Is it safe to work from coffee shops?

Generally, yes. However, always carry a secondary device (like a phone with a local SIM) to act as a hotspot in case the cafe Wi-Fi fails during a meeting.

How do I meet other nomads?

Join local Facebook groups (e.g., 'Chiang Mai Digital Nomads') and attend weekly networking meetups held at major coworking spaces.

Living as a Digital Nomad in Southeast Asia

To live as a digital nomad in Southeast Asia, focus on 'digital nomad hubs' like Chiang Mai, Da Nang, or Bali to ensure reliable 100Mbps+ internet and community. Secure a long-term rental via local Facebook groups after booking an initial week in an Airbnb to avoid overpaying.

Choose your hub based on internet needs. Pick locations with proven infrastructure. Chiang Mai (Thailand), Da Nang (Vietnam), and Canggu/Ubud (Bali) are the gold standards. Check 'Nomad List' for real-time Wi-Fi speed data for specific coworking spaces.
Secure a temporary base. Book an Airbnb or hotel for your first 7 days. Never sign a 6-month lease sight unseen. Once on the ground, scout apartment buildings in person to find local rates, which are often 30-50% cheaper than online listings.
Sort your visa strategy. Most SEA countries require a visa run or a specific digital nomad visa. Thailand’s LTR visa or Indonesia’s E-VoA (extendable) are common starting points. Research the specific 'overstay' penalties and extension processes for your target country immediately.
Set up a local banking solution. Open a Wise account before you leave. Use it to pay for local services and withdraw local currency. Avoid using home-country debit cards at local ATMs to dodge the $5-$10 per transaction fees.

Is it safe to work from coffee shops?: Generally, yes. However, always carry a secondary device (like a phone with a local SIM) to act as a hotspot in case the cafe Wi-Fi fails during a meeting.
How do I meet other nomads?: Join local Facebook groups (e.g., 'Chiang Mai Digital Nomads') and attend weekly networking meetups held at major coworking spaces.