How Do Digital Nomads Find Places to Stay?

 For digital nomads, finding the right place to stay is an essential part of maintaining a productive and enjoyable lifestyle. Since they are not tied to a single location or office, nomads need accommodations that support both their work and their personal needs. Whether it’s a temporary apartment in a bustling city, a quiet rural getaway, or a co-living space designed for remote workers, digital nomads must rely on various tools and strategies to find places that are comfortable, affordable, and conducive to their work.

This blog delves into the different ways digital nomads find places to stay and offers tips on how to choose the ideal accommodation while on the move.

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1. Co-Working and Co-Living Spaces

In recent years, co-living and co-working spaces have become a popular choice among digital nomads. These spaces provide a combination of living accommodations and a work-friendly environment, often catering specifically to remote workers and travelers. They offer flexible leases, fully furnished rooms, high-speed internet, and access to professional networks. These setups allow digital nomads to meet like-minded individuals, collaborate, and maintain a sense of community while traveling.

A. Co-Working Spaces

Co-working spaces are shared office environments designed for remote workers. These spaces typically provide amenities like desks, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing services, and even coffee. Many co-working spaces offer flexible membership plans that allow nomads to rent a desk or office space on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Some co-working spaces even have networking events, workshops, and social gatherings for digital nomads to connect with other remote workers.

Popular platforms for finding co-working spaces include:

• WeWork: A global provider of co-working spaces with locations in major cities worldwide.

• Regus: Another international company offering co-working spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms.

• Coworker: A website that lists co-working spaces by city, with reviews from other remote workers.

• Deskpass: A platform offering access to multiple co-working spaces on a pay-per-visit basis.

B. Co-Living Spaces

Co-living spaces are designed to provide both accommodation and community. These spaces are usually set up for digital nomads who want to live and work in the same location while connecting with other remote workers. They typically include shared living areas, private bedrooms, communal kitchens, and sometimes, event spaces for socializing and networking.

Co-living spaces often have all-inclusive pricing, which covers rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even meals or housekeeping. They are popular in cities known for attracting digital nomads, such as Bali, Chiang Mai, Lisbon, and Barcelona.

Popular co-living platforms include:

• Outsite: A network of co-living spaces around the world, specifically designed for remote workers.

• Selina: A global brand offering both co-living and co-working spaces in various destinations.

• The Collective: A high-end co-living option offering both living accommodations and a collaborative community for professionals.

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2. Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, Booking.com, and More)

For many digital nomads, short-term rentals offer the ideal balance between affordability, flexibility, and privacy. Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo provide a wide variety of accommodations for those looking to stay in a city for a month or longer. These platforms offer everything from private apartments and shared houses to unique properties like treehouses, yurts, and beach huts.

The main advantages of using these platforms for digital nomads include:

• Flexibility: You can rent for a few days, weeks, or months, depending on your travel schedule.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Renting an entire apartment or house can be more affordable than staying in hotels, especially when staying for extended periods.

• Location Options: You can find accommodations in nearly every city or town, whether it’s a bustling urban center or a remote beach village.

• Self-Sufficiency: Most short-term rentals come with kitchens, allowing you to cook your meals and save money on eating out.

However, it’s essential to read reviews carefully and check the Wi-Fi speed before booking. A fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for remote work, and not all properties advertise their internet quality.

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3. Hostels and Guesthouses

Hostels and guesthouses are popular choices for budget-conscious digital nomads, particularly those who are just starting out or traveling to countries where the cost of living is lower. Hostels provide affordable accommodations with shared rooms, and they often feature communal spaces where nomads can work, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy social activities.

A. Hostels

While traditionally seen as places for backpackers and short-term travelers, many hostels now cater to digital nomads by offering amenities like free Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces, and comfortable lounges. Some hostels also host events, workshops, or social nights, which provide opportunities to connect with other remote workers.

Websites to find digital-nomad-friendly hostels include:

• Hostelworld: A platform for finding hostels globally, with filters for Wi-Fi and other amenities.

• Nomad List: A community-driven website that includes rankings of cities based on factors like cost of living, internet speed, and quality of life for digital nomads.

B. Guesthouses

Guesthouses are typically smaller, family-run accommodations, offering a more intimate atmosphere than hostels. They can be an excellent option for digital nomads who prefer a quieter, more private space. Guesthouses may not always offer the same social scene as hostels, but they often provide a homier environment and can be a good choice for those staying for longer periods.

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4. Renting Locally and Using Classifieds

Digital nomads often look for local rental options once they arrive in a destination. This can be a more affordable way to secure accommodations, especially in countries with a lower cost of living. Many nomads prefer the flexibility of finding a place once they have arrived in a new city, rather than booking months in advance.

Local classified websites, Facebook groups, and forums can be excellent resources for finding rentals. For example, in many countries, you can find rental listings on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local rental websites. Networking with locals or other expats is another way to uncover rental opportunities that may not be listed on global platforms.

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5. Budgeting and Planning for Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay involves budgeting and planning for the duration of your stay. Digital nomads need to factor in the cost of rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, transportation, and other expenses when choosing accommodations. Some locations, such as Southeast Asia or parts of Eastern Europe, offer relatively low rental rates, while cities like Paris, New York, or Tokyo can be significantly more expensive.

To find budget-friendly options, digital nomads can use tools such as:

• Numbeo: A website that provides cost of living data for cities around the world.

• Expatistan: Another resource for comparing the cost of living in different cities.

• Budget travel blogs and forums: Many digital nomads share accommodation tips and affordable options on forums like Reddit or dedicated nomad websites.

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6. Other Considerations for Digital Nomads

A. Internet Connectivity

For digital nomads, a fast, reliable internet connection is paramount. When choosing a place to stay, always confirm the internet speed and reliability, whether by reading reviews or directly contacting the host. In some destinations, internet access can be unreliable, especially in rural or remote areas.

B. Safety and Security

Safety is a top priority for digital nomads, especially when staying in unfamiliar locations. Check reviews of accommodations on trusted platforms and research the safety of the area you are planning to stay in. It’s also wise to have a backup plan in case your accommodation doesn’t live up to expectations.

C. Local Amenities

Make sure your chosen accommodation has access to basic amenities like grocery stores, public transportation, and healthcare facilities. Being near cafes, co-working spaces, and social hubs can also make it easier to integrate into the local community and find new opportunities to collaborate with other remote workers.

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7. Conclusion

Finding the right place to stay as a digital nomad is a mix of planning, research, and flexibility. From co-living spaces and co-working hubs to short-term rentals and hostels, digital nomads have a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from. By considering factors like internet connectivity, budget, location, and amenities, nomads can find accommodations that support both their work and personal life. With the right planning, staying in a new city can be both comfortable and conducive to productivity, allowing digital nomads to thrive wherever their journey takes them.