What is a digital nomad?

You see and hear about it more and more these days on the internet and in the media: digital nomads. But what exactly is this?
In simple terms, a digital nomad is someone who works remotely. This can be abroad.
The idea is to combine working and travelling. Many digital nomads work from tropical places like Bali to work and travel. Many of these people travel the world with their laptops.

This may seem very difficult, but many employers nowadays give their employees the opportunity to work from home - and thus remotely. So it is also just possible to become a digital nomad if you work in salaried employment, but of course it is easier if you have your own business, so you can decide your own times and organise your day.

Many digital nomads work in cafés, for example, over coffee or drinks. Or what you also see more and more these days: coworking spaces. These are places where digital nomads of different nationalities can come together to work, exchange ideas and get inspired.

One of the most famous places in the world among digital nomads is Bansko in Bulgaria. This is a small mountain town in Blagoevgrad province in south-west Bulgaria, against the Pirin Mountains.
In fact, Bansko has become so popular that the BBC recently covered it.

Several coworking spaces have also sprung up in Bansko in recent years. Besides, the facilities and conditions are excellent in Bansko for this specific target group.

How Bansko has become a digital nomad hub as Bulgaria's largest ski resort

Bansko is located in southwest Bulgaria, in Blagoevgrad province at the foot of the high mountains of the Pirin. For years, it has been known as the largest ski resort in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. Consequently, tourists from all corners of the world come here to ski and snowboard.
But it is not only in winter that Bansko overflows with tourists. In fact, it is an all-season resort and so there is plenty to do and experience all year round.

Bansko in winter

Bansko in summer

The city of Bansko

Bansko is not only a ski resort, but also a spa and golf resort. And then there is the beautiful vast nature with waterfalls, ancient forests, and mountain peaks! You can do endless hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities here.

Finally, there are other beautiful places outside the city, such as the neighbouring villages of Dobrinishte, Razlog and Banya, and the many chapels and cultural sites.

There is plenty to experience around Bansko. And all at low cost!

Let that be precisely why so many digital nomads have settled here since 2016, when a German entrepreneur moved to Bansko to explore the possibilities of setting up a coworking space here.
He was attracted by the rich nature, fast wifi, affordable living and low taxes.

He later started Bansko's first coworking space: Coworking Bansko. It grew quickly and in 2020 he launched the Bansko Nomad Fest, which has been organised every year since. And with success; it is always sold out in no time!

The beauty of Bansko is that life is relaxed. Where you can hit the slopes in the morning, you sit in the sun with your laptop in the afternoon. The people in the area are also nice, helpful and make you feel at home very quickly.

Bansko is booming. And not just for digital nomads, but also for all kinds of tourists!

Why Bansko? 5 reasons why Bansko is so attractive to digital nomads

Bansko, a charming town in Bulgaria's Pirin Mountains, has quickly developed into a popular hub for digital nomads. This emerging destination offers a unique combination of natural beauty, affordable cost of living and a growing community of like-minded professionals.

Discover the five reasons why Bansko is considered the ideal destination for location-independent working!

1. Natural beauty and outdoor activities

Bansko is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, ski slopes, hiking trails and Bulgaria's first golf resort, Pirin Golf. It is an outdoor lover's paradise, with activities such as skiing in winter and hiking, mountain biking and mountain climbing in the warmer months.

But there is so much more to experience in Bansko; a Jeep safari, a quad safari, golfing, mini-golf and much more. And then, of course, you can just enjoy the sunshine and delicious food on one of the many terraces!

For digital nomads seeking a balance between work and relaxation, Bansko offers countless opportunities to dive into nature and leave the stress of work behind, combined with the beautiful views.

Bansko is sandwiched between three mountain ranges: Pirin, Rhodopes and Rila. Here you will find plenty of untouched nature where you can take a breather.
All these mountain peaks provide beautiful views throughout the region!

2. Affordability

One of the biggest advantages of Bansko is its affordability. Compared to other popular digital nomad destinations in Europe, the cost of accommodation, food and entertainment in Bansko is significantly lower.
This makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking to optimise their budget without sacrificing quality of life, although things will be just a little more expensive in Bansko itself in the region.

