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Why Is South America So Appealing To Digital Nomads?
South America is appealing for digital nomads for several reasons:
- Cost of Living: South America offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other regions of the world. This means that digital nomads can stretch their budget further and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while saving money.
- Climate: South America has a diverse range of climates, from tropical to subtropical to temperate, so digital nomads can choose a location that suits their preferences.
- Natural Beauty: South America is home to stunning landscapes, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest to the beaches of Brazil, which can provide an inspiring and motivating work environment.
- Culture: South America has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with vibrant music, food, and art scenes that can offer new experiences and perspectives.
- Language: Spanish and Portuguese are the primary languages spoken in South America, which can provide an opportunity for digital nomads to improve their language skills while working.
- Infrastructure: Many South American cities have invested in modern infrastructure, including high-speed internet and co-working spaces, making it easier for digital nomads to work remotely.
Overall, South America offers a unique blend of affordability, natural beauty, culture, and infrastructure that makes it an appealing destination for digital nomads.
The 8 Best Digital Nomad Cities In south America
1. Medellin, Colombia
- Cost of living per month – $800-1200
- Best areas: El Poblado
- Wi-Fi speeds – 20-100Mbps
- Climate – temperate
- Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 2 hours ahead of California, 6 hours behind London.
Medellin is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its temperate climate, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transportation, and a growing tech industry, making it a great choice for those looking to work remotely. With internal flights to the Caribbean coast costing around $50-100, you can escape to the beach ease and have a year-round tan!
Cost Of Living In Medellin
The cost of living in Medellin is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live and work remotely. Digital nomads can find comfortable accommodation, eat out at restaurants, and enjoy entertainment at reasonable prices.
There are the average costs of these items in Medellin:
- 1L bottle of water: 1,500 to 2,000 Colombian pesos (about 0.40 to 0.55 USD)
- A beer: 4,000 to 7,000 Colombian pesos (about 1.10 to 1.90 USD)
- Cocktail: 15,000 to 25,000 Colombian pesos (about 4.10 to 6.80 USD)
- Meal at a local market: 10,000 to 15,000 Colombian pesos (about 2.70 to 4.10 USD)
- Meal at a standard restaurant: 20,000 to 35,000 Colombian pesos (about 5.50 to 9.60 USD)
- Grocery shopping for one week: 150,000 to 250,000 Colombian pesos (about 41 to 68 USD)
Airbnb Properties in Medellin
The best area to stay in Medellin is El Poblado. This is where you will find the majority of cafes, bars, gyms and co-working spaces. This is also the safest area due to the larger number of tourists and ex-pats.
The average cost of a 1-bedroom Airbnb property in El Poblado for one month is approximately $600 to $800 USD. It is important to note that prices may fluctuate based on availability and demand, so it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates.
Here are three great properties I’ve found:
- Budget – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $50-60 a night
- Mid Range – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $80-100 a night
- High Range – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $120+ per night
Wi-Fi Speeds In Medellin
The city has good Wi-Fi infrastructure, with average speeds ranging from 20 to 100 Mbps. This allows digital nomads to work remotely and stay connected with clients and colleagues. However, speeds may vary based on location and time of day.
Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Medellin)
Safety In Medellin
Safety is a crucial factor that makes Medellin a popular destination for digital nomads. Over the last decade, the city has undergone significant transformation and went on to become one of the safest cities in Colombia. This led to an increase in tourism and a thriving digital nomad community.
However, a recent string of armed robberies, drugging and petty crimes against tourists are occurring as of 2023. Compared to other big cities in South America such as Santiago or Buenos Aires, there is still a higher rate of crime and foreigners can sometimes be targeted.
Climate In Medellin
One of the biggest pull factors for choosing Medellin as a city to live in is its temperate climate. The city is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring,” as it offers pleasant temperatures throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warm weather year-round, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C).
The rainy season, which runs from April to May and from October to November, can bring heavy downpours, but it usually clears up quickly.
