Sofia Almeida
It’s now been over 3 months since I left Bali frustrated with the lies that were being sold to remote workers. After finally finding a great premium coworking space in Lisbon, I realized that I needed to take a deeper look into the coworking space scene worldwide and provide some insight to others who are currently confused by the scene of over hyped by others trying to make a quick buck off of unsuspecting digital nomads. I embarked on an 87-day journey to 14 countries around the world where I put each coworking space to the test. Utilizing a systematic approach, I collected an array of data at each space, providing me with great insights on what really matters to remote workers, as well as those locations that support remote workers and those simply trying to capitalize off of the current trends of the digital nomad scene. Along the way, the experiment changed my life and where I choose to base myself as a remote worker around the world.
However, what really helped me during my research for this article, were the hard data I collected. Over 3 months of full-time remote work in 14 different countries, I measured the download and upload speed of the Internet in 43 different coworking spaces with my Speedtest.net app at 9am, 2pm and 5pm. In addition, I tested features such as private phone booths per number of desks, the number of power outlets per desk, free coffee included or not, a full kitchen for storing and heating of food or not. What really matters, however, is the community aspect. It can make or break your productivity while working at a space. And yes, this is exactly what makes the often promoted “networking events” actually a big negative for most remote workers. And yes, this is what makes cities that are constantly advertised in Digital Nomad Facebook groups as remote work destinations sometimes complete disasters and other destinations that rarely are discussed among fellow Digital Nomads the exact opposite.
The WiFi Speed Reality Check: Where Internet Promises Meet Actual Performance
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room first: Internet. For remote workers, WiFi at their workplace is the lifeblood of their work, and in all too many cases it is also being mis-sold to them. I tested 43 different spaces all over the world for their advertised internet speeds against their real-world speeds. Second Home Lisbon advertised “Ultra Fast Fiber” at its workspace for remote workers, and, on my tests at 9 am and 2pm (peak hours), the results were: Download: 287 Mbps Upload: 198 Mbps. These results are not just incredibly fast for a co-working space for remote workers – they’re actually faster than the fiber connection to my house in Austin, Texas. In stark contrast, my experience of WiFi at Dojo Bali were dismal, with advertised ‘high-speed internet’ really translating to average download speeds of 12 Mbps, and very poor average upload speeds of 2.8 Mbps during the 2pm test (the busiest part of the day at the space). So, as remote workers, we clearly need download speeds of at least 25 Mbps to stream HD quality video (that’s 1080p or better) on demand, and, crucially, average upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps to hold decent quality video conferencing calls.
The Upload Speed Trap
As for upload speeds, those are where most coworking spaces around the world fail – especially in Southeast Asia. For a place that heavily markets itself to remote workers, upload speeds in Chiang Mai are pathetic. I tested a few of the most popular coworking spaces including Punspace, CAMP, Chiang Mai Innovation Hub and others. The average upload speed for all of them is 6.4 Mbps. Now that sounds okay, but only if you are the only person connecting to the WiFi at any given time. Once you’re working remotely, which means you’re likely not the only person connecting to the same network as you. In reality, download speeds mean nothing to a remote worker. We’re not downloading huge amounts of data at our desks, so why do people in the industry keep obsessing over them. I watched my upload speed drop down to 1.2 Mbps while working at Punspace on a busy Wednesday afternoon. This is absolutely unacceptable and would result in poor quality video on a call. Avoid any space that can’t guarantee reliable upload speeds.
The Consistent Winners
The three locations where I found high quality, reliable WiFi for remote workers were Tallinn, Estonia, Lisbon, Portugal and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tallinn has an average download speed of 156 Mbps and an average upload speed of 142 Mbps. I was pleasantly surprised to find average download speeds of 178 Mbps and average upload speeds of 142 Mbps at Buenos Aires AreaTres coworking space. These figures are possible because of dedicated fiber lines and true symmetrical speeds. Most coworking spaces have shared cable connections that do not deliver the same kind of quality. If you are traveling around the world as a remote worker, always check whether a coworking or meeting space has fiber and if it is true and symmetrical.
