"When the remote work movement exploded in the 2010s, the island offered a dream scenario: cheap villas, endless sun, and a community of creators and entrepreneurs. But like every boom, it eventually came with growing pains. Prices soared. Wi-Fi became unreliable in overpopulated areas. Visa rules tightened. And as Bali became saturated with influencers and YouTubers, many nomads started feeling like the island had lost its authenticity."
"When borders reopened and Europe began introducing digital nomad visas, the scene changed overnight. Countries like Portugal, Spain, Hungary, and Croatia began rolling out low-tax residency programs, freelancer-friendly visas, and affordable healthcare. Suddenly, digital nomads realized they could enjoy a European lifestyle with cobblestone streets, cafe culture, and fast Wi-Fi often for less than what they were spending in Southeast Asia. Add in world-class infrastructure, direct flights, and rich cultural diversity, and Europe's draw became irresi"
By 2025 a quiet migration of remote workers began from Bali to European cities such as Lisbon and Budapest. Bali's early appeal—cheap villas, sun, and a creator community—gave way to rising prices, unreliable Wi-Fi, tighter visa rules, and cultural saturation that eroded authenticity. European countries introduced digital nomad visas and low-tax residency, paired with freelancer-friendly rules and affordable healthcare. Many nomads found European cities offered fast internet, reliable infrastructure, direct flights, and varied cultural experiences often at comparable or lower cost than Southeast Asia. The shift reflects changing priorities among remote workers toward stability and connectivity.
Read at www.wanderwithjo.com
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