Coworking spaces for remote workers abroad saved my sanity somewhere between a flickering café in Lisbon and a hostel lobby in Bangkok where the Wi-Fi dropped every nine minutes. Working remotely sounds glamorous until you’re hunched over a wobbly table, nursing a cold latte, pretending you can hear your client on a video call. I spent three years bouncing between countries, and finding the right workspace became just as important as finding the right apartment.
1. Hubud, Bali
Hubud in Ubud was one of the first coworking spaces I tried, and it set the bar ridiculously high. The open-air bamboo structure feels nothing like a traditional office, which is exactly the point. You hear birds and rice paddy breezes instead of fluorescent hum.
The community here pulls you in fast. Weekly skill-shares, casual Friday hangouts, and a genuine mix of entrepreneurs, writers, and developers make it easy to build real connections. Internet speeds hold steady for video calls, and the day pass pricing keeps things flexible if you’re only passing through for a week. If Bali is on your list, start here.
2. KoHub, Koh Lanta, Thailand
KoHub sits on a quiet Thai island, and that’s the whole appeal. You work a few focused hours, then walk five minutes to a beach that isn’t overrun with tourists. For remote workers who need deep focus without big-city noise, this place delivers.
The monthly membership includes solid air conditioning, reliable fiber internet, and a small but tight-knit community. They also offer coliving packages, which I found super convenient because apartment hunting on a small island is its own headache. The café downstairs serves surprisingly good coffee, and the staff genuinely remembers your name by day two.
3. Selina CoWork, Multiple Locations
Selina operates coworking spaces for remote workers abroad in over 20 countries, from Mexico to Portugal to Colombia. That consistency matters when you’re hopping between cities and don’t want to gamble on a random spot with terrible chairs and spotty Wi-Fi.
I used Selina locations in Medellín and Lisbon. Both had fast internet, comfortable seating, and a built-in social scene since they double as hostels. The downside? They can get noisy during peak travel season, especially the common areas near the bar. If you grab a desk in the dedicated work zone and wear headphones, you’ll be fine. The CoWork subscription lets you access any global location, which is a huge perk for frequent movers.
4. Outsite, Lisbon
Outsite’s Lisbon location sits right in the heart of the city, walking distance from great restaurants and the waterfront. The workspace itself is clean, modern, and blissfully quiet during work hours. They take the “work” part seriously here.
What stood out to me was the coliving option attached to the coworking membership. You get a furnished room, a desk at the space, and a community of people who actually understand remote work life. No explaining to confused locals why you’re on your laptop at 2 PM on a Tuesday. Outsite also runs locations in Bali, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, so you can build a rotation if you like their vibe.
5. Impact Hub, Worldwide Network
Impact Hub isn’t flashy, but it’s dependable. With over 100 locations globally, it’s one of the largest coworking networks, and the quality stays consistent. I used their spaces in Vienna and Berlin, both well-organized with strong internet and professional atmospheres.
The member community skews toward social entrepreneurs and mission-driven startups, which creates a different energy than your typical digital nomad hub. If you want serious work conversations instead of small talk about visa runs, Impact Hub is your spot. FYI, their monthly memberships often include access to events, workshops, and mentorship programs that genuinely add value beyond just a desk.
6. Dojo Bali, Canggu
Dojo Bali in Canggu has become almost legendary in the remote work world, and honestly, it lives up to the reputation. The rooftop workspace overlooks rice fields, the internet rarely drops, and the on-site restaurant keeps you fueled without leaving the building.
I spent six weeks working from Dojo, and the biggest surprise was how productive I felt despite the relaxed setting. They offer phone booths for private calls, a podcast recording room, and 24/7 access for night owls. The crowd skews younger, lots of freelancers and content creators, but everyone is genuinely working, not just posing for Instagram. Canggu itself has exploded in popularity, so book early if you’re visiting during high season.
7. Betahaus, Berlin
Berlin remains one of Europe’s top cities for remote workers, and Betahaus is a big reason why. Located in Kreuzberg, one of the city’s most creative neighborhoods, this space attracts a serious mix of tech founders, designers, and independent professionals.
The facilities are top-tier. Standing desks, quiet rooms, a proper café, and event spaces that host legitimate industry meetups. I appreciated that Betahaus doesn’t try to be a party venue disguised as a workspace. You show up, you work, and the environment supports that. Monthly rates are reasonable for Berlin, and they offer flexible plans if you’re only staying a few weeks.
How to Pick the Right Coworking Space Abroad
Not every coworking space fits every worker. I learned this the hard way after signing a month-long membership at a place in Chiang Mai that turned out to be a glorified internet café with plastic chairs. Here’s what I check before committing anywhere.
