If you're looking for a great country in Asia to get some work done while saving money, several destinations offer fast internet, affordable accommodation, and plenty of co-working spaces. This guide will help you find the perfect spot near Perth, Australia, to focus on your work.
Why Choose Asia?
Asia is known for its lower cost of living, diverse cultures, and growing infrastructure catering to digital nomads. Many countries in Asia offer excellent facilities for remote work, making them ideal for getting work done efficiently and comfortably.
Recommendations
🇻🇳 Vietnam: Budget-Friendly and Culturally Rich
Vietnam offers one of the lowest costs of living in Southeast Asia. Cities like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are packed with coworking spaces, expat-friendly cafes, and a strong entrepreneurial vibe. While visa runs are still part of the routine, Vietnam remains a top pick for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs.
Pros: Affordable rent, amazing food, good internet
Cons: Limited long-term visa options, language barrier outside major cities
🇹🇭 Thailand: A Long-Time Favorite With New Remote Work Perks
Thailand continues to attract nomads with its combination of lifestyle and infrastructure. Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket remain top hubs. While the visa landscape can be tricky, the introduction of long-term stay options and easier business setups is making Thailand more accessible to remote workers.
Pros: Community, comfort, digital-friendly environment
Cons: Complicated tax system if staying long-term, tourist-heavy areas
🇲🇾 Malaysia: Underrated and Comfortable
With a relatively low cost of living and a good quality of life, Malaysia is often overlooked. Kuala Lumpur offers a strategic location for travel, and the Malaysia Digital Nomad Pass (DE Rantau) gives eligible nomads a legal way to stay and work remotely.
Pros: Great infrastructure, multicultural, English widely spoken
Cons: Not as vibrant a nomad community as in Thailand or Vietnam
🇵🇭 The Philippines: Now Officially in the Game
The Philippines has just launched its own Digital Nomad Visa, making it a much more viable long-term base for remote workers. Until now, nomads operated under tourist visas with frequent renewals. With the new DNV, qualified professionals working for foreign employers can legally stay, work, and even access better housing and services.
Pros: English-speaking, beautiful nature, welcoming culture
Cons: Infrastructure still uneven depending on the location, limited city-based nomad hubs
🇨🇳 What About China?
China may not be a typical nomad destination, but recent changes to its VAT refund system for foreign visitors show a willingness to attract international spending. For nomads passing through or staying short term, this could mean meaningful savings on electronics, office gear, and travel essentials. However, strict visa rules and internet restrictions make it less practical as a base.
Pros: Strong infrastructure, cheap tech, global business gateway
Cons: Complex bureaucracy, limited flexibility for remote workers
Visa Considerations
Most Asian countries offer relatively easy tourist visa applications, making it convenient for digital nomads to live and work temporarily.
- Bali, Indonesia: Tourist visas are typically easy to obtain, with visa-on-arrival options for many nationalities. This makes it a hassle-free destination for short-term stays.
- Thailand: Offers visa exemptions and tourist visas with straightforward application processes. Thailand's flexible visa policies make it an attractive destination for remote workers.
- Malaysia: Visa-free entry for many nationalities for stays of up to 90 days. Malaysia's welcoming visa policies are conducive to longer stays for digital nomads.
- Vietnam: Offers e-visas and visa-on-arrival options for many travelers. Vietnam's visa policies are designed to accommodate the needs of remote workers and tourists alike.
- Philippines: The newly launched Digital Nomad Visa may offer easy access to nomads who qualify.
🧭 Final Tips for Choosing Your Base
- Always check visa options before settling in
- Consider tax residency implications if staying long-term
- Research internet speeds, coworking spaces, and banking access
Whether you're bouncing between hubs or looking for a long-term base in Asia, choosing the right country can make all the difference. As Asia opens up new pathways for digital nomads, it’s time to rethink your setup.
Heavnn can help you choose the destination that fits your goals—and stay compliant while you build your life abroad
For more in-depth advice and resources, we recommend our other articles in our "Travel Tips and Miles" section.
As a bonus, we have a more in-depth guide for one of our top spots, Bali, below!
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