Groceries, for example, are often up to half cheaper than in Western Europe. And what about rental prices?
Not to mention the cost of taxes, water, electricity and any insurance. These amounts are ridiculously low when compared to other countries.

3. International community and coworking spaces

Bansko has a rapidly growing community of digital nomads and expats. This is reinforced by the presence of several coworking spaces such as Coworking Bansko, where nomads come together to work, network and exchange knowledge.
These coworking spaces offer all the necessary facilities, such as high-speed internet connections, comfortable workstations and common areas for relaxation and social interaction.

Regular events such as workshops, meetups and social activities foster a sense of community and support professional and personal growth.

Bansko is known as a very international community. People from all over the world come to Bansko to live and work. This makes it easy(er) to integrate in Bansko, whether you are a digital nomad or just someone who sees their new future here.
This makes it not a must to speak Bulgarian, although of course it can be very useful in some situations.

4. Culture and lifestyle

Life in Bansko offers a unique blend of traditional Bulgarian culture and modern conveniences.
The town is rich in history, with old churches, cobbled streets and traditional festivals offering a glimpse of local culture.
At the same time, there are plenty of modern restaurants, cafés and bars where you can enjoy mostly Bulgarian dishes, such as the Shopska salad or Kapama.

In addition, there are endless opportunities to relax in one of the many bath houses, spas, nature reserves, etc. There are also several museums in the region where you can learn more about the culture in Bansko and what happened in the past.

Bulgarian culture is very rich in festivals, music, costumes and traditions. Every month there is at least one big party, which Bulgarians are quite fond of.
These parties are known for traditional costumes, world-famous Bulgarian folk music and traditional dances.

So do you like partying with good food in beautiful surroundings and a pleasant climate? Then Bansko is the place for you!

5. Accessibility

Bansko is easily accessible from Bulgaria's capital Sofia, which has an international airport with regular direct flights to many European cities, including London and Birmingham.
A direct bus or taxi ride will take you from Sofia to Bansko in about two hours, making it easy for digital nomads to get around for probably no more than €10 per person.
The train is also possible, but this is a whole day's journey.

And then, of course, it is also just possible to rent a car for a nice price, which will get you to Bansko in a two-hour drive along the motorway.

Sometimes it is even possible to be picked up by an airport shuttle, if you are staying in a specific hotel or other place that offers this.

What is life like in Bansko? An insight into life in Bulgaria's mountains

Life in Bansko as a digital nomad can mostly be summed up in one word: cheap. And that without compromising on quality of life. Well, if you exclude the many bad roads then.

The Bansko region has everything: nature, mountains, hills, old nostalgic trains, large and small supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, ski slopes, bars, parks, meadows, museums, nice people, etc.
Basic needs are all accessible in a short time, such as healthcare, schools and shops.

Healthcare in Bulgaria is known to be cheap. Most healthcare staff are well trained, but often lack the good quality equipment. In addition, many hospitals and practices often have the appearance of a prison or look like they might collapse at any moment. So not really places you like to visit.
There are small hospitals in Bansko and in Razlog. There are also lots of dental practices that suffer from the same problems, although the staff are often competent.

Supermarkets are plentiful in the region. Big supermarket chains like Billa, Lidl and T-Market, as well as a VIT-Market, and every village is full of small private supermarkets, which are often cheaper than the big chains.
There is also a market in Bansko every Sunday from 8 to 2, and all the surrounding towns also have their own markets on different days. Dobrinishte on Wednesdays and Razlog on Mondays, for example.

Every village has a primary school, and the larger towns of Bansko and Razlog also have secondary schools. For (higher) vocational schools and universities, you will have to go to the big city. Blagoevgrad (45 minutes' drive), Sofia (2 hours' drive) or Plovdiv (2 hours and 45 minutes' drive) are the nearest cities. These are also nice cities to visit and shop.

So nothing to worry about when it comes to basic needs.

But you don't have to compromise on luxury in Bansko either. It is teeming with restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, spas and fun activities like miniature golf and skiing everywhere.

