A Digital Nomad’s Guide Part 1: London Facts for a Perfect Stay

(This is a two-part article series that’ll give digital nomads a comprehensive guide about the city of London. In the first part, you’ll find out why it’s one of the best cities visited by digital nomads.)

Living the digital nomad lifestyle provides an incredible opportunity to explore the world. If you’ve been living this lifestyle, consider yourself lucky. Many people would love to have the freedom you’re enjoying. Being able to travel and work at the same time is a gift not all industries or companies are ready to implement.

Instead of the routine commute every day, your concern is where your next adventure should be. So if you haven’t decided yet, London is a great option for you to visit. According to reports, London is one of the most popular work hubs for digital nomads – with Berlin, New York, Paris, Bangkok and Lisbon as the other options.

In this article, you’ll discover why London is a favourite among digital nomads. You’ll get a complete guide to the city that includes the city’s appeal and living conditions. Read on if you want to maximise the experience of living in the thriving capital of the United Kingdom.

An Overview of London

London gives a perfect blend of history and modern living. It has something to offer for everyone. If you enjoy culture and arts, there are several churches, palaces, theatres and museums in the city that can bring you back 2000 years in the past. If you want an active lifestyle, there are various parks and hiking trails you can take advantage of. In case you prefer to socialise and meet new people, you can visit numerous cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants and various establishments. More than 9 million people are living in London and they come from different races and nationalities.

For digital nomads, London offers a unique experience to thrive in an urban environment while having the infrastructure to support their remote work. Its economy is stable and it has strong ties with most major cities in the world.

If you want to maximise your experience while in London, there are several practical considerations you should look into. It’s important to come prepared and plan your stay so you can quickly get started on your adventure.

The Digital Nomad Appeal

The digital nomad lifestyle has been rising in popularity since the pandemic. According to one survey, 6 out of 10 respondents would consider leaving their on-site work for a remote one. In another survey, 70% of respondents said they prefer to work remotely while 20% are fine with a hybrid set-up.

Flexibility to live and work anywhere is one of the top 5 reasons why people prefer working remotely. This means the more people opt for remote work, the greater growth potential for digital nomads. In 2023, more than 40 million digital nomads have been estimated and they’re projected to grow to 60 million in 2030.

With London being a popular destination among digital nomads, you won’t lack anything if you decide to make it your next stop. The city invested in a vibrant tech ecosystem – with a fast and reliable Internet connection. London also offers various networking opportunities. You’ll find a lot of co-working spaces where you can concentrate on your tasks while meeting like-minded individuals.

Outside of your work, you’ll also find various activities to suit your hobbies. Whether you want a cultural, artistic, social or recreational experience, there’s always something in London that will feed your need to explore new things.

Of course, this bustling city also has some dark sides. It may be a melting pot for various cultures but some places are not as accepting of differences as others. This is why you should do your research so you can pick the right spot to hang out while you are in London.

The People

Did you know that there are 287 nationalities and ethnic groups in London? It’s no wonder the city is considered the most ethnically and culturally diverse city in the UK. So if you want to explore various cultures, this is the best city to visit.

The good thing about London is you’ll get access to food, festivals and activities that reflect different cultures. Not only that, since a lot of them migrated from another country, they’re more welcoming of newcomers. This makes it easier for you to integrate yourself into local communities. Of course, this also means you have to be careful and open-minded when interacting with them. What might be acceptable to you may be offensive to some people – and vice versa.

What about the local Brits? They are more reserved than other cultures. It’s not easy to get through the walls they’ve built but you’ll find them to be incredibly well-mannered. Although they are blunt, they mean well and it shouldn’t be taken personally. They are also serious about punctuality so you need to meet deadlines and appointments to show your respect for their time.

One thing that you’ll love about Brits is they value their life outside work. You can’t make them work outside office hours and during off days. In case you get close enough for them to invite you to dinner, make sure you bring something – like a bottle of wine.

The Healthcare System

London’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world. UK residents get access to free healthcare through the NHS. This includes free consultations with local GPs (general practitioners) or any doctor referrals from GPs, family planning services, hospital treatment for accidents or emergencies, treatment for infectious or chronic diseases and mandatory psychiatric treatment.

