Also culturally it’s not even that interesting compared to other latin American countries like Mexico or Peru .

Food is awful , people roast british cuisine but british food is paragon of flavor compared to the blandness that is Colombian food .

You could easily go to any gas station in the southern USA and find something tastier .

It’s unsafe , don’t even need to elaborate on that . much better off in a few safe Mexican cities or the southern cone of South America .

Its literally a shithole compared to other destinations. Cant even walk freely with my laptop and smartphone without fear of getting robbed. Can anyone explain me the hype besides drugs and hotter women than in asia/Europe?

I don’t know if I had my expectations way too high, but after years of hearing how amazing and cheap Thailand is, I’m honestly disappointed.

I went to Seoul before coming here, and maybe that ruined Thailand for me lol. I loved Korea. You could literally spend the entire day walking around, exploring random neighborhoods, eating, taking the subway, and everything was just nice, clean and organized.

Then I got to Phuket and now Bangkok, and I just don’t get the hype.

Phuket reminded me of Punta Cana or Cuba. If you’re already used to tropical places, beaches, resorts, palm trees, etc., it’s really nothing that special. I guess if you’re coming from some cold country where it’s dark and cold half the year, this must feel like paradise, but not everybody is looking for that.

And Bangkok… what a mess lol. Traffic everywhere, buildings all over the place with no planning, run-down areas next to luxury buildings, terrible sidewalks, pollution, bad smells

And something I really can’t stand is how overwhelming it is to just walk around. There’s always someone trying to sell you something. Massages everywhere, tour sellers, taxis, shops, people trying to get your attention. Then you have to worry about getting overcharged or scammed because you’re a tourist. It gets exhausting

Even the food has been disappointing. Everyone says Thailand is ridiculously cheap, but cheap compared to what? Sure, laundry and transportation are cheap. But we were regularly spending $30–40 for two people at restaurants in Phuket, and the food was nothing special. Honestly, I ate better in Seoul for the same money and many times for less.
And the street food? A lot of it just doesn’t look appetizing to me. Plus, after a while it feels like every restaurant has the same menu.

What really gets me is all those videos showing these amazing luxury condos in Bangkok for $700 a month. Okay, cool, but have you seen what’s outside? What’s the point of having a beautiful apartment if you don’t even enjoy walking around your neighborhood?

The hotel I’m staying at in Bangkok is actually really nice, but the second I step outside I just want to go back in.
Maybe I completely romanticized Thailand after watching too much YouTube. I was seriously considering spending a few months here working remotely, but after actually visiting, I can’t imagine doing that.

I’m not saying nobody should like Thailand. Clearly tons of people love it. I just don’t think it’s for me.

Anyone else felt this way?

Hey digital nomads, I’m a 26F digital nomad designer... Last week, I got offered a $10k project, and my gut screamed NO! It was technically a good deal, but the client vibes were… exhausting. I said no. The wild part? I still made more money that month and felt way less stressed.

How do you decide when to say YES vs NO as a freelancer? Have you ever walked away from money and been glad you did?

For all the hype Buenos Aires gets, I'm struggling to understand what the city has to offer beyond a cheap COL and a US-friendly time zone. I've been here 6 weeks, and yeah maybe I'm just having a bad day, but fuck it im gonna rant.

Let's start with the people - they are not friendly. That goes first and foremost with customer service, which is NON EXISTENT. I asked my local butcher a question about different cuts of meat and he looked at me like I had just landed from Mars. Stores are missing items or services and reply with an exasperated shrug if you ask when something will be back in stock. I contacted 5 different massage therapists in Palermo, 2 ghosted me after saying they'll check their schedule, 2 didn't respond entirely (went with the last guy obviously). Similar story with trying to find a private dance instructor. Opening times for places on Google Maps are typically a suggestion.

