Singapore

Singapore is the premium option in the region. The internet is the fastest in Southeast Asia, public transport is superb, the city is extremely safe, English is the working language and the food, from hawker centres to fine dining, is world class. It is also by far the most expensive base on this list, with rent the biggest cost.

UK, US and most EU passport holders get a visit pass on arrival, typically 30 or 90 days, and must submit the SG Arrival Card. There is no digital nomad visa, and remote work on a visitor pass sits in a grey area. The ONE Pass is aimed at high earners moving to the city rather than short-stay nomads.

Many nomads use Singapore as a short stopover, an admin and meeting hub, or a base between cheaper stays in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, all a short flight or ferry away. It is hot and humid all year, with the heaviest rain from November to January.