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Welcome back to Nomad Cloud. Last edition, we made a BIG announcement! If you missed it you can read it here.

Today is jam-packed as we explore an innovative and distributed method for building a community for digital nomads.

Finally, we have a heart-to-heart about what’s behind all the hype about Albania becoming a new location for nomads.

It’s a massive Friday and a lot more to take in than typically but I promise every single story is worth it. Let’s dive in!

• The #1 destination to live & work according to expats

• Americans are moving to Spain, and prices are going up

• Nomad Nation is building more than just “container homes”

• Albania is whispering in the ear of nomads

Trending News

• I moved to Rome in search of the dolce vita but discovered its dark underbelly

• These 2 Countries Will Join The Schengen Zone Impacting All Travelers And Digital Nomads

• Swiss Mountain Town Aims To Become First Digital Nomad Village In The Alps

• 10 Places That Will Pay You To Live There

The Number 1 Destination to Live and Work Abroad According to CNBC

Mexico tops the list as the happiest destination for expats, with 90% expressing satisfaction, compared to the global average of 72%, according to Internations' "Expat Insider" report. The ranking of 53 destinations evaluates quality of life, settling ease, work abroad, personal finance, and expat essentials. Expats praise Mexico for its easy settlement, friendly locals, and affordable living. Spain takes second place (87% satisfaction) with its leisure scene, work-life balance, and Panama follows (81%) for making friends and financial security. The top 10 also includes Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa Rica, Philippines, Bahrain, and Portugal. In contrast, Kuwait, Norway, Turkey, South Korea, and Germany are the least satisfying destinations for expats.

Our Take

These areas are historically been where expats from around the world go but what strikes me is the other areas that are emerging of recent like Costa Rica, Taiwan, and even Bahrain. It appears those areas will be more popular for people looking for a new adventure as there isn’t too much out there about them.

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Meet Our Official Partner: GLOBAL RESCUE

Traditional insurance won’t rescue you, and a medical evacuation can cost up to $300,000.

What does it cost to join Global Rescue? Just the price of membership, which starts as low as $139. Global Rescue memberships provide peace of mind with travel services designed for unexpected medical and security emergencies, whether you’re a digital nomad, expat, or family.

If you don’t have a plan in case of an emergency get Global Rescue

Americans Are Moving To Spain But It’s Already Getting Expensive

CNBC reports that an increasing number of Americans are moving to Spain for extended periods, either as digital nomads working abroad or retirees seeking a new life. According to the General Council of Notaries in Spain, the number of Americans living in the country grew by 13% from 2019 to 2021, and home sales to Americans surged by 88% from the first half of 2019 to the first half of 2022. Americans are among the top expat groups purchasing property in Spain, with prices per square meter second only to the Danes. The report also reveals that the most significant growth in home prices during the period was driven by American buyers. To relocate to Spain, individuals must consider property taxes, which are paid upfront, unlike annual payments in the U.S. Additionally, tax implications for income earned in both Spain and the U.S. need careful consideration. Spain offers various visas, including a digital nomad visa and a golden visa for property buyers. However, it is advised to rent first to ensure the chosen location suits preferences and needs. Some Americans are concerned about contributing to housing problems for locals and, as a precaution, prefer renting initially.

Our Take

We know. Everywhere Americans go it get’s “expensive.” But the truth is despite the headlines, America still has a better economy than a majority of places in the world so purchasing power will make an immediate impact. Couple that with a lot of remote workers making the move and using that earning power to buy golden visas and immigration programs, you’re going to continue to see this in Spain and other nations that open up to Americans.

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Apply For Bitung City Nomads Program and Live Island Life Free!

So last edition we made a monumental announcement about free accommodation being offered on an island with the new Bitung City Nomads Program. We had over 50 applications over the last week when we only have 100 spots! If you’re looking to join an exciting new community located in the thousand island region of Indonesia then click here to apply.

Nomad Nation is Company Building A New Vision For Nomad and Is Executing The Vision Well

Nomad Nation is building a worldwide network of co-living villages with truly flexible, furnished leasing. Custom-designed and built from scratch, their residences were created specifically for remote workers and digital nomads. Their first co-living village development is located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

Our Take

We think what Nomad Nation is building is super cool and not just a typical “container home.” If you look at their designs, they are exquisite, that’s what caught my eye.

And it seems to be catching the eye of many others evidenced by this recent viral video of one of their US properties. I would love to see these in exotic locations as they seem to have less environmental damage and take up less space (Bali mega villa I’m looking at you).

The founder Zach Milburn reached out to me as they just announced the licensing of their designs.

What does this mean?

Well, it means you can purchase the rights to build your very own “Node” anywhere in the world. Cool franchise model and since we’re here to encourage any entrepreneurs among us, I’ll share a link to purchase one of them below.

They are discounting the first 100 so act fast if this sort of thing tickles your fancy. Just reply to this email and we’ll get you fast-tracked.

New Episode of Nomad Cloud Available!

What’s Going On In Albania 🇦🇱

In 2023, Albania has emerged as Europe's top digital nomad hub, attracting record numbers of remote workers from the United States. This Balkan country, once isolated due to a communist regime, has undergone significant changes since democratization three decades ago. While not as advanced as neighboring Croatia or Greece, Albania is experiencing a remarkable recovery. Unlike the European Union, which saw a decline in tourism, Albania witnessed a 22.8% increase in stays completed in 2022, totaling close to 3.6 million stays. The country's popularity can be attributed to its affordability, offering a stunning Adriatic coastline and Mediterranean climate at lower consumer costs compared to neighboring capitals. Moreover, Albania's accessibility plays a crucial role. It has eliminated all Covid entry requirements, allowing US citizens to stay for a year without a visa, a benefit not available to Canadians or Europeans. With its liberal entrance requirements and straightforward path to permanent residency, Albania has become a favored destination for digital nomads seeking a "workcation."

Our Take

Every few weeks you hear rumors of a “new digital nomad destination” where just about “everyone is going.” Most of the time it’s a poor marketing attempt by desperate local governments but Albania does seem to have people who are authentically interested in visiting and trying it out. I can’t say it will become a number one hub as I haven’t visited and the competition is massive, but I do think it has a big geo arbitrage opportunity that can be responsible and sustainable long term. If I dip my toes further I will share more, but for now, let’s imagine those beautiful coastal beaches and just think “what if” shall we?

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