The dry season months are December to February and June to August. During this time, the city experiences sunny and warm weather with relatively low humidity. There is very little rainfall during this time, with only occasional light showers.
Co-Working Spaces In Medellin
The co-working spaces in Medellin stand out for their comfortable and modern facilities, high-speed internet, and convenient locations. They offer flexible membership options and are affordable, with a cost of around $10 to $15 per day, making them accessible to digital nomads on a budget.
Here are the two best co-working spaces in Medellin are:
- Selina Medellin: Selina Medellin is a vibrant and creative co-working space that doubles up as a hostel. The space has high-speed internet, comfortable workstations, meeting rooms, and a cafe.
- We Work Medellin: We Work is a popular shared office and co-working space with locations all around the world. The space has high-speed internet, private meeting rooms, a kitchenette, and a rooftop terrace. It also offers regular networking events and workshops for its members.
- Noi – Noi is radically different from the average coworking space. It is an immersive experience that feels more like working in a jungle rather than an office. With lush greenery incorporated throughout the wide-open building, it’s a great place to work.
Time Difference In Medellin
Time difference is another key factor in choosing where to set up.
The fact that Medellin is only 1 hour ahead of New York and 2 hours ahead of California is ideal for America digital nomads.
For digital nomads coming from Europe, the time difference may not be ideal. The UK is six hours ahead of Colombia, and the rest of Europe is seven.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cost of living per month – $1000-1500
- Best Areas: Palermo, Recoleta
- Wi-Fi speeds – 30-100Mbps
- Climate – mild winters, hot summers
- Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 4 hours ahead of California, 3 hours behind London
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has become a popular destination among digital nomads looking for a fast-paced lifestyle in a European-inspired atmosphere. It has a rich and diverse cultural scene, including its music, dance, food, and architecture, offering a unique cultural experience for digital nomads to enjoy while working remotely.
Cost Of Living In Buenos Aires
The cost of living will be higher in Argentina compared to countries like Ecuador and Peru due to it being more economically developed, however, with the current blue rate dollar exchange system occurring, it may be one of the more affordable places.
Due to the constant inflation, strict currency controls and economic turmoil, an illegal currency system has evolved known as the ‘blue rate’. This is where many Argentinians turn to the black market to purchase US dollars at a higher rate. They do this because the US dollar is more likely to keep its value compared to the Argentinian peso.
This creates an interesting dynamic for digital nomads because they can also take advantage of this. You will be able to exchange American dollars on the street for almost double the rate and get more pesos for your money.
There’s no need to worry either. Whilst this is illegal, its commonplace among the locals as they use it all the time too.
Therefore, it is difficult to give estimates of the cost of things, however, here are rough estimates:
- 1L bottle of water: around 1 USD.
- A beer: typically costs around 2 USD.
- A cocktail: around 5-7 USD.
- A meal at a local market: around 5-7 USD.
- A meal at a standard restaurant: 10-20 USD.
- A grocery shop for one week: 40-50 USD.
Airbnb Properties in Buenos Aires
Recoleta and Palermo are two of the most popular areas to find Airbnb’s. These two areas are also where you will find most of the co-working spaces, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Here are three great properties I’ve found:
- Budget – 1 bed loft in Palermo – $50-60 a night
- Mid Range – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $80-100 a night
- High Range – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $120+ per night
Wi-Fi Speeds In
In general, the internet speed is considered to be fast and reliable in Buenos Aires.
According to a 2023 report by Speedtest.net, the average download speed in Buenos Aires was 100.66 Mbps and the average upload speed was 28.2 Mbps. These speeds are faster than the global average, making Buenos Aires a suitable destination for digital nomads who rely on a strong internet connection to work remotely.
Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Buenos Aires)
Safety In Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is generally a safe city, with a low crime rate. However, like any major city, there are areas that are more prone to crime than others, so it is important for digital nomads to take the necessary precautions and stay informed about safety issues.
Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is the most common crime in Buenos Aires. Foreigners have reported being targeted in these types of crimes, particularly in tourist areas such as San Telmo and La Boca.
