Hong Kong should embrace digital nomads

Are you a nomad or an office dweller?

Digital nomads or those traveling freely to different locations while using technology to work remotely are on the rise.

Very often digital nomads help foster entrepreneurship and create technology clusters around the globe. They connect and exchange ideas with local workers, acting as catalysts for knowledge and resource flows between regions, benefiting themselves, their organizations and their host countries.

In fact, the digital nomad lifestyle has positive impacts on local economies.

Nomads invest time and inject money in the community, without taking local jobs. They also contribute to an ongoing shift in local culture and demographics.

Nomad List's State of Digital Nomads 2022 Report shows the average nomad earns a median income of US$85,000 (HK$663,000) a year and typically stays in one country for eight months.

As more companies allow remote work, more destinations are embracing these globetrotters for their economic value.

What are the factors that make some places appealing to digital nomads?

Though each and every nomad has their own need and preference, there are common things that make some destinations more conducive to the digital nomad lifestyle.

The Digital Nomad Index 2024 compiled by Circleloop, a telecom firm, is a comprehensive ranking system that evaluates and ranks countries based on their suitability for digital nomads.

The index considers various factors critical for remote workers who travel and live in different countries, such as internet connectivity, affordability, public transport and the time zone for working and meeting deadlines.

The greatest thing about being a digital nomad is really feeling like you live in and are a part of the host city. So culture, climate and a sense of community are therefore important factors to allow you to live like a local.

In addition, public safety and health, a digital nomad-friendly visa program, simple tax rate and coworking culture also rank high.

Canada, the United Kingdom and Romania are the top three ranked countries for digital nomads.

Canada scores 74.35 at the top of the list. It offers excellent employment opportunities with companies such as Google and MasterCard and a friendly environment as one of the largest tech hubs globally.

The UK comes second with a 63.43 score. It is home to a thriving tech ecosystem due largely to its language advantage, rich historical heritage, vibrant cultural scene and diverse experiences.

Romania is the third most attractive destination for digital nomads with a 62.28 score because of its fast-growing IT market and affordable internet access.

Singapore and Hong Kong are leading cities in Asia and rank 15th and 36th with scores of 58.76 and 53.33 respectively.

Hong Kong is an ideal hotspot for digital nomads due to its good broadband connectivity, modern infrastructure and a plethora of remote working spots with breathtaking views.

The median download speeds of fixed and mobile internet connections in Hong Kong stood at 275.17 Mbps and 63.3 Mbps in January 2024, according to Statista.

Hong Kong offers some of the best remote working spots with stunning views of the harbor, city skyline and sea.

The city allows a unique blend of British and Chinese culture. The English-speaking local community makes nomads' social interactions easy. And as solo travelers, they would feel very safe walking around even after midnight.

However, the higher cost of living and no specific visa option are barriers to attracting digital nomads to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong welcomes both nomads and settlers. The city should offer digital nomad visas and make it an exciting destination with an unbeatable combination of modernity, culture and convenience for digital nomads.

Dr Jolly Wong is a policy fellow at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge