For many South Africans who have the freedom to work remotely, a handful of cities around the world have emerged as favourites, offering a mix of affordable living, strong infrastructure, and a supportive nomad community.

We start in South-East Asia, where Bali, Indonesia continues to top the charts thanks to its special remote worker visa, affordable monthly rentals averaging under R12,000, and good quality WiFi. Canggu and Ubud have become meeting points for South Africans seeking sun and a vibrant café culture.

Meanwhile Lisbon, Portugal remains a European leader for digital nomads, boasting a new digital nomad visa, English-friendly services, and an average monthly cost well below most Western capitals. The city’s mild winters and open culture are highlighted by InterNations’ expat surveys.

Next is Bangkok, Thailand which appeals to South Africans with its combination of ultra-fast internet, modern coworking spaces, and a metro system that makes the city easy to navigate. The cost of living for a remote worker here is consistently ranked among the lowest for major cities, and the Thai government’s long-stay visa programs are among the most flexible globally.

Moving to Latin America, Mexico City’s digital nomad visa, large English-speaking community, and relatively low costs have seen it climb global rankings, with thousands of remote workers from around the world basing themselves in the Mexican capital.

Finally, Chiang Mai is praised for its relaxed pace, affordable rentals averaging around R5,000 per month, and a community of thousands of long-term digital nomads. Its reputation as Southeast Asia’s original remote work haven is well documented by international surveys and official tourism data.

For South Africans searching for the freedom to work anywhere, these cities offer opportunity, infrastructure, and a taste of something new.