Internet speed is non-negotiable. Look for spaces that publish their speeds or check Coworker.com reviews for real user reports. Anything below 50 Mbps download will frustrate you during video calls. Most quality spaces now offer 100 Mbps or higher.
Consider the community angle too. Some spaces cater to solo freelancers who want silence. Others build programming around networking and socializing. Neither is wrong, but picking the wrong fit will either leave you lonely or distracted. Read recent reviews and check their social media to see what the actual daily experience looks like.
Pricing Models Worth Understanding
Most coworking spaces abroad offer day passes, weekly rates, and monthly memberships. Day passes typically run $10 to $25 depending on the city. Monthly memberships range from $80 in Southeast Asia to $300 or more in European capitals. Some spaces bundle coliving with coworking, which can save money compared to renting both separately. Always ask if they offer a free trial day before committing to a longer plan.
What I Wish I Knew Before Using Coworking Spaces for Remote Workers Abroad
My first year of remote work, I wasted money and time on spaces that looked great online but fell apart in practice. A few hard-won lessons stick with me.
First, “fast Wi-Fi” on a website means nothing. Test it yourself on a trial day, or find someone in a digital nomad Facebook group for that city who can give you a real report. Nomad List and Coworker.com both aggregate user-submitted speed tests, and those numbers tell a more honest story than any marketing page.
Second, location within the city matters more than the space itself. A beautiful coworking space that requires a 45-minute commute from your apartment will drain your energy. I always pick my neighborhood first, then find the closest quality workspace. Walking distance is the goal.
Third, don’t overlook ergonomics. I developed wrist pain after two months at a space with terrible desk heights. Quality spaces invest in proper chairs and adjustable desks. If you walk in and see folding chairs, walk right back out. Your body will thank you six months from now.
Alternatives When Coworking Spaces Aren’t Available
Some towns and smaller cities simply don’t have dedicated coworking options. In those situations, I’ve found reliable backup plans. Hotel lobbies in business-class hotels often have strong Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, and staff usually don’t mind if you buy a coffee and work for a few hours.
Libraries in European cities are another underrated option. Many offer free Wi-Fi and near-perfect silence. I wrote an entire project proposal from the Biblioteca Nacional in Madrid, and it cost me exactly zero euros.
IMO, the best backup is renting an Airbnb with a dedicated workspace and verified fast internet. Filter for listings that mention “laptop-friendly workspace” and check the reviews for internet complaints. It’s not the same community experience, but it keeps you productive when a proper coworking space isn’t nearby.
FAQs
How much do coworking spaces abroad typically cost per month?
Prices vary wildly by region. In Southeast Asia, expect $80 to $150 monthly. European cities like Lisbon or Berlin usually run $150 to $300. Premium spaces in London or Tokyo can hit $400 or more. Most places offer day passes between $10 and $25 if you just need a few days. Always check for weekly rates since they often save money compared to stacking daily passes.
Are coworking spaces for remote workers abroad safe for my equipment?
Most reputable coworking spaces offer lockers, security cameras, and controlled access. I’ve never had anything stolen, but I also never leave my laptop unattended in open areas. Use a locker for valuables, and pick spaces with key card or code entry. Read recent reviews specifically about security if you’re carrying expensive gear.
Can I use coworking spaces on a tourist visa?
This gets legally gray depending on the country. Many remote workers use coworking spaces while on tourist visas without issues, since you’re technically working for a foreign employer and not earning local income. However, countries like Thailand and Indonesia have started cracking down. Research the specific visa rules for your destination, and consider digital nomad visas where available.
What’s the best platform for finding coworking spaces abroad?
Coworker.com is my go-to. It has reviews, photos, and real speed test data for thousands of spaces worldwide. Nomad List is great for comparing entire cities based on internet quality, cost, and community. Google Maps reviews also help since locals and travelers both leave honest feedback there. Cross-reference at least two sources before committing.
Do coworking spaces abroad offer meeting rooms for client calls?
Almost all quality spaces include private meeting rooms or phone booths. Some charge extra for meeting room hours beyond a certain limit, so check the fine print. If client calls are a big part of your day, prioritize spaces with dedicated quiet zones and soundproofed booths. This was a dealbreaker for me more than once.
Conclusion
Finding the right workspace abroad takes a little research, but it completely changes how you feel about remote work. The best coworking spaces give you more than a desk; they give you a rhythm, a community, and a reason to actually look forward to Monday. What’s been your favorite city to work from so far?