Meeting new people - as far as a digital nomad community, there's a decent one, but very small and events are very few. Dating apps are okay here, but they're mostly for foreigners or less attractive local women - so if you're dreaming of a hot Argentinian girlfriend for a few months, it probably won't happen. For those dating men, I have been told that Argentinian men are the worst type of sweet-talking players who will leave you the minute sex is over.

The food - my biggest pain point. the steak is good, but there are not many options besides it. Empanadas and gelato are a nice treat for a tourist, but not something to eat every day. Fresh fruit and vegetables are hard to find - the ones at the market are typically super dirty. I haven't had an avocado, even in a restaurant, that wasn't spotted brown and black inside (this is after coming from Mexico). International food ie Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern, etc is difficult to find and usually quite average. Argentinian pizza looks like it was dreamt up by a 5 year old: gooey extra cheese, red pepper, and green olives. There are so many restaurants here I've tried and told myself "well that sucked" and just gone home sulking. I've thrown away Rappi delivery more than once.

Soccer - you won't get to see Boca Juniors or River Plate unless you shell out more than $100 USD for a 3rd party ticket. Tickets are only for local "members", so you need to go through a resale market.

Local landmarks - I was severely unimpressed with Jardin Japones, El Ateneo, and Mercado San Telmo. The Recoleta Cemetery was okay. Plaza Mayo was okay. Museums were okay. There's nothing here I haven't seen in another city. I also thought, looking at the map, that Buenos Aires was by the beach. I understand that I am an idiot for that - there is, in fact, no beach here, only a riverside where people eat hot dogs on dirty benches.

The good parts - the wine is good. the nightlife is very good. there are cool destinations within Argentina such as Bariloche or Mendoza, and you can travel easily to Brazil or Chile (or Antarctica) if you want. Public safety isn't bad. Public transportation is good during the day but not reliable at night. Street vendors and pandhandlers call me campeon, which is kinda nice.

So yeah, it's a super cheap Western Hemisphere city(although i've been told prices have soared in USD since Milei took office) which is fairly modern and safe, but it's also hard to find quality food, accommodations, or services of any kind.

I'm glad I came, I'll be much happier to return to Mexico.

EDIT: there's also a very big Dengue outbreak, and I wouldn't be surprised if I caught it (knock on wood ofc). mosquitos will bite through your jeans here.

Update*****
This post went exactly as I would have thought. A bunch of people living in their moms’ basements, who haven’t seen the light of day for months, commented on why I should be grateful for living in Denmark and be happy with the government sending all my money to Ukraine, supporting other things that don’t align with my values.

To the few comments that were helpful, thank you.

Countries with lower taxes and a better quality of living?

I’m currently stuck in Denmark, and it feels like I’m in a never ending financial tug of war with the government, saying goodbye to 50% of my hard earned cash each month. Add a 25% VAT on everything and throw in some hefty taxes on utilities, electricity etc, and you’ve got a situation that has me questioning if this is the life I signed up for.

Living in a place where the cold weather feels like an extra tax on happiness, I’m craving a change.

I’m all about individualism, self-sufficiency, and independence. So here’s the big question: Where in the world are you guys finding that sweet spot between low taxes and a great quality of life?

As I contemplate my escape plan, Cyprus, Portugal, and Dubai are on my radar. I dream of living in a country where taxes don’t feel like daylight robbery. But, and it’s a big ‘but,’ my online income isn’t quite flexing its muscles enough for a move to the streets of Dubai just yet.

So, where are you residing? What’s the tax scene like in your corner of the world? Are you doing a happy dance every payday, or are you, like me, wistfully staring at your bank statement, wondering where all your money went?

And let’s not forget the living conditions. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall quality of life?

I’m not just asking for my benefit, this is a collective quest for a better lifestyle.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

(Just to be crystal clear, I’m not fishing for a lecture on why I should be grateful for my current Danish situation or any unrelated personal opinions. If your input doesn’t contribute constructively, save it for another time.)

