Choosing a workspace for remote work abroad

When you work remotely from another country, your office could be a dedicated desk, a corner of your rental apartment, or a different cafe every day. Each option comes with its own benefits and challenges that affect your productivity, budget, social life, and even your legal standing. The best choice depends on your work style, the nature of your job, the local culture, and the infrastructure available in your chosen location.

Thinking through these factors before you arrive, or soon after, helps you create a work routine that is both sustainable and enjoyable. It prevents common problems like unreliable internet interrupting important meetings or feeling isolated in a new city. A good workspace is a key part of a successful remote work experience abroad.

Coworking spaces

Coworking spaces are shared offices used by freelancers, remote workers, and small companies. You typically pay a membership fee for access. They have become common in cities around the world that are popular with remote workers.

The benefits of a coworking space

The main advantage of a coworking space is its professional setup. You can expect business-grade internet, proper desks and chairs, meeting rooms, and quiet areas for calls. This infrastructure is designed for work, removing many of the technical frustrations you might face elsewhere. For those who need it, this can be part of a reliable remote work setup.

These spaces are also a great way to meet people. Working abroad can be lonely, and a coworking space provides a ready-made community of other professionals. Many host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings, which can help you build both personal and professional connections in a new country.

Having a separate place to go for work helps create a clear boundary between your job and your personal life. The routine of commuting, even a short walk, can improve focus and help you switch off at the end of the day. This separation can be difficult to achieve when your office is also your living space.

The downsides and costs

The most obvious drawback is the cost. Memberships are a recurring expense, and prices vary significantly between cities and even between different spaces in the same city. Options can range from a flexible hot desk pass for a few days a month to a dedicated permanent desk with round-the-clock access.

While they offer community, coworking spaces can also be a source of distraction. The open-plan layouts common in many spaces mean you will be surrounded by the conversations and activities of others. If your work requires deep concentration, look for spaces that offer quiet zones or private offices, which usually cost more.

Your choice is also limited by location. You may need to commute, adding time and transportation costs to your day. If you prefer to live in a residential neighborhood, you might find that the most suitable coworking spaces are all located in a central business district.

Working from cafes

The classic image of a remote worker is often someone with a laptop in a bustling cafe. This option offers flexibility and can be a low-cost way to get out of your accommodation, but it requires careful management to be productive.

The appeal of the cafe office

The biggest appeal is flexibility. You can work from anywhere with a power outlet and a Wi-Fi signal, trying a new spot every day. It allows you to explore different neighborhoods and soak up the local atmosphere. The cost is limited to what you purchase, which can make it an affordable option, especially for short-term stays.

For some people, the ambient noise and energy of a cafe can boost creativity and focus. It provides a sense of being connected to the city around you, which can be more stimulating than a quiet office or a silent apartment.

Productivity and etiquette challenges

The downsides are significant. Cafe Wi-Fi is often slow, unreliable, and insecure. Public networks are generally not secure enough for sensitive work information. Finding a power outlet can be a constant struggle, and you may find yourself competing for the best seats.

Distractions are everywhere: loud conversations, background music, and the general movement of staff and customers. Taking professional calls can be difficult or impossible. Ergonomics are also a major issue. Cafe tables and chairs are not designed for long hours of computer work and can lead to physical strain.

There is also an etiquette to working in a cafe. It is generally expected that you will be a paying customer, ordering regularly throughout your stay. Occupying a large table for hours with just one drink during a busy lunch rush is considered poor form in most cultures. Some cafes explicitly limit laptop use or have no Wi-Fi at all to encourage customer turnover.

The home office in your rental

Setting up a workspace in your apartment, guesthouse, or long-term rental is the most convenient and private option. It gives you complete control over your environment but also brings its own set of challenges related to discipline and isolation.

Advantages of working from home

Working from your accommodation is usually the most cost-effective choice, as you are already paying for the space. You have total privacy for confidential calls and focused work. You can set up your workspace exactly as you like, using an ergonomic chair or an external monitor to create a comfortable and efficient environment.

The convenience is unmatched. There is no commute, and you can structure your day with complete flexibility, easily fitting in chores or exercise. You have access to your own kitchen, saving money on buying lunches and coffee out.

Potential pitfalls

The main challenge is the lack of separation between work and personal life. It can be difficult to stop working when your desk is always in sight. This can lead to overwork or, conversely, procrastination, as household chores and other distractions are always present.

Reliable, high-speed internet is not a given. In some countries or regions, residential internet can be slow or unstable. It is critical to verify the internet speed and reliability before signing a lease. You may need to budget for a dedicated mobile hotspot as a backup.

Working from home can also be very isolating. Without the built-in social environment of a coworking space or even the light interactions of a cafe, it is easy to go days without much human contact. You will need to make a proactive effort to build a social network outside of work.

How to choose your workspace

Your ideal workspace might be a combination of options. You could use a coworking space on some days and work from home or a cafe on others. Consider the following factors when making your decision.

Assess your work needs. Do you need high-speed, stable internet for video calls? Do you handle sensitive client data that requires a secure network? Do you need a quiet space for deep focus?
Consider your budget. Calculate the monthly cost of a coworking membership versus the daily cost of working from cafes. Factor in transportation costs as well.
Think about your personality. Do you thrive on the energy of being around others, or do you work best in solitude? Are you disciplined enough to stay on task at home?
Evaluate local options. Research what is available in your destination city. Investigate the coworking spaces. Spend some time in different cafes to check their Wi-Fi speed and atmosphere before committing to a work session.
Check your rental. If you plan to work from home, ask potential landlords for an internet speed test. Look for a layout that allows you to create a dedicated workspace separate from your relaxation areas.

Legal and visa considerations

Your choice of workspace does not change your legal obligation to have the correct visa or permit to work in a country. Working, whether for a foreign employer or your own clients, is typically not permitted on a standard tourist visa. Many countries now offer specific visas for remote workers or digital nomads, and it’s important to understand the questions to ask when choosing a digital nomad visa.

Using a coworking space can sometimes create a more visible professional presence in a country. This may have implications for your tax residency status. Tax residency determines where you owe taxes and is based on complex rules that can include the amount of time you spend in a country and whether you have a fixed base of operations there. Learning about tax residency basics for working abroad is a good first step. The rules vary dramatically between countries, and double taxation agreements may apply.

It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the immigration and tax laws of both your home country and your host country. Misunderstanding these rules can lead to serious consequences.

Check before you go

Rules for visas, work permits, and taxes change frequently and depend on your citizenship and your destination. Always verify information with official sources before making plans.

The official immigration website of your destination country: For the most accurate details on visa requirements, eligibility, and the specific activities permitted under different visa types.
The embassy or consulate of the destination country in your home country: For authoritative information on application processes and documentation requirements for your specific nationality.
A qualified tax adviser: For professional advice on tax residency, your obligations in both your home and host countries, and how double taxation agreements might affect you.
A licensed immigration lawyer or registered migration adviser: For personalized legal advice on your specific situation and help navigating complex visa applications.