Climate In Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has 4 seasons:
- Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, with daily average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
- Autumn (March to May) is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F). The weather is generally dry during this season, with occasional rain showers.
- Winter (June to August) is cool and dry, with daily average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). Winter is the driest season in Buenos Aires, with very little rainfall.
- Spring (September to November) is a transitional season with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F). The weather is generally pleasant during spring, with occasional rain showers and windy days.
Digital nomads should aim to stay from around September onwards to enjoy 7-8 months of great weather. If you are wanting to travelling during your stay in Argentina, aim for the spring and autumn months as these are usually referred to as ‘shoulder seasons’. Tourist numbers and prices will be much lower, especially for places such as Patagonia.
See how you can do all the amazing things Buenos Aires has to offer with these expertly curated 3, 5 and 7 day itineraries:
Co-Working Spaces In Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has a growing community of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. The city has many co-working spaces, networking events, and meetups that provide opportunities to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
The daily rate varies for co-working spaces depending on location, but it typically ranges from $15 to $25 per day, with discounts for weekly and monthly memberships.
Here are two great places in Palermo:
- Urban Station: Urban Station is a popular co-working space chain in Buenos Aires with multiple locations throughout the city. The space is modern and well-equipped with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and desks, meeting rooms, and even a kitchenette.
- La Maquinita Co: La Maquinita Co is another popular co-working space with multiple locations in Buenos Aires. The space is bright and spacious with natural light and plenty of plants. It has high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and desks, and a fully equipped kitchen. There are also meeting rooms available for rent.
Time Difference In Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is another popular choice due to the small-time difference, especially for the UK.
Buenos Aires is 4 hours ahead of California, but only 1 hour ahead of New York.
It is 3 hours behind London which makes it a popular choice for British digital nomads.
For more reasons why this is such a great city to spend time in, head to the post below:
Preparing for your first trip to South America?
Here are 22 FAQ’s to help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime:
How To Travel South America: 22 FAQs To Prepare For Your Next Trip
Planning a trip to South America can be an exhilarating adventure filled with diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, it's essential to be well-prepared on several fronts. Here are 22 frequently asked questions...
Read More3. Lima, Peru
- Cost of living per month – $800-1200
- Best areas: Miraflores, Barranco
- Wi-Fi speeds – 30-100Mbps
- Climate – sub tropical
- Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 2 hours ahead of California, 6 hours behind London
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a popular destination for digital nomads due to several factors. One of the main factors is the coastal location and the city enjoys a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees Celsius year-round, making it comfortable to work and live in. A 1-hour flight to Cusco also means you are never far away from a weekend adventure in the Andes.
Cost Of Living In Lima
Peru will have a similar cost of living to that of Colombia, but it will be one of the cheapest places on this list, especially compared to Chile and Brazil.
Here are rough estimates for items in Lima:
- 1L bottle of water: $0.50.
- A beer: $2.00
- Cocktail: $5.00 to $8.00.
- A meal at a local market: $3.00 to $4.00
- A meal at a standard restaurant: $8.00 to $15.00.
- Grocery shopping for one week: $30.00 to $50.00.
Airbnb Properties in Lima
The two best areas to stay for digital nomads will be Miraflores and Barranco. Both areas are right next to the sea and are a 20-minute walk away from each other. Miraflores will have greater accessibility to cafes, shops whereas Barranco will be quieter.
Properties in Miraflores will cost a bit more than Barranco. Here are three options:
- Budget – 1 bed loft in Miraflores – $40-50 a night
- Mid Range – 1 bed loft in Miraflores – $80-90 a night
- High Range – 1 bed loft in Miraflores – $120+ per night
Wi-Fi Speeds In Lima
According to Speedtest.net, the average download speed as of 2023 in Lima is around 93 Mbps and the average upload speed is around 54 Mbps.
However, the Wi-Fi speed in cafes and other public spaces may vary, and it can depend on the quality of the infrastructure, the number of users, and other factors. It is generally considered acceptable for digital nomads, especially in co-working spaces and cafes that cater to remote workers.
Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Lima)
Safety In Lima
Lima, like any other city in South America, has its share of crime, but it is generally considered a safe city for tourists and digital nomads. If you stick to Miraflores and Barranco and are sensible you will be fine.
If you visit the historical centre during the day, beware of pickpockets and others targeting tourists. Make sure to avoid this area at night-time
Climate In Lima
Lima has a mild desert climate with a high humidity due to its location near the Pacific Ocean. The city experiences two main seasons: summer (December to April) and winter (May to November).
During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 29°C (84°F) with very low rainfall. However, the city can be covered in a thick fog known as “garua,” which can limit visibility and make the air feel damp and chilly.
In the winter months, temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F) with occasional light rainfall. However, the fog usually disappears during this season, leaving clear and sunny skies.
Co-Working Spaces In Lima
Here are two of the best co-working spaces in Lima:
- Worx: Worx is a co-working space located in the Miraflores district. It offers a variety of workspace options, including private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms.
- Selina: Selina is a hostel, co-working and co-living space located in the Miraflores district. The space is known for its creative design, comfortable seating, and fast Wi-Fi speeds. Members also have access to a rooftop terrace, a communal kitchen, and a variety of events and workshops. The cost of using Selina starts at around $10 per day.
Time Difference In Lima
Lima is 1 hour ahead of New York and 2 hours ahead of California.
Lima is 6 hours behind London.
4. Cusco, Peru
- Cost of living per month – $600-1200
- Best areas: City centre
- Wi-Fi speeds – 40-100Mbps
- Climate – cool and dry
- Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 2 hours ahead of California, 6 hours behind London
Cusco, located in the heart of the Andes mountains of Peru, is a popular destination for digital nomads seeking adventure and cultural immersion. The city’s unique blend of Incan and Spanish colonial history, coupled with a thriving contemporary art and food scene, make it an ideal location for those seeking inspiration and creativity. Additionally, the low cost of living and excellent Wi-Fi speeds attracts budget-conscious digital nomads seeking an affordable lifestyle while working remotely.
Cost Of Living In Cusco
The average cost of living in Cusco is relatively low compared to other digital nomad hotspots in South America. It will likely be lower than Lima which may make it a more appealing option if you decide on Peru.
Here are the average costs of basic items:
- 1L bottle of water: $0.40.
- A beer: $1.50
- Cocktail: $4.00 to $7.00.
- A meal at a local market: $3.00
- A meal at a standard restaurant: $7.00 to $14.00.
- Grocery shopping for one week: $25.00 to $40.00.
Airbnb Properties in Cusco
Cusco city centre is small, and you will want to find places to stay close to or around the historical centre (near Plaza de Armas).
You can easily find 1 bed places between $35-70 a night which will be a 10–15-minute walk away from the centre. If you want to stay close to or even on the square, you can find places for around $90-120 a night.
Here are three properties I’ve found:
- Budget – 1 bed in Cusco – $35-40 a night
- Mid-Range – 1 bed in Cusco – $50-60 a night
- High Range – 1 bed in Cusco – $120+ per night
Wi-Fi Speeds In Cusco
Wi-Fi speed in Cusco won’t be as good as Lima as you are way up in the mountains.
The average Wi-Fi speed in Cusco is around 40 Mbps, and many cafes and co-working spaces offer even faster speeds. This may not be the ideal location for digital nomads in need of high speed internet.
Safety In Cusco
Cusco is a safe city for digital nomads, with a low crime rate compared to other South American cities. The crime rate is also lower in Cusco compared to Lima. However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Cusco is more like a small town rather than a city and most of the action center’s around Plaza de Armas. If you don’t stray too far from the city centre into the outskirts of the city then you will be fine.
Climate In Cusco
Cusco has a temperate climate, with two distinct seasons: the dry season (May to September) and the wet season (October to April).
Daily average temperatures range from 14°C to 19°C in the dry season and 9°C to 13°C in the wet season. Rainfall can be heavy during the wet season, particularly in January and February, which may make it a less appealing choice to digital nomads looking to follow the sun.