Pirin National Park

Nature in Bulgaria is particularly stunning. You can hike, mountain bike and unwind in the forests everywhere. There is still real nature here, which has unfortunately disappeared in the Netherlands.
Bansko is surrounded by no less than three very large national parks: Pirin National Park, Rila National Park and Rhodopes Mountain Range National Park. All three are known for their rich flora and fauna and enchantingly beautiful nature. They are home to bears, wolves, many species of birds of prey and much more.

So plenty of nature to enjoy!

These are the pros and cons of Bansko as a digital nomad

There are many advantages to living in Bansko. Of course, you've just been able to read about five key points, but here's another clear overview of the advantages.

1. Life is relaxed. The people are nice and helpful, all facilities are nearby, the roads are good, the prices sense low; everything is there to make it a successful trip!
2. It's cheap. Bulgaria is still one of the cheapest countries in Europe, which you are going to see reflected in your wallet. Groceries, rent, taxes, insurance, eating out, fun activities: everything is affordable.
3. The weather is (almost) always nice. Bansko is one of the sunniest regions in Europe. You can enjoy the sun all year round, and even in winter it is often great to relax on the terrace, overlooking the snow-capped mountains.
4. It is secluded yet close to everything. Bansko lies between three major mountain ranges: Rila, Pirin and the Rhodopes. This makes for a wonderfully peaceful and pleasant atmosphere and plenty of unspoilt nature. And yet the big city and the motorway are just a 45-minute drive away.
5. Everything is modernised. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. As modernisation and upgrading take place, it is increasingly overrun by tourists, cameras are coming and you see a lot of foreign influences.
6. The internet is super fast. There is superfast and stable cable internet and wifi everywhere in Bulgaria. A must for digital nomads!
7. Lots of nature. If you love nature, Bansko is definitely a must. Mountains, waterfalls, hills, meadows, various forests: you'll find a bit of everything here.
8. Delicious food. Bulgarian cuisine is quite underrated as far as I'm concerned. It has many delicious dishes to offer, such as the shopska salad and mostly lots of meat. Yoghurt is also a Bulgarian invention and you will find it everywhere! The Bansko region is full of good traditional Bulgarian restaurants.
9. There is public transport. Yes, there is public transport: train, bus, taxi. These often run on time, but the quality leaves quite a bit to be desired. But that's what the price is for!

But of course, Bansko also has some drawbacks:

1. There is a lot of poverty. Bulgaria is still one of the poorer countries in Europe. Although it is not a Third World country, you still regularly see 'gypsies' with horse and cart and many people live in dilapidated houses.
2. Bansko is becoming increasingly expensive. You have inflation everywhere, but prices have shot through the roof in Bansko in recent years, partly because of the many tourists. And it looks like the Euro will be introduced in 2025, making everything even more expensive.
3. Many roads can be bad. Many roads have been and are being renovated, but there can still be quite a few bad ones in the region. In addition, many Bulgarians drive quite aggressively. Drive carefully and avoid the huge potholes you may encounter.
4. Everything is being modernised. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. As modernisation and improvements take place, it is increasingly overrun by tourists, cameras are more and more common and you see a lot of foreign influences.

Is a life as a digital nomad for you? 3 points to look out for

The life of a digital nomad sounds like music to many people's ears; earning a living with a laptop in a hammock on the beach.
Yet it is not as easy as it seems. Making this a reality involves an awful lot. And even then, it is often too good to be true, because a hammock is not the most comfortable and effective working position and there is usually no internet and power on the beach.
So the pretty talk and photos on Instagram are often nonsense, although these people do lead a nice life.

Does life as a digital nomad seem like something for you? Then you need to pay attention to a lot of things and arrange a lot of things. Here are three points to bear in mind if you want to work as a digital nomad, wherever in the world that may be.

1. Have a piggy bank and make a budget for yourself

Money is an important resource in the life of a digital nomad. It is hard to survive without it.
It is essential that you build up a piggy bank or some assets well in advance to live on at your new (temporary) destination. This is because as a digital nomad, you may not always be sure of a stable income, as you are dependent on the internet and online customers.

Therefore, make sure you have something behind you to bridge this or cover unexpected expenses, because in a foreign country, you never know what you might run into.

