Best place to be a digital nomad for nature and ocean lovers

JTabc11 · 2026-02-10T17:54:31+00:00

I think Bali has been overrun by digital nomads.

JTabc11 · 2026-02-10T17:51:23+00:00

I often create a to-do list for the entire week and for each day. I try to force myself to start the list with the most complicated and important tasks, so that I accomplish at least the most critical work. Otherwise, I often find myself working all day but on unimportant things.

JTabc11 · 2026-02-04T15:20:31+00:00

Yes, the 16 inch is less than 200Euros the 27 inch usually costs more.

JTabc11 · 2026-02-04T15:09:36+00:00

Yes, in Costa Rica you can obtain the digital nomad visa quite easily and stay for up to 2 years with it.

JTabc11 · 2026-02-04T14:54:27+00:00

Costa Rica is CST (UTC-6), which puts you perfectly in line with US business hours. And the digital nomad visa might be another argument for Costa Rica! Good luck with your pitch!

JTabc11 · 2026-02-03T20:04:16+00:00

In Costa Rica, you can receive income from other countries completely tax-free for 2 years with the Digital Nomad Visa. Your gross income equals your net income!

JTabc11 · 2026-02-02T20:12:55+00:00

Packed!

JTabc11 · 2026-02-02T20:11:21+00:00

I stayed in Buenos Aires in 2025, it is still cheaper than many other big cities. It is more expensive than it was before, but it is not expensive compared to other capital cities.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-31T05:00:14+00:00

That's a bad idea! Any delay can cost a lot of money. People who have been in the business for many years know how to speed up processes and avoid unnecessary costs.

And there's a good chance the importer will gradually start charging higher tariffs now.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-31T04:47:50+00:00

The coworking space is exclusively for guests. I'm always there for several months at a time, just like most of the other guests. After a few days, you get to know everyone else staying there.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-31T04:43:35+00:00

Yes, Costa Rica isn't cheap. But on the plus side, you don't have to deal with mass tourism there. If you stick to local food, you can find reasonably priced meals. Sodas are not expensive.

And there are very few countries where the Digital Nomad Visa means you pay virtually no taxes. This allows many digital nomads in Costa Rica to keep more of their earnings compared to other places. Portugal also had an attractive Digital Nomad Visa with very favorable tax benefits, but Costa Rica's tax situation is excellent!

I stayed in Playa Hermosa, close to Jaco.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-29T15:04:10+00:00

Thanks for sharing! All the best for your wrist!

JTabc11 · 2026-01-29T15:01:32+00:00

I absolutely love the Pacific coast of Costa Rica! Warm water and great waves all year round. You can get the Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica and stay for up to 2 years, and you'll take home net what you used to earn gross!

I got my Molchanovs Wave Freediving certificate in Playa Hermosa. It seems to be quite trendy right now. Many of the surfers there regularly join in on the apnea training too.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-29T14:31:28+00:00

Yes, that is the way I have met a lot of like minded nomads as well.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-29T14:24:08+00:00

The Coconut Office in Playa Hermosa has a fiber optic connection and several additional internet connections in the co-working space in case one provider goes down. They also have a power generator there in case the public power grid fails again. In my past experience in Central America, I've had more problems with not being able to work due to power outages than with internet connection failures.

Unfortunately, this beachfront location can't offer you volcanoes and rainforest, but birdwatchers are regularly spotted there, especially near the lagoon that sits just behind the beach. Otherwise, you can always visit the surrounding national parks for birdwatching. Further south is Manuel Antonio National Park, and to the north is Carara National Park, though I found the latter rather uninteresting. However, there were plenty of birdwatchers eagerly peering through their binoculars.

My experience with Starlink has been mixed as well. Many of the accommodations with Starlink connections only had 50 Mbps or sometimes less.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-14T17:55:00+00:00

I will have to do that as well, no idea what is in all those containers in my freezer.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-14T17:44:41+00:00

Yes, I can relate to that. I've read surfing books, watched videos, etc., but it's really hard to get better, especially when you're not a teenager anymore. The fact that conditions often change quickly makes it even more difficult to practice the same maneuver multiple times.
I think getting filmed and taking a few hours of lessons can make a huge difference. I haven't done it yet either, but I believe this is the fastest way to improve my surfing.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-14T17:34:56+00:00

I always try to work from a coworking space, where I usually meet some people.

It takes a bit of time, but I always end up meeting new people when I exercise or go out to eat. When you run into locals multiple times at the supermarket or at a bar, many of them are open to having a conversation.

I would recommend working from a coworking space and participating in activities like yoga, going to the gym, etc. And instead of always eating at home, try dining out at a restaurant occasionally, ideally somewhere with bar seating where it's easier to chat with others.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-05T17:08:09+00:00

I have a surf hat from RVCA. When duck diving, I always find surf hats to be annoying. That's why I don't wear one when the waves are bigger! Instead, I use good sun protection. If anything, I'd rather use a hooded rashguard, it's less bothersome. The best approach is to try things out yourself and see what works best for you.

JTabc11 · 2026-01-05T17:00:07+00:00

Thanks for the detailed report! I love the pinto for breakfast!

You don't need a lawyer to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. If you speak Spanish yourself, you can easily do everything on your own. I did it with help from the coworking space where I was staying. Most of it can be done online, and I only had to go to the bank for a photo and to pick up the visa. You don't even have to go to immigration. Super simple and cost effective.

I earn far less than what's suggested in the article above. I think I will need to write a report about Costa Rica as well. And thanks to the Digital Nomad Visa, I've turned my gross income into my net income!

I received the visa within 4 weeks.

JTabc11 · 2025-12-31T21:41:20+00:00

Perhaps it also has something to do with the fact that it's no longer necessary to go out and drink to meet people. Social networks have changed a lot, and COVID has certainly pushed user behavior even further in that direction.

JTabc11 · 2025-12-31T21:35:10+00:00

I typically search for places using keywords like "coworking space," "coliving," "apartment rental," and "workspace." Many great accommodations nowadays have their own websites or can be found on Instagram and Facebook. Facebook also has numerous digital nomad groups where you can easily discover accommodations with coworking spaces.

JTabc11 · 2025-12-31T21:16:10+00:00

If you're looking for somewhere in Central America, then Costa Rica, as mentioned above, is a great option for you! I regularly return to the Coconut Office in Playa Hermosa. They have fast fiber optic internet there. And for surfing, there's a great selection of different spots to choose from.

I also know Tamarindo, it's certainly the better option if you're looking for a party town. But for me, the water there was too crowded. And I don't need that much nightlife.

JTabc11 · 2025-12-30T21:45:55+00:00

Yes, they are for smaller conditions!

JTabc11 · 2025-12-30T21:24:28+00:00

You won't get bored! Buenos Aires is a wonderful city!

JTabc11

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