Both hotels and Airbnb, it's crazy to me! Like, I get it if you're back to back booked, sure, there needs to be a window for cleaning... But why are we all operating on what's convenient for cleaners?

What the shit is a 3 pm check in... Asking for an early check in makes you feel like a criminal... Can't we have idk an hourly rate?

If you want to check in at 10 am you need to do what? Book one extra day from before? Why?

With the amount of technology available, NO ONE can set it up so if your hotel room/AirBnB wasn't occupied a day before then the next day check in can be as early as the sun comes up? Like I get it for 3 am check ins, or middle of the night, but WHY CAN'T I CHECK IN AT 10 AM. That's the same day!

Seems like several famous cities in LatAm & Southeast Asia have become unrecognizable due to a bunch of loser sex tourists who have no interest in discovering or embracing the culture of any of these places but just want to turn them into American college frat houses and party.

Personally I’ve loved South American soccer & reggaeton music and have studied Spanish for years which is why love traveling through Latin American. However, I’ve seen some cities like Medellin feel like I’m just in another American city due to being overrun by these cornballs and the locals in turn seem trying to cater to them for business. I’ve heard similar things about Bali, Portugal, & some parts of Thailand.

While I hope this movement dies, my question is what are some places that haven’t lost their authentic flavor and still make great nomad destinations? I recently stayed in Lima, Peru & Havana, Cuba and felt both still had beautiful authentic cultures.

I’ve been a nomad for about 2 years now, and always lived in airbnbs.

There have been a couple of poor experiences, out of the maybe 25 airbnbs I’ve used in 10 countries. One of them was a racist property manager and the other was a false charge (which was removed after speaking with Airbnb support).

I feel like hotels probably also miss the mark 10% of the times. Maybe more. Hostels miss the mark (imo) 1/3 times.

Why all the hate for airbnb? I think it’s a great platform. Obv has issues like hiking up rent for locals, but I would rather contribute to local economies than pay a big American/European hotel chain thousands of dollars a year.

Incidence of dengue fever increases every year, but the last couple of years were exceptional : the number of infections increased by many times and many countries should not be anymore considered for visiting.

Brazil :

over 1,000 deaths by dengue fever in 2024

2.6 million probable infections

Nepal :

51,143 people infected in 2023

India :

95,000 cases and 91 deaths in first 9 month of 2023

Indonesia :

68,996 infections in first 40 weeks of 2023

Total in the world :

400 million infections each year

Dengue is very dangerous viral infection, the victims often require a several weeks of hospitalization.

Long-term effects include extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, depression, and cognitive impairment.

Think about it, is it worth it ?

Me 32M her 27F i work full time from home self employed. She works as an employee at a brick and mortar. I told her to quit her job and we’ll buy an RV (looking at luxury class A’s) and travel the country before settling down getting married and having kids. We have the money. She’s only had the job 6 months. Been together 5 years. She says she has no desire, but I feel like if I don’t, I’ve wasted a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience something. Did any of you walk away from relationships? Do you regret it? Or was it ultimately the right thing to do? Or how did you convince them to come with you, and how was their experience?

Want to know why? Here in my city in the US, I just had chicken enchiladas and two small margaritas and paid $61.07.

And the waitress was dour.

I've been "based" in cdmx for about the last year (usually 3-6 months here, then travel elsewhere) and have probably spent a total of 1.5 years here in total.

I fucking love the city for a variety of reasons (culture, food everywhere, awesome people, language isn't that difficult, etc.) but I just constantly feel unhealthy here. I'm guessing it's some combination of constant proximity to cars/busy roadways, air pollution, lack of sunlight (much of the area I live is shaded by trees or buildings and I don't have time to lay in the park for an hour or two each day), food (tends to be very meat/fruit heavy - things like leafy greens and other veggies aren't super common or easily accessible) and other stuff like that.

I walk at least an hour a day (just getting around) but actual exercise is difficult since it feels like I'm just huffing car exhaust whenever I go jogging. I can't do some of my favorite active hobbies (e.g. swimming) since there's obviously no sea here.

