Are you a digital nomad deciding on your next stop to visit? Well, Durban is best known for its laid-back beach vibes, surfing culture and increasingly cosmopolitan bars and restaurants but this beach city is also the perfect place for digital nomads. If you’re living the laptop lifestyle, here are 8 reasons why Durban should be the next destination where you come to work (and play)…
#1 There’s a great café – and coffee – culture
It’s might be a bit of a cliché as a digital nomad, but if coffee really does fuel your productivity then you’ll be well looked after in Durban. There’s a whole host of coffee shops where you can get your caffeine fix and get some work done. Some of our recommendations are Glenwood Bakery, Skyline and Colombo Coffee.
Planning to head to the beach when you clock off? Set up at Circus Circus for work with a sea view – this popular spot is right on the promenade and serves up a great breakfast so you can fuel up for the working day.
#2 There’s plenty of sunshine – all year round
Chasing the sun isn’t a bad way to spend your days, but it can mean dodging wet seasons and planning your itinerary around the weather. Not so in Durban. Unlike South Africa’s other cities that feel the cold in the winter months, we’ve got a year-round tropical climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 24 degrees so you can hit the beach at any time of year.
#3 There’s tonnes of ways to unwind and unplug
When you spend a lot of time staring at a screen as a digital nomad, it’s important to step back and unplug sometimes. Getting that work-life balance couldn’t be easier than in Durban – there are loads of ways to kick back, from strolling the Golden Mile to joining in one of our beachfront yoga sessions.
Need some extended time out? Durban is the coastal gateway to Kwa-Zulu Natal region which is home to game reserves, national parks and the stunning Drakensberg Mountains. Spend a weekend getting back into nature with us and we guarantee you’ll return to work refreshed and raring to go.
#4 You won’t break the bank
One of the biggest considerations for any digital nomad has to be the cost of living. When you’re looking for somewhere to stay long term, you want to know that your hard-earned cash will stretch. South Africa is an affordable destination wherever you go, but Durban is even more budget-friendly than other cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. To put it in perspective, you can get great coffee for less than $2 (more on that later), eat out at some seriously good restaurants for under $10 and a night in one of our stylish dorms will only set you back around $12.
#5 You can learn something new
When you work for yourself, you probably spend a lot of time upskilling. But what about outside of work? Travelling is a great time to get out of your comfort zone and learn something new. Whether you want to dive into one of our surf lessons or cook cuisine with the locals, we can hook you up here so you can take a new skill home.
#6 Visas? No problem
Between clients and coordinating travel plans, you’re definitely too busy to be bothered by lengthy visa processes. No worries! Residents from many countries, including the US and those across Europe, can spend up to 90 days in South Africa visa-free. If you want to stay longer – and you probably will – then you can extend for a small fee.
#7 You can be part of a co-working community
Yes, you’re living the dream but freelancing anywhere in the world can get lonely at times. Plus, it’s always good to be around like-minded people to share ideas, stresses and the occasional after-work beer. Durban is home to some great co-working spaces like Green Door and Smart Space where you can meet other freelancers and creatives.
#8 The Wi-Fi is speedy
We’ve left arguably the most important point on this list until last. Unless you’re doing a deliberate digital detox, no-one wants to be stuck somewhere with a shoddy Wi-Fi connection – especially not when your work depends on being online. Deadlines and dial-up just don’t go hand in hand.
Luckily, Durban is well connected with high-speed internet so you’ll spend less time searching for a strong connection and more time out exploring the city. And if you choose to stay with us, we’ve got fast, free Wi-Fi on-site and plenty of spaces to work.
If you’re planning to make Durban your next stop and want to stay in stylish accommodation, meet like-minded travellers and live like a local, then check out our rooms.
