If working from home has taught us anything, it’s that “home” doesn’t have to mean four walls and a Wi-Fi router in the suburbs. For South Africans looking to stretch their legs (and their Rands), remote work has become the golden ticket to exploring the world – without quitting your job or uprooting your life back home.
Whether you’re taking your Teams calls from a beach café in Bali or replying to emails between tapas in Barcelona, there are plenty of places where you can work smart and live well. And guess what? We at Pentravel can help you sort it all out – from flights to car hire, hotel bookings, transfers and more. We know the ins and outs to make your remote work escape smooth and stress-free.
Ready to get Wi-Fi and wanderlust working together? Let’s look at the best places to travel and work remotely for South Africans who want to explore the world without losing touch with home.
Why it works for work:
Bali has long been the remote worker’s paradise. With reliable Wi-Fi, affordable villas, and co-working spaces, it’s a magnet for creative minds and entrepreneurs. South Africans also benefit from the relatively low cost of living here.
Why it works for play:
From surf lessons and yoga retreats to weekend scooter adventures, Bali remote workers never run out of ways to recharge. Plus, the community vibe is incredibly supportive for freelancers and remote teams.
Why it works for work:
Vietnam is fast becoming a favourite for those chasing low costs and high energy. In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find fast internet, buzzing co-working spaces, and loads of trendy coffee shops to set up shop for the day.
Why it works for play:
Weekends can mean island hopping, visiting the Mekong Delta, or just eating your body weight in street food. The time zone also overlaps well with South Africa, so it’s great for staying connected.
Why it works for work:
Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok have built reputations as remote work havens. Affordable accommodation, and great co-working spots make it a breeze to set up for a few months.
Why it works for play:
Night markets, island getaways, ancient temples – Thailand makes it easy to balance productivity with serious fun.
Why it works for work:
You don’t have to leave SA to live the remote work dream. Cape Town has excellent co-working hubs, fast internet, and an inspiring lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Plus, staying local means less admin and more spontaneity.
Why it works for play:
Table Mountain hikes, wine farm tastings, beach breaks, foodie hotspots, and weekend road trips – Cape Town gives you world-class experiences right at home.
Why it works for work:
Kuala Lumpur is a hub of tech and innovation, with fast infrastructure and a low cost of living. The city has a blend of cultures, making it an exciting place to live and work.
Why it works for play:
Explore lively markets, jungle trails, and hidden beaches – then hop on a short flight to Thailand or Singapore for a weekend getaway.
Why it works for work:
Dubai is ultra-connected, offers a remote work visa, and has co-working spaces in nearly every corner. It’s ideal for professionals who want a more structured, luxury lifestyle while working abroad.
Why it works for play:
Desert safaris, massive malls, rooftop lounges, and weekend yacht rides? Dubai’s all about levelling up your lifestyle – even between Zoom calls.
Why it works for work:
Lisbon and Porto have become favourites thanks to EU infrastructure, great weather, and affordable rentals compared to Western Europe. English is widely spoken, and the time zone aligns well with South Africa.
Why it works for play:
Surf-friendly coastlines, soulful fado music, wine tours, and colourful street art all make Portugal as fun as it is functional.
Why it works for work:
This sunny city combines beach life with urban buzz. There’s a strong remote work scene, great co-working options, and plenty of cafés for mid-morning productivity breaks.
Why it works for play:
Tapas tours, beach volleyball, festivals, and cycling through historic streets – Barcelona keeps the energy up long after you’ve logged off.
Why it works for work:
The cost of living is surprisingly low, and the city is full of co-working spaces. The vibe is relaxed, but productive, and the time difference with SA isn’t too bad either.
Why it works for play:
Tango nights, steak houses, vintage markets, and a strong coffee culture make this one of the most charismatic cities to live and work in.
Why it works for work:
Eastern Europe is a rising star for remote workers, and Budapest hits the sweet spot with affordable accommodation, solid Wi-Fi, and stylish co-working spaces. The exchange rate is also favourable for South Africans.
Why it works for play:
You can unwind in thermal baths, sip craft cocktails at ruin bars, and hop on a train to explore Vienna or Prague for the weekend.
Remote work doesn’t mean cutting ties with South Africa. It means making the most of your flexibility – whether it’s working from Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard or planning a two-month stint in Southeast Asia. These destinations aren’t about dropping everything; they’re about expanding your lifestyle while keeping your career going strong.
And when you’re ready to take the leap, Pentravel is here to make it all happen. We’ll help you find the best flight deals, sort out accommodation that suits your style and budget, and even organise car hire or airport transfers. Let us take care of the admin so you can focus on the good stuff – work, travel, and making memories.
Ready to work remotely and explore the world? Chat to Pentravel today and let’s find your next office – with a view!
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