28 January 2023 · Packing Up and Landing Smooth · Global
Finding Coworking Spaces Abroad: What Matters
Relocation coach here—part cheerleader, part logistics nerd, and 100 % committed to making sure your laptop has a happy new home. Whether you’re escaping your dining-table “office” or testing the digital-nomad waters for the first time, the coworking scene can feel like a maze of punch cards, day passes, and oddly flavoured kombucha. So let’s map it out together.
Why Coworking Deserves Its Own Playbook
Before we dive into checklists and budget spreadsheets, a quick reality check: where you work shapes how you work. A cramped café with shaky wi-fi can derail the greatest relocation plan, while the right coworking hub becomes an instant community, a productivity engine, and—let’s be honest—a sanity saver when homesickness sneaks in.
In short, nailing the coworking decision early helps everything else (housing, social life, even visa choices) fall neatly into place.
Pre-Move Preparation Checklist
Think of this as packing your “workspace luggage.” Ignore it and you’ll be stuck balancing your laptop on a hostel pillow at 3 a.m. Follow it and you’ll land with a shortlist of spaces ready for that first work sprint.
1. Pinpoint Your Non-Negotiables
Bulletproof wi-fi is a given, but go deeper:
- Workstyle match: Need silent zones? Casual chatter? 24/7 access?
- Community vibe: Corporate, startup, or artsy?
- Commute reality: 10-minute walk or one bus plus metro? Test it on Google Maps in weekday rush hour mode.
- Ergonomics: Adjustable chairs, standing desks, real monitors. Trust me—your spine will thank you.
“List what ruins your flow before you leave home. That clarity saves hours of trial-and-error searching.”
2. Research Like a Local Reporter
Start with city-specific Facebook groups, Nomad List, and subreddits. Then cross-reference each space on Maps—reviews often reveal whether “super-fast internet” actually means 100 Mbps or just enthusiastic marketing.
My pro move: schedule two virtual tours the week before departure. Hearing background noise and seeing desk density on Zoom is shockingly telling.
3. Build a Shortlist Spreadsheet
Include:
| Column | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Name & Location | So you stop mixing up “Campus Hub” and “Hub Campus.” |
| Drop-in Price / Monthly Rate | Currency-converted to your budget. |
| Internet Speed (up/down) | Ask for screenshots, not claims. |
| Opening Hours | Note public-holiday closings—common in Europe and LatAm. |
| Community Events | From pitch nights to yoga—how often and how relevant? |
| Contact Person | A name speeds up any future troubleshooting. |
4. Consider a Scouting Trip
If time allows, a 48-hour test-run saves a mountain of guesswork. Our deep dive on planning those recon missions—Scouting Trips: How to Plan Before Moving—walks you through flights, local SIM cards, and even the etiquette of popping into three coworking spots in a single afternoon.
5. Line Up Backup Options
Murphy’s Law loves international relocations. A sudden closure for “renovations” or a May Day parade cutting off bus routes can nuke Plan A. Keep at least one café, one library, and one alternate coworking space in your back pocket.
Arrival Week Must-Dos
Congrats—you and your suitcase have landed. Now let’s turn that shortlist into a functioning daily routine.
Day 1: SIM, Transport, and Settling
- Grab a local SIM or eSIM at the airport—the coworking staff will DM you entry codes on WhatsApp, not carrier pigeon.
- Load local transit apps (or sign up for a bike-share). Nothing kills momentum like hunting for coins on the bus.
- Stash your laptop in the apartment safe; go explore neighbourhood vibes first.
Day 2: The Trial-Pass Marathon
Book two-hour blocks in three different spaces. Yes, you’ll feel like Goldilocks, but you need real-time data:
- Log internet speeds using fast.com.
- Note desk availability at the exact time you’d normally log on.
- Gauge “noise leakage” (headphones off for a minute).
- Test coffee—life is too short for burnt espresso.
Day 3–5: Community Calibration
By mid-week, pick the top two contenders and show up for events:
- Lunch-and-learn sessions.
- Member breakfasts.
- After-hours drinks.
Watch how people interact—forced smiles or genuine collaboration? A good fit feels like walking into a friend’s living room (without being asked to wash the dishes).
Day 6–7: Decision and Logistics
- Negotiate. Many spaces waive the setup fee if you commit on the spot.
- Complete paperwork (passport scan, local address, sometimes a tax number).
- Flag special needs—external monitor rental, extra locker, mailing address.
Lock it in, pay, and celebrate with that artisanal kombucha.
