Finding housing is often one of the biggest challenges for digital nomads.
You’re usually not a long-term tenant, and you’re not a tourist either… you’re stuck in this weird place in between.
Here are my best tips to find affordable accommodation as a digital nomad – after years of full-time travel and having stayed in hundreds of accommodations around the world.
Connect with the right apartments/owners
Photo credit: During high season, some property owners don’t want to rent out an apartment for a month for the price they could earn in a couple of days. Understandable! Others prioritize having a trustworthy tenant, rather than earning as much as possible.
Know the difference and make sure to look for owners who are willing to negotiate. You can usually tell by their pricing and via your conversations as you reach out via DMs.
Understand local pricing and negotiate directly with the owner
Photo credit: Global platforms like Airbnb and Booking can be great for finding long-term rentals, but prices on these sites are often still way higher than the local market.
Understand what price levels make sense (to you) and negotiate directly with the owner. Remember that there is value in having a guest stay longer, so use this as part of your negotiation strategy. Add some numbers to make your case stronger. ?
Give new hosts a chance
Photo credit: If a place doesn’t have many reviews yet but looks great otherwise, it can be worth trying. I’ve found some of my favorite apartments this way. The host was just new to the platform!
You may find some of your favorites too. The host will appreciate your business and likely offer a good deal for future stays. ? Win-win for everyone involved!
Get up to speed on the top local sites and social media groups
Photo credit: Find them easily by googling “rent apartments in city x” in the local language and / or by asking locals. Plus points if you also can write messages in the local language. If not, Google Translate is your best friend!
Some apartments that are “available now” accept shorter stays even if they are listed as long-term. If you find options you like, it’s worth a try.
First time in the country/city? Book something for a few days
Photo credit: That way you can get to know different neighborhoods and ask locals for tips. It’s usually easier to find a place on-site once you have a better understanding of the local housing market and start talking to people.
If you travel to smaller, more remote villages, not every option will be listed online.
Prefer sharing with like-minded people? Consider Co-livings
Photo credit: If you’re up for sharing, consider co-livings, where you can share a space with other digital nomads or locals. If you don’t want to share all the time, you can try staying with others for part of your trip as a way to get to know people and save money.
Think you’ll come back? Network for next time!
Photo credit: Think you’ll come back to the same place in the future? Building relationships with property owners can pay off in the long run. You may be able to get a great deal on an apartment in a desirable location during the high season if you have a good relationship with the owner.
The apartment I’m staying in now is from a property owner I got to know two years ago. This time I managed to get an apartment in one of the top areas even if it’s the high season with a simple WhatsApp message. Long-term thinking always pays back!
Become their favorite guest
Photo credit: Become a favorite guest. If you use platforms like Airbnb, make sure to leave nice, personal reviews for places you like. This will make it easier for the owner to remember you and may lead to future discounts or deals.
Also, consider giving constructive feedback on how the owner can improve the space. This can lead to positive comments about you as a guest, which can also be beneficial in the long run. I’ve received comments like “she left the place better than it was before.” ? It’s always nice to be welcome back anytime!
Consider staying longer
Photo credit: If you’re able to stay in one place for a few months, it will be easier to find affordable accommodation. This may require some flexibility in your travel plans, but the savings can be significant. Plus, staying in one place for longer periods of time can allow you to better immerse yourself in the local culture and build deeper connections with the community.
I often spend months in a country but rarely more than 1 month in one city at a time. Flexibility comes with a price – it’s always about priorities.
What’s your best tip to find accommodation?
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