Cusco elevation is above 3000m and this means that it will be cold at night regardless of the season so you will need to pack warm clothes such as sweatshirts, hoodies and warm jackets. Overall, Cusco may not be the best pick for digital nomads who are looking for regular sunny weather. But if you are a lover of nature, hiking and culture then it’s ideal.
Co-Working Spaces In Cusco
There aren’t many dedicated co-working spaces in Cusco but many of the hostels will have good Wi-Fi and quiet spaces for work.
Selina Cusco is the best option that sells itself as a hostel/digital nomad space. It offers a dedicated co-working space with everything that you need: big desks, comfortable chairs and private rooms for meetings or calls.
Time Difference In Cusco
Cusco is 1 hour ahead of New York and 2 hours ahead of California.
Cusco is 6 hours behind London.
5. Santiago, Chile
- Cost of living per month – $1000-1500
- Best areas: Lastarria and Bellavista
- Wi-Fi speeds – 65-100Mbps
- Climate – Mediterranean (hot summers and cool winters)
- Time difference – no time difference between Santiago and New York, 3 hours ahead of California, 4 hours behind London
Santiago has been gaining popularity among digital nomads due to its reliable Wi-Fi speeds, comfortable climate, and good safety. The weather is mild and pleasant throughout the year with hot summers and cool winters. The city is 1 hour away from the coast and the popular town of Valparaiso, a 3-hour flight away from Patagonia, and a 5-hour bus and border crossing away from Mendoza, the wine region of Argentina. This makes it the perfect base for digital nomads looked to explore.
Cost Of Living In Santiago
Chile is one of the most developed nations in South America so the cost of living will be higher compared to other cities on this list.
The average cost of items in Santiago is as follows:
- 1L bottle of water: $1
- A beer: $3
- Cocktail: $6.00 to $8.00.
- A meal at a local market: $4.00 to $6.00
- A meal at a standard restaurant: $10.00 to $20.00.
- Grocery shopping for one week: $40.00 to $60.00.
Airbnb Properties in Santiago
Lastarria is one of the most ideal areas for digital nomads as everything is covered, from shopping, tourist attractions and restaurants. Here are three places to check out:
- Budget – 1 bed in Lastarria – $50-60
- Mid-Range – 1 bed in Lastarria – $70-80 a night
- High Range – 1 bed in Lastarria – $115+ per night
Wi-Fi Speeds In Santiago
Chile is one of the best-connected countries when it comes to internet usage in South America. The average Wi-Fi speed in Santiago is 65 Mbps. Speedtest.net shows download speeds of 178 Mbps as of 2023.
Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Santiago)
Safety In Santiago
Santiago is considered a safe city for digital nomads, with relatively low crime rates.
Climate In
Santiago has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. The summer season runs from December to February, with average daily temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C.
The winter season runs from June to August, with average daily temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. The city receives low to moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the rainy season occurring from May to August.
Co-Working Spaces In Santiago
- Urban Station: Urban Station is a popular co-working space chain with multiple locations in South America. The space is modern and well-equipped with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and desks, meeting rooms, and even a kitchenette.
- We Work: We Work is a popular shared office and co-working space with locations all around the world
Time Difference In Santiago
Santiago is the ideal location for digital nomads whose work is based in New York as there’s no time difference between the two.
Santiago is 3 hours ahead of California.
Santiago is 4 hours behind London.
6. Florianopolis, Brazil
- Cost of living per month – $1000-1500
- Best areas: Centro, Praia Dos Ingleses
- Wi-Fi speeds – 30-100 Mbps
- Climate – mild and pleasant year round
- Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 4 hours ahead of California and 4 hours behind London.
Florianopolis, also known as “Floripa,” is a top destination for digital nomads seeking a unique blend of nature, culture, and modern amenities. The climate is mild and pleasant year-round, with temperatures averaging between 18-28°C. Floripa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. With over 42 beaches to choose from, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and breath-taking scenery. Along with the beaches come a host of outdoor activities from surfing and hiking to windsurfing and paragliding. This makes it ideal for digital nomads who wish to like an active lifestyle.