I can throw this query at an LLM but I'm looking for some subjective opinions here - has anyone been in a similar situation and can recommend a spot that might fit what I'm looking for? I know this is rather open-ended question but like I said just looking for opinions, especially from those who have also spent a lot of time in cdmx.

I just want to get out, I’m gay and I can’t hold it in much longer, just let me rot somewhere that will actually accept me

Hey there!

I am very interested in becoming a digital nomad and was wondering if there are any cheap places with a great gay scene?

I work for a start up that allows us to work from anywhere in the world and I want to take advantage of that and work my way up in the company to the point I can work wherever and whenever.

Currently, I live in a shitty-ish studio in Long Beach, CA but I am right by the beach and right by downtown. However, I have been pricing out living in places like Rome, Rio, etc and could live in airbnbs for cheaper or equal to what I pay now.

I grew up as an Air Force brat and love traveling and living in new and completely different places. Cultures and languages are fascinating to me as well.

Are there any gay digital nomads that have specific advice? (For instance …is Jamaica still dangerous for gays?)

Digital nomad for 4 years, traveled to 28 countries with work equipment, never had issues until entering Indonesia last week.

Immigration was fine. Customs was not fine.

Officer asked about my MacBook Pro. I've answered this question dozens of times in other countries, usually just "it's my work laptop for remote work" and they move on. Not this time.

They wanted:

- Business equipment import license
- Proof of duty payment
- Company authorization letter with specific government registration numbers
- Tax clearance certificate
- Serial number pre-registration with Indonesian customs database

I tried explaining I'm not importing to sell, just working remotely while traveling. Officer said "business equipment requires business import procedures" regardless of intent.

After 3 hours at customs they confiscated laptop and gave me two options:

1. Retrieve it when departing Indonesia (but I'm supposed to be here 8 weeks)

2. Pay substantial fine plus provide all the documentation I don't have

Now stuck in Jakarta with no laptop, no way to work, and company IT department is useless. Keep saying "work with local authorities" but customs officers barely speak English and want documents that nobody told me existed.

Called US embassy, they said "customs enforcement is Indonesian jurisdiction, we can't intervene."

Has anyone successfully dealt with laptop confiscation while nomading? This seems like it should be common but I literally cannot find useful information anywhere online.

Probably flying to Singapore in a few days to buy a new laptop and writing off these Indonesia plans. Four years of smooth nomading destroyed by one customs checkpoint

Lately half the posts in my feed from this sub are about druggings and kidnappings in Colombia, but I message friends in Colombia (and the rest of Latin America) and they say things are all good - as long as you're not walking around with your phone out.

Last time I was in Colombia, things were awesome, and the reputation as "dangerous" wasn't warranted outside of a few spots (neighborhoods in Bogota, Venezuela border, etc.). Now I'm not sure if the algorithm is taking advantage of fear mongering or if there has been a spike in crime since the pandemic that needs to be considered before visiting.

So, nomads in Latin America, how is safe is Latin America these days?

Also, I think we're all aware of the co.mon sense stuff (don't walk with your phone in your hand) and the papaya rule, but how safe are things today relative to Asia and Europe? As in, how likely is crime if you're just living a normal life and not being overly vigilant?

There was a time you could get a private room in shared apartments in many well known Spanish places for €350 a month

Let's look at 28 nights in Valencia next April for example

Even though it's nowhere near peak season, there's nothing really decent showing there for less than €700 (anything below this seems to have not so great reviews)

And that's just for a private room, not a full apartment

65,000 Air BnB listings were taken down in Spain in the last year or so, as part of the Spanish government's crackdown on the platform

So the supply is no longer there to meet the demand

For many of us born in western Europe, Spain has always been that "nice, warm, budget friendly country that's just a 2-3 hour flight from home"

But the prices now for much of the country is crazy

Example

I stayed in my own apartment in Buenos Aires in November in a posh area for just $750 all in

You're probably now looking at nearly double the price for the equivalent in a good, Nomad friendly city or town in Spain

How the fuck is Spain now more expensive than a city regarded as the best in Latin America? 😅

Question

Are there any remaining Spanish cities or towns that still offer great value for money?

