Menu
Expat.com

Where you should move as a digital nomad in 2020

digital nomad
Shutterstock.com
Written byVeedushi Bon 12 February 2020

More and more professionals worldwide are now switching to digital nomadism which makes it possible to work anywhere in a flexible way. Becoming a digital nomad also means being on the run for new opportunities at all times, with fast internet as your main tool. A recent survey conducted by Small Business Prices gives an insight into current digital nomadism trends and the places you should move to, given their benefits for your career.

Opportunities for freelancing are many, regardless of the country you live in. Information and communication, accounting and finance, and Human ressources are the most promising fields for digital nomads. If you are a developer with a solid background, chances are you might find a job anywhere in the world, as can freelance writers and translators, project managers and administrative officers.

The largest freelancer communities around the world

According to the survey, the USA is home to the world's largest freelancer community, for various reasons. Besides the availability of opportunities in a range of fields, coworking spaces are cropping up in most US cities. You will also benefit from an excellent internet connection with thousands of wifi hotspots and competitive internet packages. The freelancer community is also growing significantly in other countries like the Philippines, Canada, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

The global trend 

Work commute, traffic congestion, long working hours – doesn't it sound boring? Haven't you been dreaming of working remotely, while enjoying flexible hours? The survey reveals that 58% of Swedes prefer flexibility and being able to keep on renewing their customers in spite of the many challenges. The same applies to India (57% of respondents), Indonesia (56%), Brazil (54%), as well as Spain (44%). The USA, Japan, France and China are other countries where more and more people are choosing freelancing as a career. Obviously, some are keeping their full-time job and freelancing in their free time as well.

The best cities for digital nomads

New York stands out not only for the availability of freelance jobs in various sectors but also by the number of coworking spaces (261 in total), as well as the presence of free wi-fi hotspots (nearly a million). The average wage for freelancers in New York ($ 5,179 per month) is also very attractive. Paris comes 2nd thanks to the number of freelance opportunities available (7,924 positions) as well as the number of working hours (35 hours per week). In London, you will benefit from more than 4,600 offers, 242 coworking spaces, nearly 700,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as a 37.5-hour workweek.

Ever thought about moving to New Delhi as a digital nomad? Why not? The average wage for freelancers ($ 549 per month) might seem low compared to other big cities, but keep in mind that New Delhi is an affordable city where rent will cost around $ 249. Moreover, you will spend about $ 11 per month on your internet connection, even though it's far from being the best in the world. You can also choose from 245 coworking spaces, thanks to which you will not only get to meet new people but also get the most of potential opportunities.

Singapore (boasting broadband internet of 192 Mbps), Hong Kong (broadband internet of 151 Mbps), Los Angeles (where you can earn $ 4,525 per month on average), Bangkok (where you will pay $ 24 on average for internet), Tokyo (where you are likely to earn $ 3,324 on average per month and benefit from more than 440,000 free wi-fi hotspots) and San Francisco (where you can earn $ 7,230 per month and access to 102 coworking spaces) are other cities you should consider as a digital nomad.

Work
freelance
About

I hold a French diploma and worked as a journalist in Mauritius for six years. I have over a decade of experience as a bilingual web editor at Expat.com, including five years as an editorial assistant.

Comments

More articles

View all articles

Articles to help you in your expat project

  • Working in the Dominican Republic
    Working in the Dominican Republic

    If you are looking for a job in the Dominican Republic (DR), here are some tips and suggestions. Job hunting can ...

  • Working in Taiwan
    Working in Taiwan

    Working in Taiwan depends on your skill set and the job you seek. Expats can find a wide range of jobs around the ...

  • Work in Costa Rica
    Work in Costa Rica

    A low unemployment rate and a strong economy set Costa Rica apart from its neighbours. If you have fallen in love ...

  • Setting up a business in Greece
    Setting up a business in Greece

    Starting your own company or being self-employed in Greece is not easy for non-locals, let alone for non-EU ...

  • Setting up a business in the Dominican Republic
    Setting up a business in the Dominican Republic

    The Dominican Republic has indeed been attracting foreign investment over the past few decades, with notable ...

  • Working in Vietnam
    Working in Vietnam

    Anyone thinking about working in Vietnam is in for a treat. Compared to many Western countries, Vietnam's ...

  • Starting a business in Italy
    Starting a business in Italy

    Are you interested in moving to Italy and setting up a business here? Italy's reputation for bureaucracy and ...

  • Internships in Qatar
    Internships in Qatar

    If you dream of acquiring professional experience in a Gulf country, Qatar can be the ideal destination for you. ...

All guide articles