Move Over Bangkok! This Is The New Digital Nomad Capital Of Asia

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When it comes to remote work, Bangkok has been the absolute leader in Asia for decades: not only is it a bustling metropolis with an endless offer of attractions, it boasts great weather (tropical storms aside), a lively social scene, and of course, it’s very affordable.

There’s just one issue that’s become increasingly noticeable in Bangkok: it’s getting more and more Westernized. With droves of Americans relocating, rising rents, and an ever-growing expat scene, the city remains welcoming—but you may find it harder to peel back the layers and get to its cultural core.

Luckily, there’s a rapidly rising star more than willing to step in and take on the mantle:

Welcome to Taipei

Asia’s Exciting New Kid On The Block

The capital of Taiwan, an island-nation located in East Asia, Taipei is the exciting new kid on the block, and it’s poised to become the continent’s main digital nomad hub.

Featuring in the top 20 of Nomads.com ranking of Best Places for Digital Nomads for the first time—still led by Bangkok, mind you—it is a vibrant city still torn between its centuries-old traditions and that fast-paced modern life.

For those who are unfamiliar with Taiwan’s history and complex geopolitics, it is largely populated by migrant Han Chinese settlers, but ever since socialist rule was introduced in mainland China, it went its own separate way.

That’s why many people say Taipei is a Western-friendly version of Beijing:

It has no Great Wall, but it is filled with historic temples, most notably Longshan, founded in the 18th century, dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, as well as other Taoist and folk deities.

Like in China, bustling streets are lined with food stalls selling takeout favorites like stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and bubble tea—by the way, it’s widely accepted that bubble tea was, in fact, invented here in the 1980s.

Sprinkle some of Shanghai’s cutting-edge technology, and you’ll get the 1,667-ft-high Taipei 101, formerly the world’s tallest building—since then, overtaken by Dubai’s soaring Burj Khalifa—and a whole eco-futuristic library made of wood and powered primarily by solar panels and rainwater collection.

That’s Beitou Library, one of Taipei’s best coworking spots.

Lush Nature All Around

Let’s not forget all the lush Taiwanese nature in the vicinity of the capital:

The vast Yangmingshan National Park is a short MRT + bus ride away, and tickets cost around $1–2. Once in the park, you can set out on one of the many hiking trails or simply enjoy a picnic amid the verdant trees.

In the same district as the library, the Beitou Hot Springs are extremely popular for relaxing. There are a plethora of bathhouses to choose from, ranging from budget public spas to full-fledged, 5-star resorts. One of the cheapest ones is the Beitou Public Hot Spring Bathhouse, which costs under $2.

For those epic skyline views, you’ll want to hike up Elephant Mountain:

Located at the end of the MRT Red Line, it’s an accessible 30-minute ascent, starting from Xiangshain Station, and at the very top, you’ll get a breathtaking panorama of Taipei and its many skyscrapers.

How Affordable Is Taipei?

Taipei is one of the most highly developed cities in Asia. Its population has a higher income per capita than the average Asian capital, robust infrastructure—its public transport system is perhaps third only to Japan and China’s mega-cities—and limited crime.

That being said, it’s far from being as expensive to live in as Tokyo, or even Shanghai:

As reported by Eurasia Business News, monthly expenses for nomads and other expats average from $850 to $2,300, depending on their lifestyle and accommodation preferences.

Needless to say, if you’re booking a penthouse in the heart of Xinyi, Taipei’s downtown district, you’ll be paying a lot more than those who are cool with a private room in a shared apartment in Yonghe.

In sum, a private room in Taipei costs between a very economical $250 and $1,600 per month, with $115 extra for utility and internet bills.

Great Eats & Digital Nomad Spots

Food is also incredibly cheap:

Eating out in local eateries will set you back under $10 in untouristy spots mostly frequented by locals—we’re talking night markets like the ones up Shilin and Raohe Street—and grocery shopping averages $100 a month.

If you’re working from one of Taipei’s many nomad-friendly cafes, you should know that a coffee (Americano or latte/cappuccino) costs $3–4, depending on location, a pastry or dessert (savory snacks or cheesecakes) costs roughly $4–6, and internet is always free.

On the topic of the internet, Taiwan’s national average speed exceeds 225 Mbps, so your Zoom meetings and YouTube uploads are safe.

Looking for some examples? Try expat-favorite Woolloomooloo, in the aformentioned Xinyi District—it is as fun to mouth as it is to work in—the Scandi-style Fika Fika Café, and the more laid-back Elsewhere Café in Guting.

How About That Digital Nomad Visa?

Last but most definitely not least, Taiwan is one of a handful of Asian countries that have launched an official Digital Nomad Visa.

Before you raise an eyebrow, yes, places like Thailand and Bali have indeed relaxed entry-and-stay rules for digital nomads in recent years, but they have stopped just short of launching an official DNV.

If you’re thinking of relocating to Taipei, however, you can apply for the Taiwanese DNV valid for up to 2 years. You must prove you earn a sufficient amount of money per month, show your professional credentials, and provide other documents pertaining to your status as a digital nomad.

Read more about the requirements here.

Alternatively, digital nomads can enter Taiwan visa-free for stays of under 90 days, as long as their primary reason for visiting is tourism. For those entering as tourists and staying 3 months, their foreign-sourced income is not subject to taxation.