In this new digital era, traveling while working has become a dream lifestyle for many, pursuing true Work Life Balance! But where should you go "nomadic"? This article introduces 8 popular nomadic destinations, including price, visa, and tax information, helping you find your own dream paradise!
## Cost of Living in Different Cities
| Region | Monthly Expenses | Tourist Visa | Nomad Visa/Income Threshold | Taxes |
| ------------- |:------------------:|:------------:|:------------------------------:|:-------------:|
| Thailand, Bangkok | 1,347 | Free / 30 days | N/A | Over 180 days only |
| Japan, Tokyo | 2,924 | Free / 90 days | 6 months / 40,000 HKD | N/A |
| South Korea, Seoul | 2,588 | Free / 90 days | 1 year / 40,000 HKD | Over 183 days only |
| Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur | 1,247 | Free / 90 days | 3-12 months / 16,000 HKD | N/A |
| Taiwan, Taipei | 2,149 | Required / 30 days | N/A | Over 183 days only |
| Vietnam, Hanoi | 904 | Required / 90 days | N/A | Over 183 days only |
| Argentina, Buenos Aires | 1,554 | Free / 90 days | 180 days / 20,000 HKD | N/A |
| Greece, Athens | 2,885 | Free / 90 days | 1 year / 30,000 HKD | Over 6 months only |
| Hong Kong | 2,998 | - | - | - |
*The monthly expenses listed above are based on data from Nomad List. Individual spending habits may vary. It is advisable to compare with the cost of living in Hong Kong for reference. Typically, if you earn income in a location, you will be required to pay taxes. As digital nomads often have diverse income sources, it's crucial to understand the tax implications before earning income in any specific location.*
Asia
Thailand
Thailand is the most suitable country for digital nomads, with low prices, plenty of entertainment options, and a full vacation feel. The most recommended places to go are Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which are convenient for transportation and tourist-friendly, with relatively easy communication. However, it gets very hot in summer, so it's more suitable to visit from the end of the year to April.
Hong Kong citizens can enter Thailand visa-free, but they can only stay for 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for other visas. You can refer to the following website to choose a suitable visa.
Japan
Many people aspire to live in Japan, especially Tokyo ranks high in the global digital nomad rankings. Most people enjoy their time in Japan because of its developed transportation and internet infrastructure, good environment, and numerous attractions. However, prices are higher than in Thailand.
Hong Kong citizens can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. Recently, Japan announced a specialized visa for digital nomads. As long as they meet the requirements, they can stay for six months! However, the requirements are not low, with an annual salary requirement of JPY$10 million, which is approximately HK$40,000 per month. If you meet the requirements, consider applying!
South Korea
South Korea's scenery and cuisine have always been alluring. Compared to Japan, the cost of living in Seoul is slightly cheaper, but winters are cold. Unless you enjoy snow and skiing, it's more advisable to visit during warmer months.
Seoul is the most recommended area, with fast internet speeds, ensuring smooth online meetings.
Traveling to South Korea from Hong Kong is visa-free for 90 days. Earlier this year, South Korea announced a digital nomad visa (F-1-D) allowing a stay of one year with an extension option for another year. However, the requirements are relatively high, stipulating an annual income of 85 million Korean won (approximately HK$40,000 per month) in 2023. More detailed information is pending official release.
Malaysia
Malaysia, with its low cost of living, is definitely a popular destination for digital nomads. Locals commonly speak multiple languages, making communication relatively easy for Hong Kongers. However, it's hot and humid year-round and the traffic can be chaotic.
Hong Kong residents can stay in Malaysia for 90 days without a visa. If they apply for a digital nomad visa, they can stay for 3 to 12 months with an annual income requirement of only US$24,000, which is about HK$15,700 per month!
Taiwan
Taiwan is a place that many Hong Kong people love to travel to. The prices are low, the internet is readily available, and the safety index is extremely high. You could spend several months traveling around Taiwan. I highly recommend Tainan, where there's plenty of delicious food and low prices. However, if you prioritize internet access and public transportation, Taipei would be a better choice!
Currently, Taiwan does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. But, applying for a stay visa allows for a maximum stay of 90 days. If that isn't enough, you would need to apply for the "Employment Gold Card," which allows for a stay of 1 to 3 years. The application requirements vary depending on the industry. Please refer to the website below for more details.
Vietnam
Vietnam has a rapidly growing number of digital nomads. The cost of living is low, and the most recommended destinations for digital nomads, such as Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, often offer free Wi-Fi, making Vietnam very welcoming to digital nomads!
Currently, Vietnam does not have a digital nomad visa. Hong Kong residents also need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam, with a maximum stay of 90 days, allowing for a short trip to Vietnam.
South America
Argentina
Argentina has a low cost of living and beautiful scenery, especially its capital city. It has good infrastructure and can maintain a low cost of living, making it one of the suitable places for many digital nomads to stay long-term. However, there is an 11-hour time difference with Hong Kong, so you need to consider whether it will affect your work and schedule.
Hong Kong residents don't need a visa to travel to Argentina and can stay for 90 days. They can also apply for their digital nomad visa to stay for 180 days, which can be extended for another year! The monthly salary requirement is 2,500 euros, which is roughly over 20,000 Hong Kong dollars, making the threshold not high.
Europe
Greece
Relaxing and beautiful Greece allows people to unwind and find balance. Prices are slightly lower than in Hong Kong, the air quality is good, making it suitable for longer stays! There's a 5-hour time difference with Hong Kong.
If you feel that 90 days without a visa isn't enough to explore Greece, you can apply for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa, which lasts for one year and can be extended to three years. However, exceeding one year requires an additional residence permit application! The visa requirement is a monthly income of €3,500, roughly HK$30,000.
These are 8 recommended places for digital nomads to go. Now, many nomads travel long-term, so they visit various places. If it's your first time, I suggest choosing a place where the language is easy to understand, the time difference is small, and you already like it. This way, at least while adapting to a new life, there won't be too much pressure!
You need to prepare...
Before becoming a digital nomad, it's important to prepare your insurance. It's also recommended to find a credit card with high cashback for foreign currency transactions. I've compiled two articles here to make your "journey" smoother!
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12 Apr 2024