You can avail of the same benefits if you have the following:

Valid visa with a paid immigration health surcharge (if you are exempt from paying the surcharge, a valid visa would suffice)
Permission to stay as an EEA citizen’s family member living in London (before Brexit)
EHIC insurance card
Citizen of Norway, Iceland or Switzerland

If you don’t qualify, you’ll find the UK healthcare system to be quite expensive. So if you’ve decided to spend a long time in London, it might be best to get an insurance card. Or get comprehensive travel insurance so you can get healthcare services no matter where you are.

Visa Requirements

Most people planning to work in the UK require a work permit. If you’re from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you only need to get an application to stay in the UK (as mandated by the EU Settlement Scheme). For others, an application for a temporary residence or work visa is required. These visa types are usually processed by a UK company and it takes 3 months.

As of 2024, the UK does not offer a specific digital nomad visa. To enter London, you’ll need a UK Self-employment Visa. The actual details of your visa application would depend on your job and where you plan to stay in London. Among the requirements would include a valid passport/travel ID, bank statements and healthcare insurance. If you’re coming from certain countries, you might be required to take a TB test before getting a visa.

You can also get a Standard Visitor Visa. This is for non-UK residents who wish to visit the city for tourism, business activities and short-term education.

If you’re aged 18 to 30, you can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme. This is only applicable to certain countries and for those who wish to stay in London for two years at the most. This would require a sponsorship number for the application.

Take note that visa requirements change over time. Make sure you check the UK government website to get an updated version.

Cost of Living

London is one of the most expensive cities to live in. As a digital nomad living on a budget, you’ll have to plan your stay to ensure that you can enjoy the city without compromising your finances.

Numbeo reveals the current monthly cost of living is £1,086.90 – this is for a single person and it doesn’t even include rent.

Of course, there are ways to lower your monthly expenses – as long as you’re resourceful enough. In Poundland, you can get an item for £1 because it’s close to the expiration date. You can also opt to travel during off-peak hours to save on transportation. Or you can rent a bike. Walking is also an option for going around – and it’ll help you get those daily steps in so you can exercise and live healthily.

Visiting local bakeries and cafes at the end of the day might also cost less because daily-made items will only be thrown so they sell at a discount. Check out the local community for free recreation and entertainment activities. You might be able to enjoy them without spending anything.

Getting Around

The transport system in London is quite efficient so digital nomads will find it easier to get around. The Underground Tube is the most popular way to explore the city. It connects over 270 stations that will lead you to different parts of the city. Apart from that, you can also use the bus and tram. Just buy an Oyster card at any newsstand – this will only cost £5. This can be used to ride the railway, tube or bus. You can reload this card at the airport or underground stations.

Although the most convenient public transport is the tube, it’s also quite expensive. If you only plan to stay in central London, you’ll only use Zones 1 and 2 – with single tickets costing between £2.40 to £2.90. The further you go, the more expensive the cost will be. If you plan to move around a lot, it’ll be more economical to buy a 7-day travel card worth £36.10.

The Oyster card can also be used on the bus for a single fare of £1.55. You can get a £4.65 whole-day pass for buses. Take note of peak fares from 6:30 to 9:30 am and 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Bike sharing is also popular in London so this is a great option for you to use. You can use apps like London Bike Share, Dott or Santander Cycles to find bikes to use. Just remember to stay on the bike lane and keep in mind that the locals drive on the left side of the road.

Are You Ready to Experience London?

The city of London is an incredible place to explore and take on new adventures. It’s a great option for digital nomads because it has a reliable tech infrastructure to allow remote work from anywhere in the city. You can also find various co-working spaces where you can do your work and socialise with others, too.

Whether you’re planning to work in a cosy cafe or the park, you’ll find London enriching and convenient. Even if you only plan to stay for a week or a month, you’ll never run out of new places to enjoy.

In the second part of this article series, you’ll get a list of considerations you have to go through so you can plan your stay in London very well.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, get in touch with City Relay. We manage multiple properties across London where you can stay. Here are two options you can consider.

MODERN CHISWICK APARTMENT

This 1-bedroom and 1-bathroom apartment is located in Chiswick. The unit is on the first floor and only a few minutes away from Chiswick Park Tube Station with a couple of local cafes, bars and restaurants within reach.

CHARMING ONE-BEDROOM GEM IN EARLS COURT

This beautiful 1-bedroom flat in Earl’s Court has a bathroom, a fully functional kitchen and a spacious lounge area (complete with an L-shaped sofa and smart TV). It offers a WiFi connection, fresh linens and towels, eco-friendly toiletries and tea/coffee.