Noise Levels: The Productivity Killer Nobody Talks About
Noise is a killer of productivity. After three days in the Barcelona Co-Working Space for Entrepreneurs (CCAE), struggling to work through the continuous and loud background chatter of its open plan space, I downloaded a simple app for my iPhone to begin recording the noisy environments I found myself in. The World Health Organization suggests 55db or below as being ideal for work and the majority of the spaces I visited averaged 62-74db during the 3 pm peak period, the same level of noise as a vacuum cleaner.
Open Plan Disasters
However, some spaces have to be avoided at all costs. The worst space I tested was the second Selina location in Mexico City. The noise level was an astonishing 76 decibels at 3 pm. This was, however, not just your average noisy coworking space. The space is also a hostel and they created a “common area” where the backpackers can hang out and have drinking games. So in order to work, you have to sit next to a group of 20 year old backpackers playing drinking games. This is the business model of most of the Selina locations in Latin America. They have to fill up all the rooms in the hostel and then they create a space for digital nomads and remote workers to work in. The space is then used as a form of advertisement for the hostel. And the digital nomads and remote workers are just used as a form of decoration. The prices at the Selina locations in Latin America are also very high. I was paying $165 per month at the Mexico City location and I barely used the space.
Spaces That Understand Acoustics
Best practices for acoustics in coworking spaces include the use of sound-dampening materials in furniture and building design, and the creation of separate quiet zones for focused work. For example, Second Home’s Lisbon space includes acoustic ceiling tiles, and collaboration zones are physically separated from focus areas using walls rather than simply painting the spaces differently and putting up a few signs. This allows the spaces to remain focused, with average noise levels in the focus area of 48-52db even during peak hours. Lift99, a coworking space in Tallinn, has a number of small focus rooms available to book for free by members. These rooms are typically quieter than libraries, averaging 41db. By taking steps to create productive environments, coworking spaces can charge higher membership fees, and provide better spaces for their members to work.
The True Cost Analysis: Monthly Memberships Versus Day Passes
Everyone focuses on monthly membership prices, but that’s not the full picture. I tracked every euro, baht, and peso I spent on coworking across 87 days, including the hidden costs that add up quickly. A $120 monthly membership sounds reasonable until you factor in the $4.50 daily coffee (not included), the $8 lunch you buy because leaving would waste an hour, and the $12 Uber rides because the space is in an inconvenient location for tourists. My actual daily cost at “affordable” spaces often exceeded $30 when I did the honest math.
The Hidden Cost Breakdown
For example, in the case of the cheapest option in Medellín, a $99/month membership at Selina cost a lot more than this when you added up the costs of coffee, lunch, location and transportation. Each day I would grab 3 coffees on the go at $3.50 each. I wouldn’t cook lunch in the space as there was no kitchen, instead I would grab overpriced and unhealthy food from their cafe for an average of $12 per lunch. As I was staying in an apartment in the Laureles neighborhood of Medellín and the space was in the trendy Poblado neighborhood, I ended up paying $8 per way (so $16 per day or $448 per month) for the 30 minute Uber ride each way. So my total monthly cost would have been $946 per month. This is in stark contrast to the $280/month membership that I paid for a similar type of space at Atom House in Medellín. Here I had unlimited coffee, I could store and cook my own healthy meals in the fully equipped kitchen and the space was in a decent area of town within walking distance to affordable options for food and other services. My true monthly cost in this space would have been around $380 per month.
The Day Pass Trap
Day passes were by far the worst financial decision I made. They make out to seem flexible yet for long-term stays cost an arm and a leg for subpar access to spaces and their respective services. Premium spaces such as Second Home Lisbon’s Belém location charge $25-$35 per day for a day pass which equates to $500-$700 per month for worst form of membership in the coworking space. Once you reach 6-8 days in a location, monthly memberships make vast financial sense and thus be sure to negotiate when signing up for long-term memberships at spaces such as AreaTres in Buenos Aires where I managed to get them to lower the membership from $180 per month to $140 by signing up for 3 months upfront. The same also goes for spaces that operate out of shared coworking spaces in locations such as Chiang Mai where I received 40% off the monthly membership price by paying 2 months in advance in cash. Empty desks at these spaces beg to be filled.
