Remote Work Cities Compared

Fiber-ready megacity, US timezone overlap

CDMX has widespread fiber internet (50-200 Mbps typical in Roma/Condesa), but WiFi quality varies by building. Power outages are rare. Timezone aligns with US Central. Noise: street-facing units can be loud during daytime.

WiFi varies widely—verify before booking

Bali WiFi is inconsistent: 5-50 Mbps depending on location and provider. Canggu has more fiber options; Ubud is spottier. Power outages happen during rainy season. Many cafes throttle bandwidth. Coworking spaces (Dojo, Outpost) offer reliable backup. Always ask for speed test results.

Reliable EU infrastructure, nomad visa option

Lisbon has stable fiber internet (100+ Mbps common). Power grid is reliable. UTC+0/+1 timezone works for EU and partial US East overlap. Nomad visa available for stays over 4 months. Older buildings may have weaker WiFi—confirm router placement.

Stable power, improving fiber coverage

Medellin has reliable electricity and expanding fiber (20-100 Mbps in El Poblado/Laureles). Some older buildings still on slower DSL. UTC-5 timezone overlaps with US East. Noise: construction is common in gentrifying areas. Always verify internet type before booking.

Affordable, but power cuts happen

Buenos Aires has good fiber availability (50-100 Mbps in Palermo/Recoleta), but power outages occur during summer heat waves. UTC-3 timezone has minimal US overlap but works for EU. Late-night culture means quieter mornings. Verify backup power or nearby coworking options.

Fast internet, high cost, US timezone

San Francisco has reliable high-speed internet (100+ Mbps standard) and stable power. UTC-8 timezone. High cost means fewer budget options. Older Victorian buildings may have WiFi dead zones. Best for those needing US business hours or in-person meetings.

Good fiber coverage, typhoon season risk

Da Nang has expanding fiber internet (30-100 Mbps in central areas). Power is generally stable but typhoon season (Sept-Nov) can cause outages. UTC+7 timezone works for APAC, difficult for US calls. Most apartments have dedicated desks; cafes are hit-or-miss for work.

Good fiber in new buildings, noisy Old Quarter

Hanoi has good fiber in newer buildings (50-100 Mbps) but Old Quarter properties can be slow and noisy. Street noise is significant—verify window quality. UTC+7 timezone. Power is stable. Many cafes have WiFi but expect 10-20 Mbps at best.

Best Vietnam infrastructure, but loud

Ho Chi Minh City has the best internet in Vietnam (50-150 Mbps fiber common in D1/D3). Power is reliable. However, traffic noise is intense—prioritize high floors or courtyard-facing units. UTC+7 timezone. Many coworking spaces available as backup.