads is the number of co-working spaces in the city!
Be sure to check visa requirements if you plan on staying more than 90 days and are coming from outside the EU.
Weligama, Sri Lanka

Photo & Contribution: Haley, Haley Blackall
A relatively new digital nomad hub on the scene, Weligama on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka offers an all-encompassing lifestyle. Nestled on the south coast of the teardrop isle, adorned with golden sand beaches, trendy lodging, activities galore, and some of the coolest cafes in southern Sri Lanka, Weligama is bound to blow up.
The typical cost of living in Weligama is very economical. Including long-term accommodation, food, transportation and activities, a life in Weligama will cost you anywhere from $1,000-1,500USD depending on your comfort level.
Given that Sri Lanka is an island, internet availability can be spotty in some areas of the country. But as Weligama grows (and westernizes), the internet stability on the southern coast has become stronger. You can find lodging and cafes offering free WIFI, so getting work done on your laptop should be relatively easy.
Weligama has numerous activities within an hour’s scooter ride. This includes some of the best beaches and surf in the world, national park safaris to spot elephants and leopards, hip cafes to watch Sri Lanka’s spectacular sunset, historic forts to peruse and lush mountains to hike. All this combined with generous and happy locals, make life in Weligama enjoyable and fulfilling.
Don’t forget to apply for the 30 day e-visa before touching down in Sri Lanka. It’s quick and has the opportunity to be extended twice for a maximum of 90 days.
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Get Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
Book Flights
I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! My second favorite site to find flights is Momondo, another great site for finding cheap flights.
Book a Place to Stay
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO.
Rent Clothes
Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations.
Rent a Car or Take a Lyft
More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Discover Cars.