Budgeting Tips for the First Month
A common rookie mistake is underestimating how wildly coworking fees vary across borders. São Paulo’s premier hub can cost less per month than a single week in downtown Amsterdam. Here’s how to keep your wallet intact.
1. Separate Core & Flex Expenses
Core = monthly membership.
Flex = meeting-room hours, printer credits, barista specials, community dinners.
Track them separately or your “cheap” 180 € desk morphs into a 400 € monster by week three.
2. Use Multi-City Memberships—But Read the Fine Print
Big chains like WeWork All-Access or Impact Hub Passport sound great, yet:
- Some cities only allow three days per month.
- Private-room hours can cost extra.
- Weekend access may vanish entirely.
Run a back-of-the-napkin calculation: will you actually bounce between locations enough to justify it?
3. Factor Hidden Costs
- Commute passes: Monthly metro card vs. ride-shares.
- Meals: Does the space include a kitchen? Eating out daily destroys budgets.
- Exchange fees: Paying in local currency with a bad card adds 3–5 %. Use a fintech card with no foreign-transaction fees.
4. Play the Day-Pass Game (Strategically)
If you’re the wandering type, stringing together day passes can still be cheaper in high-cost cities—especially if you schedule heavy meeting days elsewhere (client HQ, rented apartments with fiber). Just remember to pre-book; popular spaces cap daily visitors.
5. Leverage Community Discounts
Many hubs partner with gyms, cafés, even language schools. Ask. The worst they can say is “no,” and often they’ll toss you a 10 % off code faster than you can pronounce gracias.
Tools and Local Resources
Digital Helpers
- Coworker.com – Global directory with photos, pricing, and real user reviews.
- FocusCommit – Maps noise levels and seat availability in real time (available in 40+ cities).
- Speedtest by Ookla – Keep it on your phone; managers respect actual numbers.
- BorderPilot Planner – (Shameless but useful) Auto-generates a relocation timeline, visa reminders, and yes, coworking comparisons, all in one dashboard.
Community Connectors
- Meetup & InterNations – Great for niche professional groups.
- Slack/Discord city channels – Search “
tech,” “ freelance,” etc. - Local chambers of commerce – Surprisingly welcoming to digital nomads; many host free networking breakfasts in coworking spaces.
Local Government & Visa Portals
Some countries offer tax perks or visa extensions if you use certified tech hubs (Portugal’s “StartUP Voucher,” Estonia’s e-Residency coworking list). Check official city websites or ask the coworking manager—they often have a direct line to the municipality.
Quick anecdote: I once extended my Thai visa purely because the coworking space staff walked me across the street to the immigration office, forms in hand. Never underestimate local knowledge.
What About Co-Living + Coworking Combos?
If you’re reading this as a Gen Z freelancer who loves community kitchens and rooftop screenings, combine housing and workspace. Our article on Gen-Z Nomads: Building a Career Without Borders unpacks how co-living hubs eliminate commute costs, fast-track friendships, and occasionally teach you to cook shakshuka at 2 a.m.
Key watch-outs:
- Check guest policies—some ban overnight visitors.
- Ask about soundproofing; endless Zoom calls next to a shared dorm can be…awkward.
- Don’t rely solely on their wi-fi claims; speed-test during peak Netflix hours.
Common Pitfalls & How to Dodge Them
- Signing annual contracts in a city you haven’t experienced for a full season. (Rainy season energy can be very different from sun-kissed tourist brochures.)
- Ignoring seat reservations. Dedicated desks go fast; if your space runs a hot-desk free-for-all, show up by 9 a.m. or accept the beanbag fate.
- Over-networking. Yes, community is gold, but saying “yes” to every event drains productivity. Pick two per week, max.
Your First 30-Day Action Plan
- Week 1 – Trial passes, decide, sign up.
- Week 2 – Join one community event + schedule a 1-on-1 coffee with a member.
- Week 3 – Audit budget, adjust flex expenses, test backup space once.
- Week 4 – Review productivity metrics (use RescueTime or Toggl). If output dipped, tweak hours or seating.
Rinse, repeat, evolve.
Final Thoughts
Relocating is a leap; finding the right coworking space is your landing mat. With a bit of pre-flight research, a structured arrival week, and a watchful eye on the budget, you’ll transform workspace hunting from stress source to secret weapon.
Ready to build a relocation blueprint that aligns visas, housing, and the perfect desk? Start your free BorderPilot plan today—no spam, just a data-driven path to your next great workday.