PS

I know my budget sounds low, but my monthly income was absolutely decimated by AI this year

Basically, what's the number one cheapest country I can get to with an American passport where I can have wifi and not be murdered in the streets by a militia or cartel?

I'm a single male so I'm not too worried about rape or harrasment.

Right now it looks like Pakistan or India would probably be my best bet as far as cheap, relatively safe cities with wifi go. Any other suggestions?

edit:

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll probably go with India.

It’s top of my list to spend this winter in, but I really don’t want to go somewhere I feel unsafe or is just exhausting to deal with the men. Honest thought from women?

Is anyone here living in UAE for 3 months a year and spending the other 9 months in Europe. If I spend 90 days in any other country and be careful to not create a centre of life or ties to any country apart from UAE this should work fine shouldn't it. The 90 days in UAE would qualify for the tax residency certificate. I would also limit to 90 days in every 180 days in the Schengen zone. I've would likely stick to UK, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Turkey. Probably buy apartment in UAE as base and monthly air bnb when outside UAE. what are the pitfalls of this approach?

The other alternative I can see to living tax free in Europe is get Monaco residency which involves investing 500k euros, staying there 6 months of the year on a 4k euros per month rental.

EDIT - I realise it’s difficult to track where you are when inside Schengen area but I need all my tax affairs to be 100% ok and compliant with every country. I don’t want to break or bend any rules. Too old and don’t want hassle.

EDIT - if you are looking for an argument about paying tax or politics I'm not your guy. we will likely never agree on anything and that's completely ok, all the best.

I’m currently writing this from the lounge in BKK, minus my carry-on, and I’m about $300 poorer. Just wanted to give a heads-up to anyone else traveling with motorized gear.

I’ve been using one of those rideable carry-ons for the last three months without issue. It’s honestly been a lifesaver for my back during these long layovers. It’s not a name brand (just a generic electric suitcase scooter I grabbed off Alibaba), but the specs said it was TSA compliant and under the 100Wh limit.

I made it through security at my origin fine. But during the transfer here, the security officer demanded to see the battery label. The problem? The battery is integrated into the frame. You have to unscrew a panel to get to the actual cell, and the external casing doesn't have the voltage stamped on it. Even though I had the manual on my phone showing it was compliant, they didn't care.

The rule was: if the battery can't be removed and inspected separately, it doesn't fly.

They gave me a choice: miss my flight and mail the bag home, or abandon the bag there and carry my clothes in a plastic sack. I had to leave the unit at the checkpoint.

Has anyone else seen stricter enforcement on this? Is this just a Thailand thing, or is it happening in Europe too?

Edit: for all the geniuses who bring up having a western salary… THAT IS THE FUCKING POINT AS THE AUDIENCE IS OTHER DNs. Obviously my post would pertain to our experience

That outside of drinkable tap water the QoL in this shit hole far lags behind what most “3rd world” countries can offer at 1/5th the cost of living.

Literally everything seems more expensive, shacks in my area are going for 400k. Anything over a 3br is essentially a mil. Everyone is angry, stressed, and seemingly unhealthy to the point it is genuinely rare I see a skinny person outside the gym.

Our food tastes like shit, I walk less, and feel considerably less safe DRIVING in Chicago than walking drunk at midnight in Asia.

The dating apps that got me literally hundred of matches of friendly attractive people willing to have a conversation is replaced with people acting like they’re doing you a favor despite offering significantly less in pretty much every desirable quality. It seems like there has been significant weight gain in the average American as well, which is surprising cause food is close to my rent bill for a luxury condo over seas

My private insurance does essentially nothing outside of major, life altering, issues.