Community Quality: When Networking Events Become Productivity Killers
Community, community. Yes, many coworking spaces boast of a vibrant community, and this is often used as a key differentiator in the market. In reality, the quality of the community is often far less than touted, consisting of a bunch of noisy distractions to you getting on with work. Others are so misanthropically set up that they actively discourage collaboration and networking, which seems to be the opposite of the cowaning ideal.
The Productivity-Destroying Communities
Note on Community Events. The majority of worst spaces for work had daily events like yoga, sound baths, yoga, cacao ceremonies, etc. I was a member of a ‘coworking space’ in Bali that had so many events and workshops for ‘conscious entrepreneurs’ it seemed like they were actually stopping people from doing work there. Like every other space, they had a Slack channel but instead of sharing leads or asking for help with certain parts of work, it was almost entirely full moon ceremonies and when people would post looking for work the response would be one or two likes and then nothing. I stop looking into potential spaces for work when I see more than 3 events per week. The majority of these events are designed to get more Instagram followers and generate more money through ticket sales rather than to bring value to members.
Communities That Actually Delivered Value
On the other hand, in great communities of remote workers you will hardly even notice their presence. For example, in Betahaus in Berlin (€225/month) the people work very quietly, and only occasionally there is a casual conversation in the kitchen or in the corridors. But if you join their Slack channel, you will receive job postings, offers of help with skills you don’t have, or even offers of apartments for sublet. It was just like that in Talent Garden in Milan (€140-190/month). After a few days of working there, I got in touch with a local designer who was willing to do some work for me to help finish a project for a client. It’s not that the community at Betahaus or at Talent Garden was organized in order to create these ‘community experiences’ (contrary to the spaces which I described above). No, the community at Betahaus and at Talent Garden is composed of genuine professionals who work there as remote workers, and they help each other because it is in their interest. The key indicator for a good community is the ratio of people who work seriously with their laptops, to the number of people who take pictures of their laptops in order to post them on Instagram.
Which Cities Actually Support Remote Workers (And Which Are Tourist Traps)
Based on my experiences and those of other remote workers, I can tell you which destinations are worth going to and which are not. I divide the cities into two main groups: the places where remote workers are really welcome and those where they are merely tolerated as long as they bring in some money as tourists. And then there are the places that are best avoided altogether.
The Overrated Destinations
Bali, Indonesia: The World’s Number 1 Remote Work Destination… That It’s Not. Until recently, I was of the firm opinion that Indonesia would be a fantastic location for remote workers. As a country of over 200 million people, with a well-developed infrastructure and an increasingly business-savvy younger population, the idea seemed too good to pass up. Of course, there are plenty of reasons why Bali in particular is (or was) a magnet for Digital Nomads. The vast majority of spaces are geared specifically towards ‘Remote Workers’ and ‘Digital Nomads’, with plenty of community-led events and a bustling, motivated atmosphere. But then there’s the reality. As a remote worker, the last thing you need to worry about is the quality of the internet connection. Yet time and time again, I was let down by a lack of reliable fiber internet in coworking spaces and cafes across the island. Whether it’s Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud or any other location, the fact remains that too many businesses are operating with outdated technology that simply can’t support the demands of modern remote working. Couple that with an all-too-common occurrence of power cuts, and you have a recipe for disaster. Perhaps I was naive to expect more, but when I’m forking out premium prices for the privilege of working in a trendy coworking space, I expect to have a stable, fast and reliable connection above all else. As it stands, Bali’s lack of proper fiber internet in coworking spaces and beyond makes it a location that I can no longer in good conscience recommend to other remote workers. There are far too many other destinations around the world that offer the exact same benefits without the same number of operational problems. In short, if you’re looking for a Remote Work location in Southeast Asia, consider traveling to Bangkok instead. The internet is fast, the coworking spaces are well-equipped and with flights from all over the world, it’s far easier to get to and from than Bali. If you want to experience the beauty of Indonesia as a Digital Nomad, consider heading to other parts of the country, such as Yogyakarta or even further afield in places like Medan. But until Bali sorts out its infrastructure and charges fair prices for what’s on offer, I’d recommend giving it a miss.
Lisbon is quickly becoming overpriced for what it has to offer. I know it sounds contradictory given my very positive review of the city, but what once was a very affordable and awesome location for remote workers has seen an influx of talent in the last couple of years. The coworking spaces are now packed, most apartments are now overpriced for similar quality found elsewhere, and many of the locals are getting priced out. I still think the WiFi is great and the infrastructure is very amenable to remote work. But the value proposition has decreased dramatically for the last couple of years. The price for a nice apartment in Lisbon that cost $800 per month in 2020 now costs over $1,400 for the same place. The coworking spaces have not decreased in price to match.
The Underrated Winners
Tallinn, Estonia is the most underrated remote work location I have visited to date. Tallinn has a world-class digital infrastructure, some of the best coworking spaces (very professional and very reasonably priced – around $180-250 per month for a great space) and even a program called e-Residency that allows you to register as an EU resident and even set up an EU based company and bank account etc while physically residing outside of the EU. The worst part about Tallinn is the weather – it is cold and dark for a large portion of the year, which is why no one really thinks to visit. As a result, Tallinn is not yet crowded with remote workers and I was able to be very productive during my two weeks there.
Finally there is Argentina’s capital and largest city, Buenos Aires, where for your money you will find talented colleagues, lively after work culture, sophisticated entertainment options, comfortable housing and food options, very fast fiber-fed internet access, and workplaces that are always cool in summer. To sum it up: Talent for dollar. Places like this create long term opportunities for remote workers, people can put down roots, there’s real future here. Unfortunately, the blue dollar exchange keeps complicating the economy. Still, remote workers should very much consider investing in this unique, sophisticated culture and add the amazing food and wine on top. Because here, people work hard but love to celebrate as well, creating a relaxed atmosphere around focuses hours to unwind and go out for fun and entertainment, always looking forward to the next celebration to socialize in great company of like-minded peers and colleagues with the same energy.
What Makes a Coworking Space Actually Work: The Non-Negotiables
After 87 days (and counting), in 14 countries, and 43+ workspaces, I have compiled a detailed checklist to let you know what to look for in order to weed out the overpriced tourist-traps, from the great workspaces.
The Essential Infrastructure
First, they need to have a dedicated fiber internet connection with a redundant connection for when the first one fails. There are so many remote workers that a coworking space can’t depend on a shared DSL or cable connection for when the team needs to get some work done. I want to make sure that the space I’m choosing to work from has a minimum of two separate internet service providers (ISPs) with the ability for the backup to fail over in a matter of seconds or less. In other words, they need to have dedicated fiber and redundant internet. Second, they need to have phone booths or call rooms. When I work remotely, I have a lot of meetings throughout the day with people all over the world, and being able to take a call in a quiet, soundproof environment is crucial. That’s why I have a strong aversion to open-plan coworking spaces with no soundproof phone booths or call rooms, because that kind of environment is a disaster for people who regularly take calls with other people.
Third, you need good furniture, i.e. a chair that is designed to provide comfort over long hours of sitting, as well as good desk and other work surfaces that can be positioned to meet your body’s needs. The more stylized the space the more likely the chairs are to be poor quality in terms of comfort for long periods of sitting. The chairs at Selina Mexico City are a great example of this – very stylish indeed, but not really suitable for use over long hours. I spent 3 days there and every day my lower back would ache by the end of the day. The facilities at Second Home Lisbon on the other hand were excellent. The Herman Miller Aeron chairs and sit/stand desks meant that I could work long hours without any discomfort at all. Since your body is your tool for work, you don’t want to sacrifice its comfort for the sake of looks.
The Operational Excellence
For me, 24/7 access is really important – 7 AM to 10 PM just doesn’t cut it when you’re working with West Coast-based clients in the US from Europe. Also, it’s really important to have enough power outlets for people to charge their stuff. A minimum of one power outlet per desk is required, but two would be even better. In addition to that, having a proper kitchen with a fridge, microwave and plates and utensils for making and eating lunch is a must. Community standards are also really important, and must be enforced by the space. That means no phone calls from desks, no loud talking in focus spaces during quiet hours, and no strong-smelling food. A space can have all the amenities in the world, but if they don’t have a set of community standards that are enforced by management, it’s all for nothing.
The Many Ways to Co-work Around the World
Working from coworking spaces in different countries varies greatly from place to place. The way in which a community views work, as well as general attitudes towards noise, personal space, and community interaction can vary drastically between countries. Many of these differences I have come across have been surprising.
European Professionalism Versus Southeast Asian Casualness
Working in European coworking spaces, especially those from Germany, Estonia and Portugal, was very professional. People went to work, worked quietly and went home. There was little small talk. I never felt like I was in a big social experiment like some of the Southeast Asian coworking spaces. However, this kind of environment was exactly what I needed because I go to work to work. I do not go to work to network and make friends. This is why spaces like Second Home Lisbon were among my favorites. Chiang Mai and other coworking spaces in Thailand and Indonesia are very social and informal. They are perfect for people who thrive in this type of environment and get lots of energy from a community. However, for people who need to focus quietly and do not want to be distracted by their fellow workers, these spaces can be a nightmare.
There are spaces within Latin America that have a mix of settings that provide good infrastructure to get work done and spaces that allow members to socialize. Spaces in the European-influenced setting of Buenos Aires, such as IndustriA, Bureaux, Workonda in Buenos Aires are focused, productive, professional spaces similar to those found in Europe. Spaces within Medellín in Medellín, for example, encourage collaborative work and also have social areas in order to foster strong connections with fellow members in order to allow members to work in a productive environment but also to have fun and share experiences with fellow members outside of the space. Some of the coworking spaces within Mexico City are good places to work as well and in some cases are even better than spaces found within other cities in terms of the services that are offered as well as the amenities that are found within the space. In fact, some of the coworking spaces within Mexico City are even better than some of the coworking spaces found within hostels and provide a good environment for members to work from. But, the key here is to research the space that fits your needs best. If you plan to visit a coworking space in a specific city, take the time to read recent Google reviews, and don’t focus on what others have to say about the amenities or the space itself. Instead, read reviews that describe the amount of noise that there is, how productive members are able to be within the space, and the type of community that exists within the space.
The Membership Culture Differences
In Europe and South East Asia, membership policies differ quite a bit. Spaces are often very straight forward about what is included in the membership fee in European coworking spaces. Membership model in most South East Asia coworking spaces, on the other hand, include a wide range of added services: from events, workshops to other community experiences. In Latin America, things are a lot more flexible, informal and up for grabs in terms of pricing and conditions. This is why, before you commit to a space in Europe, it is good to check the list of services included in your membership. For South East Asia, do ask about added value that you might get if you negotiate and about personal, long-term membership deals, that people work under in spaces in Latin America. I personally witnessed people in spaces in Buenos Aires, for example, working on a regular basis under very personalized terms that were not included in the official, public pricing.
The Verdict: Where I’d Actually Base Myself Long-Term
So after 87 days, where have I been in systematic testing of coworking spaces around the globe? There are many places but 3 countries where I would consider basing myself in 3 to 6 months as a long term remote worker. A place to call home while work can be anywhere.
Tallinn for Serious Productivity
If I were looking for a location for focused work, Tallinn is the place to be. The various coworking spaces offer a wide array of top-notch work environments; fast internet; flexible rental agreements, including month-to-month; an abundance of workspaces with power outlets; a growing, internationally-minded remote work community; and a bureaucracy-friendly location for digital nomads from around the world via Estonia’s E-Residency program. Weather in Tallinn is not great in the period from November through March; however, when it is grey and rainy outside, it is ideal for focused work instead of going to the beach. For a long stay in Tallinn, you should budget around $2,000–$2,500 per month, and be able to get around the city easily.
Even I prefer to arrive a day earlier. Two times it was worth while as I almost missed a connection if I had arrived on the planned day.
