Wise’s 2025 Winter Digital Nomad Hotspots: A Shifting Global Landscape

Wise, the international money transfer service, released its 2025 ranking of the top ten winter destinations for digital nomads. The report, based on a combination of cost of living, internet speed, visa requirements, and safety, highlights a significant shift in popular locations, reflecting evolving priorities among remote workers. This year’s list showcases a move away from traditional favorites, emphasizing affordability and ease of access alongside reliable infrastructure.

Top Destinations: A Blend of Affordability and Infrastructure

Wise’s 2025 ranking reveals a diverse range of locations, demonstrating a growing trend towards destinations offering a compelling balance of affordability and robust digital infrastructure. The top three spots were claimed by locations demonstrating strong internet access coupled with a lower cost of living compared to established digital nomad hubs. This contrasts with previous years which favored locations with established expat communities and a higher cost of living.

Methodology and Data Considerations

The report’s methodology incorporates several key factors, including cost of living indexes, average internet download speeds, visa requirements for various nationalities, and safety ratings. This multi-faceted approach provides a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes an ideal digital nomad location in 2025. However, limitations include the subjective nature of safety ratings and potential variations in internet speeds across different areas within a given country. Data collection relied primarily on publicly available data and user surveys conducted throughout 2025.

The Rise of Southeast Asia: Affordability and Connectivity

Southeast Asia continues to dominate the list, but this year’s focus is on less-traveled locations offering a lower cost of living. The region’s affordability and generally easy visa processes make it attractive to digital nomads seeking a longer stay. This is a testament to the sustained investment in digital infrastructure across the region, making it a viable and increasingly popular option for remote work. The strong community of digital nomads in the region continues to attract newcomers.

Specific Country Analysis: Thailand and Vietnam

Thailand, despite its increasing popularity, still maintains a strong position in the rankings, thanks to its reliable infrastructure and relatively low cost of living compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Vietnam, however, has seen a significant surge in popularity, driven by its even lower living costs and increasing availability of co-working spaces. This growth underscores the strategic importance of investing in digital infrastructure to attract remote workers.

Latin America’s Growing Appeal: A Shift Towards Sustainability

Latin America has seen a marked increase in its appeal to digital nomads in 2025, primarily driven by a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism and eco-conscious living. Destinations like Medellín, Colombia, and several coastal towns in Mexico are becoming popular due to their affordability and access to high-speed internet, alongside the draw of natural beauty and a strong focus on eco-tourism.

The Sustainability Factor: A New Priority

The growing interest in sustainable travel is a notable trend. Digital nomads are increasingly prioritizing destinations that emphasize environmentally friendly practices and support local communities. This is influencing travel choices and placing pressure on destinations to adopt more sustainable tourism practices. The focus is shifting towards experiences over mere access to amenities.

Europe’s Persistence: High Costs but Strong Infrastructure

Despite the rise of more affordable locations, Europe continues to attract digital nomads, though primarily in locations with a lower cost of living compared to major European cities. Strong infrastructure and established digital communities continue to be a draw, even if the overall cost of living presents a significant barrier for many.

The European Paradox: Balancing Cost and Quality of Life

The presence of European countries in the rankings highlights the enduring appeal of established infrastructure and a high quality of life. However, the increasing cost of living in many European cities is pushing digital nomads towards less expensive locations. This presents a challenge for European countries looking to attract and retain digital nomad talent. The contrast between high-cost capitals and more affordable regions underscores the need for a nuanced approach to attracting remote workers.

Long-Term Implications and Future Trends

Wise’s 2025 report indicates a significant shift in the digital nomad landscape. The increasing focus on affordability, sustainable tourism, and reliable internet connectivity signals a maturation of the remote work trend. This is likely to lead to a more distributed global workforce, with a greater spread of digital nomads across a wider variety of locations.

Key Takeaways from Wise’s 2025 Report:

• Southeast Asia remains a dominant force, but with a focus on affordability.
• Latin America is experiencing significant growth, driven by sustainability and affordability.
• Europe retains its appeal, despite the high cost of living in many areas.
• Reliable internet connectivity and visa accessibility are paramount.
• The trend toward sustainable tourism is increasingly influencing choices.

The ongoing evolution of remote work technologies and the growing acceptance of location-independent employment will likely further shape the preferences of digital nomads in the coming years. The emphasis on sustainability and responsible travel suggests a more conscious and nuanced approach to global mobility. This presents both opportunities and challenges for destinations worldwide. Countries investing in infrastructure, affordable living, and sustainable tourism practices are likely to attract a greater share of the growing digital nomad population.