Cost Of Living In Florianopolis
$1 is currently R$5 as of June 2023, so working out costs is easy as you divide by 5.
The average cost of:
- 1L bottle of water: R$3 / $0.60
- A beer: R$8 / $1-2
- Cocktail: R$20-30 / $4-5
- A meal at a local market: R$15 / $3
- A meal at a standard restaurant: R$40-60 / $8
- Groceries for a week: R$200-250 / $40-50
Airbnb Properties in Florianopolis
Florianopolis is a big island which means there are several options for the best places to stay. If you’re looking for a more touristy area with plenty of amenities, Praia dos Ingleses is a good choice. It has a long, wide beach with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Airbnbs start at $35 a night for 1 bed properties on the waterfront.
Lagoa da Conceição is the most popular area for tourists to stay in Florianopolis. It is known for its beautiful lagoon, colourful buildings, and lively nightlife. It’s also a great spot for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Airbnbs start from $50 here.
Centro will also be popular as it has the most amenities and shops, but you will have to travel further to enjoy the beaches. Airbnbs start from around $60 a night.
Wi-Fi Speeds In Florianopolis
Wi-Fi speeds in Brazil are generally good, with an average speed of around 30-100 Mbps.
On Florianopolis, many cafes offer free Wi-Fi with good speeds, making it easy to work remotely. The best Wi-Fi speeds will be found in Centro.
Safety In Florianopolis
Florianopolis is generally a safe city, but it’s important to take usual safety precautions. Crimes against foreigners are rare, but it’s always best to stay alert, especially in tourist areas.
Climate In Florianopolis
The weather in Florianopolis is generally mild and pleasant year-round. Summer is from December to March and is the peak tourist season, with temperatures averaging around 28°C.
Autumn and winter months (April – September) have cooler temperatures, with an average temperature of 18-20°C. It can rain throughout the year, with the wettest months being June to August.
Co-Working Spaces In Florianopolis
Time Difference In Florianopolis
- 1 hour ahead of New York
- 4 hours ahead of California
- 4 hours behind London.
7. Quito, Ecuador
- Cost of living per month – $8000-1200
- Best areas: Plaza Foch
- Wi-Fi speeds – 30-100 Mbps
- Climate – equatorial, mild but consistent
- Time difference – 2 hours ahead of California, 1 hour behind new York and 6 hours behind Ecuador
Quito is popular with digital nomads because of its low cost of living compared to other major cities in South America, making it an affordable option for long-term stays. The city also boasts good Wi-Fi speeds, especially in the newer and more developed areas such as Plaza Foch. As Quito sits on the equator, it has year-round mild climates, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F).
Cost Of Living In Quito
Quito will be the cheapest option on this list for digital nomads. Being the least economically developed out of Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Chile, your money will go a lot further here.
In Quito, the average cost of:
- A 1L bottle of water: $0.50 USD
- A beer: $1-2 USD.
- Cocktails: $5-8 USD
- A meal at a local market: $2-3 USD
- A meal at a standard restaurant: $8-15 USD
- For a grocery shop for one week: $30-40 USD.
Airbnb Properties in Quito
The best area to stay in Quito is close to Plaza Foch. Here, you’re a 15-minute walk to the historical centre but the area is much safer at night. Plaza Foch is also where most of the bars and nightlife are which will be a draw for some. Avoid staying in the historical centre if you can as it can be dangerous at night.
Here are 3 options to give you an idea:
- Budget – 1 bed near Plaza Foch- $30-50
- Mid-Range – 1 bed near Plaza Foch – $50-70 a night
- High Range – 1 bed near Plaza Foch – $80+ per night
Wi-Fi Speeds In Quito
The average Wi-Fi speed in Quito is around 30 Mbps, which is suitable for most digital nomads. In cafes and co-working spaces, the speeds can be even faster, with some places offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Overall, the Wi-Fi speed in Quito is considered acceptable for digital nomads.
