Choosing a Country To Start Your Digital Nomad Journey

Making the leap to become a digital nomad in East Asia involves selecting the right destination and preparing thoroughly. With your remote work setup in place, consider the following when choosing where to base yourself.

Choosing Your First Country

Selecting the right destination is crucial for your journey. Here’s a breakdown of popular locations by budget, infrastructure, and nomad-friendliness:

Budget-Friendly Options (Under £630 / $800 USD per month)

Vietnam

• Cost of Living: £315–£550 / $400–$700 USD per month
• Best For: Budget-conscious nomads seeking authentic culture
• Highlights: Incredible street food, fast internet in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang
• Considerations: Language barrier; chaotic traffic

Indonesia

• Cost of Living: £395–£630 / $500–$800 USD per month
• Best For: Beach lovers and island hoppers
• Highlights: Bali’s nomad community, affordable accommodation, tropical paradise
• Considerations: Internet can be unreliable outside major areas

Mid-Range Destinations (£630–£1,180 / $800–$1,500 USD per month)

Thailand

• Cost of Living: £475–£945 / $600–$1,200 USD per month
• Best For: First-time nomads and long-term stays
• Highlights: Excellent infrastructure, flexible visa options, hubs in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
• Considerations: Increasingly touristy; visa runs may be needed

Malaysia

• Cost of Living: £550–£1,025 / $700–$1,300 USD per month
• Best For: Multicultural experience with modern amenities
• Highlights: Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Penang’s food scene, English widely spoken
• Considerations: Hot and humid climate year-round

Premium Destinations (£1,180+ / $1,500+ USD per month)

Taiwan

• Cost of Living: £945–£1,575 / $1,200–$2,000 USD per month
• Best For: Tech enthusiasts and safety-conscious nomads
• Highlights: Excellent healthcare, fast internet, friendly locals, stunning landscapes
• Considerations: Higher costs; typhoon season

Japan

• Cost of Living: £1,420–£2,365 / $1,800–$3,000 USD per month
• Best For: Cultural immersion and unique experiences
• Highlights: Unmatched efficiency, world-class cuisine, rich traditions
• Considerations: Very expensive; language barrier; limited nomad-specific visas

China

• Cost of Living: £630–£1,970 / $800–$2,500 USD per month (varies by city)
• Best For: Business opportunities and cultural exploration
• Highlights: Massive market potential, modern infrastructure in tier-1 cities
• Considerations: Great Firewall restrictions; complex visa rules; air quality concerns

Essential Preparations

• Visa Requirements: Most countries offer 30–90 day tourist visas; research visa runs, business visas, or digital nomad visas.
• Banking & Finance: Notify your bank of travel; use multi-currency services like Wise or Revolut; budget an initial setup of £790–£1,575 / $1,000–$2,000 USD.
• Health & Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel health insurance; check required vaccinations; locate international hospitals; prepare a basic medical kit.

Accommodation Strategy

• Short-term (First 1–2 weeks): Book hotels or Airbnb; scout neighborhoods; consider co-living spaces for community.
• Medium-term (1–6 months): Negotiate monthly rates; seek serviced apartments; join nomad-focused groups.
• Long-term (6+ months): Explore annual leases; consider house-sitting; partner with local agents.

Setting Up Your Mobile Base

• Internet Connectivity: Research co-working spaces; buy local SIM cards; invest in portable WiFi; test speeds before committing.
• Work Environment: Identify quiet cafes; join co-working spaces for networking; create a productive home office; establish consistent routines.

Building Your Network

Online Communities:

Engage with a variety of expat and digital nomad forums and social platforms where you can connect with like-minded remote workers and travelers:

Reddit r/digitalnomad – A vibrant and active community discussing all aspects of digital nomad life.

Expat Forum – General expat discussions with regional subforums, including South-East Asia.

Nomad Forum – Focused discussions on locations, visas, and remote work strategies.

Internations – Global network of expats with local groups and events (free and paid options).

Travellerspoint – Travel forums with active discussions on long-term travel and living abroad.

Additionally, look for local meet-up groups and co-working space events in your chosen city to build your network offline.

Local Integration: Learn basic local phrases; respect cultural norms; find local mentors; join community activities.

Recommended Starting Destinations by Profile

• First-time Nomads: Thailand (Bangkok or Chiang Mai)
• Budget Travelers: Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang)
• Tech Workers: Taiwan (Taipei)
• Beach Lovers: Indonesia (Bali)
• Business Focused: Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Final Tips for Success

• Test short stays (1–3 months) to sample locations
• Keep a flexible itinerary and emergency fund
• Document your journey for future reference
• Engage with fellow nomads to share insights and support

Embrace the challenges, savour the experiences, and enjoy the incredible journey that awaits you in Asia. Your adventure begins now!