Looking for a digital nomad destination that’s exotic, very affordable and has plenty of cool activities to do? Nomads don’t have to think far. Just head a little south to Central America.
What was once considered a little bit dangerous, or even a little bit underdeveloped, is becoming trendy for digital nomads all about nature, food and exploring ancient places all without sacrificing the technology needed to pay for it all.
Let’s break down what a recent survey declared were the best places for digital nomads on the bridge between North America and South America.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranked top in the best Central American countries for digital nomads according to the survey.
It scored a 43/60 with an average fixed internet speed rate of 100 Mbps down and 54 Mbps up.
It ranked high for its digital nomad visa and good workspaces along with access to other digital nomads.
However, it did rank in the middle for safety and low for overall cost of living.
When it comes to the lifestyle of Costa Rica, it does not get better than “Pura Vida” for digital nomads. Costa Rica is a land of many beautiful places from sandy beaches to lush rainforests.
Digital Nomads Costa Rica: 5.4K Members
Panama
Panama ranked second best for digital nomads in Central America with 40/60. It received high scores for its average internet speed with 151 Mbps down, but only 15 Mbps up.
It also ranked high for workspaces and access to other digital nomads.
On the rest of the scores, Panama ranked low on safety, visa requirements and cost of living. This despite the fact that Panama does have a digital nomad visa.
Called the crossroads of the America’s, Panama is a blend of natural beauty and high-rise buildings and towers for digital nomads. It also conveniently uses the dollar as currency.
Panama City Social Club Facebook Group: 4K Members
Nicaragua
Nicaragua came in with the same 40/60 score as Panama with an average internet speed of 58 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up. This was one of the lower scores Nicaragua received.
It also received lower scores on access to other digital nomads and workspaces.
Nicaragua did score well on several elements including cost of living, visa requirements and safety.
While in the news recently due to an ongoing civil war, the country is now transitioning into a more peaceful era. It has amazing beaches and fantastic historical sites to inspire digital nomads.
Nicaragua Digital Nomads Group on Facebook: 112 Members
Expatriates in Nicaragua on Facebook: 3.5K Members
Guatemala
Meanwhile, Guatemala rounded out the top four with a score of 37/60 and 52 Mbps down and 16 Mbps up. It got a middle of the road score for its internet speed.
It got better than average scores for access to other digital nomads, cost of living and visa requirements, despite the lack of a digital nomad visa.
It was also slightly above average for cost of living.
Parts of Guatemala can be a little dangerous to visit. However, the people are amazing and very friendly to digital nomads despite living in relative poverty. It can be very affordable for nomads with epic ancient cities to visit such as Tikal.
Guatemala Digital Nomads Group on Facebook: 2.6K Members
Tips For Digital Nomads
Despite what many digital nomads may have heard, or even believe, Central America can be a convenient and very affordable place to live the nomad lifestyle.
While internet speeds tend to be overall on the low side, they are higher in more urban areas and of course slower in rural areas.
So, digital nomads should choose wisely and get ready to enjoy some Central American hospitality in a convenient and relatively affordable place close to home.