As you will certainly not earn that much in the beginning, it is important to make a budget for yourself. How much do you think you will spend on living expenses? And on rent? And then, of course, you want to have some left over to do fun things and invest.
Get this clear for yourself and put everything on paper or in an Excel sheet. That way, you will immediately know what you need to earn every month to keep some money left over.

There is plenty on Pinterest and on the internet about digital nomads sharing what their monthly costs are. This can be useful to get some clarity on what it will roughly cost.

The great thing about Bansko and Bulgaria in general is that costs are very low. Even for the Dutch minimum wage, you can live like a king here!

2. Think carefully about what kind of work you want to do and how you envisage it

What do you expect from your trip as a digital nomad? Why would you want to go to Bansko or not? Do you have enough savings and do you really want to go? Think about this carefully and consider how you would like to be in Bansko.

Never been to Bansko before or want to go there again? A trial trip is always a good idea. For instance, go to Bansko for a few days, a week or maybe even a month to see if you like the city, the people, the life and the surroundings.

Besides enjoying yourself, there is of course work to be done. What are you good at and/or what would you like to do?

Of course, the work you do partly determines your happiness in life. You can have a crappy job but also a nice and well-run business of your own. This is in your own hands.
Think carefully beforehand about what you actually want. Do you want to keep working at your current employer, but remotely? Or do you want to start something yourself? Perhaps a new job that allows you to work remotely?

There are an awful lot of different professions you can do remotely; customer service assistant, photographer, graphic designer, web designer, software developer, blogger, writer, filmmaker, (online) coach, marketing consultant and many more.

The possibilities are incredibly wide in Bansko, as you can of course also just go and work physically if this suits you more. At restaurants, hotels, ski schools, shops or anything else. You can also start your own physical business in time!

It is important to think about this well in advance and start working a few months before you leave. That way, you already have a good basis upon arrival and avoid surprises.

3. Get the right equipment and travel gear

As a digital nomad, the gear you take with you is of course hugely important. But how you take it with you is also important. After all, you will probably go by plane, so then you cannot take too much luggage.

Maybe you will only take a suitcase and a backpack. Of course, it depends on you how much clothing and other stuff you want to bring, as long as you pack it efficiently and bring good quality. After all, you'll be on the road a lot and not much at home, so then the last thing you want is to have to drag awkward stuff around with you or stuff that breaks easily.

But of course, it is not a standard holiday. After all, you're also going to work. And so you also need a well-functioning laptop whose battery lasts some hours too (priority number one!). And what about laptop accessories, such as a mouse, earphones, headphones and perhaps a keyboard stand?
Also arrange for a local SIM card, so you can have internet outside the door and make calls should you need to. After all, a British subscription can be massively expensive abroad.

It is useful to install the necessary apps on your laptop in advance, depending on the kind of work you will be doing. Think for example of Skype, Teams, Google Meet and TripMode. That way, you can start right after you arrive!

Location-independent work in Bansko: 10 tips for a hassle-free and unforgettable adventure

Working in another country you probably don't know very well is exciting and requires good preparation. After all, you don't yet know the rules, the language and the opportunities.
Therefore, here are ten tips to get you started.