A recent speedtest.net rating showed average download speeds of 58.59 Mbps.
Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Quito)
Safety In Quito
While Quito does have some safety concerns, it is generally considered safe for digital nomads. Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist areas, but violent crime is less common.
Make sure you stay in the Plaza Foch area which is safe at night. The historical centre is safe for tourists during the day but less so at night and hostels in the area will recommend you don’t wander around alone.
Climate In quito
Quito is situated on the equator which gives it a relatively consistent climate throughout the year, with two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season runs from June to September, and temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) during the day and drop to around 10°C (50°F) at night.
In the wet season, October to May, temperatures are slightly warmer, with daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and night-time temperatures around 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is more common during the wet season, with heavy downpours in the afternoons and evenings.
The elevation is 2,850m which means it will be much colder at night and you will need to bring warm clothes for the evenings.
Co-Working Spaces In Quito
- Working Up offers a modern workspace with ergonomic chairs and high-speed internet.
- The Hub is known for its community atmosphere and has a variety of workspaces, including private offices, meeting rooms, and open workspaces. It also has a great rooftop space for relaxing or working.
- Selina Quito is another popular co-working space that also doubles up as a hostel. They have modern workspaces, meeting rooms and host regular events in the hostel from salsa lessons to cooking classes.
Time Difference In Quito
- Quito is 2 hours ahead of California.
- New York is 1 hour ahead of Quito.
- Quito is 6 hours behind London.
8. Montevideo, Uruguay
- Cost of living per month – $1000-1500
- Best areas: Pocitos or Punta Carretas
- Wi-Fi speeds – 65-100Mbps
- Climate – Mediterranean (hot summers and cool winters)
- Time difference – 4 hours ahead of California, 1 hour ahead of New York and 4 hours behind London
Montevideo is a city that’s quickly gaining popularity among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, fast Wi-Fi speeds, temperate climate, and overall safety. The city offers a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of other major cities in South America. The abundance of coworking spaces and cafes with strong Wi-Fi connections make it an ideal destination for remote workers. In addition, Montevideo boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, theatres, and galleries, as well as plenty of outdoor spaces for hiking and exploring.
Where To Stay In Montevideo
Pocitos and Punta Carretas in Montevideo are the ideal areas to stay due to their tourist-friendly atmosphere and picturesque locations. Both neighbourhoods are situated along the scenic Rambla, a waterfront roadway popular for leisurely walks, biking, and enjoying drinks.
Pocitos offers a vibrant beachside experience with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and a lively nightlife scene whereas Punta Carretas combines elegance with historical charm.
You can find Airbnb properties here starting from around $40 which will be set further back from the waterfront. As you get closer to the sea prices will start to rise to $80 or more a night.
Here’s a beautiful one bedroom apartment close to the waterfront for $70-90 a night to give you an idea.
Wi-Fi Speeds In Montevideo
Montevideo is one of the best places on this list for WI-Fi speeds.
The average Wi-Fi speed in Montevideo is around 65-100 Mbps. In cafes, you can expect similar speeds, although some may have faster connections. The Wi-Fi speed is generally acceptable for digital nomads, and many cafes and coworking spaces offer dedicated high-speed internet connections.
A recent speedtest.net report showed download speeds of 127 Mbps.
Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Montevideo)
Safety In Montevideo
Montevideo is generally a safe city, but like any major city, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur in tourist areas, so it’s important to be vigilant with your belongings. Violent crime is rare.
Climate In Montevideo
Montevideo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
The summer months from December to February are hot and humid with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and occasional rainfall. Autumn, from March to May, is cooler and drier with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F). Winter, from June to August, is mild with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and occasional rainfall. Spring, from September to November, is warm and rainy with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
Time Difference In Montevideo
- 4 hours ahead of California
- 1 hour ahead of New York
- 4 hours behind London
Popular South America Itineraries
If you have more than two-weeks to spare then why not check out our other South America itineraries ranging from three weeks to three months:
