Deciding which country to visit while working remotely requires research and planning. Some countries are more welcoming and better setup for the digital nomad, while others will require work on your part to ensure you have everything you need to be successful at your job. And of course, personal preferences come into the decision, too, about what country you’ve always wanted to visit, language you’ve wanted to learn, and practicalities like budget and healthcare options. There are a few resources that can help guide you to the perfect destination for remote work. Check them out to make a decision that gives you the cultural experience you want while allowing you to meet your remote work needs.

Research, Research, Research

Crime Rates

Look at the Overseas Security Advisory Council website. Click on their “Country Security Reports” for individual advisories completed each year and check their main page for updates. Also, check the Department of State’s travel page. If you’re going to a new state in the US and want to know the crime rates, try the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. Lastly, ask your local library’s reference librarian where to find the most up-to-date and reliable statistics.

Health

The CDC’s travel notices give current travel advisories based on a country’s health/infectious disease outbreaks. Talk to your doctor at length about the country you decide to go to and get recommendations for vaccines and medications to pack.

Internet Speed and Access

For internet speed check Wikipedia’s ranking, but remember it is a list of averages. For free wifi listings, you’ll have to search online for current data or ask a librarian.

Locale

Think over what you want to do on your time off: hike, sit on the beach, go to museums, or tour historic monuments and buildings. Check out some travel books and look online. Be sure to cross check any information you find online, especially about “idyllic” settings. You don’t want any surprises when you show up for remote work.

Food

Some people are foodies while others solely enjoy a certain style of food or have food restrictions. Look into what a country’s typical cuisine is, especially if you have food allergies. Traveling to a country known for its seafood might be difficult if you have severe seafood allergies. Talk to your doctor and allergist about safety precautions you will need to follow and medications you will need to stock up on.

Language

If you want an immersion experience in a certain language then a country’s national language will affect your decision. But if learning a new language is not on your agenda, weigh that heavily in your decision. Choose a country where you will be comfortable communicating. Check out our post on languages here.

Remember to ask friends, family, and colleagues if they’ve traveled to a country you were interested in relocating to for remote work. A few opinions from trusted friends along with your own research and a doctor’s input will help you pick a country that feels comfortable. Collect as much information as you can. Then when the time comes to go, you will be secure in your decision.

*It is the reader’s responsibility to evaluate their own medical and physical condition and independently decide how to use the information in this blog post. Always consult your doctor before undergoing any sort of health or health-related treatment.