1. Book your accommodation in advance. Especially during the ski season (December to March) when demand is higher. Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com and local Facebook groups can be useful to find an accommodation or coliving space. Of course, you can also contact a local real estate agent.
2. Work in coworking spaces. Take advantage of coworking spaces like Coworking Bansko, which offer not only good workspaces, but also a community of like-minded professionals with whom you can exchange ideas and spar with.
3. Attend events. Attend local events, meetups and workshops to network and meet new people. Coworking Bansko organises regular activities. And every June, the Digital Nomad Fest takes place, with digital nomads from all over the world coming together in Bansko.
4. Enjoy nature. Bansko is known for its vast nature and hiking trails. Take advantage of the beautiful nature by hiking, skiing or cycling in the Pirin Mountains. This is not only good for your physical health, but also a great way to relax after a working day.
5. Check if you need a visa. As Bulgaria is part of the EU, as an EU citizen you do not need a visa, but if you are from outside the EU, make sure you comply with Bulgaria's visa and residence rules.
6. Keep in mind rising costs. Although Bansko is very affordable, it is good to manage your costs. Take into account seasonal price increases in winter and plan accordingly. Since Bulgaria will most likely join the Euro-zone in 2025, prices will rise significantly.
7. Make sure you have good and stable internet. If you also want to work from your accommodation, you will obviously want to have good internet. Check this in advance. It is also advisable to buy a local sim card for your phone. A1, Yettel and Vivacom are good and affordable providers in Bulgaria.
8. Bear in mind conversion costs and a different currency. Bulgaria does not yet have the Euro, but the Lev. Bear in mind that any purchase you make using your British bank card may incur conversion charges. Also, exchanging cash can be an expensive joke at the 'Change' counters. This is better done at a bank, in our experience.
9. Bring a good working laptop! This goes without saying of course, but for a digital nomad, a working laptop is of course basic necessity number one. So preferably bring this with you from your country.
10. Try to learn the language. If you are staying in Bansko for a longer period of time, it is of course useful if you also speak a little Bulgarian. However, this is a very complex language to learn, but a must if you interact with locals a lot or want to stay in Bulgaria permanently. 

By keeping these tips in mind, you can optimise your experience as a digital nomad in Bansko and enjoy everything this charming city has to offer.

Does a life as a digital nomad seem like something for you? Here are 3 drawbacks

The life of a digital nomad seems so easy and therefore so attractive. Travelling around the world with a laptop, working on your laptop on a terrace in the sun in between and meeting new people to collaborate with.

Yet it is not always what it seems. You can read here why it's definitely not for everyone.

1. You're always on the road with no fixed place of residence

Always travelling is obviously a lot of fun and provides you with a lot of new memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life. You also meet many new people of different nationalities, see other parts of the world, learn about other cultures and, of course, gain fun and useful (work) experiences.

This lifestyle will be music to many people's ears, but many others need more permanence and a fixed 'home'. Then the life of a digital nomad is not for you anyway.
And that does not matter of course, everyone has their own priorities!

Because you are on the road so much and end up in foreign countries where you don't know anyone and don't speak the language, it can regularly feel lonely. Of course, some people can deal with this better than others.

2. Finding a place to stay

Finding a good and suitable place to stay for an extended period of time can be very tricky, no matter where in the world you want to go. In the case of Bansko, there are indeed several options, such as hotels and coliving, but this can be expensive and quickly booked in high season.

And have you finally found something, you run the risk of it being dirt cheap in reality. And then you're stuck with it.

Of course, you also need good internet in your accommodation. This can still be a problem sometimes if you're in a budget location....

You will probably often work outside, but then it also remains to be seen whether there is stable internet, unless you are in a coworking space.

3. It's always more expensive than you think

Of course, Bansko is not expensive compared to other countries, but still, you will always be more expensive than you expected beforehand. Plane tickets are often not cheap as it is, and then you have to sleep somewhere. After all, most digital nomads do not want to sleep in a hostel. After all, a bit of privacy is in order when you are somewhere for a month or more.
For a nice house or flat, however, you really pay a lot more.

And then you also want to do nice things. You obviously want to take the Gondola cable car to the top and other activities. This is not free either.

In short: your bank account empties faster than you expected, even if you made such a good budget.

Conclusion: is Bansko worth it for digital nomads?

Bansko offers an attractive combination of affordability, natural beauty, a supportive community and a rich culture, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads. Whether you are looking for adventure in the mountains, a place to focus your work or a warm community of like-minded people, Bansko has it all.

Bansko is therefore the ideal place for digital nomads, whether you stay there temporarily or permanently. It is rightly one of the digital nomad hubs of the world!

Frequently asked questions about digital nomads

What can you earn as a digital nomad?

Many people ask what you can earn as a digital nomad. There is no direct answer to this. It depends on what kind of work you do, how many hours you work, etc. On average, most digital nomads earn between €46,000 and €234,000, according to research firm Statista.

What are well-known places for digital nomads?

Places where many digital nomads are located include Tokyo, Bali, cities in Mexico and several European cities, including Bansko.

How many digital nomads are there?

Today, there are nearly 40 million digital nomads! And this is still growing every year.