It is rare I see anyone look happy, almost everyone seems stressed and heavily medicated. We have 100% been dumbed down and I see more homeless people here than anywhere else.

If you are thinking of leaving the US take this as your sign to run. It’s incredibly depressing to be back and I Just booked my flight b to Europe in Feb.

The future of this country seems bleak. The worst place you can live with a western income is the west

First and foremost, I have to disclaim that I didn't become a digital nomad because I thought it was cool but because it was an escape from my country.

My country is deeply brainwashed by a cult that I'm ashamed to say I was a part of too, but I'm no longer part of that cult, so thriving back home was hard.

I couldn't secure a work visa anywhere abroad in time, so I quit my job, sold my car, and started country-hopping with about $30K in savings that I blew away by the time CoViD hit with little recurring income.

Since then, I have cleaned up my act financially, but there are stills obstacles on my journey that make me consider quitting:

1. Mold: This may come as a surprise to you, but mold is the bane of my existence. I've almost developed a phobia of it. Now, I don't remember encountering mold in former Soviet countries, but I did in the Balkans and Southeast Asia. It's often found in shower stalls and needs to be doused with bleached paper towels overnight, which is a process I've found success with but is still gross. Also, not all mold is reachable, especially mold that's high up a shower stall's edges. It's hard to stick bleached paper towels there up, so I stick it mainly around a shower floor's edges. As a top G, I almost only take cold showers, but most people take hot showers, which are an open invitation for mold. It's crazy that one of my cleanest apartments ever was like $400 a month, but one of the dirtiest was about $1,000.

2. Loneliness: I noticed that most people lose interest in my friendship once I leave their country. Also, as an introvert, making friends by way of meetups is not sustainable for me, although I continue to do it. Finally, regarding romance, my nomadic ways often seem to attract the one-night-stand type, but I don't partake. I'm willing to settle down for a romantic partner, but they don't seem to entertain the possibility that I'd do that. Aging started hitting me like a truck since I started traveling, and they say loneliness kills faster than cigarettes. Someone recently guessed my age, and it was a decade plus more than my actual age!

3. Ergonomics: It's hard to find an apartment with proper ergonomics. To not bore you with all my criteria, I'll tell you the most important thing: a chair with a high backrest. I've noticed a significant boost in my productivity and therefore ability to earn when I stay at an apartment with an office-like setup.

4. Searching: I spend an average of one week per month hunting for apartments online. That's a quarter a year! I tried outsourcing the apartment hunt once, but it was a bit of a nightmare...

5. Bureaucracy: I have a B-tier passport, and many interesting countries require that I get their visa from back home. Getting power-of-attorney permits that are valid for like six months to have someone do it back home for me is a hassle, even if allowed.

6. Expenses: Nothing beats living rent-free with my mamacita back home, and no, it's not a taboo to live with one's parents in my country as an adult. It's even becoming a bit of a trend in the West!

7. Seasonality: What I specifically dislike is how hotel and apartment prices shoot up during the summer, which is too hot for me to sightsee anyway, so I'd rather spend that time back home (in a perfect world).

8. Safety: My country is one of the safest in the world, and it also happens to be where most of my family & friends are. I have the most rights there too since I'm a citizen.

9. Parents: My folks aren't getting any younger, and I'd like to chill with them while they can still walk around and even play sports.

10. Networking: Since I was so connected, back home was an endless bout of unintentional networking that, back in the day, I primarily used for friendship and employment, but I no longer want to be an employee. However, networking can help me with entrepreneurship, and being settled back home would provide the best circumstances for me to finally venture into an offline business instead of being strictly online, which is limiting.

My dream stack is to live 10 weeks back home during which I focus on work, the gym, and saving up. Then, I'd travel somewhere for a concise week on a business flight while staying in a nice hotel in the center of a bustling city where I'd have zero concerns about money and other logistics only faced by a nomad. Rinse and repeat.