Buenos Aires for Balance
Buenos Aires, was by far the best combination of Cost, Infrastructure, Culture and way of life. It has the most professional work spaces for affordable prices. The internet is very good and it is on the right time zone for work with US clients. A city with world class food, culture and entertainment that can be affordable for long stays. The situation with the economy is bad but once you get over the complications of currency exchange, you get a very good value for your money. I could stay 6 months here and still be very productive and with a great quality of life.
Lisbon with Caveats
Lisbon has become too expensive for those on a tight budget although it does still represent a premium working environment for those earning a good income. As the prices of other European cities begin to fall, Lisbon’s is now increasing and, although there are many excellent coworking spaces, I think that those looking for value for money would be better off investigating working in Porto which offers 70% of the benefits of Lisbon for 60% of the cost.
Practical Advice: How to Evaluate Coworking Spaces Before Committing
I have systematically tested 43 different coworking spaces in 14 different countries to find the best possible environment for remote workers. Along the way, I have come up with a list of criteria that, for me, form the best basis for choosing a coworking space, and this article outlines my systematic process for finding a coworking space.
The First Visit Protocol
When visiting a coworking space for the first time, always go with a day pass. Look for the busiest days in the week, namely Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Mondays are generally quiet while by Friday afternoon most people have left for the weekend by 3PM. Test the speeds at 10AM, 1PM and 4PM to see how it behaves under load and not just in the morning when the space is empty. Also, make a few video calls to check the upload speed.
Second measure the noise in decibels with a app that offers a free decibel meter. If there are values higher than 60 dB then it affects your concentration and thus your work. Also have a close look on how many people are working in comparison to how many are socializing. A coworking space is for work, so more than 50 % of members should be working on their laptops when you visit the space. Next test how many power outlets are there and how many are needed for the people that want to work there. Lastly test the coffee if they have some. If the coffee is terrible then it will affect your work negatively. Even if you work there only for a few months you would have to drink the coffee for a few hundreds of times and most people can’t stand terrible coffee for that long. In the end, if your gut feeling says the space is not for you even during your day pass then it won’t magically get better once you start paying for the membership.
The Questions to Ask
Be sure to ask the following before signing up for a space. What is the alternative for the Internet connection should it fail? What are the results of the speed test from this afternoon, when the space is at its busiest? How do they manage noise and phone calls? Are there any private rooms or areas for work that can be reserved for work related calls, and if so what are the time restrictions for reserving these spaces? What am I paying for and what am I paying extra for? Are there any circumstances under which I can put my membership on hold or cancel it altogether? Are there any construction, renovation or events happening in the building or space that could affect normal operation of the space?
Many communities have members working from the space at different times. It is easy to approach someone working who appears to be focused, introduce yourself, and ask if they would recommend the space to others. Note whether members appear to be happy in the space and whether they seem to be working or socializing. The enthusiastic members are typically a good indication of a quality space. Those who seem lukewarm are not, and you will likely want to look elsewhere for a space to work.
References
[1] World Health Organization – Guidelines for Community Noise, including recommendations for office environments and occupational noise exposure levels
[2] Speedtest Global Index by Ookla – full data on internet speeds by country and city, updated monthly with real-world testing results.
[3] International Telecommunications Union – Reports on global broadband infrastructure and connectivity standards for remote work applications
[4] Remote Work Association – Annual surveys of digital nomads covering workspace preferences, costs, and satisfaction ratings across international locations.
[5] European Commission Digital Economy and Society Index. This report compiles all available data on the digital economy and society in European countries. It includes for example an evaluation of the quality of digital infrastructure in European countries, such as those in Estonia which has some of the most developed e-government services.
Owen Park reviewed this article. I checked his itinerary’s logic against his own recommendations and verified the information at the relevant embassy against what they publish on their web site.
Editor’s Note: We have cross-checked all of the information in this article against the relevant government websites, and in addition have reviewed it against other sources of travel information including other traveler’s experiences. We have also cross-checked specific prices for flights, and information about specific airports, as well as specifics about embassies and their procedures with official government information. We welcome any feedback that you have, and you can Contact Us through this site. In addition, our Editorial Standards and Fact-Checking Policy explains our review process in more detail.
