Do I need a formal visa to work as a digital nomad?

Most countries in the region operate on a gray area regarding remote work on a tourist visa. Do not disclose 'working' to immigration; state you are there for tourism. Ensure you are not taking local jobs.

How do I handle money without high fees?

Open a multi-currency account like Revolut or Wise before you leave. Use these cards at local ATMs to withdraw cash in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

Is it easy to find coworking spaces?

Yes, major hubs have dedicated spaces. If you are in a smaller town, look for cafes with the 'Work From Cafe' tag on Google Maps, but verify internet speeds via reviews first.

Planning a Digital Nomad Route Through Southeast Asia

Connect four major hubs—Chiang Mai, Da Nang, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur—via low-cost flights to balance low living costs with high-speed internet reliability. Plan your stays in 30-day increments to align with standard visa-free entry durations and monthly housing discounts.

Select your hubs based on internet speed. Filter potential cities by checking NomadList or Speedtest.net results. Prioritize places with a minimum of 50 Mbps download speed and established coworking spaces like Punspace (Thailand) or Tropical Nomad (Bali).
Map your route by visa ease. Avoid 'visa runs' by mapping countries that allow 30-60 day stays. Start in Thailand (30-60 days), move to Vietnam (90-day e-visa), head to Malaysia (90-day entry), and finish in Indonesia (30-60 day VOA).
Book one-way flights for flexibility. Don't book a round-trip ticket from home. Use budget airlines like AirAsia or VietJet to hop between hubs for $60-$120 per leg. Book flights 3 weeks in advance to secure these rates.
Secure monthly accommodation. Book a hotel for the first 3 nights upon arrival. Use this time to scout apartments in person or check Facebook groups like 'Chiang Mai Digital Nomads' to negotiate monthly rates, which are often 30-50% cheaper than Airbnb.

Do I need a formal visa to work as a digital nomad?: Most countries in the region operate on a gray area regarding remote work on a tourist visa. Do not disclose 'working' to immigration; state you are there for tourism. Ensure you are not taking local jobs.
How do I handle money without high fees?: Open a multi-currency account like Revolut or Wise before you leave. Use these cards at local ATMs to withdraw cash in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.
Is it easy to find coworking spaces?: Yes, major hubs have dedicated spaces. If you are in a smaller town, look for cafes with the 'Work From Cafe' tag on Google Maps, but verify internet speeds via reviews first.