Discover the world’s top cities for Singaporean digital nomads and remote traders. Learn which cities offer the best cost, speed, and time zone mix.

Remote work has taken on a whole new form, especially in Singapore. Once a niche perk, it’s become a permanent setup across many industries, particularly digital roles. Nowadays, it’s common to see people working while traveling, and traders are no exception. Many are taking their careers on the road — some for lifestyle upgrades, others to align with different market hours. More traders also go solo, leaving behind traditional desks and home setups for a flexible, location-independent way of working. However, not all cities are ideal for remote trading. This guide explores five of the best places to live and trade remotely.

What Makes a City Ideal for Traders?
Generally, when choosing a city to trade from, your focus shouldn’t be entirely on the lifestyle. Of course, that’s important. However, the correct location should not negatively impact your trading or cost of living. Knowing this, there are three main factors to remember when shifting to being a trader living the nomad lifestyle: internet speed, cost of living, and time zone.
1. Internet Speed
This one’s non-negotiable. As a trader, most of your work comes from getting real-time data. Think about it: Your charting, like TradingView Singapore and market analysis tools like TradingView Singapore, and the platform you use to place trades, rely on fast (or at least decent) internet connections to get the best execution.
Any lag, whether loading a dashboard or placing an order, can cost you thousands of dollars. You need high-speed, reliable internet that won’t drop out when you’re putting in a trade or making an analysis.
2. Cost of Living
It doesn’t matter if you’re earning thousands working with a prop trading firm remotely or you’re retail trading from your cell phone; you don’t want the new city you’re in to affect how you trade. Live in an expensive city that costs you about $7000 a month. You might start feeling pressured when you don’t hit certain returns, or even begin trading emotionally (which is extremely risky) to make quick income to adapt to the lifestyle.
It’s practical and straightforward: the lower the cost of living, the more you can spread your capital, maintain your trading strategy, experiment, and absorb the ups and downs of trading.
3. Time Zone
When trading remotely, time zone alignment is a big plus, especially if you trade forex or other time-sensitive markets. If you’re trading Singapore pairs or keeping tabs on U.S. or European sessions, the city you’re in can make your daily schedule either smooth or chaotic.
Being in (or close to) the time zones of the markets you trade means better rhythm, focus, and less fatigue. It also makes it easier to stick to routines that support long-term consistency.
5 Global Cities for Remote Traders
Most of the cities on this list are in countries that offer visa-free entry for Singaporeans, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the immigration rules. If you plan to stay for a while or work under a digital nomad visa, speak with an immigration professional to understand how it applies to remote trading.
1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is one of the easiest moves for Singapore-based traders. It’s just across the border, runs on the same GMT+8 time zone, and offers a smooth transition in terms of lifestyle and market alignment.
The internet is fast and reliable, with an average download speed of 154 Mbps (2024). That’s enough for running trading platforms and keeping up with charts in real time without worrying about lag. Also, the cost of living is lower than in Singapore, which gives you more breathing room in your budget. Plus, there’s an intense coworking scene and a growing digital nomad crowd, and you’ve got a solid setup for remote trading.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a long-time favorite for digital nomads, and traders are starting to catch on. The city is just one hour behind Singapore, which means you can stay focused on the Asian markets without shifting your schedule much.
The internet’s surprisingly fast here, averaging 96 Mbps (2024), and the cost of living is low. You can live comfortably, trade stress-free, and still have plenty left over to explore or invest in your setup. Plus, it’s visa-free for Singaporeans, and the local digital nomad community makes it easy to plug in and find your flow.
3. Porto, Portugal
Porto offers a mix of charm and practicality that’s hard to beat. The internet infrastructure is strong, and the city is far more affordable than other parts of Western Europe. So, if you’re trading the European or U.S. trading sessions, Porto’s GMT zone is a significant plus. You get solid overlap with both regions, which is ideal if your strategy revolves around those markets.
4. Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia has built a reputation as one of the most digitally forward countries in the world, and Tallinn reflects that. The internet is fast (averaging 113 Mbps), stable, and accessible. Tallinn also offers e-residency, which can simplify things if you want to manage a trading business remotely. The cost of living is manageable compared to major EU hubs, and the city is especially popular in the summer months with remote workers and traders alike.
Time zone-wise, it’s GMT+2, which is great if you’re focused on European market hours.
5. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín might not be the first place to come to mind for remote trading, but it’s quickly gaining popularity, especially with U.S. traders. It’s on GMT-5, which aligns well with Wall Street hours. The city’s infrastructure has come a long way. Internet speeds are solid, averaging around 103 Mbps, and the cost of living is low compared to most North American cities. Plus, it’s becoming a hotspot for Latin American traders and crypto communities, with plenty of co-working spaces and meetups if you’re looking to connect.

Ready to Rethink Where You Trade?
Going remote as a trader isn’t just about switching locations; it’s about creating a setup that supports better performance and life. The ideal city gives you excellent trade execution, lower costs, and more control over your schedule. Whether you’re sticking close to home or heading halfway across the world, you have options. All you have to do is choose a place that works as hard as you do.